The Next Morning

Ashley's eyes opened slowly, her head was trying to split in half. That was what it felt like anyhow. She rolled over and fell out of bed, staggering she made her way to the bathroom.

Flipping the switch, she was momentarily blinded by the florescent lights that stabbed at her vision. She gasped loudly and clung to the counter as the room spun.

Lex padded across the cold floor in search of coffee. Standing in the galley kitchen, he heard the thump when she fell out of bed. He turned the coffee maker on and walked to her door, listening. He could hear her groan as she turned the light on and had to chuckle. A second thumping sound made him throw open the door and rush into the room.

Ashley was sprawled on the bathroom floor alternately laughing and wincing. Lex took a second to get his pounding heart to calm before he reached down to help her up. Ash cringed from the bright light and leaned against him.

"I feel like shit." She mumbled into his shirt. He patted her back and smiled against her hair.

"I bet you do. But I know how to make it better." He chuckled again and guided her out to the kitchen. He sat her at the counter and handed her a glass of orange juice.

Sipping her juice, Ash watched as he began to put together a classic greasy breakfast. Eggs, hash browns, bacon and even toast. She was sure she could not take one bite, though her stomach grumbled its emptiness.

Lex set the plate in front of her and handed her a fork. She looked at him with a pitiful face.

"Eat." He said. "You will feel much better, I promise." She doubted him but didn't have the energy to fight. Lex poured some coffee and joined her with his own plate.

He watched as she took her first shaky forkful, doing his best to not laugh at her. The look of delight and surprise made his restraint falter, he laughed hard. Ashley ignored him and proceeded to wolf down the food.

After she had finished Ash smiled and conceded that she did feel much better. Lex shrugged and stated that he would never let her talk him into drinking a whole bottle of expensive Bordeaux again.

The mention of the wine brought back the other events of the night before. Her face flushed pink, her heart thumped faster and she felt like she might be suffocating.

"Lex..." she said in a breathy voice. "I -I ...and...you...about what happened." She started, Lex felt his chest tighten sure she was about to tell him it was a mistake. She watched his back go ridged and his mask slip into place.

"I want you to know I haven't changed my mind," she said quickly before he slid too far into his armor. He blinked, his eyes flashed in astonishment.

"Ashley. Are you sure?" his voice was very low. The small place inside him that she had touched that day in the gym began to dance. She was off her stool and up against him before he knew she had moved.

Standing on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his face down to hers. Their lips were a hair's breath apart. His pulse raced, his hands sliding around her of their own volition.

"I am sure, Lex." She looked at him with her big green eyes bright. "I want to know what it's like to be with a man. And I choose you." She whispered before kissing him.

It was the first time she had initiated a kiss and Lex was bowled over. Her tongue explored his mouth, tasting him. The words rang in his head as he returned the kiss.

"I choose you." She had really said those words. He could not believe his incredible luck, because it had to be luck. There was no way he deserved this girl, no way on earth. Yet, here she was in his arms, kissing him and telling him, she was sure.

Ashley drew her mouth from his, her eyes half closed; she spoke slowly, her lips brushing his jaw.

"I want to know it all, Lex. Teach me." She said.

Her words made his blood race. Lex sucked in a deep breath reaching up her back to tangle his fingers in her hair. He pulled her head back exposing her white throat, his mouth trailed biting kisses from her ear to her shoulder. She shuddered with delight; he had accepted her advance with enthusiasm. Her fingers clung to his shoulders while he licked the hollow of her throat.

Intense lust whipped thru Lex's body, making him lift her up onto the counter. Their dishes skittered to the floor with a crash. Ash gasped in dismay, Lex chuckled deep in his throat. He pressed between her knees, his mouth at the neckline of her dress. Her small hands slid up over his head with out hesitation, the sensation causing him shake slightly.

His hands cupped her breasts thru the light linen, the cloth barrier frustrating him a considerable amount. Ashley moaned deliciously and Lex found he loved the sound, had to do whatever was necessary to get her to make that sound again. He placed his hands on either side of her face and captured her lips again.

His kiss was forceful and hungry, Ash felt a little scared for a second. She was not a complete innocent; she'd had many sexual encounters with the girls she had dated. She knew what to do with a woman, knew what felt good to a woman.

Ash found her self uncertain if the same general ideas could apply to a man. It was not something she had ever really thought about, she had been so sure of her preference. Lex sensing her confusion eased back.

"Ash, are you ok?" he asked his blue eyes dark with lust. She was so pretty with her face flushed and her lips kiss-bruised. She blinked a few times and nodded. Lex held him self in check a moment longer.

"If you get uncomfortable or want me to stop just say so." He said looking her directly in the eye. "No matter what. No matter when." He continued. She smiled shyly and nodded again. The corners of his mouth turned up and Lex pulled her back.

"Wrap your legs around my waist." He said into her ear. She giggled musically and complied. His hands enveloped her tight rear and he lifted her off the counter. She clung to him, her bow shaped lips feathering kisses along his neck as he walked them back to her room. He marveled at how he continued to forget how small she was.

He stopped in the middle of her room and closed his eyes reveling in the feel of her kisses. Her teeth found his shoulder; even through the fabric, the bite was firm. Lex growled and pressed his mouth to her ear.

"Put your feet down." He said. Ash set her feet on the floor. Lex looked down into her face while his hands gathered the fabric of her dress and pulled it over her head. He threw the dress over his shoulder and stepped back one-step, eyes roving over her body.

The night he found her, he had changed her out of the drenched rags she was wearing. Lex hadn't looked at her in any way other then concern. He was worried she would develop pneumonia and hadn't even registered that she was attractive, just in danger. His eyes did a lot of looking now.

She had returned to her proper weight, her curves curved the right way again. Her full breasts filled the bra in an inviting manner and her small waist fit between his hands so nicely. He noticed her trembling under his scrutiny and smiled.

"You are so beautiful." He whispered drawing her back to him. His fingers expertly undoing her bra he slid the straps off her shoulders and kissed the flesh underneath. His mouth moved down the slope of her shoulder to the rise of her right breast. He traced his fingertips along her ribcage before grazing the underside of her breast, the touch made her make that wonderful sound again. He wanted her laid out under him; he walked her backwards to the bed.

Ashley lay back on the rumpled covers and looked up at Lex, feeling a little nervous again but still wanting him. When he crawled over her body to place his mouth on her breast, her skin tingled. Her hands cradled his head against her and she arched to his mouth.

He laved the small pink nub sending small shock waves thru her. While he suckled her nipple, his hands moved down her torso to the top of her panties. He could feel her belly tremble when his fingers traced the silky edge of her only remaining garment.

His teeth caught the taut nipple and squeezed slightly, Ash could not control her reaction. Her hips bucked against him and a sound that was somewhere between a gasp and a moan escaped her. Lex smiled against her breast and moved to the left one. His fingers stirred along the top of her thigh, still following the edge of the panties. Without warning, he pushed his fingers under the satin and brushed against her folds.

The sound that came out of her made his already firm cock get even harder. He groaned as he moved his fingers into her, tracing over her clit repeatedly. Ashley began to move with his strokes. Her moans coming in measured time matching each brush of his fingers.

When she climaxed he raised his head to watch her face. The orgasm rippled thru her and her lovely face reflected the pleasure clearly. The expression and sounds she made nearly sent him over the edge as well.

Sitting back on his heels, Lex observed her with desire. He pulled his shirt off over his head tossing it carelessly. His smooth chest was tone and firm. He bent back down pressing his bare skin to hers making both of them gasp at the sudden sensation.

Ashley lay beneath him shuddering with the aftershocks of her orgasm. He kissed his way down the middle of her chest taking his time. He grazed her ribs with his teeth drawing more moans from her. He worked his way back up to her mouth and kissed her deeply.

"Ashley, I want to ask you something." He said softly. Her glassy eyes focused on his face and she smiled.

"What is it?" she replied. Lex leaned on his elbows so he could hold her face in his hands. He looked at her with tenderness.

"I know you have had female lovers." He whispered deeply. "What I want to know is, have you ever been truly penetrated before?" he tried to keep his voice from rasping on the word, the thought making his cock twitch. She sighed against his throat and shook her head.

"No Lex, never." She whispered back. Lex felt what little blood he had left rush to his groin. His fingers twisted into her underwear struggling to get them off her as quickly as he could.

She was bare and beautiful and all his, Lex again wondered at his incredible luck. He placed kisses along the inside of her thigh while undoing his own pants, wishing he hadn't gotten fully dressed already. She sat up her hands reaching to assist him.

It was Lex's turn to moan when her small hands slipped into his boxers and wrapped around his cock. She liked that she could do the same to him as he did to her. Ashley helped him divest him self of the last bits of clothing.

Lex pulled her back down to the blankets, their naked bodies sliding over each other pleasurably. Her hands continued to caress his hard shaft, Lex lay still for a while letting her explore him. She ran her fingers over every ridge and crease, loving the supple softness of him. He knew he could not let her go on much longer.

Lex rolled them both over until she was beneath him once more. She drew one leg up around his hip, feeling his hardness pressed against her thigh. Kissing her again Lex brought her hands back up and held them on either side of her head.

"You asked me to teach you, so let me." He said breaking the kiss. He gently pushed her legs farther apart and pressed his erection to her belly. He anticipated the wet, hot tightness her body promised.

Slowly he slid one finger into her, feeling her tense but sigh at the same time. She was so warm and soft inside, making him almost salivate with anticipation. He slipped a second finger in, wanting her to have as little discomfort as he could provide.

The sensation was so new making her writhe on the bed seeking to let him deeper while not sure if she wanted him deeper. She bucked her hips against his hand yearning for this new feeling to continue. The moans she made as he conquered her mouth and her sex left him knowing he had to take her now. Now before he lost it and took her too roughly. Now while he still had some measure of control. He withdrew his fingers and focused his gaze on her face

"Ashley." He breathed her name. "It's still not too late to say no." He said giving her every chance to back out, yet praying she wouldn't. She responded by simply sinking her teeth into his lip and pulling his mouth to her again. Thrill cascaded thru him and he positioned himself at her entrance.

Taking a slow deep breath he tenderly began to ease his cock into her. At the same time, she dug her nails into his back and bit him again causing Lex to plunge all the way into her with a reflexive motion.

Ashley cried out at the stretch and force of his thickness, she thought for a second he would split her in half. It was an unusual pain, not easily described. Yet, once he was in he stopped moving and pulled his head back to look at her. His eyes showed concern that he had been to rough.

"Ash, I didn't mean to hurt you like that." He said quickly. She smiled and sighed, putting her arms around his neck.

"You didn't hurt me Lex." She purred and gave another of those incredible moans. Lex kissed her, waiting to be sure she was all right before setting a slow gentle pace. With each thrust, Ashley felt the pain diminish and pleasure rise, though it was still strange, not quite what she had expected. He watched her face with fascination. The enjoyment that spread over her features gave him a surprising feeling of happiness almost completeness.

He was never big on breaking in newbies, yet he had done more then his share of deflowering. None of the others has been anything like this, no comparison. Ash was an intoxicating mix of innocent and experienced. She was no stranger to lust and desire giving her a bearing, no complete virgin would have. However, her newness was just endearing enough to make him want to give her the best he had.

Their rhythm was gaining speed; Ashley clung to him as if she would fall should she let go. He slid his hands up into her hair pulling hard making her back and neck arch. Holding her close while meeting every thrust of her hips, Lex devoured her throat.

Ash felt the waves begin in a new way, a type of orgasm she had never felt before. The pleasure poured over her like warm honey. Her back went ridged and she sucked in a deep breath. She cried his name as the stars exploded behind her eyes.

Holding her while the shivers and shudders subsided, Lex felt his heart pound. He really cared about this magnificent creature in his arms, could maybe even love her. God was that a scary thought, to really feel for some one else.

She caught his mouth again and sucked a delightful kiss from him. The duel sensation of her mouth consuming him and her sex squeezing him so tight made the dam give way.

The tingling started at the base of his skull and shot out over his skin, he pressed his forehead to hers. The climax took his breath away; he growled loudly and spilled into her. His hands clutched her body to him unable to even think. Ashley held him with shared stillness. Their panting breath the only sound for a long while.

After regaining his capacity to think, Lex opened his eyes and looked into her face. She was smiling, contentment plain. Lex was puzzled by the strong urge to protect her and keep her safe, the desire to keep her just for him. After several more, leisurely kisses, Lex rolled off her and pulled her back against his chest. They snuggled close and she sighed.

"That was a wonderful lesson, Prof. Luthor." She giggled with mischief. Lex smirked and nipped her shoulder.

"Rest your self, there will be a pop quiz shortly." He quipped laying his cheek along hers, bodies as close as possible.

"I expect you to get perfect scores." He smiled before drifting to sleep.

xxxxxx

A few hours later

Lex rolled over slowly doing his best not to wake Ashley. He wanted to look at her for a while, study her at so candid a time.

She lay on her back, one arm flung over her head; the other lay flat on the bed reaching toward Lex. Her auburn hair was splayed across the pillow; he had noticed the night before that it was getting longer, now fell past her shoulders. Her lips were parted as she breathed in and out evenly. He reached out grasping the sheet and gently pulling it down off her body.

The swell of her breasts gave way to her ribcage, pale ivory skin dipping to form the valley of her stomach. His eyes fell on a light bruise mark on her hip; it was the same size as his thumb. There was a mix of regret at hurting her and a flush of possessiveness. It was almost as if he had marked her as his.

Moving forward to run his hands up her legs, slowly parting her thighs he shifted his weight and woke her in the most pleasant of ways. Ashley moaned in her half sleep and shivered. He continued to lick and suck until she was wide-awake and cresting yet another climax.

Lex smiled licking his lips as he moved slowly up her body. Ash reached out and caught his face in her hands. She looked at him with her verdant eyes before kissing him hard. Her deep examining kiss made his blood pulse, her hands curling around his skull in a craving caress. Pulling from her tenderly, Lex nuzzled her neck.

"I take it you liked that." He whispered against her flesh. She purred in her throat and trailed her fingers down his back. She had a small secret smile on her lips as she slid her hands between their bodies and grasped his growing interest.

"What do you think?" she quipped, his eyes closed at her touch. Her deft fingers massaged his hardening cock making him roll off her onto his back. Ash shifted her position and stroked him with more enthusiasm. Shimmying closer, she pressed her breasts to his side placing a kiss on his shoulder.

Subtly turning her head she began to kiss down his chest. Lex was lost in the feel of her on his body, her hot mouth feathering across his skin giving him pleasurable sensations. Her mouth was gone suddenly making him frown slightly, her hand continued to work him delightfully.

Lex's eyes snapped open in shock as her lips came down over his shaft, enveloping him in her warm slick mouth. He had not expected her to do that, knowing she had never been intimate with a male. Her attempt was reasonably good, she needed a little practice but she had the gist down well.

Once he was sure she was not going to rake him with her teeth, he relaxed and gave into the incredible feeling. She took her time, exploring him with her tongue.

Ashley enjoyed finding the spots that made him groan and the ones that made him moan. Her experimentation continued for several long minutes until Lex's hands dug into her hair and tried to pull her back. She shrugged him off and smiled up, her lips brushing the head softly.

"Let me taste you." Her voice was deep. Lex's eyes rolled back and he gave in. The pure wave of pleasure washed thru him and he came into her mouth, calling her name in a breathy voice.

She took all he gave and reveled in the fact that she had given him such pleasure. Sitting back running her little pink tongue over her lips, she smiled at him wickedly.

"So do I pass, Professor?" she chuckle. Lex looked at her with blatant appreciation and nodded slowly.

"Oh yes, Miss Embers. You pass with the highest of marks." He said, laughter bubbling out of him. He reached up and hugged her to his chest.

"But you will need to keep your studies up. I plan on testing you on a regular basis."

xxxxxx

2:45am: the loft

Dressed in minor pieces of clothing Lex and Ashley embark on a food finding mission to the galley kitchen of the loft. Lex rummaged around the fridge while Ashley filled two glasses with ice and ginger ale. Lex laid his discoveries out on the counter and sighed.

"You have distracted me from my homework." He said in a wicked voice. Ashley snorted and climbed onto the counter.

"What do you mean 'homework'? What, has Lionel sent you home with stock stats to decipher?" she asked in a saucy voice. He gave her an incredulous look; she smiled back from her perch on the counter top.

"Where do you think I go every day?" he asked, fixing him self a cold pastrami sandwich and shaking his head at her. He was stunned to find she did not know this already.

Ash shrugged and smiled.

"I figured you were working with your father in the 'family company'." She answered taking sip from her glass. Lex grimaced down at his food.

"Well I do work with my father but only 2 to 3 days a week. The rest of the time I'm at S.T.A.R. labs in a special study program." He said digging into his food.

Ashley giggled into her glass while Lex explained to her that he was in the process of getting his degree in Biochemistry.

"I work as a lab tech and I get to research for my thesis." He explained to her between bites. Ashley sobered and listened to him with astounded silence.

"I screwed around a lot when I was younger but I have made up for it. Though I am the youngest tech in the program, I have achieved more then the others in less time." He said unable to squelch the pride he felt in his education. Ashley looked down at her hands holding her glass and felt lost for a moment.

"Well, that is news to me. Guess I have been rather self involved." She made a face. Ashley blinked a few times and shrugged again. He watched her, silent.

"Sorry, Lex. That was really ungrateful of me." Her voice dropped. She felt bad; he had been so great to her through everything. She had not even bothered to find out how he spent his days. What in the Hell was that about? He leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips.

"It's ok, I can think of ways for you to make it up to me." He smirked and nipped her lips. She kissed him back, drunk on the new feelings she was having. He pulled away and returned to his food.

She liked the way he looked, she realized with a start. Ashley loved the masculine beauty he embodied. Her eyes trailed down his bare chest, cruising over his taut abs to his narrow hips on which hung the black jeans he had pulled on for warmth. She colored, remembering all the things he had done to her and she to him. The feeling was intoxicating.

Lex made her feel invigorated and charged. To be with him in this way was exhilarating and exciting. He was different, not the closed and cool operator she knew him be most of the time. Here with her, he was warm and open. He expressed feelings freely and asked what she felt.

Before they had ventured into the kitchen for a late night snack, they had been in her bed, still exploring each other. They had spent the whole day dozing and having discovery sex, spending long periods just kissing and touching.

Lex had asked her about the women she had been with, not in a tell-me-what-a-tramp-you-are way, more as if he was intellectually curious to know her experience.

She had told him about her girlfriends without any embarrassment, smiling while explaining her cherished memories of each lover. There had only been three, but two had been much older then her, older the Lex for that matter and the other was her first, Delaney.

Delaney had been her closest friend in high school. She was strong and tough, with an easy grin. Ashley had cut short her description of Delaney when she had noticed how much Lex reminded Ashley of her. They had a similar wiry build and angular features, Delaney had always worn her hair stringy and short, shaved on the sides like a boy. Did that mean Ashley had a type? She hid the giggle that resulted in that train of thought.

Shaking out of her reverie, Ash smiled at Lex and hopped down off the counter. She ran her fingers down his bare back, loving the feel of his skin under her hand. He stretched into her caress like a cat.

"I'm going to take a shower." She said walking away. He smiled and swallowed the last bite of his sandwich.

"Sounds like a brilliant idea. But let's use my shower." He said grasping her by the hand. "It's much bigger." His wolfish grin sent an electric shock up her spine.

He was right; it was much bigger.

xxxxxxx

Three Days Later: Metro Records Downtown Metropolis

The glass elevator rose over the city giving Lex and Ashley a breathtaking view. He watched her out of the corner of his eye. She was dressed in rock and roll colors, black and red, dark suede pants and silk crimson top that clung to her body. Her auburn hair fell in loose ringlets past her shoulders thanks to Vi's early visit.

The girl had shown up bright eyed and pigtailed to get Ash ready for this interview. She breezed into the loft, gathering Ashley up and glitzing her from her head to toe.

Whilst there, the blue haired girl noted a subtle change in the way Ashley and Lex interacted. Lex watched the girl with an air of delight and Ashley was no longer the shy girl Vi remembered. She smiled confidently and laughed boldly. While applying eye shadow Vi enjoyed a secret glee, Lex Luthor had finally met a girl who -got' to him.

The elevator came to a stop, the doors opening with a swish to reveal the reception area of the Metro's executive offices. A massive half moon desk dominated the room. A rail-thin girl with bleach blond curls sat behind the desk, headset stuck in her ear. She looked up at the approaching pair with round blue eyes; her red painted lips fluttered a moment before she found her voice.

"Mr. Luthor, I will announce you right away." The girl squeaked as Lex paused next to her post. He gave her one of his oh-so-charming smiles and nodded slightly. He turned his attention back to Ash, hoping she was not too panicked.

Showing her Wayne heritage Ashley stood straight and calm, at least to anyone who did not know her. Lex could see the worry in the tightly clasped hands hidden behind her back and the deep breaths she took every few seconds.

Before he could give her a word of comfort, Peterson appeared. Tall, wiry and bearing resemblance to a ferret, the record exec stuck out a thin hand to Lex.

"Good to see you, Lex." Peterson said in a falsely jovial voice. Lex took the bony handshake and nodded once more. He pulled from the clasp and turned to the girl at his side.

"Maxwell Peterson, allow me to introduce Ashley Embers. She is going to make your head spin." Lex said giving her a characteristic grin.

She looked the tall man in the eye and gave him her most dazzling smile. The jaded record man's eyes lit up at the sight of such a beautiful girl.

His gaze started at her leather boots and crawled all the way up to her face, roaming over every curve along the way.

Lex noted the flagrant lust in Peterson's appraisal of Ashley and it made him unhappy. It made him want to threaten the slime ball with annihilation, how dare he look at her like that.

Catching the flare of jealousy, Lex took Ashley's arm and guided her toward the office Peterson beckoned them to.

The walls of the room were filled with posters of the artists Metro Records had in their stables. At first glance, Ash counted seven of her favorite musicians; swallowing the lump in her throat, she took a seat in one of the plush over stuffed chairs.

After a short exchange of pleasantries, Lex explained to Peterson the reason he needed to listen to Ash's demo, and handed him the plastic case. Max took the case and held up one hand.

"Let me get the rest of my team and we will listen all at once." He grinned thinly and slipped out the door.

Once they were alone, Lex reached out a hand and grazed the side of her face with his knuckles. She turned into the caress her eyes closed for the moment.

"You're going to blow him away." Lex said in a low voice. "This little toady has never signed the likes of you. He will fall over him self once they hear you." He said it with prideful confidence.

She smiled, opening her eyes slowly causing his heart to thump faster, their color the clearest green he had ever seen. The sound of Peterson returning startled them out of their reverie.

Max came in with a short, round man whose pale hair was thinning and a birdlike woman with a slick, black bob cut. They smiled at Lex and Ash with fake warmth before taking seats off to the side. Max put the CD into his sound system and sat behind his oaken desk.

Ashley took a slow deep breath and watched. The music began to swell, all heads bobbed to the insinuating beat. When her vocals came in the woman actually gasped and gave Ash a stunned expression.

She smiled, unsure of what else to do. By the time they reached the end, all three faces were an array of stunned, excited, motivated and enthused. Lex observed with a cool pretense, not wanting to give the record swindlers too much.

Max stood up and threw his hands wide. His lustful gaze fell on Ashley once more only now he saw dollar signs as well as her naked skin.

"Ashley, I have to tell you I am impressed. I want to take a moment to confer with my colleagues before we talk about an offer." He said in a smooth tone, he turned his head and indicated the two blinking figures.

"I didn't introduce you did I? This is George Stiles and Penny Baker." Max said his voice still oiled.

Both nodded their heads and followed him back out. She turned to Lex with a bright smile, her eyes danced with hope. He gave her a nod and indicated that she should keep calm.

The three returned rather quickly and offered Ashley a very, very sweet deal. Before she could mumble an incoherent reply, Lex handed Max a glossy business card. He held out a hand to Ashley and smiled cagily at the exec.

"Any offer will be sent to this attorney." He said evenly. Ashley squared her shoulders and tried not to smirk. This was one of those days where everything was going her way.

She not only had a talent and could be highly marketable, she was Bruce Wayne's baby cousin and Lex Luthor's lover, she could get used to these kinds of days. Days when everyone responded the way she wanted to hear.

Man, this was exhilarating!

As they strutted across the reception area, Lex could feel her quiver, her hand clasped tight in his. She was going to get the best possible treatment, Lex insisted on it. There was no way his girl was going to be exploited or controlled by some soulless record mogul.

The thought stopped him cold. His girl? Had he really thought that? Was that what she had become?

Yes.

Yes, Ashley was his girl, his alone. There would always be celebrity in their life, but there would be a time when it was just them again, Lex could live with that.

They stepped back into the glass elevator, Ashley waved to the stunned and blinking record execs as the door closed. Lex turned to her pulling her body tight to his; he caught her lips in a solid kiss. She cleaved to him, taken a little off guard by his sudden attention.

He pulled away slightly and spoke against her cheek.

"I just thought of a new lesson for you." He said in a rasping voice. She giggled and tried to pull away. "No." Lex said holding her fast. "That's part of the lesson. It's a bit like 'Simon Says'." he replied and kissed her again. His mouth hungrily conquered hers, tongue taming her own, teeth biting deep into her lips.

The elevator came to a stop, Lex released her and stepped away, brushing the front of his coat absently with one hand. He motioned her to exit before him, in a polite manner.

A bit dazed she walked out of the car and into the vast marble lobby. They brushed through the small crowds and out onto the sidewalk. He was gentlemanly and guided her to the car, opening her door with a smirk.

She sat with a dawning realization that this was a game. Lex was teaching her a new game, one she had not played before. There was a thrill of trepidation that skittered up her back as he walked around the car and got in. He cocked his head and winked at her before starting the engine.

"Ashley." He said looking out the windshield. "You will not talk until we are back in the apartment." Her brows furrowed for a moment. Lex placed a hand under her chin and lifted it to his face.

"Let us see how well you do with this lesson." He whispered before kissing her even harder then before. Then he abruptly broke the kiss and pulled away into traffic. Ashley had the urge to ask several questions but refrained, she wanted to try this new game.

Lex wanted to dominate her; something had happened in that meeting room that Ash had missed, something that brought out a harder side in Lex. It gave her a pulsing heated feeling in her belly; she thought that she might do very well in this lesson.