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Capture and Release	By : TaylorKing Category: M through R > Once Upon A Time Views: 9636 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I own nothing Once Upon a Time related, or its characters, and make no money from it

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
He’d lost it. He knew that. He’d snapped completely. Because he spent the entire six-hour ride plotting how he was going to execute the woman he loved.
None of it made sense in his head. He was angry with her. Angry for all she’d pulled-yet a tiny voice in his head yelled at him that he was overreacting. Maybe this was his frustration for all of the hassle she’d given him over the past few months boiling to head…he didn’t really know.
He had no proof-absolutely none-that Regina had done anything. Yet he was convinced of it. Was he convinced? Or had he convinced himself? Had he just been waiting for something to happen and now he’d snapped? Was the little voice in his head actually the truth-if he would just calm down and listen to it?
When he reached the castle, he jumped down from his horse and half shoved it towards a stable boy.
“Your Majesty,” the Captain of the Guard strolled casually to him, “welcome home.”
“Where is she?” Charming demanded. The Captain looked a bit taken back.
“Where is…who?”
“Who do you think?” Charming exclaimed in frustration. “The Queen!”
It was then that he realized that the atmosphere was too calm. If the Evil Queen had taken over, there would be chaos….but there was none. Stable hands calmly exercised horses in the nearby yards. Several maids were carrying baskets of laundry outside. One of the kitchen maids was giving an orange barn cat a saucer of milk in the kitchen doorway.
“I…don’t know, Sire.” The Captain responded hesitantly. “I haven’t seen her since last night.”
Now that statement peaked his curiosity, but it didn’t back him down.
“Of course not.” Charming grumbled angrily. “What did she do last night?”
The Captain was still staring at him like he’d gone mad. Then the look of realization washed over his face.
“Your Majesty….I think my message may have misled you.”
Charming felt his stomach drop. He’d been afraid of both situations. He’d been afraid he’d be right and wrong. He wasn’t sure which was worse. Right now, he was about to find out.
“What happened last night?”
“Horse thieves in the barn, your Majesty. We caught them, but-.”
“But?” Charming pressed.
“We believe the men were some of Robin Hood’s. That’s why I sent for you. The Queen was the only one here who could make a judgment. She believes if we have two of his men, he himself will come. You could catch the legendary Robin Hood.”
He’d been wrong. Badly. Not only had Regina done nothing wrong, she’d done exactly what she should have: acted like a monarch.
“That’s what you sent me a note for?” Treyburn was looking at him as though he’d gone mad.
“Forgive me, Sire, but we’ve had three threats on the Queen’s life in the last month. For all we knew, this was the beginnings of another. Granted, it doesn’t look like that, but regardless: we’ve caught two of Robin Hood’s men. If he does come, and we do catch him, you’ll have outdone every monarch in the land. Think of the respect that would gain you with the other kingdoms.”
He was right, Charming knew that, but he wasn’t thinking of that at the moment.
“Regina wasn’t hurt?”
“The Queen is fine, your Majesty.” But the Captain’s express indicated he was curious about Charming.
“Where is she?” Charming wondered if he looked as sick as he felt. From the expression on the Captain’s face, he apparently did.
“I….believe she’s upstairs. Your Majesty-.” Charming didn’t let him finish. He simply took a step closer to the other man.
“This conversation never happened.” Charming told him urgently. If Regina-or anyone found out…… “It never happened. Understood?”
“Understood.” Treyburn nodded firmly.
Charming didn’t give him a second glance as he ran up the stairs. He searched through Regina’s chambers, looking for her. He finally found her in her smaller parlor.
A book open on her lap. The windows were open and the breeze blew the curtains into the room. She looked so beautiful and serene. It made him feel worse instantly.
When Regina heard the door open, she glanced up. His heart sank further as he watched how her dark eyes lit up when she saw him, and how the radiant smile spread over her face.
She looked like the queen he’d been expecting: black velvet gown, too high heels and hair secured on top of her head in glistening silver clips. She snapped her book shut and got off the sofa. He felt her arms wrap around his neck.
“You’re back.” She murmured against his ear. Charming wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tightly to him.
“You’re all right.” He breathed, inhaling the scent of her hair. The back part of it was loose. It caught the breeze, mixing the scent of lavender in the air.
He was holding her tightly…probably too tightly for Regina carefully detangled herself.
“Of course I’m all right.” She smiled at him as she stepped back. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Because I spent half of my ride here planning your execution because I thought you’d done something terrible……
Charming shook his head, forcing himself to smile. He took her face in his hands, stroking his fingers over her cheeks.
“After everything that happened last night….I was so worried I’d get back here and find…..”
That you had blown up the castle and everyone in it….
Regina laughed. She shook her head as she reached up to take his hands. Lowering them, she clasped them tightly in hers.
“Last night? Those were just horse thieves. They had little interest in me. Did Captain Treyburn tell you my theory?”
“Yes,” Charming nodded, “and I’m inclined to agree with you. I think it’s an excellent plan.” Regina smiled before leaning over to press her lips lightly against his.
“See? I am capable of being a queen when I need to be.” She squeezed his hands. “Why don’t we have lunch? You have to be tired.”
“I am.” He slipped his arm around her waist; partly to be sure she was real. He did not know how he was going to get over this.
***Scene****
                                    Guilt was a terrible, terrible feeling. It ate away at you through everything, and sucked away any joy you might find in any situation.
Charming knew this, but he was refamiliarized with the feeling. All through lunch, he found himself staring at Regina in horror. It was his horror-not hers. He was horrified had how he’d thought of her. His heart chilled at the thought of what he might have done if he hadn’t been stopped in time.
“Charming.” He had the nagging suspicion that Regina had been saying his name for some time, and that he had just heard her.
“I’m sorry, what?” Regina gave him a strange look. She seemed to be picking up on his odd mood.
“I think you need to go and lay down for awhile.” She took her napkin off of her lap and placed it on the table. “You’re a thousand miles away.”
“I-.” Charming opened his mouth, but Regina shook her head.
“Don’t. You’re exhausted. You had to have started out early this morning. It’s understandable.”
Maybe what he needed was an extended period of time of not being in the same room as her. Maybe he would feel better, get his guilt under control if he was alone for a while.
“I know you’re not hungry.” Regina nodded to his untouched food.
“I’m sorry.” He finally stammered out. But it wasn’t for what she thought it was. “I’m just-.”
“I know.” Why did she have to pick today-of all days-to be genuinely nice to him?
He got to his feet. He wanted to kiss her, to hold her, to do something…but he couldn’t. Touching her now felt like a bigger lie. He couldn’t. He just…couldn’t.
“I’ll see you at dinner.” He turned, leaving the patio area for the safety of the inside of the house.
***Scene****
                                                Four hours to himself did absolutely nothing. He didn’t sleep. He simply lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He tried to read, but he couldn’t. He tried to sleep, but that wouldn’t come. He just kept thinking, playing his earlier thoughts through his mind.
How could he, of all people, have jumped to conclusions so quickly? Regina had given him no reason to distrust her, yet he had done just that. He wasn’t lying to her-he did love her. But distrusting someone you loved so much was no good. And it was no way to build a stable future.
He had to drop the distrust-that was sure. He knew now that he could trust her. If she hadn’t done something this time, she certainly wasn’t. And she’d been genuinely glad to see him today.
The guilt was eating at him. He wanted to tell her-to be completely honest with her. But then he would ruin everything between them.
He couldn’t risk it.    But he didn’t know if he could live with this guilt.
Finally, he gave up and got up. It was after 5. He and Regina were late eaters, so dinner wouldn’t be for some time now.
Another meal of trying not to be terribly uncomfortable.
He let himself into the dining room just after 7. Regina entered a few moments after.
“How did you sleep?” She rested her hands on the back of her chair. The concerned look on her beautiful face broke his heart.
“Not well.” He sighed, sitting down at the table. “I think I’m passed the point of being tired,” he quickly covered for himself. “I’ll do better after a decent night’s sleep tonight.”
Regina nodded. She settled herself into her chair. Rose entered and the two exchanged a few quick words. Charming thought he should have been proud. What he’d wanted was for Regina to embrace her place in this household-which she’d apparently done. But now, the guilt was just making it miserable.
“Are you hungry?” Regina asked, giving him a soft smile.
He couldn’t deny he was, after not eating all day. And he was glad to have food in front of him. Eating meant not talking.
Unfortunately, it made him realize it was like being in the old days with Regina. But this time it was his fault, and not hers. Regina actually tried making small talk…he avoided her.
“You haven’t said a word about your trip.” Regina scooped up a forkful of food. “How is your mother?”
“She’s fine.” Charming shrugged. What was he supposed to add?   Regina waited for further conversation. Getting none, she ate in silence. After a few moments, there was a quick knock on the door. Regina glanced at Charming. He shook himself out of his funk.
“Come in.”
Treyburn let himself into the dining room.
“My apologies for the interruption, Majesties.”
“Not a problem.” Regina responded too quickly. “What can we do for you?”
“I just wanted to let you know,” Treyburn directed his statement to Regina, “that we’ll be keeping a close eye on the estate tonight. If Robin Hood does indeed intend to come for his men, we’ll be ready.”
“Exactly what I want to hear.” Regina smiled. “Thank you, Captain.”
“Of course, my Queen.” He nodded to both before leaving. Regina glanced at Charming.
“What has gotten into you tonight? Not a word on the subject?”
Charming felt like his brain was clogged. He could only shrug.
“I’m sorry. I’m just-.” He shook his head. “I’m just exhausted.” Regina laid down her fork. Getting up from her chair, she moved over to him.
“Poor thing.” She laid her hand on his cheek. “After dinner, I know just how to take of you.”
He had to bite his tongue from saying ‘not tonight’. He had never told her no-he’d never had to. But tonight-.
Regina laid her lips against his. He kissed her back. It felt the way he’d expected: like another betrayal. How on earth did you kiss a woman you’d been so quick to judge? Nothing had ever turned him off more.
****Scene*****
                                                “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It happens.”
Not to him. Not to them. Not ever to them.
They were lying naked beneath the blankets in Regina’s bed. Her head was resting against his shoulder. Charming was staring into space. Regina reached over and rubbed his hand.
“Charming-.”
“I’m just tired.” He looked over at her. “Sometimes, when you’re tired-.”
“Charming.” Regina emphasized. “Stop. I was married to an older man, I know how the male body works.” She stroked his arm gently. “You need to get some sleep.”
“Yeah,” he pushed himself to sit up, “I’ll feel better in the morning.”
If I can sleep.
He started to get out of bed, but Regina caught his hand.
“Where do you think you’re going?” She smiled sweetly.
Really? Tonight-of all nights-she wanted him to stay?! He nearly groaned. He couldn’t sleep naked beside her tonight. He couldn’t hold her like nothing was wrong.
“I was going to go up to bed.”
“Mm. I think you’d sleep better here.” She pushed the blankets back for him to lie down. “You’re already undressed. No point in getting dressed to go upstairs and get undressed again.”
What could he say? Run the risk of starting an argument? No.
“You’re right.” He crawled back into bed beside her. He busied himself for a few moments putting out the lamp before lying back down.
Regina was settled on her left side. She glanced back at him as she reached for his right hand.
Ugh. Had they really established a sleeping position? He couldn’t even just lie down and try to sleep alone.
This was what he wanted. He shouldn’t be acting like this. But he felt so terrible for how he had thought. He just couldn’t….
His arm slipped around her. Regina linked her fingers through his.
“Good night.” She turned her head back for a quick kiss. With his luck, tonight would be the night she decided to tell him she loved him.
“Good night.” Charming met her kiss.
For awhile, they were silent. Charming listened as Regina’s breathing evened out. Satisfied she was asleep, he rolled onto his back to stare at the ceiling.
The night was warm, so the windows were open. Smoke from the courtyard torches drifted up with the night air. He heard the distant sound of voices from below.
Beside him, Regina rolled over. Her left arm settled over his chest as she snuggled into him. Charming closed his eyes. He had no idea how he’d sleep tonight.
***Scene****
                                                “Can you really do it?”
“Do..’it’?”
“Take out peoples’ hearts.”
Suddenly Regina’s hand moved to his chest. He saw it disappear before he saw her hand reappear with his heart in his hand.
“You know this is how to kill people?” Her eyes met his and he saw the danger in them. “You know, all I have to do is…squeeze.”
He felt the pain as her fingers tightened around his heart. Was she going to….?
“Did you really think I wouldn’t if I got the chance? Are you really…that…clueless?” Her fingers wrapped around his heart.
“No!” Charming sat bolt upright in bed.
Sunlight was streaming in through the open drapes. It was late, judging by the looks of it.
He was in Regina’s bed-alone. It had been a dream. All a dream. He was fine.
“Charming?” Regina appeared in the dressing room’s doorway. She was fully dressed in a burgundy colored gown, balancing her teacup and saucer in one hand. “Darling, what’s wrong?”
Darling? Had she ever used that word in reference to him before? He thought not.
“I-.” He scrubbed his face with one hand. “Bad dream.”
Regina gave him a look that was too sympathetic. She crossed the room to sit down on the bed beside him.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No,” he sighed, “no. It’s ok.” He pressed his fingers lightly to his temples. “What time is it?”
“About 11:30.” Regina smiled. “You’re skirting dangerously close to my time.” He smiled faintly at that. Regina brushed her fingers against his cheek. “Did you sleep all right?”
He nodded. He had, at least until that dream. Regina leaned in, kissed the spot her fingers had brushed.
“I’ll have Rose fix you some tea.”
“Ok.” He managed to nod. Regina got up, leaving the room. Charming took a deep breath that he let out slowly.
Again-nothing was wrong. He’d been dreaming. He couldn’t keep up like this. He was going to drive himself crazy.
***Scene***
                                                By evening, Regina’s patience appeared to be running thin. Charming did not blame her. He could not snap himself out of his guilt-induced funk. He tried a few times, but they both knew it failed.
It reminded him of the first few months with Regina-except in reverse. Now it was him who barely acknowledged her.
It wasn’t done from anger, he just felt so guilty even looking at her. He simply didn’t know what to do.
Dinner had been eaten in mostly silence. The two had retreated to the parlor afterwards. A plate of fruit and cheese was laid out before them. Regina was sipping blackberry wine, and Charming was on his second glass of blackberry brandy. Regina had given up trying to talk to him.
“Tell me something.” He said, breaking the silence. Regina glanced up. He saw a combination of suspicion and annoyance on her face.
“Of course.” She took a sip of her wine. He suspected he knew what that meant. She’d given up trying to be polite. Now this conversation was ammunition. If he said anything to her, she was going to use it against him-that she had been the amicable one when he’d been difficult.
“Can you really take out peoples’ hearts?” Sure, it was directly from his dream, but if it happened in real life he’d get a true answer, right?
Regina looked at him curiously.
“Yes,” she swirled her wine in her glass, “why do you ask?”
Suspicion. Her tone was dripping with it. If there had been a chance he could cover the last two days and make them nothing, he’d undone it with this conversation. Quickly, he tried to make it as casual as possible.
“Just curious.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I like to try to sort out what’s the truth…and what’s just another rumor about the dreaded Evil Queen.”
Regina’s dark eyes narrowed. He did not like this look. He’d done it this time.
“Do you want to see?” The words flowed calmly from her tongue as her eyebrows lifted.
He did want to see. Did and didn’t.
“Yes.” His eyes met hers. Regina gave him a casual shrug and placed her wine glass on the table.
In an instant, her hand was in his chest. He felt a tight, squeezing pressure-like pain and then she’d pulled back. In her hand was a glowing red/black object. His heart.
“Interesting.” Regina studied the pulsing bulb in her hand. “There’s more black on here than I expected. But I guess a person who’s capable of your sex life can’t be entirely pure of heart.”
Charming could do nothing. Not because he was physically incapable of it, but because of his horror. He could not deny he was afraid. Afraid of her, afraid of the situation, he couldn’t say…but either way, he was literally frightened.
Before he could respond, Regina reached into her chest and withdrew her own heart. He saw the difference in the colors immediately. Hers was much blacker. But there was still red on it. There was still good in her.
“How do you kill someone?” He whispered. Regina gave him a dark, suspicious glare.
“By squeezing.” She tightened her fingers around his heart. He felt a jab of pain that he was certain was more intense if she was actually trying to kill him. Then her fingers relaxed. He watched as she put her heart back into her own chest. A moment later, her hand extended to push his back into his chest.
            He took a deep breath. His heart beat in his chest like nothing happened. And that was the point-nothing had happened. Regina had not killed him-and she’d had quite the opportunity to.
            Reaching down, she picked up her wine glass. She swallowed the last of the mixture before rising to her feet.
            “I’m going to bed.”
            “It’s early.” He choked out the words because they were the only thing he could think to say. Regina glanced down at him. The look on her face made him sick.
            “As enticing as sitting here watching you stare into space, or ask obscure questions about peculiar things sounds, I think I’ll go for the early night instead.” She shot him a look that was a combination of anger and disgust before turning and heading for the doorway.
*****Scene*****
                                                He wasn’t sure how long he sat in silence. It was long enough that he finished his drink and debated having a third. But getting drunk wasn’t the answer to his problems. Well, it might have been. It was at least a temporary numbing of his guilt…but he couldn’t take up a drinking problem. That was going to create a hundred new problems.
            He had absolutely no one to work out this issue with…no one to talk to…no one who would listen. He had half a mind to go upstairs and try being honest with Regina. That had to be the brandy talking because he knew that was a bad idea.
            From outside the open windows, night air was drifting in. He moved to stand before them, looking out into the dark gardens. In the distance, night birds called. And he picked up the faint sound of…..
            “Crickets.” Charming murmured. He spun from the windows and immediately grabbed the bell for the maid.
***Scene***
                                                It did not take long for the staff to summon Jiminy Cricket to the castle. When the guard opened the door and the cricket buzzed in, Charming was too trilled to see him.
            “Jiminy, thank you for coming on such short notice.”
            “Your Majesty,” the cricket bowed in front of him. “I am surprised by the sudden summoning. Is something wrong?”
            Charming sighed as he dropped back down onto the sofa. The cricket flew over to flutter in front of his face.
            “Yes,” Charming let his head fall back, “something is wrong. I’m about to ruin everything with Regina.”
            “Oh. I….” Jiminy looked surprised. “So things are well with the Queen?”
            “They were.” Charming grumbled. “She was happy, and opening up to me…and I think she was really starting to like me.”
            “And something happened?” The cricket pressed.
            “I didn’t trust her.” Charming stared up at the ceiling. “She wanted me to go see my mother.”
            “Was that a bad thing?”
            “No, no it wasn’t. But I took it as she wanted to get me out of the house.”
            “Which she didn’t.”
            “No,” Charming responded sadly. “No, she just…genuinely wanted me to go see my mother. But while I was gone, I got a note from the estate that something had happened. So I immediately blamed her.”
            “Oh.” Charming saw the horror on the cricket’s face. “So you…confronted her?”
            “No, there was no need. I got back and the staff immediately pointed out my mistake.”
            “Well, then, your Majesty, forgive me…but I don’t see the problem.”
            “I feel so guilty.” Charming shook his head. “I rode back here hating her. I was furious. Hell, I even considered her execution.”
            The sharp gasp the cricket made indicated that his thoughts were as bad as he thought. He nodded.
            “I know. It’s horrible. I’m supposed to love her…and I….” He shrugged. “How could I not trust her? Me? Of everyone in this land….I’m supposed to be on her side.”
            “Your Majesty,” Jiminy landed on his shoulder, “you undertook a hard project. The Queen-unfortunately-is not an easy person to trust. It’s understandable that you have trust issues.”
            “But I love her.” He did right? He wasn’t confusing this with something else? That made him feel sick.
            “Yes, you love her. But it’s natural for you to doubt her when she has the history she does…but perhaps,” the cricket extended his tiny hands, “perhaps you shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”
            “I know. I know.” Charming pressed a hand over his eyes. “I know. It was terrible. I had no reason to assume it was Regina. But I did.”
            “Did you tell her?”
            “No!” Charming’s head shot up. “God no! She’d be furious. And she’d have every reason to be.”
            “You’re right on that.” Jiminy rubbed a hand on his forehead.
            “Are you advocating lying?” Charming couldn’t believe that. You summon someone who is supposed to help you clear your conscious and receive an encouragement to lie was a bit unexpected.
            “No, no. I’m not advocating lying at all. Would it make you feel better to tell her?”
            “Not at all.” Charming sighed heavily. “Telling her I didn’t trust her would break her heart. It would kill any possibility that we had.” He finally looked at the tiny cricket. “I don’t want to lose her.”
            “I understand.” Jiminy told him. “But Sire, you can’t keep this guilt.”
            “No….” Charming sighed. “So what do I do that doesn’t involve the truth?”
            The cricket frowned. Charming didn’t blame him.
            “You’ve obviously accepted that you were at fault. But you can’t turn that fault around and take it out on her. Obviously that is going to make the situation worse. Does she know something is wrong?”
            “She’s picking up on it.” Charming was hoping it was just her becoming frustrated with him. He hoped they weren’t on the verge of another war.
            “Then you have to talk to her.”
            “And tell her another lie?”
            “No,” Jiminy sighed. “If you love her, give her the best version of the truth as gently as you can. How was your visit to your mother?”
            “Fine, I suppose…aside from the fact that she hates Regina.”
            “Tell her that.” Jiminy advised. “Let her know that she’s done nothing to upset you. And you must let go of your guilt-and your distrust. She obviously passed your test.”
            “I hate to think of it like that.” Charming muttered. It hadn’t been meant to be a test. Unfortunately it had come out like that.
            “Regardless, she hasn’t done anything.” Jiminy approached him, his tone gentle. “Your Majesty, you can’t blame her for something she didn’t do. Which…it sounds to me is the problem more than your distrust. You’re pushing her away from you because of your own feelings.”
            That was true. Regina had been nothing but glad to see him and he’d been terrible to her. That was unfair. He wanted her in his arms…he wanted to apologize. If she’d listen.
            “Thank you, Jiminy.” Charming got to his feet. “You always know what to tell me.”
            “If it makes any difference, your Majesty, I’m glad you’re both happy.”
            “Things are going to stay well for us.” Charming assured him as he went towards the door. “You’ll see. I’m not losing Regina.”
***Scene****
                                                Charming nearly ran up the stairs to Regina’s bedroom. She was settled on the sofa in front of the empty fireplace. She’d changed into a black satin and lace nightgown that was sheer over the tops of her breasts. Her long hair was down in curls around her shoulders. She looked incredible-except for the annoyed look on her face when he entered the room.
            Charming didn’t let it phase him. He crossed the room to her. Reaching down, he yanked the book from her hands, tossed it onto the table and pulled her up by both hands. Before she could respond, his lips were on hers.
            “Charming-. What-?” She pulled back a bit, her hands resting on his shoulders.
            “I’m sorry.” He whispered against her lips. “I’m an idiot.” Before she could respond, his lips were back on hers. He felt her hesitate for a moment, but then she was kissing him back with just as much intensity.
            “I missed you.” She breathed. He was already pushing her towards the bed.
            “I missed you too.” He gathered handfuls of black satin and swept them up and over her head.
            “Oh God…Charming.” She gasped as his lips sealed over her throat. “Are…are you sure?”
            “Yes….” He scooped her into his arms to drop her down onto the bed. He fell on his hands over top of her. Regina’s arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him down to her.
****Scene*****
                                    “Know what I was starting to think?” Regina was lying half on his chest, her fingers stroking over his stomach.
            They were tangled together in the silky sheets. Charming had barely let her touch him. He’d wanted to do nothing but make up the last twenty-four hours to her. He’d listened to her scream through two orgasms he’d brought her to orally before he finally slipped up her body.
            “I need you….” She was breathless as her lips pressed to his. “I need you inside of me.”
            That was all he’d needed. Now they were settled together, his fingers running through her now tangled dark hair.
            “Hmm?” He murmured against her ear. “What’s that?”
            Regina raised herself up on her right elbow. Her left hand remained on his chest.
            “I was beginning to think your mother convinced you that this was a terrible idea.”
            Charming smiled faintly. He knew they had to talk. But he was going to have to do this carefully.
            “Well, in all honesty, she is definitely not thrilled about us.” Regina chuckled.
            “Charming, you’re the only one who is thrilled about us.”
            “Even you?” Charming teased. Regina smiled, dragging her nails gently over his chest.
            “You’ve been growing on me a bit.” She lay back down, resting her head on his shoulder. “What was wrong?”
            Charming considered for a moment how to answer her question. The best version of the truth he could without including the distrust…okay.
            “A combination of things,” he tucked hair back from her temples, “my mother’s attitude. Exhaustion. Regardless, I shouldn’t have taken them out of you.”
            They weren’t entirely lies. Both of those things had been factors. She didn’t need to know those weren’t the exact reasons.
            Regina shifted. She settled onto her stomach, with her arms crossed and resting on her pillow.
            “Are you ready to hear the unbelievable?” Charming chuckled as he stretched out on his left side next to her.
            “Try me.”
            “I understand.” She laid her head on her arms. “If I know you like I think you do, you were expecting your mother to support you-not necessarily be thrilled-but to tell you she wanted what made you happy. Am I right?” When he nodded, she continued. “But you can’t pull away from me. We have to talk about this. There’s no denying now that we have…something. If we’re going to keep it, we need to work together.”
            Charming had to laugh. He almost couldn’t believe he’d just heard her say that. For a moment, he felt a twinge of guilt, but he pushed it away.
            “Mm, my how times have changed.” He reached for her, rolling her onto her back and landing on top of her. “How much did it pain you to say that?”
            “My chest still feels tight from it.” She ran her fingers slowly down his arms. “But I mean it. As much as I hate to admit that I’ve developed some sort of feelings for you, it’s true. I’m not saying-.”
            “I know what you’re not saying.” Charming pressed his lips against her forehead. “And I’m not pushing you. I have exactly what I want. Regardless, I’m sorry. I love you. The last thing I want is to push you away.”
            Regina lifted her head, pressing her lips gently to his. Charming kissed her before lowering his forehead to brush against hers.
            “It’s late. Let’s get some sleep.”
            “Then get off of me.” Regina kissed him again.
            Smiling, Charming lifted himself away from her. They both set to putting out lamps on either nightstand before settling into bed. Charming wrapped his right arm around her and tugged her close. Regina squirmed, letting him tangle his legs with hers.
            He held her in the silence, pressing gently kisses against her throat. Regina’s fingers stroked his arm. After awhile, he felt her sigh and her fingers ceased. That was his cue to bury his face into her throat.
            He loved her-that was that. She’d more than earned his trust. He’d never let go of this again.
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Capture and Release