"Excuse me Melody; I have to go say hello to Mr. Wayne," Melody's father said and left her side for the first time that night. She always hated these parties. Everyone there was always far older than her and boring. Her father was normally good about staying by her side so as not to make her feel so alone but this time Mr. Wayne couldn't get away from his group of admirers.

The golden light filled the room and lit the champagne glasses, making it look as if everyone carried a small candle. Melody was busy staring into her own sparkling drink, blowing her auburn hair out of her eyes every-so-often, when she saw him through the glass as a bubble floated daintily up to the top. His hair was slicked back and his blue eyes were entrancing as the dim lighting cast shadows across them.

Letting her hand down so she could see him better she was shocked to discover he had disappeared into the immense crowd. She turned around and stood even more on her tip toes than she already was in her high heeled shoes. All she could see was a sea of multi-colored heads bobbing about slowly. It was hard to see anyone's features. She fell back onto her heels and took a sip of her champagne as she turned and nearly spilled her drink against the white-shirted chest of a man.

"Oh! I'm so sorry. Please excuse…me." Looking up she saw the mysterious blue eyes up close. There he was, standing right in front of her, smiling handsomely. Her heart lurched at that smile and her ankles began to shake as if they were jelly. What power did this man hold over her?

"No, excuse me," he said, his voice deep and alluring. "I didn't mean to sneak up on you." He continued to smile as he looked down at her, for all she stood only five feet and two inches. "I don't believe we've met before. My name is Richard Grayson. Most call me Dick, though," he held out his hand and Melody took it. Her breath caught in her throat at the warmth.

"N-nice to meet you," she stuttered. "My name is Melody Bardon."

"Ah so you're the daughter I've heard so much about."

"My father talks about me?" She was beginning to feel comfortable around him now; the charm he exuded was making her feel safe.

"Quite a bit, actually. Nothing but good things, I assure you." He lifted his glass momentarily as if to toast her.

"You must be trying to flatter me," she said with a blush. "I do nothing but cause my father trouble."

"Surely a beautiful woman like you couldn't be trouble," he laughed and Melody's heart skipped a beat.

"I'm glad for the dim light in here or else you might see how red my face is," she laughed in reply.

It wasn't long before the two of them were walking through the crowd, getting to know each other. They even took a few moments to stop and talk to Richard's friend, Mr. Wayne. By the end of the night Melody was exhausted and had drank a little too much champagne. She had taken to sitting at her table for the last hour and Dick graciously offered to keep her company.

When it was time to go home Melody didn't want to leave. Her father insisted she go home and go to bed immediately and so ordered her to the car.

On the ride home Melody sat, staring out the window at the passing buildings, humming a song that had played at the party.

"I don't want you to see that boy again," her father said suddenly.

"What?" Suddenly it was as if her mind wasn't muddled by the amount of drinks she had.

"Boy's like him are bad news. They may seem nice and gentlemanly at first but they don't want anything to do with a steady relationship. I should know, I was one of them when I was young."

"Not everyone is like you, daddy," she yawned in reply. "Richard is the sweetest man I have ever met. Not like all those other losers."

"I've met Mr. Grayson on many occasions and even though he may seem like a good man I can tell he is no good. He only wants one thing from you."

"Daddy!" Melody cried. "You're overreacting. I'm old enough now, anyways, to see who I like and I like Richard."

"If I find out you are seeing that boy I'll disown you!" Now her father was serious, but Melody really liked the guy. She would just have to keep her seeing him a secret.

~*~

Dick kissed Melody softly on the lips. His hands trailed up her arms, sending shivers through her body. They came to rest on either side of her head, pulling her into the kiss. Melody moaned softly as her lips were gently crushed by his.

Her own hands found their way to his hair, entwining themselves into it. A moment later and he forced her mouth open with his tongue. She squeaked and her eyes flew open as she felt it. Dick was looking at her with amusement and lust in his eyes. Her knees suddenly felt like jell-o. She must have swayed because Dick put one arm behind her back, his fingers splayed around the opposite waist, brushing against her stomach. Even though she wore a sweater her skin felt like it was burning where his fingers rested.

A moment later and they fell to the bed, Melody giggling as the blankets billowed up around them, covering the two slightly. Dick pushed her gently back and looked at her. Melody opened her eyes and suddenly her gut twisted in fear.

"Richard, I…" she looked away from him, unsure how to tell him.

"What is it?" Dick answered, his thumb trailing along her jaw line.

"Well, I- I'm a virgin." She could feel the blood rush to her cheeks and she buried her head in the covers.

Dick chuckled and kissed her head. "It's alright. We don't have to do anything you don't want to."

"That's not it!" she cried, looking back at him.

"Then what is it?"

"I want to, it's just that I'm afraid. I'm afraid I won't be any good. What if I'm so bad you never want to see me again?"

This time he laughed outright. "Beginners are supposed to be bad. It's easily fixed with practice." He kissed her and for a moment Melody lost herself in his warmth.

"But what if I want to wait to do it again after this?" she asked as she shoved him away a little.

"Then I'll wait." He snorted. "Melody, it's not like I'm with you for sex. But if you do good this time maybe I will be," he said with a wink and grin causing Melody to blush.

He lightly kisses her lips once, twice, the third time he pressed harder and Melody responded to him by wrapping her arms around his neck, one leg thrown over his.

When the sun poked through the curtains, lighting on Melody's face, she groaned and rolled over. Then the fog cleared in her head and she suddenly sat up. She looked around and saw Dick sleeping peacefully next to her, one of his arms thrust under her pillow, one of his legs thrown over hers, his other arm resting in her lap.

Gently, she removed his hand and slid out from under his leg. Getting off the bed she picked up her clothes and dressed. She walked over to the mirror in Dick's room and ran her fingers through her hair then licked a finger and wiped the mascara out from under her eyes. With another look at herself she sighed.

"It'll have to do. I'll just tell daddy that I stayed up late with my friend watching movies. I've done it before." With a shrug she turned to look at Dick one last time. She smiled and then left the room.

As she closed the door quietly and turned she ran into the butler.

"Oh! I'm so sorry Alfred! Are you alright?" she asked as she grabbed his shoulders to steady him so he didn't drop the tray he carried.

"Yes Miss Bardon, I'm quite alright." He said as Melody let go. "Would you care for some breakfast?" He lifted the tray a little. There was juice, toast, bacon, eggs, pancakes, and even sausage. It all smelled so good. Melody's stomach growled.

"I'd love to stay but I have to get home. Daddy will be worried." She turned to go but then suddenly whirled around and grabbed Alfred by the shoulders, startling the man. "Please don't let Mr. Wayne know I was here. I don't want him telling my father."

"Don't worry Miss, your secret is safe with me." He gave her a quick wink then entered Dick's room. "Rise and shine Master Dick, your breakfast is ready."

"Ten more minutes Alfred," Dick groaned and Melody giggled as she walked toward the front door.

Her hand was on the handle when she heard Dick cry out. "Close the curtains Alfred! My eyes are burning!"

"I won't have you sleeping all day today Master Dick," Melody heard Alfred reply. She opened the door and stepped out, not wanting Dick to come running after her when he fully realized she was gone.