Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.

CHAPTER 5: The Girls Call On the Boys

"Excuse me, Lex, can I come in? " said Lana from the doorway.

"Come in. I thought you were on your way to Metropolis with Clark, " he said, gesturing for her to sit down.

"We're leaving in half an hour. I've just dropped by to give you the numbers and projections for the g.ift breakfast we've talked about. "

"I see you've already talked with Mrs Kent, " he said, browsing the file.

"Yes. She said it could work out fine, provided reservations were made in advance."

"Leave me the papers then, Lana, and I'll study them. I'll tell you what I think of the plan when you're back. What else is on your mind? "

"What do you mean? "

"I know that look, Lana. Is there anything I can do to help you? "

"I'm worried about Christine. "

"What's the matter with her? "

"I know she's been seeing someone. I don't know his name. You know her, she's really reserved. But yesterday, when she was polishing the floors, I noticed she had a couple of bruises. It wasn't the first time, Lex. "

"Do you think he's an abuser? "

"I'm afraid so. "

"OK. I'll look into it. Don't worry, Lana. He won't lay a finger on her again. "

"Thanks, Lex. "

"You're welcome, Lana. You'd better hurry. You said you were leaving in half an hour. "

"You're right. I must leave now or I won't make it. "

"Have a nice trip. "

"Thanks. I'll see you when I'm back, " said Lana, opening the study door. " Oh, Chloe! Hi! " she exclaimed with a puzzled look.

"Hello, Lana. Clark's waiting for you at the barn. "

"I know. I was on my way to the Kents. "

"Have a nice trip. "

"Thanks. Well... I really must go, " she said, hurrying down the corridor.

"Miss Sullivan, is that actually you? " asked Lex with a smirk." What brings you to the Lion's

Den? "

"Need. "

"Need? Are you teasing me, Miss Sullivan? "

"I need information, Mr Luthor. I'm doing a research. "

"And I suppose this information you need has something to do with an obscure business Luthorcorp's allegedly involved in. "

"Not everything revolves around the Luthors, Lex. I'm investigating some of Smallville's early settlers- or I should say the real founders of Smallville- the Lyttons. "

"The Lyttons? And what do I have to do with this family? "

"I looked through the town records and came across a very old property deed. Did you know the grounds where the mansion sits were owned by them three hundred years ago? "

"The Lyttons, you said? " responded Lex, pouring himself a glass of bourbon.

"The lady at the land registry office told me the juiciest information about the family must be on the shelves of your private library. So... what do you say, Mr Luthor? Would you allow me into your sanctuary? "

"I'll have to think about it. "

"I'm leaving for Metropolis today, but I'll be back on Thursday. "

"OK. I'll have your answer when you come back, Miss Sullivan, " he responded, standing up when he saw she was ready to leave.

"Goodbye, Mr Luthor. And thanks. "

"Have a nice trip. "

LEX'S POV

Today she came to see me before leaving for Metropolis. Her visit was an agreeable surprise, and the first thing that came to my mind when I saw her was the idea she had proposed the other day to offer something new to the customers at The Talon.

She looked radiant and I had to school my features not to show the emotion that overwhelms me every time I see those eyes. I'm besotted and she took me aback by a discovery she's made. I'll do whatever it takes to see her happy, and if that entails digging up on someone or other, so be it. I promised her I will have my answer ready when she comes back from Metropolis. And then, I went and said ' Have a nice trip '. What a lame goodbye when I felt like kissing her senseless !

CLARK'S POV

Today she waltzed into the barn and I felt my heart was about to come out of my chest. She smiled at me and I thought I had been unfair to her. Maybe I have been wrong all the time. Maybe it is time for me to confide in her. But what if she does not feel the same? What if I ruin what we've got by opening my heart to her? Why does love have to hurt so much?

CHLOE'S POV

I went to see him before leaving for Metropolis. He knew I'm doing a research. I told him. I shouldn't have seen him, but I wanted to. I'm a masochist, what can I say? I'm more in love with him each passing day. When I look into those eyes and he flashes that knee-weakening smile, I feel like letting him know how I feel about him. But there's Lana; she's always there, standing between the two of us, and I realise I have no chance.

LANA'S POV

When I saw him today my heart did a somersault. I tried to appear composed and keep the conversation flowing. We conversed about the plan I have for The Talon again. I wanted to talk about something else, about how I feel and how things have changed since that scene at the airport. I'd like him to open up to me, but I fear he won't and I'll end up hurt again.

What are your views on these two chapters? Are you willing to keep on reading?