Chapter 14

Alexis walked up and down the hallway outside of Bruce's office while he was having a business meeting over the phone. So much for his time off. Alexis rolled her eyes at the thought. But he is Bruce Wayne after all, he can't stay hidden for long. She played with the him of her shirt impatiently while making her footsteps a little more louder. She walked over to the rails that protected anyone from falling over the edge of the entrance hall. She saw Alfred walk by, making his rounds of dusting. She quickly clapped her hands on the railing trying to get his attention. He looked up and smiled at her.

"Still not done yet?" She shook her head sadly and he chuckled. "It won't be to much longer dear, im sure of it. Bruce hates business meetings in person just as much as over the phone." Alexis grinned and mutely laughed at his statement. It had been a week since her incident. She still wore the bandages around her neck, but no matter how much she hated it, she'd rather look at the bandages then the scars and bloody scrapes on her neck. She would hope all the scarring would go away. She just wanted smooth, unmarred flesh there again after her healing process. Lt. Gordon and Detective Ramirez stopped by every day to get more information from Alexis about the night Catwoman attacked her. She had wrote down everything that had happened and yet they still thought she knew more even though there wasn't more. She hadn't passed out from the attack so how could there be more? She communicated with a huge paper pad and a pen thanks to Bruce. She had woken up to it sitting on her bedside table one morning and couldn't help but smile. She flipped open the cover and saw Bruce's message written neatly on the first page.

Now you can yell at me again.

Love,

Bruce

Alexis had silently giggled at his message, and immediately thought of writing in all caps and using a lot of exclamation points in a heated message to him. He had obviously thought the same thing. They had even started some basic sign language so she could tell them what she wanted or needed.

"Would you like some hot tea Ms. Alex?" Alfred asked politely. Alexis smiled but shook her head. He nodded and continued his cleaning. She went back into her bedroom and grabbed the writing pad and pen. She returned to her spot in front of Bruce's office and listened. She heard his voices and then heard his own agreeing to something. She quickly started pacing again, running a hand through her hair irritated. She made her pacing louder, making sure Bruce could hear her angry footsteps. Twenty more minutes went by until the door swung open, revealing a peeved Bruce Wayne. Alexis jerked to a stop and stared at him, wishing he would say something instead of staring at her intently. His normally warm, caring brown eyes were hard with anger and aggravation. When he didn't speak she quickly flipped open the writing pad and scribbled something down. She turned it for Bruce to see and waited for his reaction.

"Just because I took time off doesn't mean im not still in charge of my company." He said darkly, taking a few steps closer to her. She instinctively moved back, hugging the writing pad to her chest. Okay, so maybe she shouldn't have paced so loudly. She did act like a child. She quickly wrote something else and turned it for Bruce to see. She even put on a small apologetic smile.

I'm sorry, but I just wanted to be with you!

Bruce read the next note and his features softened at her words. He sighed, defeated and gave her a small grin.

"I want to be with you too Alex, but I still have a responsibility." Alexis nodded and walked into his awaiting arms. Bruce didn't want to admit it out loud, but he thought why Alexis wanted to be with him every waking hour was that she was afraid. Afraid that if she was left alone that something or someone would attack her, again. He held her tighter and kissed her temple. "You ready to change you're bandages?" He asked, trying to lighten the mood. She pulled back a little and nodded. He smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist as he led her to their bedroom.

--

Alexis sat on the bathroom counter as Bruce held a wash cloth under the warm water in the sink. Alexis took this moment to study him. She could tell something was bothering him, but he was trying to hide it. He was good at hiding his emotions, to good, and that was unsettling to Alexis. Bruce turned off the water and stood in front of Alexis, tipping her head up slightly so he could put the warm cloth on her aching wounds. She closed her eyes as she felt the comfort of the warm cloth. She heard Bruce chuckle softly and she reopened her eyes to peer down at him.

"What's so funny?" She mouthed slowly so he could read her lips. He smirked at her and shook his head.

"You're just cute when you do that. That's all." Alexis smiled down at him and held the cloth to her throat as he grabbed the ointment, gauze and medical tape. He went to remove the cloth but Alexis shook her head shortly. "A few more minutes?" She nodded and he sighed but agreed. He set down the medical supplies and rested his arms on either side of Alexis, watching her closely as she sat with the cloth to her throat, eyes closed, relishing in the feeling of the warmth from the cloth. She slowly opened her eyes and looked straight into his eyes. She winked at him and leaned forward to place a gentle kiss to his lips. He cupped her cheek and kissed her deeper, wishing she could talk or even moan a little. He missed her voice. He released her lips and watched in agony as she licked them and looked at him with lustful eyes. It had been a little over a week since they were intimate and it was driving him insane. And he knew it was driving her insane as well. It wasn't like they couldn't make love, but the pills that Alexis was taking caused her to fall asleep almost immediately after taking them. She tired to not take as much hence why she was so into being with him when she was awake. He looked at his watch and mentally slapped himself. It was almost noon and that meant her afternoon pill and nap. She must have read his mind because when he looked back at her she was suddenly sad.

"I know what you mean sweetheart, trust me." Alexis smirked at him and kissed again before pointing towards the ointment and bandages. Bruce nodded and grabbed the supplies, taking the cloth from Alexis and laying it in the sink. He dried off her neck and then applied the ointment, the cool feeling now against her warm neck sent shivers down her spine. It felt good but also uncomfortable. Bruce noted this and quickly put the bandages around her neck, securing them in place with the medical tape. She waited patiently for him to finish, glad she had someone to care for her. If it wasn't Bruce it was Alfred. Rachel came to visit as much as possible and brought her coffee from their favorite coffee shop from downtown. Alexis wish she could join in with Rachel when she told jokes or a funny story that had happened at work that Alexis had missed. She wanted so badly to be able to laugh or even make a small squeak. She was beginning to forget what her own voice sounded like. She felt like the Little Mermaid after she gave her voice to the sea witch. Only she already had her prince.

"All done. Would you like your medication?" Bruce asked as he helped her off the counter. Alexis nodded sadly, feeling bad for not giving in to his desires. It wasn't like she wanted to but she could feel the dull throbbing of her neck starting and she knew she would have to take a pill. Bruce smiled and kissed her forehead as he led her to the bed, helping her get settled. She grabbed her note pad and wrote down a message for him.

I'm sorry Bruce, it's not like I don't want to, but I can feel the pain coming on.

Bruce smirked and nodded his head.

"I understand. I'll go get your medication." He left and she laid back against her pillows, and sighed. Bruce returned moments later with her pills and a glass of water. She took them and laid back down as Bruce sat next to her, leaning over her to look into her eyes.

"I love you Alex. And I promise, when you get to feeling a little better I'll plan romantic dinner and then we can make up for lost time." Alexis smiled and nodded her head excitedly. Bruce laughed and kissed her as he got up. "Have a good nap." She nodded and closed her eyes, feeling the pills taking their effects and also making the dull pain vanish once again.

--

"I'm sorry miss but I don't know what you are talking about! Please, I beg you, let me go!" A middle aged man begged for his life as a woman in all green jerked on his bindings, her glossy pink lips flashed in the light above them.

"And of course I don't believe you." She started to pace back and forth as four men in all black stood guard by the door. The older man looked between her and then men, fearing that out of no where a gun shot was going to erupt and end with him. The woman flipped her long, red curly hair over her shoulders and pursed her lips together.

"I have a family! You can't keep me here!"

"Oh but I can! And by the time im done with you, you won't have a family to go back to." She hissed, punching him in the stomach, earning a howl from the old man.

"Now tell me where I can find Lucius Fox!" The woman yelled, making the old man flinch.

"I told you I don't know!"

"You do! Quit lying to me you stupid old fool!" She punched him again, but this time square in the jaw.

"Maybe he really doesn't know boss?" One man offered, as the woman was about to take another swing. She looked up at the masked man with a sneer.

"Oh really? You think so?" She asked, slowly walking towards him. The man sunk back a little in her presence, but quickly regained his composure.

"Just... maybe he's telling the truth." He stated, nodding towards the now bleeding old man.

"Maybe you're right." She countered and swiftly turned around on her foot and walked back over to the old man.

"Alright I believe you Mr. Gilbert." The old man looked up at her in shock.

"R. R. Really?" He stuttered, blinking up at her through the harsh florescent lights. She laughed hysterically, whirling around and grabbing Mr. Gilbert by his shirt collar.

"Of course I don't believe you! I don't believe or trust anyone in this town except for my trusted partner, who, sadly couldn't be with us tonight as she's on her own mission." She twisted her fist tighter into his shirt. "I know you know where Mr. Fox is, but either someone has bribed you not to squeal, or you're just a really, really good friend. You have worked with him for twenty years at Wayne Enterprises, so of course you know him! I'm not stupid you know!" Mr. Gilbert winced at her grip as it began to obstruct his airway. She grinned wickedly at him before continuing. "But as for you, im sure no one will miss you. Except, maybe, you're family. But do I care? No!" And she peeled off her poison lip protectors made from rubber, and pressed her lips against his, feeling him quiver and shake from the poisoning entering his body. She pulled back and watched as he gave his final breath and slouched against the chair. She smiled triumphantly and looked at the men in black still guarding the door. She walked over to the man who had addressed that Mr. Gilbert didn't know anything. Clearly when she hired him she didn't notice his stupidity.

"What is your name again?" She asked.

"Collin..Collin Waters."

"Well Collin Waters, I clearly made a mistake hiring you." She snapped her figures and as the door opened and she left the room she heard a gun shot and smirked to herself.

"Oh I am bad. And I love it."

--

Alexis awoke with a headache. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sat up. She looked at the clock. It was 3:30 p.m. Wow she had took a long nap. But what was even stranger was that no one had woke her up. She got out of bed and walked to the door, opening it to check for sounds of the living. It was quiet. To quiet. She slipped out and walked down the hallway to the stairs and stood at the top. For kicks she slapped the staircase railing with her had as loud as she could. No one came. She frowned and walked down quickly, taking two steps at a time. She walked into the kitchen but it was empty. She entered the study and it was also empty. She walked over to the bookcase and listened for any sounds. Nothing. She couldn't be to sure though. But she didn't really want to go down to that creepy place. She would check back later after she searched every where else. She checked all the rooms downstairs and no luck. She went back upstairs and check all the rooms up there. No luck there either. She went back downstairs and stepped outside in the backyard. She felt relief wash over her when she saw Alfred in the flower garden tending to the weeds and watering the plants. She quickly made her way over to him, making sure she made some noise so she wouldn't startle the older gentleman. He turned around and smiled at her.

"Ah Ms. Alex! Have a nice nap?" Alfred asked, clipping a dead flower from its bush. She nodded and tapped his shoulder. She mouthed 'where's Bruce?' and Alfred put down his clippers and turned around to face her.

"I'm sorry Ms. Alex but he left about an hour ago. One of his employees was murdered." Alexis gasped and brought her hand to her mouth. "I know its tragic." Alexis nodded and sat down on the stone bench that was nestled between two pink rose bushes. She breathed in their sweet scent and grinned. She watched Alfred trim more bushes and clean up some flowers. An hour later they walked back into the house just as Bruce was walking in the front door. He smiled at Alexis who quickly ran to greet him. He picked her up and hugged her, placing a sweet kiss on her pink lips.

"Hello beautiful. How was your afternoon?" She mouthed 'it was good' and smiled. "Glad to hear it. Oh, im sorry I didn't wake you up before I left, but you looked so peaceful." She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head to tell him it was okay. He nodded, kissed her again and then walked with her into the kitchen where Alfred was washing his hands, fixing to start dinner.

"So did you find anything out Master Wayne?" Alfred asked as he opened the refrigerator.

Bruce sighed and nodded. "It seems he was poisoned. But there was no traces of his in his mouth or on his tongue. No needles holes were found either. It's very strange indeed."

"My word. Who could do such a thing?" Alfred asked aghast.

"I don't Alfred, I just don't know. First this happens to Alex, and now to Mr. Gilbert. It could be the Catwoman or someone else. They found a single strand of red hair and forensics did all they could but couldn't find an identity. Alexis frowned in thought and tried to remember if she saw what the Catwomans hair color was. She was wearing a leather mask that covered her whole head and she couldn't remember seeing any traces of hair peeking out of the top of her mask.

"Alex? You alright?" Bruce asked as he placed his hand on hers. She looked at him and nodded. "I'm sure you're starving." Bruce noted and Alexis put a hand on her stomach and nodded. Bruce chuckled and kissed her hand. "What's for dinner Alfred" Bruce asked for the both of them.

"Lasagna just like my mother use to make."

"Oh his mothers lasagna is amazing. I've never met his mother but im glad she passed all her recipes down to her son." Bruce stated, smiling at Alfred who laughed.

"Glad I could help Master Wayne."

--

After dinner Alexis and Bruce retired to the library for a quiet evening. And of course that meant Bruce doing some paper work while Alexis caught up on her reading. After awhile she put down her book and looked over at Bruce who was writing fervently. When Bruce finally got the feeling that someone was staring at him and looked up to see Alexis staring at him he set down his pen, linked his hands together and rested them on the table in front of him.

"What?" He asked calmly. She forgot her note pad upstairs so she stood up and walked over to his desk, pointing at the paper and pen he was using. He nodded and pulled out the desk drawer and grabbed a pen and a piece of paper. He handed them to her.

Is something bothering you?

She moved her hand so Bruce could read what she wrote. After he read it he looked up at her and furrowed his brow.

"Why would you think something is bothering me?" He asked. She sat on his desk and shrugged.

I know when something is bothering you Bruce.

And something is bothering you.

What is it?

Bruce sighed and moved his chair so he was sitting between her legs. He took her hands in his and rubbed his fingers over her knuckles.

"I just think that ever since this incident happened to you... You don't want to be left alone. That's why you get so angry or nervous when im gone. Even if I am here but in a different room. Hence the angry pacing in front of my office this morning." Alexis looked down at her feet, feeling guilty and caught. It was true. She didn't want to be alone. Afraid that Catwoman would come back to do something worse to her. Even though she knew that Wayne Manor was one of the safest places in the whole of Gotham, but still, she was a nervous wreck. Bruce tilted her chin up, making her look at him. Her eyes were now glassy with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry." She mouthed, gripping his shoulders and bending over so her forehead rested against his.

"Don't be. I understand Alex. I promise, no matter what, I won't let anything happen to you. I may be this cities hero, but im your personal hero." Alexis cupped his face and tilted it upwards until their lips met.

"I love you." She mouthed, a tear slipping down her cheek. Bruce wiped it away and kissed her again.

"I love you too."

--

"Good morning Mr. Wayne. How is Alexis doing?" Lucius Fox greeted Bruce a week later in his office.

"She's getting better everyday. Thank you for asking." Bruce shook his hand and offered him a seat.

"Thank you Mr. Wayne."

"So what brings you to my office Mr. Fox? Usually im the one in your office." Bruce countered. Lucius chuckled at the personal joke they shared and nodded.

"Very true Mr. Wayne, very true. But I was wondering if it was such a good idea to have your annual fundraiser for the hospitals in Gotham City. As one man was murdered, a good friend of mine who died at my expense, and you're girlfriend who was attacked and now cannot speak. Don't you think you're fundraiser will be a target?" Bruce took in every word that Lucius said, knowing that the wise old man was right. Bruce had thought about holding off the fundraiser until the perpetrator or perpetrators were caught. But then he thought about not letting the criminals over take his power in Gotham City, and to just go along with normal life as if nothing was going on.

"I think Lucius it will be alright to go ahead with the fundraiser. It is a yearly affair and its better if we don't the crimes being committed effect our normal ways of life. We don't want them to think that they have won and watch us barricade ourselves in her homes."

"I believe you are right Mr. Wayne." Lucius smiled genuinely and stood up from his chair to shake Bruce's hand in leaving. "Fine choice of words." Bruce shook his hand and smiled as Lucius turned to leave. "I've been working on a suit for you too Mr. Wayne." He called over his shoulder. Bruce instantly perked up, his interest taking the better of him.

"Oh really? When will I get to see it?"

"At the fundraiser. Just in case." Lucius gave Bruce a knowing wink and left his office. Bruce laughed and shook his head.

A/N: I just couldn't wait to write another chapter and plus, I went to see The Dark Knight AGAIN today with my Mom and Uncle. Third day in a row and on opening weekend, that's a new record for me lol Thank you to Silver Huntress2 for the nice long review and opinion on The Dark Knight. I do agree with you, I wish we could have seen more Two-Face/Harvey Dent, but a lot of people are wondering who will be the next villain in the third and last installment of the movies. Maybe Catwoman or The Riddler. Lucius Fox played by Morgan Freeman said a line in the movie mentioning a cat when he was telling Bruce/Christian about his flying suit. Many people have taken notice to that line! Thank you for reading and reviewing! Maybe more reviews on this chapter and I will update sooner! :)

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