**Disclaimer**: I do not own any rights to Once Upon A Time. This is purely for entertainment.

Degrading. Dissapointing. Belittling.

Yet, so rewarding…

His cane came down once again, colliding unrelentlessy against the sheriff's withered frame. He felt alive again. All the while Lacey's soft laughter could be heard in the foreground. A part of him was begging himself to stop. This wasn't right. Belle would be horrified if she could see him now.

"What is happening?" His mind was racing…adrenaline pumping through every vein in his being. How long had he yearned for this feeling? This power? The truth is, he basked in its presence. Running from his curse was never an easy task…and at this moment, there was no denial that he was The Dark One.

Fifteen minutes had passed since he had begun the assault. Finally his cane remained at his side, sweat running down his brow. Breathing heavily he turned once again to his former true love.

Her eyes were gleaming, she had obviously admired his violent actions. Without a doubt, this was not the woman he had fallen in love with so many years ago.

"You uh…you certainly know how to put on a show Mr. Gold." She said after a few moments. Her voice startling him from his thoughts. The fact that she relished seeing this side of him, needless to say caused much confusion. Without Belle…how can he possibly control the monster who resides within?

Taking a step towards her, he takes her hand in his own. "I take it you like what you see?" A broken grin slowly forms, suddenly unsure of where he is going with it all.

After a moment of eyeing him from head to toe she sheepishly smiles, "Let's just say…I've always been attracted to danger." She giggles and almost stumbles as she reaches up to grab his tie.

Catching her other hand he leans in close, "…right. Well dearie I must confess, if that is the case…you will indeed cause me trouble." Pulse still racing, he looks over at the now unconsious law man. "You see. This is, an old habit that I simply cannot fully embrace. However, you are more than welcome to hear more of my stories."

He can feel his darker self screaming…demanding to be set free. Oh the things he could do…the things he could show her. No. That side must remain in check. It was proving more than ever to be a greater challenge to resist.

Lacey shifts her hands to her hips, showing a slight amount of annoyance. "Are you still going to tell me about the best side of yo—"

"No. Trust me, there is more dark than light when it comes to me. Why don't I take you home?" Not realising how much this question reminded him of their past life, his heart suddenly began to ache. Did she even know to stay in the library apartment? If not…where had she planned to stay?

Not knowing exactly what 'home' meant, Lacey sharply replied, "Mr. Gold…I'm into you and everything but…home? Aren't we moving a little fast?" Again she laughs and gives him a rather playful glance. "If you're talking about just tonight well, that's different."

"Just tonight?" The tone in his voice was far from steady.

Now at a loss for words he takes a few steps back…here is his caring Belle, offering to spend a night with a man she barely knew. This melancholy feeling was starting to form a pit in his stomach. Moving towards his car he opens the door and gives a motion for Lacey to get inside. "How about we talk for a bit? Once you are spent…well, we will see what happens."

Again not sure exactly where he is intending to go with the situation he simply holds out an opened palm. He knows for a fact that he does not want her spending a night alone, far too many situations are already playing in his mind. The least he can do is provide her with some comfort.

"I'm not sure what you plan to do…but, I guess some company would be nice." Wrapping her hand around his she is gently lead inside the car. Sitting down she glances over…when a quizzical expression crosses her face.

Gold then looks over with slight concern, "Is something wrong dearie?"

"It's just…this feels sort of odd, like I've been here before." Shrugging it off she moves to reach for the seat belt. "Then again, I'm sure someone like you has seen a lot of pretty girls in here." Winking she continues to adjust herself in the seat while lowering the mirror to check her makeup.

Instantly caught off guard he stutters while starting the engine, "I-I may have a wild streak…but, not of that sort." Changing the subject he offers to serve her more wine once they get in, to which she almost instantly agrees to. Her taste for alcohol is definitely something he will have to get used to, among a long list of other things.

This woman…just might be his new undoing.

**Authors Note**: Please be gentle. I have not written any sort of fan-fiction since HS. Not sure if I should continue this…but if I do it will most likely lead to some steamy scenes. That's always a good thing right? Please let me know what you think and thank you for reading!