Christmas Morning: Ashley's Room at Wayne Manor
The winter sunlight filtered thru the soft green window shears, changing the brightness of the light to a muted tone that was pleasant. Ashley stretched and rolled over in the voluminous bedding, her satin nightgown sliding over her skin in a teasing way.
She was startled to find she was alone in the bed. Sitting up she looked around the vast room. Her searching eyes found Lex in one of the antique chairs, one leg thrown over the arm of the chair his chin resting on one fist his eyes watching her with amusement. He was clad in his silk pajama pants and nothing more. She smiled wide at him and bounded from the bed.
She ran across the carpet and fell to her knees next to his chair. Her arms encircled his waist and her cheek pressed to his chest as she hugged him closer.
"Good morning and Happy Christmas to you." Lex said laughter mixing with his words. She giggled musically and climbed up into his lap to kiss him fully. His hands moved to hold her as he returned her kiss.
There was a polite knock on the door making them jump and Ashley slipped from his grasp as Alfred entered the room bearing a silver tray. He smiled brightly and set the tray down on the table next to Lex.
"Merry Christmas, Miss Ashley, Master Lex. I have brought you some hot chocolate that Cook prepared. She remembers that Ashley loved it as a little girl." He said giving the young woman a smirk of fondness. He walked to the door and gave a slight bow.
"Breakfast will be served in an hour." He opened the door and Ash spoke up before he could disappear. She returned his greeting and thanked him for the chocolate. He nodded and was gone.
Ashley walked to the table and poured a cup of the thick hot chocolate. While she was spooning the fresh whip cream into her cup, Lex approached from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. She brought the cup to her lips and sipped at the sweet drink while he held her in contented silence. She was halfway thru the cup when he finally spoke.
"You know there is one gift I should really give you here in private. And seeing as breakfast is not for a hour..." He let the though sit with her while he buried his face in her neck. Ashley grinned wide and set the cup on the table. She turned in his arms and pressed her lips to his temple. She could feel the beat of his pulse against her lips; her own changing, matching it's pace.
Lex raised his head, looking back over his shoulder at the bed. He scooped her up in his arms and tossed her on the bed. Their giggles gave way to moans as Lex gave Ashley his favorite gift.
xxxxxx
Christmas Breakfast at the Wayne Estate was a tradition. The table was set in elegant perfection. Bruce gave his staff an approving nod as he walked thru the big dining room. He greeted his uncle at the sideboard, taking a cup of coffee and doing his best to hide the exhaustion he felt.
Both men looked up as Ashley's joyful laughter wafted in from the hall. She and Lex appeared hand in hand smiling and slightly flushed. Bruce caught the look on his uncle's face and stepped between the old man and the young couple.
Holiday greetings were exchanged and they sat down to a delicious meal. While eating and talking, Ashley noted how tired Bruce was; she was worried he had been out saving the city again instead of sleeping, as he needed.
The breakfast passed in a pleasant manner. Lex and Bruce talked about finance and science. Joseph adding a few comments here and there, Ashley listened and answered any questions asked of her. If it had not been for a few of her father's comments about soulless capitalists, one could have taken it for a happy family meal.
Bruce watched her while she watched him, both wondering about the well being of the other. He worried that this euphoric period of her new found love would pass as it always does and leave her in a regretful place. He did not doubt they were crazy about each other he just was not sure it was going to last. For both Ashley and Lex's sake, he prayed it would last. The Bat rolled over in his slumber and commented.
"It won't last and when it ends it'll be excruciatingly painful for everyone involved." The candid voice said before dissolving into the back of Bruce's psyche.
The fleeting look of sorrow that crossed his face made Ash worry some more. She was both comforted and further distressed to see him replace it with one of his stock charming smiles. He winked and handed her a basket of croissants.
When they had finished eating and moved to the family pallor, Ashley gave Bruce her gift. They were standing by the long French doors the bright light illuminating their faces with winter sun.
He took the small silver box and opened it with care. Inside, nestled in the white cotton fluff was an intricate silver bat. It was tiny, less than a half an inch wide and it had a sturdy silver chain as well. She smiled and leaned closer.
"It's discreet but it will with stand abuse." She said her eyes sparkling with mirth. Bruce held his breath and turned the small charm repeatedly in his fingers.
"It's to remind you that I am so proud of who you are and what you do." she said her voice breaking a little. He raised his eyes to hers and let out the breath he was holding, the tears were forming and he did not want to let them show. He grabbed her in a great hug; he never expected to have such support form some one he loved so much.
Lex stood by the hearth, poking the fire with an iron; out of the corner of his eye, he watched the exchange between cousins with a warm smile of his own. He had helped her select the charm for Bruce, knowing it meant a lot to her. He was glad it went over well.
Joseph gave his daughter a silver tennis bracelet, proof that he just could not accept who she really was. She was kind and thanked him for the gift, though putting it on made her feel as though she was empty and cold inside.
He seemed to like the silver framed picture of the Embers family in better days. She had gone to great lengths to get the photo reprinted and restored. He gave her something approaching a real smile for it and went back to smoking his pipe.
The gorgeous leather jacket Bruce gave her had hidden pockets that were filled with various self-defense tools: pepper spray, mini stun gun and a panic button that would emit a very loud whining sound. She laughed and told him she would be sure to keep the jacket as one of her regular coats. He nodded sagely and told her she had better do so.
The gift that Lex gave her made her small hands fly to her mouth as she gasped. It was handcrafted guitar of the finest golden wood and inscribed with her name. Though she had gotten a new one after hers had been destroyed, she had never been very happy with it.
Lex had this one made for her, to fit her hands and her reach. How he had gotten the measurements she would never know but she did not really care. It was beautiful and she loved it. She hugged him tight and gushed about how wonderful it was.
Then she gave him her gift.
The look on Lex's face as he read the inscription on the platinum ID bracelet was one of profound reticence. She had the jeweler engrave his full name on one side and a message on the other.
"To one of the few, truly good men I have ever known, all my love, Ash." Lex felt the tightness in his chest and he knew he was going to kiss her in a way that would make both of the other men uncomfortable. Lex really did not give a shit. Her faith and belief in him was beyond anything he had experienced since his mother's death.
She stood next to his chair, a scared smile on her face worried he would find the gift too mushy and romantic. She let out a small yelp of surprise when he pulled her down into his lap and kissed her so fiercely she thought she might come right there. Bruce hid his smirk behind his hand and asked his uncle if he would like to play a game of pool.
xxxxxx
Two Months Later: Metropolis: Record Release Party
The camera flashes and jumbled voices made Ashley's head swim. Metro records had done a slash and burn type of promotion for the first record. The result was incredible; every magazine, newspaper and entertainment show had a reporter present for the unveiling of Ashley Ember's first CD titled 'The Girl from Gotham'.
She stood in the midst of it all, dressed like a rock and roll goddess thanks once again to Vi and her magic. The execs were a little put out when Ashley insisted on hiring Vi as her personal stylist/assistant. But the indigo haired girl had been tickled and jumped at the offer. Ash had not regretted the choice.
Peterson was at her elbow guiding her thru the media frenzy. He fielded questions for her to answer and kept her smiling thru the whole thing. When the lights dimmed and the first video splashed across the screen Ashley felt another hand on her back, one that deftly slipped between she and Peterson.
Lex.
She turned to lean on him as the video played, she was still a bit freaked out to see herself up on the screen. This one in particular always made her blush. It was a raucous song to begin with, the video added lots of glamorous photography and black leather. The thigh high boots she wore in it had caught Lex's attention during the filming. He bought them from the costumer and gave them to Ash with the proviso that she was to wear them just for him.
The time spent with the choreographer had paid off, though Lex felt Ashley was a natural. The complex dance moves in the video showed her talent as well as her grace. The image painted said that she was so sexy and strong, someone to reckon with.
The crowd was responding very well. People were swaying and moving to the music. In the dimness, one ambitious photographer snapped a picture of her in Lex's arms. Ashley flinched at the invasion but Lex just rubbed her back and whispered to her.
"It's bound to happen. Just think about it like this, if we are out then they will be there. The only time to get pissed is when they invade or chase you down." He kissed her cheek before adding. "It's their job after all, just learn to let it roll off you."
The video ended and Peterson pulled her back into the spotlight. The questions flew; she was amazed that she had the brainpower to respond. They wanted to know her plans, her stylist, her favorite designers, and her influences.
Then one weasel faced man from The Tattler asked how long she had been living with Lex Luthor and how old was she really? Ashley could not control the flush that spread over her face. Cameras flashed catching her blush and Lex's steel-eyed look.
Peterson told the man that her personal life was not the topic of the press conference and moved on to the next reporter. Once the question and answer portion was over the room began to mingle. Food was brought around and drinks began to flow. The night wore on.
Ashley met so many people; she smiled until her face hurt. While she was chatting with two members of the newest boy band, she saw Lex talking to the man from the Tattler. The conversation looked unpleasant for the reporter.
She could tell from Lex's posture and the predatory look on his face that he was letting the reporter know that his question was not in the best taste. Ashley liked to think of it in that mild term. The darker side of Lex was something she tried to keep at bay.
Lex finished reading the riot act to the Tattler hack and made his way back to Ashley. He caught a glass of champagne from a passing try and drank half of it. His blood was up, just a little. How dare that petty ambulance chaser make her embarrassed during her first foray into the spotlight. He stepped up to the small ring of people around his girl and finished the glass.
She was really shining tonight, her astounding beauty drawing the people like moths to a flame. He watched as two pretty boys from Fox's latest teen drama posed for PR shots with Ashley. Their arms snaking around he back, trying to get closer to her.
He had a moment of smug satisfaction in the knowledge that she would be going home with him, no matter how hard they flirted. The group started to break up and Lex moved in.
The two young men looked at him with something like fear and jealousy Lex have them a smile that was all teeth and held his hand out to Ashley. She took it with a grateful look and cleaved to his side. Lex stifled the urge to wave the TV stars off and looked instead to the girl on his arm.
"Thanks, " she whispered her eyes glassy. "They were getting on my nerves." She chuckled and looked around the room. She waved to Peterson and beckoned him over.
"I am going to see if I can leave now." She said and the slick record man wove his way toward them.
"Really? So soon?" Lex asked, surprise evident in his tone. "This is your big night, don't you want to live it up?" he spun her around away from Max's stunned face and led her thru the parting crowd. He guided her to the collection of people standing in front of one wall of TV monitors that played her four videos constantly.
The appearance of Ashley made them all begin to twitter and coo, she smiled with her aching cheeks and thanked them for their complements. She chatted with the group for a few minutes and then slipped away pulling Lex after her. She reached Max's side before Lex could derail her again.
"Max, I am done in and all I wish now is to go home. That will be alright won't it?" she said doing her best impression of her cousin at his most charming. The man made fish faces for a few beats and then smiled.
"Yes, yes, sweetie, go home get some rest. We have a big week ahead." He patted her on the shoulder and watched her walk out with Lex.
The limo pulled up to the curb as they waited in the February chill. The driver opened the door and Ash climbed in. Lex spoke to him for a moment and followed her into the car. Once he was seated, she gave him a long measured look.
"You have something other then beauty rest in mind?" he asked the corner of his mouth twitching. Ashley crawled over the long seat to him and settled herself on top of him. Her legs shifting the long split skirt up to her hips as she straddled him.
His expression was composed and observant as she leaned in and kissed his neck. His hands moved up her legs under her skirt to her hips. She brought her hands up and held his face in her slender white fingers, the garnet ring he had given her glinted in the half-light.
"The one thing that would make this night perfect would be to come with you in the back of this limo." She whispered. "Would make the rock and roll fantasy complete." She giggled and pulled at the shirt he wore. Lex laughed lout loud at her words and kissed her mouth hard.
"It's a good thing I told the driver to take the long route home then." Lex mumbled.
She giggled and kissed him harder. Her lips were soft and tasted of cherries, must have been the lipstick, he thought hooking his fingers into her panties. The movement of the car rocked her hips against his, grinding their groins together, Lex groaned. She grinned and bit his bottom lip hard between her teeth.
Ashley yanked his shirt up to his shoulder releasing his mouth and bringing hers to his chest. Her tongue laved the tiny nipple making him hiss in pleasure. Wandering fingers slipped under the edge of her panties digging into her cheeks, clutching her closer to him.
"I think I am going to like this side of you." Lex said while she tucked her hands into the front of his jeans. "The rock diva having her way with me... has a nice ring to it." He laughed. She stopped and looked at him with one brow raised.
"Don't mock me, Slick." She said, her small hand grasping his member tight. Lex gritted his teeth at the sensation. "I may decide I'm not in the mood." She whispered before sliding backward off his lap and onto the floor of the limo.
Her clever digits unzipping and unbuttoning, freeing his throbbing shaft to the warm air of the car, sweet mouth that descended over him in a rush of wet and heat. Lex's head fell back against the seat and he moaned in the back of his throat.
Like everything Ashley did, she improved with practice. By now, she was an artist of fellatio, so proficient that her execution of the act, she made Lex feel boneless and elated all at the same time. He sometimes found himself blanking out during board meetings with his father, mind drifting in the memory of her soft mouth and eager tongue.
She dipped her head low taking as much of him into her mouth as she could manage. She was rewarded with the guttural growl Lex emitted. She rolled her tongue around the shaft and sucked firmly before pulling away, despite his slight whimper. She smiled in an debauched manner and slipped her undies off in a simple movement.
She climbed back up him and eased herself onto his cock. The slow penetration made him grasp her shoulders, he thrust up into her and she cried out. She seized his face in her hands, her fingers slithering into his mouth while her hips rocked against his. He bit her fingers and dragged his hands down her back.
They moved together in perfect rhythm, their bodies so attuned to each other there was no fumbling or hesitation. He filled her completely, making her aware of every silken inch of him. Her lips capturing his ear and nibbling while she moved to meet his oscillating motions.
Ash gasped and felt the beginnings of a climax flutter in her belly. Her tight sheath clamped around his thickness while she threw her head back, hair spilling over his hands. Ashley came hard and loud, her moans sending a lick of heat thru him. He rutted up into her harder his lust making him more forceful.
Shuddering with her passing orgasm, Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his head. Lex grazed her throat with his tongue, tasting her skin and the delicate perspiration. He trailed his mouth down to her heaving cleavage sucking and kissing loving every gasp and moan that she expressed.
The spider webs of sensation began in his back and he gripped her tighter. She felt him twitch inside her right before he came and she gasped. Lex groaned against her breasts and spilled himself into her.
Panting and grinning like a fool, he looked up into her face and kissed her quickly. She giggled, knowing he loved her. Secure in their own little world they held each other all the way home.
xxxxxx
The sight of his father with arms cross and glowering at the young lovers, made Lex's blood chill instantly. Lionel stood in the middle of the loft, his expression cold and displeased. Ashley's felt herself flinch and stood in silence beside Lex, her mirth squelched.
"What are you doing here, Dad?" Lex asked in an icy tone. Lionel drew a breath and walked slowly toward them, his flinty eyes raking over Ashley from head to toe. He took in the tight top made of a shiny red material and the form fitting skirt with it's slit ending at her upper thigh, he licked his lips in a lurid manner.
A condescending smirk danced over his face and he returned his gaze to his son. Lex's eyes burned with anger, he had not missed any of the graphic thoughts that had moved across his father's countenance.
"I had heard tonight was 'The Big Night'.' Lionel's voice was mocking. "So I thought I would drop by and give my congratulations." He smiled and placed a hand on his son's shoulder and leered at Ash.
She tried to hide her shortness of breath and obvious fear, gripping Lex's hand tight in her anxiety. Lex pulled her closer, the smile that spread over his own face never reached his eyes.
"Well, that is just swell, Dad." His sarcasm was thick. "Glad to know you are such a great supporter of the arts." Lex took a forward step forcing Lionel to either back step or move to the side. The elder Luthor moved aside to get a better scornful look at Ashley as they brushed passed him and into the flat. Lionel finally addressed Ashley.
"Miss Embers, I trust you had a satisfying coming out party?" He asked the girl. Lex ground his teeth and looked at her ready to deflect his father's malice. Ashley thrust her shoulders back and Lex saw a flash of Bruce in her face. She turned from Lex and smiled her most charming smile.
"Yes I did, Mr. Luthor, thank you so much for asking." She hit him with the full wattage of her charm and beauty. To her credit, Lionel was briefly staggered. She removed her coat and stepped to the bar.
"Can I offer you something?" she asked oozing breeding that clashed with her flashy clothes. She poured a tumbler of scotch just the way Lex liked it. She stood tall and straight her full curves pushing against her shirt.
Lex took the glass she handed him with a wink and a smirk of conspiracy. She was holding her own against his father, it made him proud. Observing the exchange between the young couple, Lionel was astounded to see the potency of their feelings. His son was showing far too much, exposing how deeply he had fallen for this girl. Lionel chuckled and moved to stand next to Lex.
"Thank you, Miss Embers, ah, may I call you Ashley?" His dark eyes flashed dangerously. "Since you and my son have become so... Close" he let the word sit for a moment and then continued. "I cannot stay long I wanted to give my -best wishes' and I have something I need to speak to Lex about." He returned his hand to Lex's shoulder and smiled like a jackal at her.
"My dear would you excuse us please?" his voice dipped low and Ashley knew she had played out her hand; Lionel was not going to tolerate her cheekiness any longer. She did not want him to create any more hassle with Lex over her. Flicking her eyes to her lover's she smiled once more and slipped up the stairs to Lex's room.
Lionel watched her leave and his lips pursed. Lex closed his eyes, knowing the lecture he was about to receive. He downed the glass of scotch she had made for him and turned to his father.
Lionel was watching his son with interest, his gray eyes not missing a thing. He held one finger to his chin and stared at Lex.
"I am surprised at you, Lex." He said in a muted voice. The implication that Lex had failed yet again was plain. The younger Luthor shook his head and stared right back.
They argued for a few minutes about emotions and how a ruler did not give in to them or expose himself to others by having them. Lex was simply not in the mood for it, he held out a hand and stopped his father mid tirade.
"Not tonight, Dad, not even you can ruin the high I have right now." He stepped closer to his father, his face smug. "You cannot touch what is happening here and you know it. So, why don't you go back to your figures and your hostile takeovers and leave me to enjoy what I have." He held Lionel's gaze for several beats before the older man chuckled and walked toward the door. He stopped as his hand fell on the handle and looked back over his shoulder at his son.
"You are wrong on many points, son, but I will not indicate them now. Go enjoy your 'little courtesan', while you can." He laughed again. "She will be gone all too soon."
He closed the door with a bang.
Lex remained unmoving for several minutes trying to calm the alarm his father's words had dredged up in him. He was profoundly angered at Lionel's intrusion and his outright threats.
Lex's sigh seemed to come from the very depths of his soul as he poured another drink. He locked the door and walked up the stairs, his heart trying to find the buoyancy it had only a short time ago.
It took emerald eyes and soft lips to drive away the dread Lionel had left behind, but it worked... for now.
xxxxxx
Ashley exploded in the music world, her album shooting to the top of the charts within two days of its release. The execs were calling every day, appearances, concerts, photo shoots and interviews. Her time and face became a commodity. Lex did his best to remain unfazed by the whole hoopla, he focused on his thesis and spent his nights with Ashley. Though the tour loomed large before them, she was scared, it was all happening so fast.
Already it was impossible for them to go out together, the papparattzi would have a feeding frenzy everywhere the beautiful couple went. They no longer asked Lex about his father and the shady LuthorCorp deals, now all they wanted to know about was his girlfriend and how they met.
Was he afraid that Bruce Wayne would come after him because Ashley was so young? How exactly did you two meet? Come on Lex, you can tell us. He gave them his smug grin and said nothing, it was none of their business until she wanted them to know.
When Ashley finally agreed to tell the tale of how she came to stardom and how she met Lex Luthor, she gave the story to Rolling Stone. The journalist nearly fainted with what she felt was the most romantic thing she had ever heard.
Ashley bit back the words in her mind. Yeah try living it, bitch. Not so romantic when your the one on the street. The one bashed against the wall in attempted rape. Still her fans ate it up, they loved that their beautiful siren was a survivor as well as a blue blood.
Bruce fended off the Gotham press who clamored for stories of Ashley from childhood. He told them that she would have to give them those stories, as he was unwilling to part with his own memories. He would call her every few days to make sure she was staying sane. She would ask coded questions about his work and he would always tell her things were fine.
However, she read the papers and knew of every triumph and defeat of The Batman. She would go into a fit every time they would call him a criminal. It took Lex a good hour to get her out of these moods once they had set in, but he always did.
The month slipped away and the day arrived for Ashley to leave. The tour would take five weeks and they would crisscross the country, starting in L.A. and ending in Gotham. Max had organized the tour himself and found Ashley the best tour manager there was.
The roadies and crew were on their way to Los Angeles already, Ash, her musicians and dancers would follow in the tour bus. Vi as always was there at her side, taking care of the mundane details and making sure Ashley looked her best at all times.
The morning of the departure was gray and overcast, the city sky threatening rain at any minute. Lex went with her to meet the bus. The bustling people moved around them, but the only saw each other. They stood face to face next to the bus Ashley shivered in the chill air. He held her hands in his and smiled his sly smile.
"I will see you in Chicago in a week." He said leaning down to kiss her. She clung to his hands and kissed him back.
"Lex." She whispered. "I'm afraid." He hugged her to him and tried not to laugh. Times like this reminded him of how young she was and how unaware of her own power. She was a force to be reckoned with though she did not know it.
"You will do fine, baby. You're a star now, remember that, everything will fall into place." He kissed her again longer this time, his fingers tracing patterns on her cheeks.
The wind picked up blowing passed them, flapping Lex's coat tails in its fury. Ashley melted against him, her heart pounding in her ears. She knew that she would be able to face the challenges ahead; she just did not want to leave Lex.
The time she spent with him had become her anchor; he kept her from floating off into the imaginary world of celebrity. He let her go slowly and took a reluctant step back
"Ashley, get on the bus. I will call you tonight." His eyes were earnest and she suppressed the dry sob she felt in her throat. She nodded and climbed onboard the tour bus.
The rain started as the bus pulled away, Lex waved to her from the curb. Ashley watched until the bus turned and she lost sight of him. Sitting back in her seat she put her headphones on and closed her eyes.
The world would never be the same after Ashley Ember's first national tour. She broke records for attendance and ticket sales at all her venues. Every city she hit the crowds followed and the radio stations went mad. Lex watched the reports on TV and finished his work, knowing she would be back soon, knowing she belonged to him.
She called every night with out fail, no matter where she was or whom she was with, she called. The visit in Chicago had been fun and intense. Everywhere he turned someone knew who he was and asked about her. They spent most of the three days in her hotel room, ordering room service and making love.
Overall it was not as bad as Lex had imagined, true they could not go anywhere with out the world knowing, but his beautiful girl was wanted by the world. Yet she only had eyes for him; damn he was a lucky bastard.
xxxxxx
Three Months Later: Metropolis Penthouse belonging to Ashley
She walked leisurely thru the rooms, taking the time to admire the lovely décor. Lex leaned against the doorjamb of the patio door and smiled indulgently. The decision to buy the penthouse had been hers; she wanted a place that she could have the lunacy of her public life while keeping the loft for them.
She did not want the gossip columnists or the photographers in Lex's loft, it seemed wrong and a violation to her. He told her he really did not mind but she had insisted. They found it easily and it provided everything she needed as well as top-notch security.
She was a worldwide phenomenon now, nominated for Grammies and hailed as the best thing to happen to music in the last ten years. She was a household name, schoolgirls emulated her, everybody wanted to know her. Lex was elated with her success; he had never doubted she would take them by storm. Much like she had done him.
There had been this one incident a few weeks prior. Lex and Ashley had been out clubbing, mostly as a PR thing but they were having a lot fun. That is until that stupid son of a b!tch had asked Lex if she was as hot in the sack as she was in her videos. He laughed crudely and Lex saw red.
Lex broke his jaw, that had ended the night for them rather quickly. The press went nuts. Luthor lawyers settled with the asshole for a tidy sum and his father had chewed his ass for an hour about his temper and his distasteful obsession with the 'pop tart' as Lionel called her now. Lex doubted Lionel even really knew what a pop tart was but he used the insult nonetheless.
Shaking out of his thoughts Lex focused his eyes on Ashley.
He held out a hand, he wanted her in his arms. She stopped turning in a circle, looked at him, her face open and relaxed. Lex's chuckle came from the back of his throat.
"You have walked thru the rooms five times now. Are you looking for something?" he asked his lopsided grin making her blush. She crossed to him and wrapped her arms around his torso.
"Actually I was trying to pick which room we should christen." She mumbled into his chest. Lex laughed and drew her with him onto the patio. The vast city swept out beneath them. The setting sun making the polluted air a cacophony of colors.
"Why not out here." He asked, wickedness sparkling in his blue eyes. She gasped and giggled in titillation, before agreeing.
xxxxxx
Two Months Later: The South of France
"Ok, now shift and let the clutch out." Lex spoke patiently. Ashley followed his instructions and the little sports car moved with ease along the winding road thru the French countryside. She giggled; taking to driving as she did everything else she turned her hand to. Lex had begun to believe there was nothing Ashley could not do once she set her mind to it.
"This is so much fun!" she enthused adding more speed. "If I had known how much fun driving was I would have learned sooner." She smiled and the wind of the convertible whipped her hair around her head.
They were taking a well-deserved break from the world. Lex had finished his internship at S.T.A.R. Labs and Ashley was getting ready to start her second album. Before things got hectic once more, they had run off to France. Staying at a quaint château and spending some much needed time alone.
Lex had offered to teach her to drive; her birthday was just around the corner and he wanted to surprise her with a car of her own. However, said car would be pointless if she did not know how to drive it.
The long country roads afforded them the chance for her to get the hang of a stick shift, without being pressured by traffic. She was delighted with the new skill and continued to accelerate. Lex could not fault her, he had his own love of fast driving, but he knew she was not as skilled yet.
"Baby, slow down a little. Wait until you know the car better before you start breaking the sound barrier." His smooth tone gave her comfort and she eased off the gas. They came around a bend and found a lovely little village set in the valley.
"Let's stop and have lunch." She suggested, turning off the main road and heading for the town of Arudy.
They parked the car and went in search of a restaurant. Walking, hands clasped tight, they marveled at the picturesque town with its the old cobblestone streets and the ivy covered buildings.
They passed a man selling flowers. The man called out to them and spoke in French. Lex stopped and answered the man then pulled some money out of his pocket. He handed a bill to the man and took three red roses handing them to Ashley.
The man spoke again making Lex laugh before he answered him, the man laughed as well and waved as they moved on. Ashley smelled the flowers and smiled up at him.
"What did he say that was so funny?" she asked, Lex wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"First, he said any woman that beautiful deserved a perfect rose. I agreed and bought you three because you 'are' that beautiful." He kissed the top of her head and continued. "Then he asked me if I knew just how lucky I was to have such a woman on my arm. I told him I knew and I still cannot believe it." She laughed and stopped to put her arms around his neck, she kissed him sweetly.
"Silly boy, I'm the lucky one here." She took his hand again. Walking in the summer air they could smell the fresh bread the bakery on the corner had just set out, a little slice of paradise.
There was a delightful café on the next street. It had tables on the street; they found an empty one and sat. The server approached and Lex ordered in flawless French, the man smiled and left. They talked for a while about nothing in particular, simply savoring the pleasure of being together.
Lunch was enchanting, fresh cheese, bread and fruits from the area as well as a bottle of the rich red wine they made locally. Ashley was finishing her second glass when two teenage girls walked passed their table, only to stop dead in their tracks.
They had copies of a Paris magazine with Ashley's face on the cover. The first girl stared with her mouth open, her friend turned to see what she was staring at. She let out an audible gasped and ran over to the table.
Ashley could make out her name and Lex's name and she knew what 'mon dieu' meant but the rest was a florid rush of French. The girls were only a few years younger then Ashley but they were star struck and chattering.
Lex held up a hand and tried to calm them down. He explained that Ash did not speak French and he would have to translate for her. The girls went silent instantly and stared at him with big, wide eyes.
He turned to her bemused face and told her that they claimed to be her biggest fans and that their friends were never going to believe that they had seen her here in their village, with him no less. Ashley laughed and held her hand out for the magazines. Lex handed her a pen and she signed the covers, the fact that people wanted her signature still made her giggle.
The girls jumped up and down several times hugging each other and nearly screaming. Ashley laughed and looked around hoping no one was going to kick them out because of the noise. The girls finally calmed down and repeating 'Merci Mademoiselle' they went off. After the high volume display, the couple paid their check and went on a walk thru town.
They wandered up the sloping hillsides and passed the crumbling abbey, history ripe and rich all around them. Lex watched her as she stood on the crest of a hill, her white linen sundress billowing in the soft summer breeze.
He felt that everything was right and he could not love her more then he did already. It had made him noticeably different to others, he smiled more often, was agreeable and even thoughtful, words one never would have used to describe a Luthor man before. Yes, Lex thought to himself, this is right.
Lex suggested they head back, the afternoon was winding down. They stopped and bought some bread from the bakery and another bottle of the red wine. The prizes in her arms Ash practically skipped back to the car. They put Mozart on the CD player and headed off.
Lex drove back and they reached the château just as the sun began to set. Walking into the house, Ashley kicked off her sandals, located two wineglasses and a corkscrew. Looking at him over her shoulder she walked to the long glass doors.
"Join me on the veranda?" her eyes flashed playfully. Lex nodded.
"I'll be right there." He watched her walk out the doors before almost running up the stairs. He hurried into their room. He reached into the hidden pocket of his suitcase and took out the pale blue Tiffany and Co. box. Taking a deep breath, he closed his hand around it and went back downstairs.
She was sitting on the stone railing of the patio, her bare feet dangling over the drop. She had poured two glasses of the wine and set them on the rail next to her. He took the treasure out of its box, slipped it into his pocket, and walked out the door to Ashley.
Her hair had gotten so long; it fell to the middle of her back now, soft curls of dark auburn closer to her natural color then before. He threaded his fingers into her tresses and brought them to his face, breathing in her scent.
She laughed in pleasure and leaned back against him. She lifted one of the glasses up to him. He took it and savored the aroma of the vintage. She lifted her own and twisted around to face him. They clinked the glasses and both sipped deep.
Ashley returned to watching the sun fall and Lex set his glass down on the railing. He was nervous but in the best way. He reached around her and took her glass gently.
"Ash. Can I ask you something?" he said biting his lip before going on. "It's something I have been meaning to ask for a while now." He pulled the ring from his pocket and brought it around in front of her.
He'd had commissioned it a month before. Knowing she hated diamonds, he had Tiffany and Co. find the perfect emerald, one that matched her eyes. They set it in platinum and circled the stone with tiny flawless amethysts. The green and purple ring caught the setting sun's light and flashed in Ashley eyes. He felt her go ridged and noticed she stopped breathing. The moment hung long in the air.
"So what I wanted to ask you was-" He cleared his throat. "Will you be my bride?" he whispered into her ear. She shuddered before twisting around to him. Her eyes great and wet she stuttered for a second.
"Oh, oh, L-Lex..." She gasped out. "Yes." He let out the lungful of air he had been holding in and kissed her. The sun fell behind the mountains as they held each other, in a kiss that lasted a very long time.