Here is the next chapter. Thanks everyone again for following this story! :) Hope you'll like this chapter.
I felt delirious and in pain. My head was burning. I slowly opened my eyes. I was tied to a chair in a dimly lit warehouse. Duct tape on my lips and around my wrists and ankles.
"Ha ha ha" an evil laugh came from the distance but I couldn't see anything. "He he he. Ho ho ho."
Slowly I saw the white face of the Joker approaching from the darkness.
"Welcome, welcome." He said. "To our first live interview!"
He went over and turned on a camera.
"Good evening Gotham."
He was going to kill me on live television. There was no question about it. I felt nauseous from the panic. I tried to move my hands but they were tied together.
"I'm joined by no other than the world famous Catherine Hunter." He pointed at me and stared at me. His eyes black and full of anticipation.
"You see, Ms Hunter took something from me. She is a thief. But the police, they didn't come after her. No! They came after me! Is that justice Gotham? I haven't been able to kill a person a day since she took my gunpowder away. HAHAHAHAHAH! That rhymes!" He said triumphantly. "And what rhymes," he came closer to me. "...is good. Isn't that right Ms Hunter."
His face was just inches away from mine. His eyes gleaming with obsession, the white make-up in his wrinkles. His sweet and thick smell hanging in the air. Like old clothes mixed with sweat.
"Why so serious Ms Hunter?" He turned to me and looked me straight into the eyes.
"You see my scars? Do you wanna know how I got them? Huh? My father was a drinker. One night he comes home and is more out of control than normal. He hits my mother so many times - I think she's gonna die. So I go up and stand between them, trying to protect my mother. He doesn't like that. He doesn't like that one bit. So he takes a knife from the kitchen..." He takes out a big sharp knife and grabs my face. In terror I'm trying to fight him off but is grip is too strong, his long fingers holding tightly onto my head. "...he takes the knife and ask me Why so serious? Let me put a smile on that face."
In terror, I stared at him, not sure what he would do to me next. Slowly mutilate me? Torture me? I felt hot and cold all at once, the fear vibrating through my bones.
"Do you know who the Batman is?"
I shook my head.
"Gotham's best kept secret." He walked around me in slow circles. "I have changed my mind again." He said, almost talking to himself. Then he walked to the camera. "It is time that Gotham's most notorious criminal comes forward. If the Batman doesn't reveal his true identity within 24 hours, Catherine Hunter will be dead. Oh and let me be clear what I mean by that. I will take her apart piece by piece, savoring every moment of her slow, painful death. But don't worry, you all get to watch it on live television. I'm a man of my word. Hehehehehhehehe!"
Looking back, I wished I had died that day falling from the building. At least that would have been fast and painless.
The Joker turned off the cameras.
"Pretty good start, don't you think? A good opening act."
He removed the tape on my lips in a fast movement.
"What do you think? Emmy worthy?"
"You know that Batman will find you before he will reveal who he is."
"Exactly!" He said triumphantly, his eyes widening again. "And that's the point. See, I don't take pleasure in torturing you. I don't. Torturing is for psychopaths and I'm not one of them. I'm trying to send a message. He thinks this town is his, but it isn't. If it wasn't for him I would have just killed you immediately. This way I am taunting him."
"Why me?"
"You're a symbol. Gotham's investigative journalist. And a pretty woman. Men love playing hero for women. It's in their DNA."
"What makes you so sure he can't save me?" I asked, feeling the panic pumping in my veins.
He grinned at me, his eyes wide and black, his face looked like a plastic mask instead of a real face. His insanity was vibrating from his every fiber.
He checked his old-fashioned pocket watch, which was hanging from his pocket on a gold chain.
"It's almost time, Miss Hunter...almost time."
"How can I help Master Wayne?" Alfred asked him while he was rushing to get changed.
"Call Gordon. I need to know what they know."
"Right away sir."
"Alfred." He stopped the old butler in his tracks.
"Yes, sir?"
"Let him know I'm on it but I could use their help."
"How are you planning on locating him, sir? Weeks of research have turned up nothing."
"I know where he is." He said while taking off his shirt and starting to change into the batsuit..
Alfred looked at him confused. "How?"
"When she broke the story on the Joker's location, I knew I had to do something. She is always wearing this small, gold necklace. I found a replica and put a tracking device in it, just in case."
He knew Alfred wanted to lay into him about invasion of her privacy but right now, this invasion of her privacy might save her life.
"Do you want me to tell Gordon the location."
"No. I want to go in on my own. But I want them to be ready in case."
"Certainly sir."
He was trying to center himself, pretending it wasn't her the Joker held captive. He couldn't lose focus and feeling fear and panic was the opposite of that. Breathe in your fears - he reminded himself.
"So you don't really want him to reveal his true identity?" I asked the Joker, trying to figure out what his plan was.
"Of course not. What would I do without him?" He laughed.
"I don't understand."
"It will all make sense soon. Patience, patience."
For some reason I really needed to know what his plan was now. As if I had a chance of preventing it once I found out. "I think you're bluffing." I said, mustering all my courage. His eyes shot at me like darts.
"I think you don't have a plan at all. You're just as crazy as they say you are. You're a freak."
"I am not a freak." He said quietly, holding back anger. "Look," his face was twitching. "I don't take pleasure in torturing you because you're a nobody. You're nothing."
"Then why am I here?"
"To torture Batman of course! He will have to choose and break his one rule."
"What rule is that?"
"Ah come on now Miss Hunter, you have to know that much about the guy by now. He doesn't kill. Ever. But tonight, tonight he will have to kill."
"How?"
"He will have to choose between you or a hospital full of people. He cannot save both."
I looked at him in horror. "You planned for Batman to find me." I said just above a whisper as his whole, evil plan unfolded in front of me.
"Ohhhhhh yes! I'm not sure how long it will take him but he will get here. The beauty is, by the time he gets here it will already be too late for you and those poor, innocent people in the hospital. At least for any normal person it would be impossible to save. So he has to make his decision quickly, but it is a decision nonetheless. Kill you or kill hundreds of innocent people. The blood will be on his hands."
"You're a sick psychopath." I said in disgust, feeling more hopeless now than I did before.
"I liked you better when you didn't talk. All those questions..." He said as he placed another piece of tape over my lips.
I wished with all my heart I could turn back time and not put Batman in this position. I was sure he would choose to save the hospital, as he should. Silent tears were rolling down my face as I accepted what that meant for me. I got myself into this situation. No one should have to pay for it but me.
Why is this happening? She was supposed to be safe without him. That's why he cut all ties to her. It was so hard for him to stay away from her but it was all so she wouldn't end up in the hands of maniacs like the Joker.
Yet here she was... Rage filled his heart and fear. Fear for her life more so than he ever feared for his own life.
He had put on his suit and was about to jump into the tumbler when he turned around and yelled after Alfred.
"Alfred."
"Yes Master Wayne."
"I know his plan! He's going to blow up a hospital. Get the information to Gordon. I don't know which one. He needs to evacuate them as soon as possible without causing a scene. Tell them it's a training exercise."
"How do you know this?" Alfred asked.
"I also put a microphone in her necklace. I've been listening to their conversation." He answered as he was driving away in the tumbler. The information gave him an edge and for once, he was grateful she asked that many questions, but even then, he wasn't certain he could save her and the hospital in time.
It was incredibly difficult for him to leave his feelings for her out of this, trying to pretend she was someone else, so his feelings wouldn't cloud his judgement.
Whenever a wave of panic hit him, he tried to breathe in his fear and use them against his enemies instead. I can't lose her too. Rachel's dead body flickered up in his mind before he was able to erase the image and move on. Use your fear. Become one with the darkness.
"Time to get ready for the party." The Joker said gleefully.
He walked up to me and took out a knife. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see what he was going to do with it. I felt the cold blade on my skin and heard a loud ripping noise. I opened my eyes to see he had ripped open to top of my dress. What was he planning?
"Don't worry. You're not my type." He said smiling at me. He placed a small device on my upper stomach and wrapped duct tape around me, holding it in place. His long fingers touching my skin, they felt cold and sweaty.
I closed my eyes again trying to imagine I was somewhere far, far away. Somewhere with Bruce, on a beach, the waves in the background.
"Done." He said triumphantly. "You're ready to go."
I looked at the small device on me, which was blinking.
"It's tiny, I know. It will not pulverize you and it might not even kill you immediately. How I placed it, however, it should be able to blow a good portion of your stomach out and your heart."
He had arrived at the building, still listening in on their conversation. She had been quiet for a while now, luckily the Joker continued to talk, giving him more information. The last bit, he wasn't sure he ever wanted to hear.
"It should be able to blow a good portion of your stomach out and your heart." Panic and anger struck him again. He ran up the stairs of the building. Thanks to Fox's sonar glasses, he was able to see which room they were in. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins, his hands balled into fists. He didn't have much time.
He observed the Joker from a distance talking to her. Seeing her this way was like a knife ripping thorough him. She was tied to a chair, her dress ripped up and the bomb ticking on her stomach. Breathe! He reminded himself again.
Gordon was already taking care of the hospitals. Now he had to take care of the clown.
"Imagine watching his expression when Gotham's investigative reporter is being blown up into pieces in front of him." He laughed hysterically. "I can not wait for that moment!"
In that moment the Joker is being pulled back. I can only see a flash of black.
"You made it."
It's Batman.
Batman kicks and punches the Joker who is gleefully accepting his punishment.
His punches land on the Joker so expertly, leaving the clown no chance. Batman handcuffs the Joker to a pipe before running back towards me. He's about to touch the device on my stomach when the Joker interrupts him.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"And why is that?" He asks in a deep voice.
"Did you think it would be that simple? You find her, knock me out and save everyone?" He laughed. "You see, I build in a motion sensor. If you remove the bomb from her skin, the hospital blows up."
Batman is clenching his teeth together and growling angrily.
He goes back to the Joker.
"Where is the trigger?" Batman's voice is vibrating with anger.
The Joker just laughs at him. Batman punches him again and again with full force but the clown continues to laugh hysterically.
"All your strength... It doesn't scare me. Death doesn't scare me." He laughs. "But it scares you! Not your own death, but you're terrified of others dying. It's fascinating. I think you and I, we are destined to do this forever."
Batman is breathing heavily, his fists shaking with anger.
"You want me to choose, is that your idea?"
"Exactly."
"So get it on then, give me the information. Which hospital."
"Is that your final answer? You want to save the hospital and not our precious reporter?"
"Which hospital."
"Interesting choice. I thought you would choose her. It's Gotham General."
Furious, Batman is running out of the room, not looking at me.
Thank God he is saving the hospital and not me. I could have never forgiven myself. I wondered how long I have before I die. I'm closing my eyes, trying to see something else than the horrid face of the Joker for the last moments of my life. Tears are rolling down my face again as I come to accept the fact that I will never see my family and friends again, that I will never see Bruce again. I see my life flash before my eyes. My childhood, graduation...everything. That must mean this is it.
"I am surprised he let you die." The Joker said, interrupting my train of thought. "He didn't even attempt to play the hero. I'm almost disappointed."
I didn't know what he was expecting. It wasn't like I had any special meaning to Batman. Our only connection was that I had saved his life, but I knew he would save a hospital full of people before saving one person. It only made sense.
"Sorry to disappoint." The husky voice said from behind.
The Joker looked at Batman confused. "Changed your mind?" He asked.
"No, everything is going according to plan." He said as he walked up to me again, kneeling down in front of me, looking at the bomb attached to me. I see his dark eyes focusing on the device. They look calm and in control. Was he able to save me and the hospital after all?
"I don't know what your grande plan is but this thing is going off in a minute and so is the one at the hospital. If you're trying to evacuate the building...too late."
Batman doesn't answer him but slowly touches the duct tape, slipping his hand underneath it. The glove feels softer than I expected. I try not to breathe so heavy but the panic is still pumping in my system. He uses the spikes on his other glove to slowly cut through the tape.
"Don't forget the motion sensor." The Joker interrupts again exasperated, clearly unnerved by things not going his way.
I continue to look at Batman, who remains calm. He finished cutting through the tape and slowly removes the device from me.
In that moment I hear a click…and then darkness.
I woke up in a hospital room to the sound of machines beeping. What happened? Was I alive?
I tried to move my hands and feet to see if there were still attached to me. Everything seemed fine.
A nurse was standing next to me.
"Oh good! You're awake. Detective Gordon told me to tell you that they got the Joker and that you're safe."
I couldn't remember anything. Batman must have gotten him out of there.
I slowly sat up, checking my body for signs of injuries that I might not remember. My wrists were blue and purple, my head hurt but aside from that, I seemed fine. I touched my stomach, which felt normal.
"Not so fast. You're supposed to take it easy." The nurse said smiling softly at me.
"What happened?" I asked the nurse.
"Let me check with the doctor." She said while leaving.
I felt the room spinning, as if I had gotten a head rush. I took a deep breath.
"Ms Hunter," a doctor walked in. "Good to see you in good spirits. How are we feeling?"
"Pretty good I think. I'm a little dizzy but mostly fine."
"Good. That is to be expected. You have been drugged so you will feel groggy for a few days to come."
"How long was I out for?"
He checked his watch. "About three hours."
"Am I free to leave?"
"Yes, just make sure you're taking it easy. Plenty of rest and fluids."
I nodded.
"Take good care Miss Hunter." He said. "You're doing some great work. We need you healthy and well."
I smiled. "Thank you."
He left and I slowly got up to put my clothes back on. Every muscle hurt. I went in the bathroom and got dressed. The hospital must have bought me new clothes? Obviously I wouldn't have been able to wear my dress. Maybe Gordon left this for me? It was a simple white blouse and a black skirt. I wonder how he knew my size? I looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were red. I looked pale. I wondered what the Joker had poisoned me with.
I walked out of the bathroom when I saw Bruce, leaning against the doorframe. My heart dropped. He was wearing his usual white shirt with the two top buttons undone. His eyes piercing right through me. The expression on his face looked haunted and despite his immaculate appearance, he looked like he had been through a lot. I was frozen and looked at him in shock. He was slowly walking towards me.
"What are you doing here?" I managed to say after what felt like eternity.
And out of nowhere, he grabbed my face and pulled me towards his lips. I felt like I was melting in his strong arms and maybe I was because he put his arm around my waist, supporting me. His kiss felt demanding and desperate at the same time. Our tongues met and he pulled me even closer into his embrace. Was this a dream? The doctor said I was drugged, maybe this is what my mind comes up with. I placed my hands on his arms, tracing the his muscles through the crisp fabric. This was incredibly real for a dream. I inhaled his familiar scent. He smelled freshly showered with a hint of cologne. This must be a dream.
"Are you ok?" He asked me, holding me in his arms, his eyes searching my face for an answer.
"Yes."
"Are you sure? I saw you... on the news with that freak... The idea that something could have happened to you... It made me sick to my stomach."
I processed that sentence for a while. He saw the confusion on my face and his expression changed.
"I'm sorry" He said while letting me slowly go. "I...I..." Was he stuttering?
"I probably should have asked first..." He was scratching his head. He looked nervous. My head was spinning.
"Why are you here?" I finally managed to ask again.
He looked up at me unsure of how to respond.
"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have just walked in here like that..."
"You're not answering my question." I looked at him puzzled.
"Why do you think I'm here?"
"I have no idea."
"Really? I thought I made my point pretty clear right now."
"Bruce... My head is spinning... You might need to make whatever point you're making a little clearer." I said confused.
"You don't have to ask twice." He said while grabbing me again, kissing me with even more fervor than before, his arms wrapping around me tightly. What was going on? Whatever it was, I wanted it to last forever.
"Excuse me..." I heard the nurse in the background.
He let slowly go off me.
"Ms Hunter, sorry to interrupt, could you sign these discharge papers before you leave." She asked with a bright red face.
Bruce grabbed the papers and handed them to me. The nurse was staring to the ground and then staring at him again when he wasn't looking.
I signed and handed her the papers. Bruce took my hand and walked out with me.
"Thank you for taking such good care of her." He said to the nurse who turned a shade darker red.
He was leading me out the door.
"Where are we going?"
"My penthouse." He said while opening the car door to his Lamborghini for me.
I was so confused, but too tired to fight on it.
"What's wrong with my place?" I asked simply when he got into the car.
"After what happened to you? My penthouse is a lot safer than yours."
"But the Joker is behind bars."
"For now..."
He started the engine then turned to me, looking into my eyes.
"I'm so glad you're ok."
And with that we were driving off into Gotham's night.
The city lights were flashing past us. His look was still concerned.
"Are you ok?" I asked.
He looked at me like I woke him from something.
"Me?" He asked surprised and snorted in laughter.
"What's so funny?"
"You're the one that was kidnapped by the clown."
"I'm fine. But you didn't answer my question."
"That's right... I'm in the company of a journalist." He said while smiling at me. "I'm good." He said and then looked at me again. "No I'm great actually."
When he had walked into that dimly lit warehouse and saw her, bound to a chair, it took him a lot of self control not to kill the clown then and there.
He was ready to risk everyone's life at the hospital to save hers, but he knew that was wrong. So he had to wait to remove the device until he got the o.k. from Gordon that Gotham General was evacuated. Stepping outside of that room for a moment without her was one of the most difficult things he had ever done, but he needed to hear from Gordon. Once he got the o.k. he went back inside.
When he brought her to the hospital, he was worried. He had a breathalyzer on knowing the Joker would use some kinds of tricks. Whatever poison had been spraying out of the device when he took it off of her, he was hoping it wouldn't cause any permanent damage to her.
He was carrying her in her arms into the ER and the smell of her hair was intoxicating.
The nurse looked baffled to see him but she just brought a stretcher without questions.
"The Joker used some kind of gas on her," he said in his husky Batman voice.
The nurse nodded at him. It was hard for him to leave her but he couldn't stay. Not as Batman.
He went back to the police station to talk to Gordon and make sure the clown was locked up.
The feeling of losing her was unbearable and he never wanted to have to go through it again. Losing her... As if he "had" her to begin with.
Back at the penthouse he shower and changed and went back to the hospital. He had already heard that she was up and well. He had to see her.
She was as beautiful as always, even after all she had been through. She noticed him in the doorway. Her eyes looked exhausted and scared.
"What are you doing here?" She asked softly.
Nothing was holding him back anymore. All the reasons in his head why he shouldn't kiss her had been invalidated. He couldn't hold back anymore.
He grabbed her towards him. Her intoxicating smell, her skin was so soft, her lips so delicate. She drove him mad. Their tongues met. What was she doing to him? He felt lost in the kiss. All worries far away.
Then it dawned on him - he hadn't even asked her how she was feeling.
He slowly let go off her although he didn't want to stop holding and kissing her.
"Are you ok?" Is all he managed to say.
She nodded. Staring into his eyes relentlessly. Her eyes. He got lost in them.
"What are you doing here?"
All of a sudden he felt embarrassed. Did she want to be kissed by him? He didn't even ask her! He was so selfish - so relived to see her well... He ambushed her after she just woke up. He was an idiot.
"I'm sorry... I should have asked..." Was he getting red? It surely felt like he was. Meanwhile she was always so composed... Nothing seemed to rattle her.
"You're not answering my question."
Huh... Maybe she was genuinely confused what he was doing here?
"I thought I made my point pretty clear." He smiled at her, giving her every opportunity to throw him out.
"Bruce... My head is swirling... Whatever point you were trying to make, can you be a bit clearer."
Oh yes he could.
Without hesitation he grabbed her. Her body was so delicate. Under his arms it felt he had to be careful not to break her. It took him all his self control not to undress her then and there. Just the thought of her naked body made his heart race.
"Excuse me..." the nurse said.
Some paperwork... He already knew she couldn't go back to her apartment. It was too dangerous. Or maybe it wasn't but he just wanted to have her close to feel safe for tonight knowing that nothing was going to happen to her.
She kept asking questions about the Joker and why she couldn't stay at her apartment. Because I need you to be safe, just for tonight. That wouldn't be a good answer. He sounded like a control freak.
We arrived at his penthouse where Alfred welcomed us.
"Ms Hunter so good to see you well."
"Thanks Alfred."
Bruce was still holding my hand and walked with me upstairs. He opened the door to a room that was as big as my apartment.
"I'm sure you're exhausted. This has an en-suite bathroom." He gestured towards the end of the giant bedroom. "And I see you in the morning."
He smiled at me and kissed me softly on the forehead.
He was letting go off me and I grabbed his hand. He looked at me confused. I slowly moved towards him until I was inches away from his face. His eyes were searching mine for answers.
"Don't go." I whispered.
As if something in him was suddenly unleashed, he grabbed me kissing me passionately, closing the door.
His arm supporting my back he slowly lowered me onto the bed while still kissing me. His lips wandered to my neck with heavy breaths.
"Stop me." He whispered.
What a weird thing to say and why in the world would I want to stop him? I had been waiting for this moment for a really long time. I ran my hands through his hair. Kissing me again, his hand wandered over my body. I had forgotten how incredible this felt. All the panic and desperation of the last hours had been washed away. I felt so safe with him. Feeling his hot lips on mine, I forgot everything around me. He opened the buttons to my blouse.
His lips wandered down from my neck, his hand on my bra.
It was surreal, feeling his touch on my skin again, his kiss on my lips.
He opened my bra, caressing my breasts with his mouth.
My head was spinning from all the events, my heart racing. He kissed me again and then looked at me breathlessly. What was wrong now?
"Are you sure?" He asked looking concerned again.
I nodded. Why was he so over protective?
He stood up starting to open his belt, kicking off his shoes.
My heart was beating incredibly loud and I was wondering if he could hear it.
He was staring at me again, his eyes gleaming with lust.
When he was about to unbutton his shirt I got on my knees on the side of the bed.
"Let me." I said while opening one button at a time.
He smiled, opening the cuffs of his shirt.
Opening the buttons of his shirt, I felt the heat radiating from his skin.
When I opened all buttons, he grabbed me again kissing me feverishly, laying himself over me again.
Feeling his skin on mine sent a shiver down my spine.
He removed my skirt and started kissing me again. He stopped and looked at me again.
"We don't have to do this. That's not why I brought you here. You have to know that."
"Don't stop." I simply replied.
And as if something in him was unleashed again he kissed me passionately. His lips burning with urgency on mine while he pushed himself inside of me. I gasped for air. His breath was heavy. His movements slow, almost calculated slow. I placed my hands on his back, feeling every muscled tensed up.
His pace quickened, sending what felt like electric shock waves through my body. I leaned my head back, he traced my neck with his lips and tongue, holding my hipbone with one hand in place.
His eyes met mine again. "Tell me if anything feels uncomfortable." He said out of breath.
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
He smiled at me, his eyes looking again like the Bruce I knew - open and vulnerable. His lips met mine again. I locked my legs around him, pulling him closer to me. He groaned while still kissing me. He slowly rolled over, letting me be on top.
I could tell he was still worried about me and didn't want to do anything to potentially hurt me. This way, I was in charge.
I sat up straight. His hands on my hips, I started moving. He exhaled deeply, his eyes closely focused on my body. I let my hands trail his rock-hard abs, which were flexing in response to my movements.
I moved faster. He closed his eyes for a second, groaning, clearly fighting the urge to come.
Luckily I didn't have to fight anything, enjoying the feeling. His hands moved up higher, gripping on my waist. He was holding onto me strongly, his eyes staring at me again, his breath heavy.
I moved even faster. That was it, I wasn't able to hold back anymore.
As I went over the edge I buried my nails in his skin, screaming out.
He quickly sat up, kissing me passionately again, before slowly rolling himself over me again.
His movements increased and became more forceful as he followed me quickly over the edge. He kissed me gently again then looking at me out of breath. Was he shaking?
"Are you ok?" I asked.
He laughed while wiping sweat from his forehead with one hand. "Believe me... Never felt better." He said while slowly rolling off me.
Now that my mind felt less clouded...the questions were coming back. What was going on.
He was lying next to me, pulling me into his embrace.
"I'm seriously still confused..." I said quietly, pushing him away and getting up.
"About what?"
About what?
"Um... I don't know maybe the fact that I haven't seen or heard from you and all of a sudden I wake up in a hospital..." I just stopped, hoping he'd fill in the gaps. I had put on his shirt slowly walking to the window looking out the giant window.
He sighed. Oh boy. What was coming now? He got up, putting on pants. I was bracing myself for something bad.
He stood next to me, leaning one arm against the window, looking at me closely.
"The truth is - and I'm not good with sharing much about me - but the truth is, the second I saw you at my party I couldn't get you out of my head."
I looked at him in disbelief. Bullshit.
"Yeah, right. Until you remember again you don't want anything to do with me. Seriously, I can't keep up." Shaking my head, looking out the window again.
"Cat." He said, moving my chin so my eyes would meet his.
He looked at me for a second, as if he was mastering up the courage to say whatever it was he wanted to say. "Cat...I'm in love with you."
I hand't expected that at all. It was like an emotional explosion in me. Did he just say he loved me? I just stared at him in shock, not knowing how to respond.
"I don't know how, but ever since I met you, all I can think about is you. No matter how much I try to distract myself."
"If this was true, then why would you need to 'distract' yourself? If you really loved me, why the back and forth?" I said in a weak voice.
"Because I think I'm bad for you."
"That's a load of..."
"I haven't felt like that about someone in a really long time." He interrupted me, his hand tucking my hair behind my ear.
"Why didn't you say anything before?"
"I figured you didn't' need an eccentric billionaire in your life."
"What changed then?"
His expression hardened.
"Seeing you in the hands of that psychopath. I guess I got more selfish."
"Selfish?"
He took a deep breath, his hands on both sides of my face, his thumbs softly stroking my face.
"I don't want to be without you ever again. Even though I think you'd be better off without me."
