Hey... sorry to keep you all waiting, but this chapter just had so many things that I had to keep in mind of constantly. Still, here it is... hope you enjoy and many thanks for the last reviews (they really do mean a lot)...

Angels or Devils

Chapter 9

She had prepared for this. Nights, days, hours had been spent to prepare for the meeting... for the moment when she would face the man who she had not seen in two years. "You can do this, Lana... he's just another obstacle to conquer and defeat,"she kept repeating to herself. As the elevator continued to ascend each floor, Lana tried to control her nerves, gripping tightly onto her briefcase while C.Z. awaited apathetically for their stop. Tapping her foot idly, C.Z. stared at the digital numbers indicating each passing floor. Her gaze was interrupted when she suddenly felt the uncomfortable shift of her partner who fidgeted with her briefcase from side to side.

Furrowing her eyebrows in curiosity, she asked, "Lana, is something wrong?"

Abruptly, she faced her colleague, eyes wide as if caught doing something illicit. "No," she cleared her throat, regaining the ice-queen attitude. "I'm fine... I just want to get off this damn elevator already."

Smirking in amusement, C.Z. nodded, "Ah yes, it is quite slow. But, are you sure this unusual behavior has nothing to do with the fact we are about to face-off with a former friend of ours?"

Rolling her eyes, she turned to the opening doors of the elevator. With her head up high, she stepped out, yielding quickly to throw over her shoulders, "There's nothing unusual about anticipating another victory, most especially against a former friend." With that said, Lana strutted confidently onwards.

She was met by a nervous, small-statured secretary. "Ms. Lang," she eagerly greeted. "It's a pleasure to meet you... and Ms. Morgan, as well." The assistant anxiously gazed at the two women, in admiration of their past business history.

Lana smiled apathetically as she waited for her to lead them to their intended destination. Seeing as she wasn't making a move, she cleared her throat purposely, "Well... shall we?"

"Oh yes, of course," she apologized. "Right this way..." The eager secretary led them towards the boardroom. Standing in front of the doors, she revealed, "Mr. Luthor is already inside... and Mr. Blythe will be joining you shortly, so please make yourselves comfortable."

Opening the doors, in the grand, sophisticated room where a long glimmering wooden table stood, sat the debonair-suited Lex. Hands interlocked and legs crossed, he smirked as the two ladies walked towards the seats across him. Lana caught the cocky undertone of his gesture, "He hasn't changed a bit," she thought to herself, while giving him an indifferent glare.

Sitting down, Lex kept a steady gaze on Lana, though keeping now an expressionless stare. Lana, however, averted his look, rather concerning herself with her briefcase and its contents. Her partner felt the tension, laughing inwardly at the hatred exuding from both parties.
Seconds passed before C.Z. decided something had to give, "Well, I believe some formalities are in order." She grinned amusingly, "I can't say it's a pleasure seeing you again, Alexander, especially under the present circumstances... nonetheless, it's good to see you're still alive."

Looking away from Lana slowly, Lex smiled smugly, "My, I see British formalities have taken a turn for the worse. Rather than politeness... they've opted for reckless honesty."

"You flatter me, darlin'," the English broad mused.

Arching his eyebrow, he shifted his attention onto Lana once again, "I'm sure... yet, I can't say the same for your assistant here."

"Beg your pardon," C.Z. responded quickly, wanting to enjoy correcting him. "My assistant isn't here... Ms. Lang, however, is my partner."

Wryly simpering in his usual confidence, he feigned, "Oh, my apologies... I had forgotten." He uncrossed his legs, facing his body directly towards Lana, "Of course, how can I forget the celebrated fashion student turned business wiz... and tycoon. Sorry, news travels slow in Metropolis. Nevertheless, I must say... congratulations, I'm glad nothing held you back."

If he was trying to hit a nerve, he had to try harder. Lana wasn't going to let him get to him... she trained herself against jerks like him. The business world had taught her that. Allowing the quietude of butting heads to take place, she finally spoke up, "Quite the keen observer.... I see you haven't changed."

Her voice was enveloped in icicles. Lex could feel the coldness in her tone, reminding him so much of himself when up against his father. "You flatter me, now," he replied, attempting to get to her.

"Oh, how clumsy of me... perhaps I should rephrase it in layman terms then," she retorted in sarcasm.

Lex remained silence with an indifferent face, yet realizing inside that suddenly he didn't know the person in front of him... still, he knew there was more to the facade. Before he could analyze the present situation, a hearty voice interrupted the soundless moment.

"Ah hello! I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long," a husky, British Mr. Blythe greeted. "C.Z.! How have you been? Not smoking, I hope." He kissed her hand, laughing with juvenile benevolence. He then turned to Lex, still chuckling, "And hello to you, Mr. Luthor." Shaking his hand, he patted his client's shoulder. "I hope everything is going well in Metropolis."

"Please, call me Lex, Mr. Blythe," he smiled at the overwhelmingly happy English. "Everything is fine back home."

"Good, good," he mumbled joyfully as he turned to the patiently waiting young woman to his side. "Ah, and of course, the talented and, may I add, beautiful, Ms. Lang," he announced, covering her hand with his overbearing large ones. "It's a pleasure to finally meet Time's Woman of the Year."

Grinning warmly with a bit of unease, Lana nodded gratefully, "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Blythe."

Letting go of her hand, he sat down on the plush chair at the head of the table. "Now, let's get down to business," the British tycoon insisted. "I know that all of you are here to make an offer that I couldn't possibly resist... yet, I've decided to hold all bids for today."

Lana furrowed her eyebrows, finding the new turn-of-events peculiar. She wanted to get it over with. Beat Lex and move on with life. She had no intentions of dwelling on the present issues. "I don't understand, Mr. Blythe," she interceded. "I thought you wanted to complete the transactions as quickly as possible."

"Oh, of course, Ms. Lang... but as I'm sure you know, I tend to change my mind from moment to moment," he replied without any more thought to it. "This morning I woke up and realized that I was selling my life's work... property that has been in my family for decades. It was a grand epiphany! I couldn't very well just sell it to the highest bidder."

"So what do you intend to do, Mr. Blythe," asked the intrigued Lex who couldn't help but inwardly laugh at Lana's disappointment.

"I would like to get know you, Mr. Luthor, and you, Ms. Lang,"he explained. "I want to learn the qualities of your trade and personality... I am already familiar with C.Z., which may or may not be a good thing." He winked at the eldest of his guest, "However, I have no idea who you, Ms. Lang, or you, Mr. Luthor are? Or, for that matter, what any of you intend to do with my land? Thus, I propose you join me at my retirement party and set separate appointments where I may hear your plans for my land... do we agree?"

Lana remained quiet, slightly taking a glimpse of Lex's reaction who remained unscathed and focused on the English mogul. Breathing out audibly, she decided to speak first, "You leave us no choice, Mr. Blythe, but to comply with your new arrangements."

Nodding in acceptance, the executive now turned to Lex who simply smirked as he crossed his legs. "I have no problem with that, sir... just as long as you remember to call me Lex."

Mr. Blythe instantly roared with laughter, "Very well, then, Lex," he conceded while Lana enviously cursed at her competitor's smooth-talking tactics. "Now that we are all at an accord, I must tell you that your bids will still be taken into consideration. At the end of this week, my secretary will collect your offers in an envelope. The winner will then receive a call from me. That's all for now. Good day and see you all tomorrow night." The over-weight Mr. Blythe stood up, shaking hands with his clients and soon exiting the boardroom.

As Lana gathered her things, C.Z. was called by the secretary, "Ms. Morgan, you have a call... you can use the telephone next door, ma'am."

"Thank you," she replied as she left the room, indicating to her partner she'd be back shortly.

Left alone, Lex finally stood from his chair, making his way around the table. Leaning against the table, he faced her as she attempted to ignore the proximity between them. "Nice rock," he commented, feigning admiration of her engagement ring. "Who's the lucky guy? I'm surprised the media hasn't gotten a hold of him."

Keeping her gaze steadily at the papers in front of her, she retorted, "I don't think that's any of your or their business."

Sighing smugly, Lex grinned. "Don't you think we should at least be somewhat cordial to each other," he inquired. "It's been two years..."

"Under the circumstances, if you're looking for friendship... you're barking up the wrong tree," she responded coldly. "However, you're right... it has been two years, so I will give you the decency of treating you like my usual business relations."

Lex nodded, "Thank you for the grand sacrifice."

Rolling her eyes, she picked up her suitcase and headed towards the door, "Goodbye, Mr. Luthor."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next night...

The immense ballroom at the Blythe estate was filled with friends, family, and associates of the old British wealthy man... including the Lex who found himself anxiously awaiting for the arrival of his competitors, or at least, one of them. Although he attempted to ignore his eagerness and focus his attention on Mr. Blythe's whereabouts and the important guests, he always found himself taking second looks towards the entrance. Even when speaking to a highly-regarded executive, his eyes still could not deter from the doors.

Lex's bombshell date noticed how distracted he seemed, as well, "Lex, sweety, what's the matter?"

Grabbing a glass of champagne, he regrouped, "Nothing... I'm just looking forward to our little, private party tonight."

"Oh, Lex..." she blushed, oblivious to his false excuse.

Just then as he sipped from his glass, the classy English fashion designer entered through the doors. Not surprisingly, she made her appearance known as she fawned from guest to guest. Seconds passed before the Smallville native made her startling debut in the ballroom. For the first time in two years, Lex was able to see a hint of the old Lana... the girl who allowed soft colors to accentuate her untamed beauty and kind personality. In a lavender gown, reminiscent of the dress he had once given to her, she strayed from the dark aura she usually now wore. Still, the black widow, the ice princess of the business world did not fade along with her corporate suits. Her eyes remained cold, filled with a grim complexity and unsympathetic determination.

Lex recognized that determination, the icy facade. It was the same one that clung onto him. And though he wished Lana would remember herself, he reminded himself that there was nothing between him and her except business... and if that was the case, he had to start going for the kill.

While he looked for Mr. Blythe, Lana had already found him. She had seen Lex stare at her once she had come in, contemplating something of the sorts. Even if he was the first thing she found herself looking for, she decided his distractions were her advantages... wasting no time, Lana had made her way into Mr. Blythe's sphere of friends. After minutes of finding his way to them, he couldn't help admire her brilliant charm with the circle of people. It was a classic scene of brown-nosing potential clients. Soon enough, she had Mr. Blythe asking her to dance with him... and of course, she complied.

Laughing and swaying through the dance floor, they danced as she kept charming him with her business genius. Lex knew it was time to make a move.

"Pardon me, Mr. Blythe... but can I persuade you to allow me to have this dance with the lovely Ms. Lang," he inquired, using his irresistible persistence. "I hate to intervene-"

"Oh of course... I'm happy to oblige," he placed her hand in Lex's. "I like to see my clients get better acquainted."

Smiling in gratitude, Lex led Lana through the dance floor. Though she also had smiled, seemingly unbothered by the new development, she was really nowhere near that level of pleasantry. "What are you doing," she asked in a snide tone.

"Dancing," he simply replied as he kept his infamous smirk adrift, nonchalantly looking around to the staring guest.

"Dancing," she sarcastically retorted. "If you think I'm going to make a scene for your benefit, you can stop now because it's not going to work."

Shaking his head gingerly from side to side, he pulled her closer to him. He felt tense up, chuckling at her reaction, "Relax... I'm just protecting my business interests from being suckered by your feigning innocence."

"You got some nerve," she muttered as she tried to keep her face from contorting into full blown rage.

Amused at her anger, he decided to quit hassling her. "You know, I wasn't lying about before," he closed in the small space between them, nearing the side of her face. "You look very lovely tonight."

Lana remained speechless. She knew he meant it, but that wasn't as discomforting as the proximity between them. Her heart was beating faster, feeling familiar emotions edging their way from the obscure... from the hidden she wanted to forget.

"You always did in lavender," he added, whispering into her ear as it soon seemed to the both of them that no one was around.

Swallowing her nerves, she finally spoke, "Lex... don't."

As the words slipped from her lips, their eyes at last met. There were too many things said between that gaze... it was hard to decipher, too much to take in almost.

Wherever they had gone for that moment, they were brought back by a butler. "Excuse me, madam," he interrupted. "But, you have phone call... the gentleman says it is urgent."

Nodding, she simply glanced back at Lex uncomfortably and allowed the butler to lead the way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had, indeed, been urgent. She had finally been able to get an estimate on how much Blythe expected for his land. Her contact had also told her what LuthorCorp might being offering. As much as the tycoon wanted to get to know them, she knew in the end it was all about the money. She had convinced herself that the heart didn't speak, it was the dollar that spoke clearly. That's why she had opted to leave the party and go to her office to work on new arrangements.

Arriving at her office, Lana saw that there was some light coming from the room. Opening the door, she turned on a lamp nearby, surprised to see Damian sitting on her chair. She sighed in relief, but still wondered why he was there. "What are you doing here, Steele? I thought you were stuck in Wales," she asked as she walked towards her desk.

"I was able to get away so I could be here with you," he answered suavely.

Furrowing her eyebrows, she continued her questioning, "How did you know I would be here and not at the party?"

"I called C.Z. and told her I was going to surprise you... she told me you had just left the party and were heading here," he explained. "What? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Oh of course, honey... I just didn't expect you... that's all," she stammered, feeling bad for her inquisition. "I'm sorry, it's just been a long day."

"Well, c'mon then, let's get out of here," Steele stood up, grabbing her hand gently as he urged her to take flight. "Let's go home and have a pre-honeymoon night." He neared her face, kissing her seductively in hopes of accomplishing his plans.

Pulling away softly from his lips, she caressed his cheek, "I can't."

"C'mon Lana... don't be a bloody party pooper," he feigned utter disappointment as he playfully kissed her hand.

"I need to work on the Blythe account... I have to get this done before I meet up with the old man tomorrow," she insisted, walking away from him. "I'm sorry, Steele... but it's important."

"More important than your fiancé?!" The anger in his voice noticeably increased, "It's always business with you... you never have time for anything but your bloody work. I don't even know why I bother. Perhaps I should ask Lex Luthor."

Lana instantly tensed, shocked and nerved by his last words. She was speechless... she didn't know what she felt, little less how to articulate it. Finally, "Get out..."

"With pleasure, darling," Damian quickened his pace, walking out of her office with accurate speed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Half an hour later....

Lana struggled to concentrate on the paperwork in front of her, but to no avail... thoughts of Steele's words... and dancing with Lex... kept her distracted. She kept feeling Lex's arms around her, his breath on her neck, the nearness of his body... and as much as she wanted to focus on something else, she couldn't. His voice continued to bring her back into a daze.

"So this is Ms. Lang's office," suddenly that familiar voice was present. "Quite the futuristic scheme."

Lana looked up, surprised to see Lex making his way towards her desk. As he sat down, confidently smiling, she inquired, "What are you doing here?"

"It got a little lonely without my dance partner," he mused.

Rolling her eyes, she smirked, "Oh the blonde wasn't good on her feet? I'm surprised..."

"Ooh, was that suppose to be an insult, or did the ice queen finally find her sense of humor," he questioned playfully.

"As much as I would love to continue this one-sided witty repertoire, I have to ask... why are you here, Lex," she asked, starting to suspect ulterior motives. "Planning to spy?"

Laughing softly, he shook his head, "There's no need, really... and I wouldn't do that... not to you anyway." He stood up going around her desk, stepping near the grand window behind Lana. Looking up at the view, he admired the beauty of the night, "Two years, Lana... it's been two years since we've spoken to each other. And when we finally do, it's nothing but cross words."

Feeling a little nervous, Lana turned her chair around, trying to understand where he was going with this, "Lex... it's only business," she contended. "Besides, our lives have taken different paths since the last time we saw each other. I mean, what did you expect, Lex?"

He kept his gaze on the night sky, finding it hard to look at her as the memories of that last night flooded his thoughts.

"How did you expect me to react when you couldn't promise me the one thing I asked from you?" She stood up, standing beside him, urging him to look at her and face the facts. "Lex, what did you expect?"

Standing still, hands in his pockets, he continued to stare at the sky in silence. Allowing seconds to pass as he felt her eyes burning through his skin, he slipped his hands out and gently brought them to her face. "This," he whispered as he brought his lips to hers. A field of emotions seemed to erupt... the struggle of their tongues wasn't forceful, but slow, intimate and full of pent up tension. Lana felt alive again, while Lex finally found what he was missing.

Finding it all too overwhelming, Lex pulled away from her. Their ragged breathing filled the quietude of the office, until her cellphone rang loudly... bringing their gazes to a halt. Nervously, she stirred from her position and went for her phone. She would rather talk to anyone than deal with her emotions right now.

"Hello," she stammered. "Damian..." She was overcome with shame as she heard her fiancé apologizing and expressing his love for her. For some reason, she felt it was best to leave the room... perhaps to regain composure... she just couldn't have Lex listening or look at her for that matter.

As she exited the office, Lex found himself lost, without control. Then, suddenly his phone went off as well. "Luthor, here," he picked it up.

"I have that information you wanted on that guy, Damian Steele... or should I say, Mr. Harvey Dent," the voice on the other end revealed.

Arching his eyebrow with intrigue, Lex began walking out of the office, "I'll be there in fifteen."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Soooo, what do you think? I hope I didn't cause too much havoc with that cliffie... lol, not to worry, I'll update soon. In the meantime, tell me what you think... review, criticize, rant, anything to keep me going;)