"Diggle you have this, right?" Felicity double checked her scanners for what seemed like the hundredth time. Diggle rolled his eyes.
"You're stalling; you and I both know that I have this under control. Now, go get ready before you're late." Diggle shooed her away from the computers so he could take over as tech support for the night.
"You sure you don't want me to come over and help?" Roy chuckled over the com link.
"I've got it, and you should be paying attention to what's going on out there." Felicity huffed. She said her "goodbyes" and walked out the Foundry door to her car. She took a deep breath, started her car, and drove home to get ready for the gala. Her phone rang at a red light so she looked down and saw 'Arrow' pop up on the iridescent screen. She placed her Bluetooth in and answered the call.
"You're not going to be on coms at all tonight?" She heard his modified Arrow voice. They had all agreed it would be smart for him to call her from the burner phone when he was in Arrow regalia in case she ever lost her phone or it was stolen. The Arrow phone was non traceable and only dialed out so if Felicity was ever called in for questioning she would plausible deniability saying she couldn't trace the call, hack the signal, or call him back; and if a genius like her couldn't "hack" it, which she could because she set up the secure line and firewall protection to send the Clock King's kill switch virus to any device that tried to hack the phone, then there was no way anyone in the world could hack the phone, not even federal government agencies.
"No, I'll have my phone on vibrate, but it would be suspicious and reflect badly on Queen Consolidated if I was constantly ducking out to answer coms or my phone." Felicity pulled up to her townhouse and locked her car, almost sprinting up the stairs to unlock her door.
"Right, just be careful tonight. A lot of rich businessmen in one place tends to spell burglary." She could hear the hum of his motorcycle over the phone. She walked into the building and headed up stairs to her apartment on the third floor.
"With all that you've been doing, Arrow, I bet criminals wouldn't think twice about attacking. Then again you did attack rich people back in your day, and I'm sure some of the people on the list will be at the gala. Should I be worried about seeing you tonight?" She could practically see the smirk he was trying to hold back by his subtle shift in breathing. Felicity kicked her shoes off as she closed and locked her door, then headed for her bedroom. She pulled out the silk gown and laid it on her bed before walking into her bathroom and turning the water on for a shower. She knew Oliver heard the water running by another quick shift in his breathing.
"You might, Felicity. Just be careful." He warned and ended the call. Felicity sighed and set the Bluetooth and her phone onto her bathroom counter. She stripped out of her office wear and hopped into the shower.
After the shower, Felicity began getting ready. She checked her clock and noted that she had an hour to make herself preventable and another hour to drive to the Starling Hotel and Suites, where the gala was held. Ray had offered to pick her up but she thought it would be a little less conspicuous if they arrived separately, or maybe she was just used to always arriving before her perpetually late CEO. Felicity put on the underclothes she was wearing for the night and packed an extra change of clothes like she always did. Being Oliver's slightly klutzy EA and Oliver having an almost compulsive need to go Arrow before QC events meant that she needed to be prepared for any kind of mishap at these sort of things, where the change of clothes was for her or for Oliver. She applied a little eyeliner and mascara to accentuate her eyes and lashes and a little of her favorite peach toned blush to give her a healthy flush but not enough to make her look like a clown. Satisfied with her face, Felicity moved on to her hair. She'd learned very early on that it was easier to do get ready if she wasn't self-conscious of spilling things on her dresses, and sense a majority of evening gowns zipped up, she didn't have to worry about messing up her hair or makeup trying to get her dresses on. Felicity expertly curled her hair with a medium barreled curling iron, pinning the curls to her head once she'd removed them from the iron. After she looked like a crazy cat lady with hair rolls all over her head, she took the pins out in the order she'd placed them in. Call her slightly conceited, but she loved watching her hair fall in delicate curls over her shoulders. She ran her fingers through the curls to loosen them into effortless waves then pinned a small section of her hair up with a golden bobby pin. She gave herself a little nod then headed back into her bedroom for the dress. As she pulled off the protective plastic covering, her fingers skimmed down the expanse of cool silk. This was the most expensive dress she'd ever owned, and she prayed nothing bad would happen to it. She slipped the dress up her body, delighting in the sensual slide of the fabric over her skin. Thank goodness the dress had a side zipper or she really would have needed Roy's help.
Once again the dress rested perfectly over her curves and Felicity felt like a vixen with her hair and makeup done properly. Now that she had the dress on, she applied a deep shade of red lip liner on then a bright shade of red lipstick. The counter balancing hues of red mixed perfectly to give her the best shade of red for the deep crimson dress: as Roy had put it, a mix between fire engine and blood. Daring and sexy but not so much that it deviated attention from the dress. Felicity then packed her gold envelope clutch with her key, I.D., phone, lipstick just in case she needed a touch up, and a little money. Checking around her room one more time to see if she'd forgotten something, Felicity slipped on the gold 3 inch Jimmy Choo heels and took one last look in the mirror. She was going to knock their socks off. She grabbed her clutch and walked out of the door with confidence.
Ray checked his watch again then placed his hands in his pocket. He was nervous, really nervous. This would be the first time he'd really see Felicity dressed up and he couldn't wait. She had texted him to let him know she was on her way. He chuckled, if Felicity Smoak was one thing, it was punctual. In the 3 months they'd worked together, she never called in sick nor arrived late; he appreciated that. It meant she was dependable and committed, traits he admired in anyone but especially in his EA. Ray checked his watch again and inwardly screamed at himself to relax. His heart rate sped up when he saw her mini Cooper pull up to the curb. A valet rushed to get the door and held out his hand. Ray felt his jaw drop when she stepped out of the car. She handed her keys to the valet and flashed him an Earth stopping smile. Then she stepped on to the curb and looked at him, and in that moment, Ray felt the Earth's rotation cease immediately. She was absolutely glorious. He saw her bite her lip, a nervous tick, and snapped out of his revere. He walked up to her and held out his arm. She took it with a smile and he led them inside the hotel and up to the ballroom.
"You look spectacular." He hoped she couldn't hear the hitch in his voice with wonder. He reminded himself to play it cool, not to scare her off before they even entered the ballroom.
"Thank you, Mr. Palmer. You look quite stunning yourself." She flashed him a timid smile and tightened her grip on his arm. They walked into the ballroom and were assaulted with the glitz and glamour reflecting off of women's diamonds and men's watches. Ray stopped at the registration table and made his donation of $25,000 to the hospital, 10 times more than the initial required donation amount. The woman working the table gave him a true smile and thanked him very much for his generous donation. Ray waved off the thanks and returned her smile. He shifted his grip to the small of Felicity's waist and ushered her further into the room. Felicity could easily feel the eyes on her, scrutinizing every aspect of her and branding her for the arm she arrived on. A longtime investor in Queen Consolidated stopped in front of them to introduce himself.
"Mr. Palmer," He held out his hand. "I'm Daniel Brickwell."
"Mr. Brickwell, please call me Ray." Ray extended his hand and the two firmly shook hands. He gestured to Felicity. "This is Felicity Smoak, my executive assistant, and between me and you, the reason this company hasn't completely fallen apart yet."
Brickwell's and Felicity's eyes widened at Ray's admission. Felicity instantly recognized Daniel Brickwell as one of the names on The List. Brickwell extended his hand to Felicity which she begrudgingly placed hers in his. Brickwell bent over her hand and kissed it. Felicity fought the disgust threatening to show in her features. Brickwell stood, releasing her hand, and addressed her.
"Smoak, the name sounds familiar. Weren't you Oliver's EA, though I believe EA is a fancy term for babysitter where Oliver is concerned." Brickwell chuckled and raised an eyebrow with insinuation. Felicity clenched her fist to keep from punching him in his smug face. She held her head higher and looked Brickwell directly in the eye.
"Oliver Queen had a lot to handle and a lot to learn, which is understandable given the circumstances. Lesser men crumble under the weight of a wedding ring, let alone taking over a position they weren't properly trained for after their mother's incarceration, and despite surviving the death of their father and a hellishly solitary ordeal for 5 years on an island known as Purgatory." She shot him a pinning look which did not disguise her implications. "But enough about Mr. Queen's tenor in his family's company, who's your darling companion." She flashed a smile at the redhead who had been silent and all but ignored. She instantly noticed the tension in Brickwell's shoulders. 'That's right,' she thought, narrowing her eyes at the repulsive businessman. 'I know exactly what secrets you're hiding from your wife.'
"This is Emerald." Brickwell tensely introduced his companion for the night. Felicity inwardly snickered at the cliché name for a paid companion but held her tongue. The girl couldn't have been any older than 22 and held an intelligent sparkle behind her eyes that Felicity knew the girl tried to hide. She would bet her bottom dollar "Emerald" was a hustler just trying to pay tuition, and if she had to sleep with a married and begrudgingly somewhat attractive billionaire to do it, more power to her.
"My parents thought it would be cute to play on my eye color." Emerald spoke in faked enthusiasm. She held her hand out to Ray, who kissed it lightly, and smiled to Felicity. "Everyone calls me Emma."
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Emma." Ray smiled. "But if you don't mind, there are others I have to mingle with, new CEO and all." Ray shook Brickwell's hand again and ushered Felicity onward. Emma and Felicity shared a discreet, knowing nod and went their separate ways.
"Remind me never to get on your bad side." Ray whispered into her ear with a smile. His thumb traced a small pattern in the small of her back that sent pleasurable sparks up and down her spine.
"Brickwell knows that too now." Felicity smiled. Ray grabbed two flutes of champagne then seated them at their table. As he handed her the flute, their fingers brushed and he almost dropped the glass. He smiled at her and pulled his chair in.
"You look beautiful in that dress and I hope I'm not being too forward, but I can't wait to get you out of that dress." He emphasized his words with a slow perusal down her silk encased body then back up, stopping on the barely visible peaks of her nipples, then up to her luscious and full painted lips, before finally settling back on her eyes. Felicity gulped and took a sip from her flute in hopes of cooling down her heated body. Felicity's eyes widened when she felt his hand skating up her leg under the table, the silk barely a barrier between their hot bodies, only served to arouse her more. Ray's hand reached further up and inward, skimming over her womanhood and up to her waist. Felicity bit back a moan as Ray pulled his hand back in shock.
"You're not wearing any panties." He almost forgot to whisper. He looked around to make sure no one had overheard his outburst but everyone was carrying on their own conversations. Satisfied that he hadn't advertised their torrid affair, he turned back to the devious smile formed between pillow soft red lips. Good Lord this blonde would be the death of him.
"Panties didn't go with the outline of the dress." She tossed at him with a flip of her lustrous curls. Ray swallowed and turned to take a sip from his own flute. If he looked at her a second longer, he couldn't be held responsible for taking her right there on the table, multiple times. Before he could say another word, the lights dimmed and an announcer asked everyone to take their seats. The announcer thanked everyone for coming and for contributing to the cause. He gave a brief overview of the gala's cause and a rendition of the hospital's challenges since the two terrorist attacks on Starling City. After a round of applause, the announcer called Ray Palmer up to the stand. Ray smiled at her and walked up, thanking the announcer for the introduction.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Starling City is at a crossroads that will define the type of city it will become. Will it be like the Roman Empire, once great and revered but faded over time and regaled to the memories of history, or will it be like Constantinople which evolved from its misfortune to become a center of culture and education, commerce, and world power that Istanbul is today? Myself and the people of Queen Consolidated are committed to bringing Starling City out of the Dark Ages, and into a time of prosperity and peace for its residents. Tonight, we unveil a groundbreaking advancement in medical technology, the QC field x-ray 200 prototype." Ray pressed a button on his remote and the projector displayed a picture of the device. Mr. Davidson handed Ray the actual prototype and he held it up for all to see.
"The QC field x-ray 200 is designed as a portable, hand-held x-ray machine, that will allow emergency medical technicians to take patient x-rays and send them to radiologists and surgeons. This little piece of technology will reduce the time between diagnostic and treatment and will increase survival rates as such. Imagine ER rooms prepared when a patient arrives at Starling General or any hospital around the world because the surgeon already has a complete picture of the injury. The QC field x-ray 200 will change medicine in natural disaster zones, domestic terrorist zones, like the two unfortunate terrorist attacks in Starling City, war zones, and every day accidents. To show our commitment to transforming Starling City into Star City, the bright city on the hill that others will follow, Queen Consolidated will donate 200 machines to Starling General Hospital, and 2 machines to every city owned emergency response ambulance. Starling City is our home, and we must protect our children, our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our citizens. What better way to do so, than to be the shining example we are asking others to be? Thank you." Ray ended his speech and walked down the podium. Applause rang through the ballroom and every guest rose to their feet in support. Felicity's cheeks twitched from the smile she hadn't realized was implanted on her face the whole speech. When Ray reached her, she set her hand on his arm and squeezed to show her glee in the crowded room with all eyes on them. She removed her hand and clapped with everyone else. Ray gave a final bashful smile before taking his seat. Once he was seated everyone else sat too. The announcer came back and again thanked Ray for his generous donation before congratulating Queen Consolidated on its accomplishment. The announcer then segued into the charity auction and waiter walked around with hors d'oeuvre and champagne. The gala was coming to a close but strangely Felicity was not as excited as she usually was when these events ended, perhaps because that meant her night with Ray was over as well. Ray leaned in and whispered into her ear.
"I've already programmed my address into you're GPS. Why don't we go back to my place and celebrate Queen Consolidated's accomplishment?" She smiled at his smooth voice.
"And what about your accomplishments?" He smiled back then kissed the shell of her ear.
"Having you here as my date is celebrating an accomplishment enough." They grinned like teenagers and Felicity nodded. She left the gala first, tipping the valet handsomely and turned on her GPS, following the voice's instruction to his house. She blasted music in her car to distract herself from the ethical mistake she was willingly making. Ray followed exactly 10 minutes after her, when everyone else was exiting as well to not look suspicious. When he arrived at his house, more like a mansion, he was pleased to see Felicity's mini Cooper in his driveway. While he parked, she stepped out of her car, moonlight glistening off of the silk. He lunged for her immediately, pinning her to the car and taking her lips. His hands bunched at the expensive fabric and hers wrapped around his muscular shoulders. Their chests screaming for air forced them to pull apart. Ray grabbed her hand and led her into his house like a teenager sneaking his girlfriend in for the first time. He closed the door and turned just in time to catch the streaking blonde throwing herself at him. Their lips clashed in a hurried frenzy. His jacket was the first thing to go as the stumbled up the stairs to his bedroom, followed by his tie and her purse. They entered his room and her hands sped over his shirt buttons blazingly fast, as natural to her as typing on a keyboard. She finally stripped him of the offending shirt and began working on his belt buckle. A sound rip broadcasted through their pants in the quiet room and they separated.
"I'll buy you a new dress." Ray exclaimed before kissing her again and stripping the silk down her body.
"You bought the first one." She replied, finally unbuckling his belt and pants. Ray picked her up and tossed her lightly on the bed, shimmying out of his pants, shoes, and dress socks. Felicity reached for the buckles of her heels before he stopped her.
"No. Leave those on." He panted with unbridled lust in his eyes. She complied and ran her gaze over his naked body. After the time on Team Arrow surrounded by men with godlike bodies so unbelievable they had to be Photoshopped, you'd think muscles would no longer turn her on so much; you'd be so deadly wrong. Ray flexed his muscles at her approval and climbed on the bed, running his hands up her thighs. He quickly unclasped her strapless bra and through the offending object away somewhere. He let his eyes ghost over her followed by his lips. Felicity lay back on the comfortable mattress and threw pillows out of her way to get more comfortable. Ray's chuckle was cut off when she pulled him back to her lips. They kissed feverishly, hurriedly, as if any moment they would wake up and this would all be a dream. Ray skimmed his fingers over her wet core and delighted in her shiver. She spread her legs wider in invitation.
As he twirled his finger around her clit, he latched on to her breast, mimicking the motion over her nipple with his tongue. Felicity let out a moan and ran her fingers over his back. Supporting himself on his forearm, Ray plunged two fingers into her moist cavern, working her without giving her a moment to rest.
"Oh Ray!" She moaned his name sweetly. He loved the way his name rolled off her tongue, as if she was created to say it. He switched breast and gave the one he'd previously neglected all of his attention. Felicity wiggled and wreathed under his assault, muscles clenching in pleasure. Ray let go of her breast and kissed her deeply, absorbing her moans. He could feel her body tensing and knew she was getting close, but he wasn't ready to let her have her first orgasm just yet. He pulled his fingers away, smirking at her disgruntled groan. He reached over his bedside table for a gold package and tore it with his teeth. If possible, that made Felicity even more aroused. She felt like her body was on fire. Ray rolled the condom on his well-endowed manhood and positioned himself at her entrance. He looked her in the eye, waiting for something. She blames it on the lust swirling around her brain on how long it took her to realize he was asking for her permission. Her eyes welled a little and she blinked the water back, nodding to him. He smiled then bent down to kiss her. He came back up and looked her in the eye, as he pressed long and slow into her womanhood. Felicity threw her head back, moaning in ecstasy. Ray choked out a groan at the tight fit. He guessed she wasn't a virgin, but you couldn't tell by how well she hugged him. Her muscles fit around him like the destroyed silk dress had fit around her. Every instinct told him not to pull out but with herculean strength he did. He drove into her, hard and demanding, and ripped a moan from her lips. He drew back again, shifting her legs so that she cradled him with her powerful thighs. Again he surged into her and again she moaned. Felicity's hands reached for the headboard as he pounded into her over and over, the same headboard slammed against the wall marking his cadence.
She clenched him tight with her legs and Ray moaned at her gold heels digging into the muscles of his butt and lower back. He gripped her hips tight and continued to push into her, searching wildly for his release. Felicity walked her hands down from the headboard to the taunt muscles of his shoulders then over his powerful biceps. Ray wrapped a hand around her thigh and sped up his thrusts while the other wound through her hair, gripping the golden spindles. Felicity once again felt her stomach tightening in knots, belaying her coming orgasm. Ray could feel it to in the almost rhythmic way her muscles clenched him in a milking motion. His toes tingled and clenched at how good she felt. He looked up, gazing directly in her eyes as her vision began to spot and haze. He watched her, moaning in satisfaction and pleading for the orgasm to overtake her. He gave a few more thrusts then unwrapped his hand from her thigh and dug in between their sweaty bodies. He pressed lightly on that precious bundle of nerves and she was done for. Her body spasmed hard and uncontrollably and she threw her head back again breaking eye contact. Ray watched as she bit her lips and rode wave after wave of her orgasm. Every muscle in her body seized and she could barely breathe. Warm relief flooded over her entire body and she started to relax some. Ray bit down on her shoulder as her inner walls still tightened around him, urging him to give it what it craved; but he wasn't done yet. They groaned together when he pulled out and he flipped her lethargic body onto her stomach. He grabbed a pillow and placed it under her pelvis to protect her from the ensuing pounding and spread her legs wider before dipping back into her. Felicity moaned and raised her upper body to meet his sweaty chest. Ray supported himself with one hand and the other wrapped around her breasts. He pumped into her, building his speed back up to the frenzy of before. He pinched her nipples and growled at the residual spasms of her body from her previous orgasm. Felicity clenched the bed sheets and pressed her hips back against him in time to his rhythm. She could feel his sack slapping against her clit, sending tingles racing furiously up the nerve endings of her spine. The wet slapping sounds of their bodies turned her on. Sweet Adonai he was amazing.
Ray released his strangle hold on her breasts and pulled her up to her hands and knees, using her hips for stability as he thrust her back and forth on his cock. Her breasts swinging caused a strange but highly pleasurable sensation. He gripped her hips tighter, trying to stop the coming onslaught but Felicity could feel every pulse. She worked her hips more, manually clenched and released her inner muscles, stimulating him further. Ray moved a hand to her breast then to her shoulder pulling her harder and harder. He reached around between her thighs and began to flick her clit causing her to clench him more. They both moaned as another orgasm hit her. Felicity shoved her face into a pillow and screamed. Ray threw her hair to one side and bit down on her shoulder as he released into the condom. He kept pumping until he could feel nothing else leaving him trying to surge into her. He held her up on shaking arms and legs and kissed down the curve of her spine, loving the feel of her slick skin. Once their breathing returned to normal, Ray pulled out, eliciting a long groan from her. He let her collapse on her stomach while he went into his adorning bathroom suite to clean off. When he came back he chuckled at her watching the bathroom door, curled up in his succulent sheets. He unbuckled her heels and tossed them with their other clothing. Felicity shifted over to let him climb under the covers and Ray wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body flush against his. He traced patterns over her pierced belly button and ran his fingers through her hair.
"You were right." She whispered between pants.
"I'm always right," He kissed her shoulder. "But refresh my memory, what was I right about this particular time."
Felicity laughed causing him to squeeze her closer. She turned and looked at him, eyes sparkling and a beautiful healthy flush rested over her cheeks. "You said 'when I did climax because of you, it would be unlike anything I've ever experienced.' You were right." She breathed out lightly. Ray rose up and kissed her deeply, fingers still toying in her hair. He lay back down and pulled her tight, each listening to the hum of the other's breathing. The world around them became dark, and in seconds they drifted off into sleep.