Okay guys so here comes the third chapter… Hope you'll like it and don't forget to hit that review button…

Thank u for the reviews, and I have decided to continue the story.

Hey did anyone watch te Grammya??? Today Taylor Swift won the "Album of The Year" Award!!! OMG I'm sooooooo happy!!! God Bless Taylor! 3

MJ'sQueenSweetCaroline: No Gar doesn't know its Kory, and no one else except Emily and her mother know that Kory's alive.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot. =)

Footsteps Of An Angel

"Death Leaves a Heartache No One Can Heal, Love Leaves A Memory No One Can Steal"

Chapter 3: Life's a Bitch

I pretended to be busy writing down the event reminder as Gar turned around and started a conversation but about what, I had no damn idea. I could feel his eyes on me as I felt myself stiffen. Oh, god… Kory, control yourself… You can't let it slip away.

I was afraid to face him, so damn afraid. What will he say? What will expression be? Will he recognize me? Oh, god… But I had to be prepared for anything out of the usual, for he wasn't a boy anymore… He was a man of twenty three. I just finished writing my notes when Gar mentioned me.

"This is Vanessa Cole, your new P.A" he was saying and I knew that was a cue to turn around; I put on my best nervous-yet-confident-first-day expression and turned around. And as soon as I had laid my eyes on him, I knew my breath was hitched in my throat. I was right, he wasn't a boy anymore, he was a man. And oh, fuck was he a man… I wanted to drop my whole act and drag him into an empty room.

He was tall, a bit taller, probably 6'1 as I was 5'8 myself. And he looked like the peak of perfection of almost everything. His unruly black hair wasn't as unruly or spiked up as before but was gelled and combed back, he stood casually with his one hand in his pant pocket as the other held onto his coat over his shoulder. The white shirt that he wore clung to his body like a second skin even though it wasn't a T-shirt (Obviously) and I had to bite back an urge to tear it off. Not being able to have any sexual contact for the past few years, I realized I was more than desperate and more in love with him than ever before. He was everything a woman could want, classy, powerful, strong and gorgeous. With an eye color of clear crystal blue that I have never come across in my life except him, a voice that could make me melt, a touch that made me come right there and a body to literally die for. I felt quite bigheaded to think I had once been in bed with him, ahem, more than once.

Even though he wore a pair of black sunglasses over his piercing eyes, I knew he was staring at me… hard. His expression was blank, and I wanted to scream at him for not saying anything. It was an intense silence as we stood there looking at each other, I wanted to run away. All of the things which I was trying hard to hold back danced in my eyes as it turned from love to need. I knew I had fucked this up, but I couldn't help it, making a heroic effort I smiled sweetly, which I knew got to him every time when we were together.

I introduced myself further more and realized that Xavier was standing right next to Richard all this time, looking at me with wide eyes but never losing his cool.

"What was your name again?" Xavier asked he wasn't changed much; except for being a bit mature he was much more attractive. Seeing him there I wanted to ask him about Rachel but I knew I shouldn't.

"It's Vanessa Cole" I replied easily, and I was actually thankful for my accent.

"I see…" he seemed confused, and I couldn't blame him, "So you're from?"

"London, actually" I lied… I had no idea where my dad was from in Britain, and suddenly I realized I knew nothing about him, "I was raised there all my life, before my mother died and my dad told me about my half sister, Emily Waters… So after his death I moved here to live with her"

"And you're living here since when?" Xavier asked.

Shit.

I never thought about since when I was living here, "Three and a half years ago" I replied and knew I should've said a bit longer, but now I'd said it.

"And you're single?" Xavier continued his inspection and I wanted to punch him.

"I… Actually, I'm…" I struggled with words before Gar spoke for me… I gotta admit, you gotta love Gar.

"Her boyfriend died in a car accident" he answered.

"Oh, really?" Xavier challenged, and I realized that Xavier could be stern when he wanted to be… I knew Gar was glaring at him, as I was too but I was showing to be a bit miserable… Kinda, I mean, hello! We're talking about my (imaginary) dead boyfriend here, for god's sake!

"He died, just when I told him I was pregnant with his baby" I answered before Gar could, and I noticed Richard stiffen under his calm demeanor, I was surprised actually to find him silent all this time.

"I see" Xavier was torn between confusion and sympathy; he didn't know of which he was sure about.

"Why did you come to work here?" Richard spoke, and my head jerked towards him. He spoke quietly and ruthlessly… This wasn't the Richard I knew.

"I…" Gar saved my ass once again, I owed him big time.

"I offered her the job through Emily, Dick" Gar was glaring at the two of them, and I was shocked to see the goofy and fun loving Gar to be this much angry.

I felt like bursting into tears and my expression was taken the other way by Xavier, "Are you okay, Vanessa?" he asked, hey what happened to your inspecting?

"I'm fine… I think I should leave, I don't want this job after all" I replied, biting back a sob… This had to work, I thought as I picked up my bag and slowly made my way out of the office, only to be stopped by an embarrassed Xavier.

"Hey, look I'm sorry okay?" he started, "I'm sorry for what I said I was just a bit… Forget it" I knew what he meant.

I nodded my head and smiled, "Okay"

"So, um… How about I tell you about my plans for the reunion I'm having, Gar must've told you about it" he said.

"Yes, he did" I replied, this was working good after all.

"Okay, stay here I'll be right back" he left me outside the office as I could hear Gar talking to Richard and I strained my ears to listen to them.

"I know what you're thinking Dick… But she isn't Kory" Gar was saying and I anxiously waited for Richard to reply.

"How do you know that?" he protested, his voice was the same unfriendly one, and my heart sank, "Do you have any proof?"

"You know what? I do, as a matter of fact" Gar replied and I was cheering for him, "I'll take you to her house and then you could see Trevor, her son"

My heart beated fast as I realized that Richard didn't have the slightest idea that Trevor was his son too; I jumped in surprise as Xavier appeared out of nowhere.

"Let's go" he smiled as I nodded and quietly followed him out.


It was five hours later that I sat in my office, I had gone with Xavier into a café as he told me what kind of arrangements he wanted and where he wanted them, I have to say he had a good taste in things. He said that I needn't worry about the reservations because the club they were going to belonged to Rick's dad so he'd already reserved them. He then ordered a cappuccino for the two of us and went on with the arrangements.

It took us four hours to do that, and he told me something else too. Xavier asked me to go to his house someday and meet Rachel to discuss their official engagement party, which was supposed to be held three weeks after the reunion. I was so happy after he told me that and I found it hard to contain it, but I managed to none the less.

So anyways after we returned I remembered that I had to make a reservation at Jade Garden for Richard and his client. So anyways, I checked up their number and called them. They said they could make for especially for Mr. Grayson and asked for his client's name… At that point I realized I didn't know who the hell that was, so I told them to make a reservation and I'll call them back to tell them the name. I hung up and then got up, halfway towards the door, I didn't know who I was gonna ask about the client. Gar? But he had to go somewhere so I had no choice but to go to Richard, just thinking about that made me have butterflies… But then I remembered his recent behavior and I didn't feel so well then, why was he like that? He wasn't the one to be so heartless; he was a friendly and funny person… But he had grown up from that all, I guess.

Seeing I had no choice I made my way to his office, upon reaching there I knocked quietly waiting for a reply. When none came I knocked a little more loudly and I heard Richard's muffled voice from inside.

"Come in"

I turned the door handle and found myself in Richard's posh office. It was a combination of wine red and beige; with soft plush carpeted floor and dark reddish furniture, mostly made of wood and leather. The wall behind the desk was a whole window, looking over to the city and beach. And on the walls, different paintings by Picasso and Thomas Cole were hung; I remember Richard once told me how much he admired the two artists. And on one wall an enlarged photograph of himself with Xavier and Bruce was hung, it was taken recently, telling by Richard's appearance.

I then realized that Richard was looking at me questioningly as he leaned against the desk, a file in his hand which he was probably reading before I entered.

"What is it?" the same tone.

"Sorry for disturbing you but I was making a reservation at the Jade Garden for you and your client and I figured that Gar hadn't told me his name, you're client that is" I answered, as he cocked an eye brow and it was then I noticed that his glasses were lying on the table, but his eyes still remained blank and did not have that spark that they once did. He stared at me hard, as if to figure me out.

"Mr. Grayson?" I addressed him as he continued staring at me, a little smile broke across his perfect lips, but I noticed he wasn't smiling at me, but more to himself.

"This is going to be hard…" I heard him murmur as he put down the file and folded his arms while facing me.

"I'm sorry?" I asked, not getting what he meant by that.

"You're like… Your face, it's the same… And your smile…" he broke off in mid sentence and grew silent.

"Um, yes… I suppose I do resemble her a bit too much, but can you please tell me your client's name for tomorrow night?" I repeated but he was still in his thoughts.

"That would be me" a high voice behind me said as I turned around to see the source, but whoever that was walked past me before I could see her face. From what I could I saw a red haired girl moving towards Richard and throwing her arms around his neck, kissing him full on the lips.

And to my horror I watched as Richard circled her waist and kissed her back, pulling her against him… This so wasn't happening, who the fuck was this bitch having her hands all over my Richard? I stood there with weak legs as they went on making out in front of me… This was his client? This, this red haired bitch? My face was red with anger as I clenched my fist behind my back till they decided to break away.

"Hey, babe… Missed me?" she asked looking at him.

Instead of answering he smiled at her as she laid her head against his shoulder and they both looked at me.

"And you are?" the bitch asked, as I tried to blink back hot tears.

"I'm Vanessa Cole, Mr. Grayson's P.A." I replied rather stiffly as the bitch continued to smile at me.

"I see, well anyways Vanessa I am Dick's client for tomorrow night; Barbra Gordon… But please call me Babs" Babs? What kind of sluttish name was that?

"Yes… uh, Babs" I replied, trying not to cringe in disgust, as I was about to leave Babs stopped me.

"Hey, Vanessa I hope you've booked a suite for us in the hotel for the weekend" the bitch told me.

"Er…" What fucking suite?! And for the WHOLEfucking weekend?!

"Yes, don't you know? Me and Dick haven't had some time alone in the bedroom for quite a time… So…" she broke off as her hands traveled down Richard's shirt collar as her fingers expertly unhooked the first two buttons as he cupped her face and kissed her again.

"Yeah, sure… I'll get… Right on that" I replied my voice hoarse and turned on my heels and back to my own office.


I was on my way back to home and I felt like bursting out like a volcano full of tears. This wasn't supposed to happen; she wasn't supposed to come in between my perfect plan… Okay, maybe not all perfect, but still… I was so fucking, ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

I parked my new car outside and walked up to the front door, before I could take out the keys the door flew open and Emily stood there, beaming like a 1000 watts bulb. But when she saw my face her smile faded away.

"Are you okay?" she asked in panic.

"No, I'm not alright" I walked into the house briskly, "I'm a fucking idiot who thought she could just walk in and get her life back!"

"I'll take that as a no" Emily murmured as I walked in the common room and slumping down on a sofa.

"So what happened?" she asked again as I looked at her.

"We need his help… We need to tell him of our plan, right now" I said as she continued looking at me puzzled.

"Who?"

"Gar, call him… Now!" I exclaimed as she hesitated before dialing his number, "Tell him to come here ASAP"

"But Kor, we just can't…" she started.

"We have to tell him, I need his help" I cried out in frustration, "That bitch just had to come between us!"

"Who?"

"Barbra Bitch Gordon" I muttered as Emily looked at me worriedly.

"Er… Kory I think you should sleep, it's been a long day" she said.

"If aren't gonna call him I will" I took my cell and speed dialed his number, he picked up almost instantly.

"Hey, Vanny"

"Gar, where are you right now?" I asked.

"Actually I'm near your area"

"Great! Gar I need you to come at our house immediately"

"Why is everything alright?"

"Yeah, it is… I need… Just come okay?"

"Be right there" He hung up.

It was about twenty long impatient minutes that the doorbell rang to which Emily sighed heavily; she didn't agree that it was quite right to tell him, before getting up, "I'll get that"

Soon enough Gar and Emily came into view, with his arm around her waist.

"Hey" I greeted as they took a seat on the sofa across the table.

"So… What's up?" he asked, confused.

"Look, Gar… This is gonna sound really weird but you've got to stay calm and listen to the whole deal-" I was cut off by him.

"It does actually… Since when do you talk in a pure and fluent American accent?" he pointed out as I mentally cursed myself for giving it away before hand.

"Since forever…" Gar raised his brows at this as I took a deep breath, "Gar, I'm…I'm Kory Anders"

There was a long uncomfortable silence which seemed to last forever, though it was only a minute or two.

"What?!" he looked flabbergasted.

"Gar, please… I need your help" I said.

"Okay… If you told me you were her sister or something that would've been cool" he continued, "But this?"

"Gar…"

"You are supposed to be dead! You are supposed to be fucking dead!" he exclaimed… Hell, he was pissed.

"If you'll just listen" I began.

"No, Vanessa you listen! Do you have any fucking idea how much hurt you've caused Dick?! He's my childhood pal and I know him almost as much as Xavier; you broke his heart! You completely destroyed him! He's… he's…" Gar wasn't a very good speaker and I could tell he was struggling for words, but his words cut through me like a hundred knives, "He's not himself anymore! If it wasn't for Bruce he probably would've run away or killed himself by now! He doesn't even smile the way he did before!"

There was silence as he glared at me and I stared at him… Emily was afraid of what might happen; I couldn't blame her for that. But with lots of courage she put a hand on Gar's shoulder.

"I know what you mean, baby… But please, you've got to give her a chance to tell you her side of the story" she whispered as he turned at her.

"Oh, yeah? What is there that I possibly don't know? She sits here at your house and then plucks up the courage to get back to him?" he turned to me, "You know what, Kory? There are thousands of assholes out there who'd sleep with you, so just leave Dick and go find someone else, you've caused enough trouble"

What the fuck was he thinking?! I wanted Richard for… What the fuck?! I was shaking with anger and Emily seemed a little pissed too.

"You think I wanna get back just for a good fuck?!" I was standing now, my fists clenched and my eyes burning with hot tears.

"What else? Oh, yeah… His money? Well sorry to burst your bubble but I'll make sure you get what you deserve and that you won't get near him"

"You know what, Gar? You have no fucking idea what I've been through… Not a hint of it! I was tricked into losing myself to Roy… And then I was stripped of everything in my life, I was rapped hundreds of times by Roy and other fuckers who worked for Slade… I was nothing! Nothing, before I met them… I got to know what hope is and how it can change my life" I was cried, and Gar looked at me with the same expression.

"Why did you do this to him?" he asked, his expression was still hard but his tone was a bit softer.

"Because they tricked me into working for them! And because I had nowhere else to go, I accepted my fate but when I joined Rachel and the others, I realized that my life wasn't over and I told Slade I wanted to quit… But he won't let me; he threatened to kill Richard and everyone else if I exposed them or left… So I had no choice but to do so"

Gar looked stunned at my words and I dropped down on the sofa, my head in my hands as I shook furiously. Nobody said anything till I stopped crying and looked at Gar with bloodshot eyes.

"I love him Gar… I love Richard more than anyone will ever know, more than he'll ever know" I whispered, "And do you want proof of that? Look at Trevor; he's a living proof of our love!"

Gar was quite shocked by my outburst and Emily looked near tears. Slowly he got up and sat next to me, "Kory… I, I'm sorry… For what I said before, it's just that Dick's been just like a brother to me… And I hate to see him like this, truth is that he still loves you like he did before and even though he denies it he needs you back in his life"

I looked up at him, "But Barbra---"

"She's just a fling, to get his mind off you… Trust me, he doesn't love her" he smiled as I hugged him.

After we broke apart he grinned wide, "So what's the plan?"

I was quiet for a few moments, thinking about the scene in Richard's office; his lips all over hers, and his hands on her body… And they were gonna be together this weekend, I felt like bursting into tears again.

"Kory?" Emily's voice rang into my thoughts.

"Huh?" I looked around at them, "Oh, sorry… Just thinking"

"Well… I have something in my mind" Gar said.

"Really?" Emily smirked, "Spill"

"Well, you know everyone will be at the club for the reunion…" he started, "We can go too"


One Week Later…

Tonight was the reunion and all the arrangements we done. I was quite nervous actually, which was a bit unusual since I was so used to going to clubs… But anyways I was. Richard and Xavier had left early and I was just finishing organizing Richard's meetings and appointments when Gar entered my office.

"Hey, Nessa" he greeted as I smiled at him, "Ready?"

"I guess" I replied as I picked up my bag and followed him out.

The party was to start at nine, but we didn't care about that, for we weren't going to the reunion. They were to be seated on a reserved portion of the first floor. Anyways Gar drove us home where Emily was waiting for us.

"Did you drop Trevor?" I asked as she nodded and we both went into my room to change as Gar flicked on the T.V. We had decided to leave Trevor at a friend of Emily's for the night, as we couldn't possibly take him along or leave him alone.

We both changed as I felt my old flame for night clubs returning. I applied clear lip gloss on my lips and did a smoky touch to my eyes, as we were getting ready I remembered the first dace I had shared with Richard; the night I stole that jewel for Slade. We had nearly kissed as Rumors blared out of the speakers in the background.

I looked at Emily, she had decided on a hot pink strapless top with a black mini skirt along with a pair of pink high heels. Her make up was edgy, with black eyeliner and mascara on her eyes and a shade of bright pink on her lips. Her hair was in a pony and I had to say, many people were gonna get their eyes on her tonight; she looked hot!

I checked my self in the mirror, I looked pretty good too. With a black hip hugger pants, that clung to my legs like second skin and a golden lame material halter tops that exposed all of my back and my flat stomach along with a fair amount of cleavage. I had straightened my blonde hair which fell open across my shoulders and back and was getting into a pair of golden stilettos with an ankle buckle when Gar came knocking.

"Are you guys ready?" he called out.

"Just coming Gar!" I called back as Emily and I checked last minute things, and before getting out I put on my black zip up jacket.

Arriving at the club took half an hour and I felt quite excited about what could happen tonight. When we arrived there the music was loud and the crowd felt good, we decided to have a drink and the three of made way to the bar and all the time I could feel people staring at me as we passed by but not Emily, maybe because Gar had his arm around her protectively. I felt a pang of jealousy; I wanted someone to hold me like that, make me feel loved and protected. But anyways we ordered our drinks and sat at the bar talking about random stuff when Gar said he was going to check if the others had arrived and meet them. He left me and Emily at the bar and after sometime she asked if we should dance to which I eagerly approved. I wasn't exactly what you call drunk, but I had taken a few shots, I was just buzzed enough to feel happy about clubbing after a long time… And honestly it felt fucking awesome, it was just like old times when Emily and I danced together and every now and then guys came up for a dance or two, but I was careful enough to not give them any ideas.

Emily nudged my elbow and pointed upwards, where we could see Gar joking with a couple of people. Xavier looked dashing in his pants and black leather jacket, his hair was spiked up and he had his arm around Rachel's waist. And I got to say she looks gorgeous in a black cocktail dress that fitted her perfect figure with matching knee high boots. Her hair was up in a tight high pony and she had put on a hot red shade of lipstick and had done her eyes beautifully. They both were talking to Gar while Rachel sipped alcohol from a glass. By their expressions and actions I could make out that they wanted him to join them but he shook his head, pointing towards the dance floor, he was probably talking about Emily and that they will join him afterwards.

I saw more people joining them, including Mist, Troy, Kitty and Rick. Mist and Troy, along with their bands, had continued their successful acting career and were pretty famous by now, Troy had gotten a BAFTA for his performance in one of the films. Kitty had started her own clothing line in partnership with Mist. Tara was an ambassador of UNICEF and according to the media she had bought villas in a few places in Asia and Africa cuz she was on the move most of the time, it was pretty awesome actually. Rick was handling the clubs business with his dad and Zac was into the band mostly, he had recently hosted a few shows or something. I was pretty impressed by them all; unlike me they had made something out of their lives. Rachel was the heiress to the Rothella Industries so it wasn't that much of a pressure on her. Richard was handling the business along with Xavier; he still wrote songs and recorded them but rarely made a live cut on any of the tours… I guess he still wasn't the same he was before.

Meanwhile Gar had joined Emily on the dance floor and I was dancing alone mostly when I felt strong hand on my waist as I felt myself pulled back against someone's body. I continued dancing, grinding my lower body against my partner, his touch was strong yet gentle and his hands were practically on my whole body. After one song I felt his face against my hair and after drawing my hair back he kissed my shoulder as I felt burning sensations under his touch. I wouldn't have allowed anyone to do that but I just couldn't stop myself from losing myself in him. He left hot kisses on my neck, earning a moan from me. He suddenly turned me around and I came face to face with him.

I became still as his bright blue eyes gazed into my pale blue ones. Richard was staring at me hard, as if trying to figure out my expressions. His face was close enough for me to feel his hot breath against my lips; I closed my eyes as one of his hands brushed away a lock of hair from my face. He took a step forward and both our bodies were against each other as we slowly started dancing again, with Ne-Yo's Closer started in the background. We continued to stare at one another as he pulled me closer to himself, if that was possible. I could feel his flush against mine and I was already turned on.

He slowed down a little bit and his right hand reached the zipper of my jacket and pulled it down, revealing my halter top and my stomach. He pushed the garment off my body and ran his fingers along my spine as my arms closed around his neck. I knew I shouldn't be doing this, someone could see us… But I was buzzed enough not to care, he was drunk and he probably won't even remember this night but I didn't care. Richard lightly kissed my jaw line and started kissing my neck. I tilted my head to allow him better access and his hands stoked my bare back and waist, my hands were tangled in his unruly hair as we continued to grind to the pounding music. He left my neck and stared at me hard, it wasn't long before he captured my lips in a demanding and longing kiss. I kissed him back with determination as picked me up and I locked my legs around his hips. We were kissing each other eagerly and passionately, our tongues intertwining and our desire greatening. Richard started walking through the crowd and off the dance floor. He set me down and I was immediately pushed up against the wall of the lobby.

We were making out hard and I was so much into him that I didn't notice when he hooked his thumb to the hem of my pants.

"I love you" he breathed between breaths as he kissed my neck and his hands lowered my pants an inch or two.

We both warm and I was struggling to control myself… Hearing the words I longed to hear from Richard made butterflies in my stomach. He placed his hand under my thigh and placed my leg around his hips as his mouth found mine. He strongly tasted of alcohol and I could tell he was badly drunk, drunk enough to be about to fuck his P.A. dry and raw.

"Why did you leave Kor?" he mumbled through his open mouthed kisses, "Why baby, why?" he sounded dreadful the way he was talking and kissing me desperately like I was gonna disappear if he stopped, "Why did you betray us, Kory? Betray me? Why did you fuck him? You like him better than me? Tell me, tell me!" he was getting angry and he stopped kissing me and stared at my face. And then suddenly all his anger was wiped away as he caressed my face with his hands, gently as if I was a fragile art piece.

"So… beautiful" he whispered, more to himself than to me, "I loved you Kory… I loved you" His lips once again attacked mine.

"Richard… I…" I gasped his hand disappeared under my halter top, half torturing me.

"Do you love me?" he whispered, the place was somehow empty and the only sounds except the chattering and the loud music were our panting.

"I…I…" I rasped between breaths. His other hand was fumbling with the knot of my top when we heard a high pitched voiced ringing through the hallway.

"Oh my fucking god!"


DUN DUN DUN Lol another cliffy… Who do you think it is??? (wiggling eyebrows) Rachel? Xavier? Or worse… Babs???

But anyways thank you all for the reviews, just keep 'em coming! Hope you enjoyed the ch. Cuz I really did, especially writing Kory's thoughts about Richard hahaha, you know after reading I'm like blushing that OMG I wrote that! I almost did a lemon in the end, but anyways I'm thinking of changing the P.O.V. to general/normal instead of Kory's.

And about the story well, the next chapter gives a little light on the plot, and the villain. Muahahahaha. And what do you say? Should Richard remember this episode or not?

Anyways sorry for the long A/N, and please review!

Adios until next time!!! xox

RainWalker104