Chapter 10

Chloe

Chloe was walking slowly through the museum taking in as much of the displays as she could. Her mind was still distracted by thoughts of Batman and who was behind the mask. It seemed like masks and dual lives were going to be a big part of her own life, Clark of course had two sides to him, Oliver, Bart even and now Batman.

She tried to recall as much detail about the encounter as she could, but the thing that stood out the most was the intensity in his eyes. Dark, mysterious, brooding, demanding and very intriguing. Of course Chloe felt the call to find out who the man behind the mask was, Gotham wasn't her patch but a story was a story.

Pausing in front of a display cabinet containing some fossils she read the card although she wasn't certain what it said, her mind still on the previous night. Footsteps signalled people passing her by except suddenly someone stopped next to her. "Fascinating isn't it." The voice was familiar and she half turned towards it taking in the profile of the figure speaking to her.

"Bruce," her tone was slightly surprised, "what are you doing here?" She turned towards him completely taking in his appearance, smart, business like, she had to admit he did look good. Giving herself a mental shake she smiled.

"I heard there was a young reporter wandering the museums of Gotham all alone." She watched him gesture for her to walk with him half wondering why he would come out here to see her. "Oliver had some business to take care of."

They moved slowly from display to display Bruce telling her bits and pieces about each one and how it had ended up in the Gotham Museum, usually it seemed because his Father had made some kind of donation or Bruce himself had.

He took her to one of Gotham's best restaurants for lunch telling her little stories about some of the figures that were there. Chloe noticed that he was attempting to work his charm, but the thing that struck her the most was the way people fawned over him. She found it quite off putting, but Bruce either didn't notice or had stopped caring.

Afterwards they headed to Gotham's huge park and Bruce walked her through it, Chloe found it strange that there was this haven of peace and tranquillity in the midst of the bleakness that was Gotham. Talk eventually turned to what was to happen that evening, "We usually have an auction, various nick nacks and we also auction off dinner dates with some of the most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Perhaps we can persuade you to put yourself on the list."

Chloe just gave him a look as if to say you have lost your mind, "Who would want to bid for dinner with me?" She sounded incredulous although she found the idea quite flattering. "Miss Sullivan you'd be surprised."

Laughing she just shook her head, "are you up for auction?" She watched the look on Bruce's face, "ah yes, it wouldn't be the same if Gotham's most eligible wasn't on the list and we've also managed to persuade Star City's finest to join in the fun."

Her head cocked to one side and she looked up at the much taller man, "Oliver?" Some how that amused her even more, "I'm sure you'll make plenty of money for the foundation without me lowering the tone." She felt Bruce grab her hand and pull it through his looped arm, "I think we'll make even more with you on it." He patted her hand, "So it's settled, we'll put you on the list."

Chloe was about to protest when Bruce started talking about something completely different. She wasn't able to get a word in as he seemed to ramble on about Gotham, business and the news. Clearly he was used to getting what he wanted.

He walked her back to the car and made sure she was safely inside waving her off, Chloe finding it both sweet and strange, she wasn't used to such attention. The driver said nothing as he drove her back to the hotel and Chloe was thankful, the silence was most welcome.

Smiling at the desk clerk she headed up to the penthouse suite and the faint smile that remained grew lighting her whole face as she stepped inside. A huge bunch of tulips sat in a vase on the table, a ribbon around it. There was a card on the table Sorry about this morning, Oliver.

Oliver

Oliver wasn't exactly sure how he'd managed to stay awake during the meeting but he had, partly out of curiosity since Bruce hadn't shown up. He checked his cell every so often but Chloe hadn't answered. So that left him listening to the workings of big business.

As soon as it was over he shook the appropriate hands and made the right noises, the deal had been settled which was good for both his own and Bruce's companies. He spoke to each member of the board in turn telling them he'd see them all during the evening before heading out again. He saw a couple of the girls that worked on reception huddle together and giggle as he went out so he flashed them a smile.

He settled back in the car pouring himself a scotch to sip on while he was driven back to the hotel. One of the better things about having money was the fact he could be driven around, not that he didn't love having mastery of his own wheels but on occasions like this. Sighing he slugged down the scotch as the hotel came into view.

Wondering if Chloe was back he checked his phone once more, still no answer. As he walked through reception the clerk caught his attention passing on a few messages that had arrived for him, including a message to contact Victor. Maybe a lead on a 33.1 facility but clearly nothing that couldn't wait otherwise he would have called him directly.

Stepping inside the room he saw Chloe was back, her coat and bag were slung over the back of the couch. He looked at the tulips and hoped she had been pleased with them. As he put down his keycard he heard a gentle snore, sticking his head into the bedroom he smiled seeing the blonde figure asleep.

Heading in for a shower he wondered what she had done for the day, what she had seen, if she had met anyone. He chuckled a little at her snoring, he found it kind of sweet in a way.

She was still sleeping when he woke up so he took the chance to call Victor, the news wasn't quite what he had been expecting but there was another 33.1 facility that needed to be dealt with. He entrusted Victor with the task of finding out as much as he could about it, he could have gotten Chloe to but he wanted her to have as stress free time as possible.

Once he was done he moved over and gave Chloe a shake, "Chloe…" he had to repeat her name a few times before she woke and looked at him sleepily. "Mmmmm what time is it?" He watched her rub her eyes and stretch before hauling herself upright, "Time for you to get ready, we'll be leaving in an hour. Don't worry I'll get some coffee ready." He ruffled her hair playfully, laughing as she swotted his hand away.

While she showered he made a pot of coffee for her ordering up some OJ for himself, he wondered if she was hungry but there was food at the gala, he decided to ask once she came out of the shower.

He made sure his hair was dry before preening a little in front of the mirror, he had to make sure his appearance was up to scratch. Moving to sit he flicked on the tv while he listened to Chloe getting ready.

Engrossed in the news he was startled when she spoke close to his ear, "You couldn't zip me up could you?" He half turned mumbling an answer before standing, she had her back to him and he could see the straps of her bra, a beautiful shade of emerald green. He wondered if the rest of her underwear matched.

Moving over to her he pulled up the zip running his knuckle up her back as he did so. Even given the view he had nothing had prepared him for when she turned to face him. Chloe was stunning anyway, her smile lit up her face but Oliver's mouth dropped open, "Wow," was all he could manage.

"Wow good or wow bad?" he heard the nervousness in her voice and he smile tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear, "Wow very good." He laughed as she practically bounced on the spot. "Thank god for that. You don't look so bad yourself although given the fact you're up for auction…"

"Ah," he looked sheepish and waggled a finger at her, "who told you that?" Watching her tap the side of her nose made him shake his head, "A reporter can't name her sources."

"Chloe…" He tried pleading before pulling out a credit card, "bid for me, well unless she's some hot young thing." She took the credit card from him a sly smile on her face. "I might bid on you, or Bruce. Although of course I'm an item myself. Maybe."

Oliver raised an eyebrow, "Really? Interesting." He looked at the clock before offering her an arm, "Time to go Beautiful."