Disclaimer: I own what's mine.

Breathe Slow

Chapter. 21

When she opened her eyes, she saw Bruce sitting on the edge of the bed, smiling at her and mouthing 'good morning'. He was already dressed, wearing a plain, tight white shirt and a pair of dark jeans. He leaned towards her and lied down beside her. She slowly got up and pulled her damp hair back, as she picked up her Blackberry and checked the time. It was already one in the afternoon, and Victoria realized that they missed the breakfast AND shopping. She groaned and lied back down.

"Tired much? Did you sleep well?" He smirked and his hand traveled up from her thigh to her waist.

"We missed breakfast with Mr. Heimen…and I guess we have to go 'shopping' now? I'm sorry I slept in-" She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She had missed him overnight. As promised, Bruce took the couch and Victoria slept in the oversized bed on her own.

"I did go to breakfast…Sorry, I didn't want to wake you up, Sleeping Beauty. Oh, but I still need you to help me pick out some dress shirts." He began to kiss her neck and soon, her lips.

"You're such a sweet talker, you know that?" She placed her palm on his cheek and began to rub it gently. "And, how was breakfast?"

"Formal. Boring. It was all right."

"How come? I thought you were close friends with Mr. Heimen." She asked. Bruce shrugged and started to play with her curls.

"Well, we knew each other back in college. Was in the rowing team with him."

"Rowing? I never knew Bruce Wayne could row like a pro." She giggled and pulled a strand of hair back.

"Yeah, I had to play a varsity sport to get recruited. I was kind of a big shot, you know." He chuckled.

"I guess you still are." She paused. "And how was meeting your old friend so boring?"

"The conversation topic wasn't that engaging, after all…" He paused and waited until more questions were asked.

"I see…you don't like when people talk business, commerce, um or fiscal ability one should possess-"

"It was nothing about business." Victoria raised her brow and asked him what they talked about. "It was mainly about girls Marcus had dated, and he suggested how I should introduce some of the model friends I have to him."

"Hum, and this is Bruce Wayne talking and calling his friend shallow?" She teased. He chuckled and kissed her forehead.

"Okay, I'm not that bad." He shot back. He could see her feign a smile. It wasn't such a smooth move talking about his 'model friends'. He knew that she was well aware of his 'playboy persona', and how he 'dated' countless models.

"Bruce, can I ask you something private? And I need you to be honest with me."

"Anything." He answered and held her closer.

"Did you really-" She paused and looked him in the eyes for reassurance. "Sleep with all the models you've dated? I mean, did you-"

"No, I did not. Most of them just tagged along when I was attending galas and formal dinners. That's it." Then, he leaned towards her and kissed her gently. Her hands brushed his sleek hair as he deepened the kiss. His hands were securely around her waist, and after a few seconds, one of them traveled to her breast.

"Bruce-" She said as she pulled away. "I guess we'll have to wait and see how committed you can be, Billionaire Playboy-" She teased and rolled him over. She was soon on top of him, only wearing a beige pink night gown. His eyes ignited as she slowly untied the knot.

"Wow-" She giggled as his hands rested on her waist. She soon revealed the navy blue matching bra and panties she wore. She pulled her hair back, and gently brushed the valley between her breasts. He automatically sat up and kissed her while holding her tightly.

"Bruce- I'm going to shower and be ready." She said. He nodded and released her.

When they got to the department store, it was only two o'clock. It took her less than half an hour get ready. She put on a bit of make-up and some mousse in her damp hair. Bruce had his hand securely around her waist and constantly planted kisses on her cheek and neck. Not so many people seemed to recognize two Gothamites, and Bruce didn't have to wear a pair of sunglasses to make sure nobody recognized him. They stopped by Mont Blanc to get some dress shirts, and it didn't take so long for Bruce to find a perfect shirt. His muscular figure didn't require any alteration, and he fitted perfectly in all the shirts and blazers he tried on. She loved and envied how he looked so good in everything he tried on; it wasn't too hard spotting clerks giving him the "would you like my number? I'm single" look.

"So, are we done here? That was quick." She asked.

"Ah, I think there's one more stop I need to make-" He said. "And, I'd prefer to go on my own. If you don't mind. It shouldn't take me that long."

"Um, okay. I'll just wait at the coffee shop down the hall." She said. He winked at her and walked away from her with all his shopping bags.

She felt almost empty that he had to 'go somewhere private', but was relieved in a way that she had free time sans Bruce. She power walked to the shop and ordered a white chocolate raspberry cookie (which was as big as her palm), and a French vanilla with whipped cream on top. When she finally sat down and took a sip of warm drink, she felt her phone vibrate in her purse. She rummaged through her disorganized bag, and clicked the answer button; it was him.

"Hello?" She answered.

"So, I guess you're not dead." Harvey said. He sounded rather sardonic to hear her voice. Victoria was dumbfounded by his tone, and took another sip of her coffee.

"Harv, I miss you terribly! How are things in Gotham?"

"Things are different. Listen, I don't want you to get me wrong, but I think you should come back soon." She furrowed her brows at his suggestion.

"Why? Well, I'll be back in a few days anyway. You shouldn't worry too much, I feel safe here."

"Vic, it's not that. You know the Joker's targeting you next, and he can get you anytime. I'd feel much better if you stayed with me for awhile. For security reasons, of course. Not that I want you to move in with me for my own good."

"Can we talk about that later? I'm still hungover and I woke up only an hour ago-"

"I worry about you! How can you not understand that I care about you?" His voice got louder, so she had to lower the speaker level. Ever since that time he asked her out, things kind of got weird. She barely spoke to him after, and when he texted her, she'd respond but two or three days later.

"Harvey. I understand that you care a lot about me. And I care about you too. I want to go back and…see you again. Like the old times." She lied. Well, she did care about him, but she wasn't ready to go back and face her trepidation again.

"Like the old times…sounds good. So, how is it?" He asked.

"Good. And busy. But, Bruce and I are having a great time." She said. Harvey was silent for a few seconds and let out a big sigh.

"You and Bruce? That prick-"

"He's a nice man. You don't even know him, Harv." She shot back. When she turned back at the entrance, she spotted Bruce with two more shopping backs. She waved and smiled.

"Well, I'm glad that you're having fun. Anyway, I have work to do. I really have to talk to you once you get back."

"I'll call you as soon as I get there. I love you." She said. Harvey hung up just after saying goodbye and Bruce was already sitting down facing her.

"So, who do you love again?" He half-joked. He was eavesdropping on her conversation since she stated saying "He's a nice man,"

"It's just Harvey. He's really worried about me." She said. His heart twitched after hearing that she had been talking to Harvey. Not that he hasn't been talking to Rachel over the trip (well, only once after hearing her 'sincere' voicemail).

"Ah, I see. Tell him to stop worrying. You're having fun, right?"

"I'm pretty convinced I am. Is tonight going to be like last night?" She tried to hold back a smile as hard as she could. He chuckled and held up one of the shopping bags.

"Speaking about tonight, I got you something." He said.

"Hum, let me guess; a dress?"

"Wrong. I'll give it to you when the time is right." He smirked and took a piece of her cookie. She took the mug still full of coffee and gulped down the caffeine.

"Wow, this cookie must contain lots of…sugar, butter, and-"

"I'm sorry I don't 'eat' like your model friends, Bruce." She said. "Or, that I'm not tiny and emaciated like them." She rolled her eyes.

"Look, I didn't mean to offend you or anything-"

"I get it. You were just 'saying'." She smiled at him.

"Right. Well, you're perfect you know-" He said. She finally laughed out loud, and made him feel much comfortable. "Like from what I've seen so far, I'm not complaining at all."

"Oh, you're sweet talking again!" His comment just made her feel less self-conscious about herself.

"I'm not. I'm just being honest."

AN: I just wish every single guy on earth is just like Bruce :) But, that's never going to be feasible ahha.

So, I'm sorry for the late update! I've been soo busy lately with college apps :O

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW. REVIEW. REVIEW. REVIEW. SVP!

Love,

Jaime