"You know anything about these people? Selina Kyle asked Bruce Wayne as she leaned forwards to adjust the strap of her Jimmy Choo's. They were both sitting in the back of a limousine. On their way to the gala to announce the merger between Wayne Enterprises and Apotix Pharmaceuticals in the manufacture of low cost medicines.
"Yes," Bruce said, "Calev Beger is the CEO of Apotix Pharmaceuticals. The largest manufacturer of low cost generic drugs in the world. They've been really instrumental in providing low cost drugs to developing countries that can ill afford it. They're originally from Israel."
"Hmm..what are they doing in Gotham City?" Selina asked straightening up.
"Things in Israel are too hot and interfering with business. So they've relocated their operations to Gotham."
"Talk about out of the fire and into the frying pan," Selina said.
"As dangerous as Gotham can be. It's in no way as bad as what's happening in Israel."
"Thanks to you," Selina said pointedly.
Bruce gave her a small smile, "Thanks to a lot of people."
Selina turned on her side one leg crooked up on the seat giving Bruce a good look at her shapely legs. He knew she worked out fanatically at least 6 days a week and watched her diet like a hawk. She had one of the most beautiful bodies he had ever seen. And he had seen a lot of women in shape.
She regarded him carefully.
"But you were the catalyst. You inspired a great deal of people. Including me."
Bruce shrugged his broad shoulders non commit tally. He wasn't good at accepting compliments.
"And including Huntress."
He looked at her sharply.
"Hit a nerve?" she asked smiling, "Make you think of someone special?"
"If you have something to say Selina just spit it out."
"Okay then I will," she drawled, "I hear that you're seeing Huntress. Is it true?"
"Yes I am," Bruce said nodding.
"I can't believe it," Selina said, "After all these years. What instigated this?"
"Things….I'm not sure. I guess that after my near death experience. There were some relationships. I wanted to make right."
"And Huntress is one of those relationships?"
"Yes she is."
"That poor girl, I tried to warn her that you aren't all that you're cracked up to be. But she wouldn't listen."
"You're too young to be bitter Selina."
"Don't flatter yourself Bruce. You are a danger to the fair sex."
"You know people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
"The men I've been involved with know exactly what they were in for."
"Oh you mean like Cal Beecham?"
Cal Beecham was the CEO of Beecham Petrochemicals. Who was now in the process of divorcing his fourth wife, ostensibly after his wife had caught him in bed with Selina.
"I told Cal that we should meet at a hotel. He was the one who insisted that we meet at his Penthouse when his wife was out shopping."
"Is that so?" Bruce asked incredulously.
"Yes that's so," Selina said flatly. She had never given a damn what anyone thought of her before, she didn't see why she should now, "You know. I could have said that I've seen this happening for years,"
"You have?"
"Yes. I mean it's obvious that she has a huge crush on you. Sort of like a groupie for a rock star."
"Oh? Is that how you categorize it?"
"Yeah it is. I just had no idea that it went both ways. But it sort of explains why you've pushed her away so much."
"That you won't be happening anymore."
"So Bruce. If you're so sweet on her. Then why aren't you bringing her to this party?"
"She's not too keen on the publicity and attention."
"And you think that I am?" Selina asked surprised.
"Yes you love the attention. Especially amongst the high rollers."
"Well only from the husbands anyway," Selina said.
Bruce looked at her with slight annoyance. Selina laughed and reached over and touched his arm, "Don't worry Bruce I'll behave."
"You could have said no," he said.
"No way I love a good party. Besides I haven't seen Cal since that afternoon," She sighed whimsically, "I've really missed him."
Bruce tilted his head back against the seat.
"I know you only do this to annoy me."
"Baby, I know of many other ways to annoy you. More effective ways. But back to Huntress. I've worked with her from time to time. She's a good kid. She plays tough but I can see she has a good heart," Selina leaned over towards Bruce and in a voice that brooked no argument whispered, "And I would hate to see it broken."
"Why is that?" Bruce asked his sapphire eyes flashing, "Do you want her for yourself?"
He was well aware of Selina's bi-sexual tendencies. He had even participated in a 'threesome' with her and another woman at one time. A model whom she had seduced at a party.
"No. She just reminds me of myself when I was younger. And I would hate to see her get hurt. Especially by a man like you."
"A man like me?"
"You know what I mean Bruce."
"Anyway, as it stands she had another commitment to look after. I sent her an invitation, she said….no she's promised…that she would come afterwards."
Selina looked at him and smiled.
"What?" Bruce asked.
"My God…"Selina said, "You really are stuck on her aren't you?"
"Yes. I like her," Bruce said quietly.
"Will wonders never cease?" Selina asked laughing.
The limousine crawled to a stop and the door was opened by a young man wearing a valet uniform. Bruce exited the limo and extended his hand to Selina. She took it and climbed out of the limousine. Bruce noticed how the valet stared at her legs. Outside there was a crowd of people including a throng of about 20 members of the media. There was almost an audible gasp when they saw Selina Kyle emerge from the limo. Selina merely smiled, like a contented cat and took Bruce's arm. They made their way towards the door.
At once the questions started.
"Mr. Wayne what do you think that this merger will mean?"
"Great things for people who can't afford more costly medicines," Bruce replied.
"Bruce are you and Selina dating?"
"I'm just chaperoning him guys," Selina said smoothly, "Trying to protect Mr. Wayne's virtue."
That elicited chuckles from the men.
Just then two security guards arrived and escorted the two into the hotel proper. There was already a large crowd in the lobby.
"Thank you Selina," Bruce said.
"Just keeping you safe for Huntress. Half the women in here want to jump you," she said giving the room a shrewd and careful sweep of her blue green eyes. "You know it seems as if Gotham's wealthiest and richest are here tonight. This would be the opportune time for Catwoman to pay a visit to their homes."
Bruce looked at her his sapphire eyes darkening somewhat.
"Behave yourself Selina," he said.
"Or what?" she teased, "Are you going to spank me?"
"I just might," he responded.
She laughed.
"Promises, promises….Speaking of which…have you and your new honey added that component to your romance. I'm sure that given your history you've always wanted to."
Bruce looked at her perplexed and pointed off to the far side of the room.
"You know I think I see Ted Markham standing over there looking lonely."
Ted Markham was the CEO of Markham Trucking the largest Trucking fleet in the nation. He was known being lucky in business but being unlucky in love. It could be due to his short frog like appearance.
"Hmmm," Selina said placing a thoughtful index finger over her chin.
"Could it be. Maybe he's looking for a new girlfriend after his wife left him for that male model."
"Could be," said Bruce, "Why don't you and go comfort him."
"I think I will," Selina said drifting off.
Natalie Sheldon walked over to him.
"Everyone here?" Bruce asked her in a low voice.
"Yes the Israeli's have arrived just a short time ago," Sheldon said, "Wasn't that Selina Kyle?"
"Yes," Bruce said turning to face her, he could hear the distaste in her voice.
"I didn't know that she was a school teacher."
"She isn't. My date couldn't make it," Bruce explained smiling but there was an edge to his voice that said he did not want to get into it further. Especially here.
"Oh Okay," Sheldon said understanding.
"Good," Bruce said, "Selina's been kind enough to stand in for me on a short notice. Anyone asks, that's the official word. Make sure that everyone who needs to know knows."
"I understand," said Sheldon.
"Good," Bruce said giving her his thousand watt smile, "Now let's go and make a deal."
The valet watched in horror as the cherry red Transam drove up to the front door. All evening he had parked some of the most classic and exotic cars known to man. And here was this huge muscle car taking up space with its' loud obnoxious motor running. It was probably one of the waiters he thought huffily. He walked over to the drivers side shaking his head in annoyance.
"The back buddy," he said with a jerk of his thumb, "The help is supposed to park around the back."
Dick Grayson climbed out of the car in his rented tuxedo.
"I'm not the help," he replied with a smile that did not touch his eyes. He flashed the valet his invitation.
"Oh..I'm so sorry," the valet stammered.
Dick threw the valet his car keys.
"Be careful with her," Dick said, "If she's scratched. I'm
holding you responsible."
And he made his way inside the hotel to find the lights dimmed and the presentation well underway. Bruce was up on stage with a number of people. One of who was introduced as being Calev Berger the CEO of Apotix. The presentation lasted about half an hour, before the lights went up and everyone was invited to enjoy the refreshments. Part of the hotel room had been blocked off for dancing.
Dick milled about for a few minutes. He did not recognize anyone there, except for Selina Kyle whom he spotted having an animated conversation with an older man. He watched her for a while smiling, thinking about his teenage years. Fifteen years old and about to….
"You know," came a voice behind him, Dick turned and found Tim Drake wearing a tuxedo and looking very GQ, "I just don't get how every high roller in this city drools over that woman."
"Tim my boy," Dick said with a condescending pat on the shoulder, "When you get older you will."
"Yeah whatever," Tim said shrugging off his hand, "I really can't believe that Bruce decided to bring her along."
"Why?" Dick asked.
"You mean apart from the obvious fact that she's a skank?"
"Watch your mouth Tim," Dick warned.
"Sorry, " Tim said contritely, "But you do have to admit that she has a reputation."
"Many people do Tim. Both good and bad," Dick said reaching out to grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, "Things are often more complex than they look."
"Whatever, " Tim said shrugging, "You know I thought that considering everything, Bruce would have brought Helena."
"She has other priorities," Dick said, "She teaches on Tuesday night. She couldn't be Bruce's date. She might show up though."
"I hope she does," Tim said with more enthusiasm than he meant to.
Dick looked at Tim and chuckled.
"My God you do have it bad."
"No," Tim said, "I just like her. I think she's great. Smart and gorgeous. Great combo."
"Yeah she's okay," Dick said, "If you like High maintenance."
"They're the best kind!" Tim exclaimed, "Never boring!"
"God you and Bruce sure like the strangest women."
"What happened to Barb?"
"A case she was working on broke an hour before I was scheduled to pick her up."
"That's too bad," Tim said
"I didn't expect to see you here," Dick said changing the subject.
"Oh we all got invites. Besides we own stock in Wayne Enterprises. Really want to see how this goes down. Keep an eye on my money if you know what I mean."
"Actually I don't, the corporate shenanigans is you up to you."
"Is that why you never went to work for Bruce?"
"Partly," Dick said, "Nice turn out."
"Yeah," Tim said, "Speaking of which..she's here."
Dick turned and looked in Tim's direction and saw Helena talking to Ofir Berger.
"Hmm looks like she's found an admirer."
"Yeah an unwanted one," Dick said noticing the look of dissatisfaction on Helena's face, "I'll go and save her."
A complimentary bar was set up for the media and the press off to the side and near the back. And this was where Ofir Berger stood, diligently working on a glass of scotch. He had been at the bar ever since the 'Prince of Gotham City' had showed up with his entourage. Not being able to stand another scene of people kissing Wayne's ass. He left and went off in search of the bar and that's where he remained throughout the presentation. As was expected it was Rifkin who did the officiating. Heaping sufficient praise on both Wayne and his father. Emphasising how this merger would be a great benefit to Gotham City as well as the people who could not afford it.
It made Ofir sick to his stomach. The only thing that cheered him up was the thought that they would soon really be able to get down to business and start distribution of Nocturna on the streets. Itai Levy had already met with the head of procurement for Wayne Enterprises and was scheduled to have a meeting with her tomorrow afternoon.
Ofir eavesdropped on conversations from various members of the press. Some of them commented on how well Bruce was doing managing his company since the Lucious Fox unfortunate convalescence. Others remarked that it was so nice to see a major company like Wayne Enterprises concerned about the plight of others in the third world. Still others remained cynical and remarked that this was nothing but a publicity stunt for Wayne. Ofir smiled at that.
He was about to start on his third Scotch, relieved that the damn presentation was almost over so that he could leave, when he spotted Helena enter the room.
He at once straightened up. What the hell was she doing here he thought? She was wearing a beautiful blue strapless dress, which did wonders in showing off her toned shoulders. He loved the way she moved, like a beautiful woman who had no clue how beautiful she was. Or more to the point like a beautiful woman who got over the fact that she was beatiful a long time ago and didn't need to flaunt it.
Something which suited Ofir just fine because he hated conceited women. Like that Kyle woman whom he had met at the gym and who was now making the rounds in an obscene purple backless dress that plunged so far down that you could almost see the crack of her ass. This was the first time that he had seen Helena like this and he thought that she looked wonderful, almost better than….He shook his head to clear the image. He watched her closely she looked uncertain and un-sure as if didn't know what to do and as if she felt out of place. So she hugged the back wall, but soon her attention went to Wayne who had drifted out onto the convention room floor, and was instantaneously swarmed with well wishers. Most of them women. Ofir walked over to her.
"He'll never notice you," Ofir said.
Startled Helena turned to face him.
"Hell! I can't believe this!" she said annoyed, "Can I ever get rid of you?
"I'm like…how do you say in America. The original bad penny?"
"I'd use another term," Helena said, "And it isn't a penny. More like a pain in the ass. Can't you get it through your head that I'm not interested?"
"You haven't even gone out with me."
"And I don't want to. Okay. I am not interested. Not now or never will be."
"Do you know that most men at the gym think that you're frigid?"
"Most of them are right," Helena said flatly. But to her surprise Ofir laughed.
"Something tells me otherwise," Ofir said, "Really I didn't expect to see you here of all places."
"And where did you expect to see me?" she asked curiously.
"I-I don't know. Club maybe."
Helena shook her head in disgust.
"I look like party girl to you?" she asked.
"No it's just that…" Ofir said trying to make up for his faux pas.
"It's just that what?" Helena asked.
"It's just that you don't strike me as being the kind of person who would be seen hanging around at a corporate event."
"You don't even know me."
"But I would like to,"
"That won't be happening," she said walking away from him.
"Trust me I'll treat you better than Wayne ever will," he blurted out.
"And you know this how?" Helena asked amused stopping and turning to face him.
"Look at him," Ofir said, "The many women who hang around him, "I bet that he only sees them as disposable pleasures to be discarded at will. I can't find one thing on him that says that he's had a long term relationship that's lasted more than a month."
"Maybe he hasn't met the right woman yet," Helena said thoughtfully.
"I don't see how that can be the case," Ofir said sipping his Scotch, "He's sorounded by them all the time."
"Right," Helena said glancing back at Bruce and the women who sorounded him, "But at the same time this doesn't really provide an opportunity to meet someone special."
"What do you mean," Ofir protested, "Look at him—," Ofir began gestured to Wayne with his chin.
"Do you honestly think that any of those women are genuinely interested in him? I mean to say he's a celebrity so naturally there would be that kind of attraction. But it isn't exactly sincere. It's all surface. I'm sure that if he wasn't loaded many of them wouldn't care about him"
"Why are you defending him?"
"Because I think that maybe he deserves the benefit of the doubt," Helena said.
"If you don't mind me asking," Ofir barely concealing his annoyance that this woman he had been attracted to was smitten by that vain dandy Wayne.
"What exactly is your connection to this event?"
Before Helena could respond she heard someone call her name. She turned and saw Dick Grayson walking towards them.
"Hey Helena!" Dick said walking up to Ofir and Helena.
"Dick!" Helena exclaimed with obvious relief.
"Glad you could make it," he said, Dick glanced at Ofir Berger, "Am I interrupting something."
"No-oh no!" she said grabbing Dick by the arm, "Not at all. We're finished."
Dick looked from both Helena to Ofir again and nodded. They both walked off leaving Ofir Berger starring after them.
"Thanks for that rescue," Helena said.
"No problem," Dick said, "You know him?"
"No. Not really. He's just some creep from my gym who wont stop hitting on me."
"Oh..You want me to talk him?" Dick asked his tone becoming more serious.
"No it's nothing serious. He's more of a pest than anything else."
"Do you know who he is?"
"No. And I really don't want to ,"
"His name is Ofir Berger. He's Calev Berger's son."
Helena looked at Dick perplexed.
"Calev Berger. The CEO of Apotix pharmaceuticals," Dick explained
Helena paused then her mouth fell open in horror.
"Oh…oh my goodness!"
"Hey chill," Dick said grinning, "I don't think that the deal is going to fall apart because you told Bergers son to take a hike. Besides, they already did the signing about half an hour ago."
"I'm sorry I missed that."
"No you didn't miss much. Just corporate glad handing. Here's Bruce."
They found Bruce Wayne surrounded by a group of people, mostly women.
"Bruce," the younger man said.
"Hello Dick," Bruce said pleasantly, "So glad that you could make it."
"Never miss the opportunity to attend a party," Dick said, "I want to introduce you to Helena Bertinelli. She's an old friend of mine."
Bruce turned to Helena and gave her his patented playboy smile mostly for the benefit of those standing around. The way that some of the women reminded Helena of the kind of looks that the 'it' girls back in high school used to give her. It made her feel self-conscious.
"Pleased to meet you Helena," Bruce said taking her hand in his. He paused for dramatic effect, "But haven't we met already?"
"Yes. Some weeks ago at the Hagenberg gallery," Helena said.
"That's right," Bruce said smiling, "I hope that one day you'll agree to show me Italy."
"Maybe," Helena laughed.
"I had no idea that you were attached to Dick," Bruce said, "Dick why didn't you tell me that you were acquainted with such a fantastic woman?"
"Cause I want her to remain fantastic," Dick said playing along.
Two men came up to Bruce and introduced themselves as being German Bankers.
"If you'll excuse me," Bruce said to both Dick and Helena, "Helena I hope to be able to speak with you again later."
Dick and Helena stepped away from Bruce and his admiring entourage.
"Well," Helena said, "I think I got out of that in one piece."
"Yeah we both did," Dick said suppressing a yawn, "Especially considering it's way past my bedtime."
"Your bedtime?" Helena asked, "It's only ten o'clock."
"Yes but I have to get up at 5:30 to be at work for 7."
"You work?"
"Yes Helena I work. I'm a cop with the Bludhaven PD."
"Oh.."
"Oh what? You thought I sat on my butt and lived off of Bruce's money?"
"I guess…I was wrong," Helena said blushing
"Yeah you are. I don't believing in loafing about."
"Say do you mind dropping me off at my place? I'm not big on parties. And I don't think that Bruce needs me."
"No problem," Dick said.
"Dick! Dick Grayson!"
Dick and Helena turned around and found two attractive young women in their mid twenties standing just a few feet away from them. Both of them were dressed to the nines.
"Remember us?" the first one asked.
"Uh no…" Dick said embarrassed.
"Jessica and Darla? We were in your freshman class at Hudson U."
"Oh..oh yeah," Dick stammered. During his first and only semester at Hudson U. All Dick majored in was drinking and chasing girls. He had actually flunked out of University. He wondered which one of these women had slept with. Was it one of them, or both?
"It's been ages since we last saw you," Darla said grabbing Dick by his arm and shoving Helena out of the way.
"Yeah," said Jessica grabbing Dick by his other arm, "It's been ages. Why don't you tell us what you've been up to..."
They dragged Dick away leaving a bemused Helena staring after them. Realising that she would be without a ride home. She drifted off in search of the ladies room, and found it completely empty. She walked up to the mirror, and inspected her appearance in the mirror and winced.
She had put herself together in a hurry and it looked like it. She had not planned on attending this event. But after she found the stretch limo parked out front of the Columbus Center and seeing Alfred Pennyworth waiting for her she knew that she had no choice. He drove her home and she rushed up to her loft where she took a quick shower and changed into one of the few party dresses that she owned—a strapless blue satin gown by Nicole Miller. She went back down stairs and whisked off to the Garrison hotel, To find the party well underway, and feeling out of place as she usually did in large events like that.
She looked up when she heard the bathroom door opened. It was Bruce Wayne.
"Is it empty?" he asked.
"Yes," Helena said without turning around.
He walked into the washroom and stood directly behind her pressing his face into her hair.
"Why do I have a feeling that you know your way around the ladies?"
Bruce merely smiled slid his arms around her waist. Helena relaxed and leaned back into him.
"I'm glad that you made it," he said.
"Well with the limo outside of the Columbus center it pretty much made it impossible for me to say no."
"That was the intention," he said, "This is very important to me. And I want you to be in on that aspect of my life," He kissed her neck, "My God you look beautiful."
"We're quite the sight aren't we?" she asked
"Yes we are," he replied raising his head to look at their reflection in the mirror, "You should have been my date," he said into her hair…she smelled delicious like Jasmine.
"Don't start that again," she said turning in his arms to face him.
"Hmm…," he said kissing her, "I want to celebrate this with you tonight."
"How."
"You know how," he said, "As partners. As the real you and me."
"The real you and me," she said, "Sometimes I don't know who the real me is."
"Yes you do," he said turning her around to face him.
"You're Helena Bertinelli. When you're with me."
"And you're this is the real you?" she asked, "The real Bruce Wayne? The man I saw flirting with the crowd. The tough son of a bitch I see out there or this?"
"Which one do you think?" he asked turning her around to face him.
"I think I'll find that out in time," she said reaching up to kiss him again.
Selina stood fuming as she watching Cal Beecham trot after his wife like an obedient puppy. God how pathetic she thought. Apparently Beecham and had shown sufficient remorse for his infidelities and his wife had forgiven him so that they were not bound for divorce court after all. Soon after the presentation ened, Selina had found Beecham standing off to the side talking on his cell phone. She had walked over to him and said hello.
He looked horrified when he saw her shutting the phone with a snap. He told her that they could not talk because his wife was in attendance. He then proceeded to tell her that it was all her 'fault' that he was in trouble with his wife. Selina told him that it was complete nonsense. As it was he who had insisted on meeting in the hotel room and on and on…Eventually the argument got so heated that Mrs. Beecham had arrived wearing enough make up to be considered a fire hazard. She dragged Beecham away but not before giving Selina a parting shot and calling her a 'tramp'. Selina just smiled and looked at the line of Mikimoto pearls around Mrs. Beecham's neck. She would have to get herself a pair. Exactly like it.
"Hello," a voice behind her said.
Selina turned around and saw Calev Berger standing there smiling. She had seen him up on stage during the announcement. He was handsome in a brutish way much like Slam and Ted Grant were. While obviously in his early 60's he carried himself with purpose and showed no sight of paunch. He walked over to her smiling.
"For the record I think that he's a fool," he said to her.
"For the record," Selina said, "You're right."
Calev laughed.
"He'll make the obligatory peace moves with his wife. Get bored then be back to chasing women. But I won't be one of them. He blew his chance," Selina said.
Calev Berger laughed again.
"Allow me to introduce myself," he said, "I'm-."
"Calev Berger," Selina finished.
"Yes! I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage.
"I'm Selina," Selina replied, "Selina Kyle."
"I understand that you came with Bruce Wayne."
Selina got the tone of enquiry in his voice.
"We're just old friends," she said, "Nothing more. How are you liking Gotham City?"
"It's different from Israel," he said, "It's so large and modern. Have you been in the city very long?"
"I'm a Gotham girl," Selina said, "I was born and grew up here."
"So you must really love it then."
"I wouldn't put it in those words exactly," Selina said with a slight shrug, "But it is unique. I don't think that there's anywhere in the world that's quite like it."
"How is that?" Berger said stepping closer to her.
"For various reasons. It can be exciting, it can be scary at times. But one thing is, it's never boring. I'm so used to living here that I could never see myself living anywhere else in the world. It's not a glitzy as LA or eccentric as New York or as staid as London but it does have it's charms. I think that you'll like it here."
"I certainly hope so," said Calev, "I would really like it if you could show me around."
"Love to," Selina said smiling.
Berger reached inside his pants pocket and took out a small leather card holder. He opened it and took out a business card and handed it to her.
"How about you call me sometime?"
"I will," Selina said taking the card from him.
"It was a pleasure meeting you Ms Kyle," he said taking her hand and kissing it.
"Likewise Calev," she said smiling.
Selina continued to do the rounds for about an hour. Most of the rich matrons glared at her and rushed to their husbands sides, as if to protect them from Selina's evil seductive wiles. Selina just smiled inwardly. She knew that these women could keep their husbands on a leash and locked up in their homes and that wouldn't still prevent them from hooking up. She had an undeniable effect on the opposite sex, and she had used it to her advantage ever since she was living on the streets and struggling to survive as a prostitute. But Selina had something better to do than reminisce about her forgettable past. She had spotted her.
Huntress.
'So this is what Huntress looks like unmasked,' Selina Kyle thought to herself. Not a bad looking girl, not bad at all.
She was a young woman in her mid 20's with raven black hair that fell down her back. The elegant blue gown that she wore did little to conceal what Selina could tell was a well toned body.
While certainly no raving beauty, like the models that Bruce carted around sometimes. She definitely was attractive. There was an understated elegance about her, almost as if she had stepped out of an old Italian movie. But also an inherent vulnerability. Which Selina had sensed the first time they had worked together while chasing after that sleazebag Braun. She acted with determination in taking him down. It was almost as if it was all personal and she was trying to get back at some injustice against her.
Selina was surprised that Bruce had waited this long. But then again he had always been more disciplined than she was. She had wanted him at first sight. He was so sexy in that Bat costume and it had taken him a very long time to bite. The thing was that after they both had indulged their appetites they had discovered that it wasn't enough. Oh he was a very sexy man and terrific in bed. But he was always so distant. Always pulling away and refusing to let her inside. As if he didn't quite trust her, or her intentions. It was as if he was always looking for more something else to satisfy him. And she Selina Kyle—Catwoman wasn't it. And she wondered if Huntress was what he was looking for.
She thought that it was high time that she reacquainted herself with the younger woman. Right now she was talking to the Hollywood movie star Bill Pruitt whom she towered over by several inches. When the movie star stepped away to answer his cell phone, Selina moved in.
"Hello Sugar," she said.
Helena turned to look at her, her eyebrow arching slightly in surprise.
"Hello….," she began, "Do I know you?"
"Actually yes you do. We worked together once."
"We did?"
"Uh-huh," Selina said stepping closer and in a stage whisper said, "You and I both helped to bring down a very nasty man who broke your heart. I think you remember him as Braun"
Helena stepped back in horror and looked at her.
"Oh my God," she gasped.
"Not quite," Selina grinned, "But I have been compared to a Goddess on occasion."
"You're…Cat," Helena quickly looked around to see if anyone was listening. They weren't, "You're Catwoman?"
"Selina," Selina said extending her hand, "Selina Kyle."
Helena took her hand and shook it.
"Helena Bertinelli."
"Well it's finally nice to meet you Helena. Without disguises."
"Yeah, I guess it is," Helena said still stunned.
"You know I told Bruce we should be frank and honest with each other for a long time. Really. Just take it all off."
Helena became speechless. Selina laughed and squeezed her arm playfully, but stopped when she noticed someone approaching off to the side.
"Speaking of taking it all off…" Selina murmured. Helena turned and found Dick Grayson walking towards them with Tim Drake in tow.
"Hello ladies," Dick said approaching them both.
"Dick Grayson!" Selina exclaimed, "We were just discussing taking it all off and here you appear."
"Yes and it looks like just in time," Dick said, "Hello Selina."
Tim rolled his eyes and shook his head with disgust.
"Something wrong junior?" she asked smiling but her blue/green eyes became a shade of poison.
"Yeah but it would be lost on you." Tim said crossly.
"Okay you two," Dick said stepping between them both, "Not tonight. This is supposed to be a happy occasion."
"That's right Sonny. Listen to your elders," Selina said cattily.
"You look great Helena," Tim said ignoring Selina.
"Thank you Tim," Helena said.
"Helena, I've had just about enough of this shin-dig," Dick said, "I have to catch some sleep before I start my shift in the morning."
"You still a cop?" Selina asked with a great deal of curiosity.
"Yes Selina. I'm still a cop," Dick said.
"Hmm…looks as if I gave up my wicked ways too soon," Selina said cheekily, "I wouldn't mind being arrested by you. Cuff me!"
"Selina you if you ask me, you should still be locked up," Dick said, but his cheeks reddened slightly, "Look Helena do you need a ride or can you get it from someone else?"
They both knew who that someone else Dick was referring to.
"I'll drive her home."
They all turned to see Offir Berger walking over to them. His eyes were shinning brightly.
"Uh- I don't think so," Helena said.
"Oh why not?" Ofir asked.
"And you are?" Tim said stepping up menacingly to Berger who out flanked him by at least a foot.
"You're that kid I met a Mike's gym a few weeks ago?" Selina asked her eyes narrowing as she inspected him.
"Yes I'm that 'kid'," Ofir said. There must have been a two or three year age difference between himself and Selina.
"Helena you can get a drive home with us. My Dad won't mind," Tim said quickly.
"How cute," Selina said sardonically, "Your parents as chaperones?"
Tim glared at her.
"You know I'm not feeling so tired," Dick said gauging Helena's uneasiness, "I can stay another hour."
"No Dick that's okay," Helena said, "I'll go with you."
"Oh come on sugar!" Selina exclaimed, "The night is still young. And we were just getting acquainted."
"Maybe some other time Selina," Helena said.
"I'll drive Helena home."
They all turned to see Bruce Wayne.
"Really Mr. Wayne…Bruce," Helena said, "That's not necessary."
"I insist," Bruce said, "It will give me a chance to get to know you better."
"What a great idea!" Selina said, "I'll go home with Dick. It's his way to Bludhaven anyway. You don't mind do you Dick?"
"No not at all," Dick said.
"How about it Helena?" Bruce asked staring at her.
"That would be nice Bruce," she responded.
"All right then," Bruce said extending his arm to her. Helena took it and walked off with him. Leaving Ofir Berger apoplectic with rage.