Disclaimer: I own nothing in relation to Arrow or it's characters.

Chapter 18: Engaged?

I loved my office I truly did. Here I was safe and secure surrounded by my many computers and gadgets. Another wonderful bonus was that both Amanda and Oliver were no where in sight. My mind had spent the better half of the morning replying the long and somewhat rewarding meeting with Amanda. She'd been colder than the iceberg that sank the Titanic and Oliver well I could only imagine how furious he'd be with me tonight when we both arrived home. I'd said we were going to be engaged, engaged what the hell had possessed me to say that? I'm sure it shocked the hell out of him as well because not even 2 hours prior he'd made a beautiful speech once again confirming his feelings for me and then…well I could still feel where he'd been as my muscles clenched with utter contentment. My eyes slid shut as I slowly leaned forward my elbows on my desk allowing for my fingers to lightly rub my weary temples as the memories once again began to hit me in full force.

"Always so direct Mr. Queen I always did appreciate that aspect of your personality." Again her smile was cruel and unforgiving causing me to wonder how she'd ever been with someone long enough to produce a child. "Amanda cut the crap why am I here and why did you recruit Felicity of all people to bring me in?" Her smile vanished as it was being replaced by a harsh cruel scowl.

"So I see this no secrets thing extends to all aspects of your soon to be combined lives." I felt her eyes before I saw them hard, demanding and filled with disdain. Yup Amanda wasn't one that could be won over with my unique brand of charm. My voice came out lighter than I'd hoped as my throat went dry. "I well umm…look we're not here to re-hash my past mis-steps. I told him the truth end of story either move this along or I'm leaving right now I unlike you two still have a cover job to maintain or have your forgotten about QC?" Exhaling was a relief as I slumped further into the hard cold metal chair. Oliver's hands still shockingly entangled with my own.

"Yes Ms. Smoak you have a point so I'll proceed. As you know you're soon to be husband has a rather colorful past and that is not including those 5 years shipwrecked." This time my eyes rolled as her lips slightly upturned into a satisfied smile hoping she had created some sort of tension or crack in our otherwise solid appearing façade.

"I know who Oliver is past and present so what does his past have to do with us here and now?" I stated smiling brightly my tone indicating that she hadn't won anything. Whether I liked it or not Oliver and I were in this together that much he had proven when he didn't correct my engagement flub.

"Amanda are you quite finished sizing her up? It's getting later by the minute and I'm guessing your overall plan factors quite heavily on Felicity keeping her QC cover job." Her gaze shifted to Oliver now filled with less amusement and more caution. Once again softly smiling she finally continued having decided that Oliver was indeed correct in his assumptions.

"Yes it does as a matter of fact. Oliver you've heard of HIVE no doubt from your relationship with one John Diggle." His curt nod serving as his only response his once caring eyes now cold and distant before her. "Well I'm going to give you the opportunity to avenge his brother's murder. I want you to dismantle HIVE." Again he remained placid I on the other hand had begun to sweat once again feeling the pressure of this moment pressing against my chest as the room became smaller and smaller around me.

"How?" I whipped my head in his direction mostly in shock. That was his response how? Not even another word or two thrown in for effect just one word, one syllable and he was done. I suddenly wished for that cut throat precision with words. He glanced towards me from the corner of his eye and there he was my Oliver had returned in his soft gentle gaze. I felt my heart rate begin to lower as his thumb once again moved across my knuckles signaling for me to breathe in and out, to remain calm, and to trust him. My gaze returned to Amanda once his did fearing the words that would soon be leaving her snide smile.

"You'll be working as one of my men just as you did before. We'll provide Felicity with the Intel and she'll guide you through the job. We have a list of 10 targets who must be detained and then questioned for information in regards to HIVE's leader Damian Darkh. Once the information has been acquired you'll move onto Phase 2." Both she and Oliver didn't even stutter over that whole 10 people being questioned issue I on the other hand remembered what the file stated. Oliver was lethal as in those men were either going to harmed beyond repair or maybe even worse they'd end up dead. My body started to shutter involuntarily as the information bounced around in my mind dredging up horrible gut wrenching images along the way.

"Fine how involved will Felicity be in those missions." Again curt and to the point his tone giving nothing away as they batted back and forth in a verbal game of who's colder. "She'll be on the other end feeding you our questions as you interrogate the targets. She'll also be there per her request when you take them down. So she'll be quite involved all from the safety of ARGUS headquarters if that meets your previously stated demands." This woman didn't miss a beat she knew what his concerns would be and she just used them as verbal weaponry adding a check to an imaginary scoreboard in her mind.

"Agreed so we'll receive further instruction once we've completed this task I assume." Now his tone had changed it was less harsh and more relieved signaling to me that the meeting was nearing its end.

"Yes per our standard operating practices as you well know." Her tone too had changed with less ice and more venom being spewed forth in response.

"Felicity do you have any questions that you would like addressed?" I blinked rapidly remembering that I still had to speak as if I was apart of this conversation or at least pretending to be.

"I assume all the hardware, electronics, and other gear I'll need for my part will be provided on site?" She nodded in agreement.

"Yes actually Ms. Smoak you'll most likely enjoy our unlimited access to the latest and greatest technology this world has to offer." Now I smiled and for the first time it was real. She was right I would enjoy that hell I'd be ecstatic if I didn't fear for my life at the end of this whole ordeal.

I just nodded in reply not trusting my voice at that moment given the various emotions that I was feeling at this given moment in time.

Oliver stood taking me with him as he leaned forward his lips coming down to my ear as he whispered his question. "Baby we're almost done you're doing fine just remember to breath otherwise you'll pass out." I nodded against him as he pulled slightly away keeping a firm hand at the small of my back. "Fine when's our first mission."

She stood as well coming around the desk to stand before us her hands clasped in front of her smiling as she spoke. "I'll contact you when our mission profile is complete until then you're free to go. It was a pleasure meeting you Felicity I look forward to our time together I have a feeling we could learn much from one another."

Not waiting for any reply she moved with ease past us towards the heavily armed men stationed by the doors. Oliver turned his body slightly coming closer to my side as his head pivoted towards Amanda's rapidly retreating form.

"Amanda one last thing, once this over Felicity and I are free and that means for good I've escaped you once and don't think for a moment I won't use your own past against you. Remember how gifted Felicity is with a computer and remember how many secret's you still have to keep." I looked at him fully for the first time since Amanda had started speaking and there he was Oliver, but sill mine. He was making a point or a stand I might have messed up our original plan but he was making sure she knew the score.

"Of course Oliver, of course." Her voice echoing against the walls of the office as she continued walking never once turning back.

My mind returned when I heard the slight knock on the door I expected to see Kate but to my utter shock and complete horror Moira Queen was now standing before me looking every bit as terrifying as the first time she'd laid eyes on me. "Felicity correct?"

I nodded in response my voice surprised and slightly off balance. "Yes… Mrs. Queen or is it Mrs. Steele? I'm sorry…why are you here? Not that you can't be here I mean this is your company…I'll be stopping in 3…2…1. Yes my name is Felicity what can I do for you Mrs. Queen?" Right now I wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole.

"I'm here to discuss your growing relationship with my son." Of course she was that would just make my day complete. I straightened my back as she took a seat in the chair facing my desk. She was as always flawless, tall, empowered, with an ease and grace granted by time and I suspected genetics. She reminded me of Oliver in an odd way her self assured nature was like his own. She was confident in her place as well as her standing in the world at large; Moira Queen was a woman to be envied and respected above all else. "Felicity you're staring."

Wrenching my gaze downward as I mumbled out an apology I waited crossing my fingers together as she spoke her voice like honey thick and sweet with every word that passed her thin painted lips.

"You and my son have become quite close or at least that's what the gossip rags have been broadcasting. Given my son's…past with the media I thought it wise to speak with you directly in regards to your personal relationship with my son." Her tone was clipped and curt but still polite just as you'd expect from the reigning Queen of the family dynasty.

"We're friends who enjoy spending time together does that work for you?" I felt the red rising up as I spoke. I would have loved to say what we really were; I would have loved to say that I'm currently having mind-blowing life altering sex with your son but that might have taken things down a rather unfortunate path. So I kept it basic and simple hoping for this conversation to end quickly.

Sadly I was wrong. She smiled softly but her eyes spoke volumes and now so did her words. "Oh you're more than that I've seen the way your eyes linger on his in those pictures, I've noticed he seems to look at you in quite s similar fashion hence my presence today. I would like you to join our family for dinner this evening. I would like to spend some time with the woman who it appears has captured my son's often wondering eye." Now I was turning red and looking anywhere in the room but her face. What was I supposed to do? Did I say yes or did I say no? Oliver had Hood business tonight and that meant so did I. I also knew that my little we're to be engaged flub had yet to be addressed so I was in a bit of no win situation. Either I said yes and doomed myself to a dinner with Moira, Thea and Walter or I said no and let Oliver deal with his mother's intrusion into our relationship. Squaring my shoulders and looking up my gaze filled with self assurance as I spoke the words that I would soon regret.

"I accept so what time should I be there?"

She smiled in victory as she responded "8 o'clock will do nicely. See you this evening Felicity I'm looking forward to getting to know you better." With that she stood smiled and retreated from my office. My head was now flat on my desk as I mumbled; Oliver now had more than one reason to murder me.

What did you want me to do say no? You're mother invited me to dinner and since you still sort of live there she assumes that you'll already be there. I glanced down at my phone waiting for the familiar ping signaling the arrival his response. We'd been texting back and forth since his mother left. I was right he was less than pleased with this new wrinkle in our otherwise rather busy evening plans. He was right of course we had enough to deal with right now without adding his mother into the mix.

Felicity we don't have time for this Amanda could call with mission details at any point in time. I just… I can't believe she actually showed up to your office and cornered you. I'll be addressing that little tactic this evening rest assured.

I smiled as I read the last message. Even when irritated with me he still wanted to protect me even from his mother's intrusion. Baby relax she's just being your mother and given your past she's just being cautious with your newly minted public image.

His next response made me melt. That might be true and well deserved but you and I have things to discuss such as our "engagement" and no I may not have reacted then but believe me I do have some feelings on the matter. I was hoping that we'd be discussing that particular topic while enjoying our rather physical attraction to one another.

I responded in kind barely able to contain my joy that he actually wanted to talk instead of well avoid the subject all together. Well I can leave work around 4 so meet me at home and we'll "discuss" until it's time to leave for dinner. Oh and Oliver as turned on as the bike ride made me we will be driving to dinner each of us in our seats belts included.

; ) was the only response I received. I smiled looking forward to my before dinner plans with Oliver.

Inserting the key I turned and waited for the lock to pop. I sighed in relief as I stepped past the threshold and into my warm and comfortable home. I kicked of my shoes and hung up my coat and purse as I moved past the kitchen and down the hall towards the bedroom. I pushed the slightly ajar door so that it was fully opened stepping through the threshold and moving towards the closet. My breath caught in my throat when I saw the room. Dozens of white candles had been placed throughout the medium sized room providing a warm yellow glow as my senses were enveloped in vanilla and lavender. My bedroom looked like a candle lit haven. Tiny strands of clear lights hung down from the ceiling and around the door frames as I moved further into the room. My purple comforter was covered with white rose petals and a small note was placed in the center with Oliver's masculine scrawl. I gently leaned forward not wanting to disturb the scene before me as I lifted up the small sheet of paper that only had two words printed on it.

Bathroom mirror – O

Confused but willing to trust the man who had done all this but thus remaining unseen I walked into the bathroom and once again my heart started to flutter rapidly in my chest. Dozens of candles were lit here as well some along the sides of the tub and a few were even littered in the shower but most of them were contained to the counter all arranged against the back wall directly in front of the mirror. This room it occurred to me was hot and sticky almost humid as I glanced around taking in the obvious planning and time that had gone into my homecoming surprise. Remembering my instructions I glanced towards the mirror and this time my heart completely stopped. There written in the moisture created by the steam and humidity of the small closed of room were once again two simple words.

Marry Me.

Stepping forward I reached out trailing my open hands over the bright yellow flames of the numerous candles feeling the flames heat spreading through my fingertips warming my entire hand. Bringing my hand slowly upwards I used my now heated index finger to trace along the two life changing words. I was halfway through tracing the y when my vision began to blur I realized in that moment I was beginning to once again cry. My smile widened as this time happy tears began to fall cascading down my face as I once again began to trace the letters that he'd written in the moisture covered mirror.

"I told you I wanted to talk tonight." I could see him now first as a reflection in the mirror coming forward as if he had materialized from thin air. I watched his reflection as he moved closer smiling softly as he approached.

"Oliver this…this whole room is…thank you baby thank you so much. I love it this is just breathtaking." I hadn't moved I just watched as his form zeroed in on mine lit from behind by the numerous lit candles that surrounded us in the small still very humid room. "Well you took me by surprise this morning so I figured I should repay the favor." His chest was firmly pressed to my back so leaning back I tilted my head slightly kissing his jaw before grabbing his arms and wrapping them tightly around me. His smile in that moment made the dozens and dozens of candles pale in comparison.

"Oliver how long did this take?" I was still just so wrapped up in the moment that I needed to know everything that had led up to it and that included the time he spent creating this magical moment meant just for me. We were both staring at the mirror our smiles matched as he gently kissed the side of my face as he responded his voice soft and gentle but I could already feel our natural physical bond was growing once again building toward the eventual climax.

"Thea gave me the idea after I called both my mother and than her." He smirked seeing my eyes go from whimsy and lustful to confused and yes slightly amused. "You called your mother after our conversation…oh god Oliver what did you do?" Now I was looking away attempting to bury my face deeply into his neck inhaling his soapy clean scent. "Relax I just made sure that they'd each behave while in your presence. You're the first girl since Laurel who I've brought home so this can go one of two ways."

"Right this can go why what a step down from Laurel or wow she's wonderful and a perfect match you." My voice muffled by his neck which I was still using to hide my blushing skin. He just sighed lightly holding me close as he swayed gently each of us just enjoying the moment before our perfect spell was broken.

"So how do you feel about the question?" His voice for the first time in our relationship was unsure, unsteady and shockingly sounded a lot like mine 90% of the time. I smiled into his neck pressing my lips to his skin as I did. It occurred to me that for once I held all the cards and I fully intended to use that to my advantage. Pulling free from his embrace I walked away about 10 close to 12 inches leaving about a foot of space between our bodies. "Felicity what are you doing?" His gaze had followed me as I moved his eyes roaming up and down my body taking in every minor detail as he went. I felt wanton and bare at his hot and demanding gaze. I slowly reached behind my back as I pulled the zipper slowly down.

"I'm responding to your question. How am I doing thus far?" With the zipper fully undone I shrugged the straps down until the top of my dress was bunched around my waist leaving my green lace bra visible to his appreciative gaze. Licking my lips slowly I swallowed before speaking once again my voice beginning to waver with each moment that passed. "Oliver you still with me over there?"

My hands now pushing down against the bunched material as I slowly slid the dress down past the curve of my waist, until it dropped with a light thud to the floor. "Oliver baby talk to me tell me what you're feeling." I spoke softly as I slowly ran my hand up and down my abdomen as small droplets of moisture formed across my heated and aroused flesh.

"God you're beautiful…you have no idea how much I want you right now…however I also want an answer to my previous question." His now rugged voice became more demanding as the words began to form leaving me breathless as he finished. I stepped forward now clad in only my green lace undergarments I kept my gaze on his as I moved erasing the distance between our bodies until I had his crisp white shirt beneath my hands. I deftly started to undo the buttons one by one his just stood still as stone and let me finish until I pulled his shirt free of the waistband revealing the well toned slightly bronzed skin beneath. My breath hitched in my throat as I glided my fingers softly over the various scars savoring the feel of the rippled puckered skin over his well defined muscular form. I looked up once again as I pushed his shirt down past his shoulders until it fell from his perfectly sculpted arms dropping lightly to the floor. Softly running my hands across the expanse of his back I pulled him closer until my heaving chest was rubbing up against his own. "Felicity I want an answer…baby yes or no." His arms banding around me waist erasing any shred of space that had been left between our damp skin.

"Then ask me…Oliver ask me…say the words…I want to hear them coming from your lips." I'd expected him to speak or gesture towards the mirror but he instead grabbed my arms stilling my roaming hands as he pushed them down using finally his words to express his want. "Finish what you started." I glanced up to see his eyes had grown dark desire pooling in the endless blue orbs. Bringing my hands down I quickly unclasped the belt moving towards the pants button. Once his pants had been fully undone I slowly pushed them down taking his boxer's with them. Leaving him bared before me.

"Your turn now you finished what I started." He used his hands to slip the straps down as his mouth descending upon my own. I groaned as his tongue melted into mine. My arms instantly came back up and around to encircle his neck pulling his mouth further into mine. His lips were hard and demanding against mine as I let out a small scream when he bit down on my bottom lip. "Baby say it…say the words." My voice was harsh and breaths were ragged from his searing kisses.

"You have my words now I want yours." That's when it clicked my eyes slammed shut as his mouth traveled down my neck going lower and lower until he reached the cup of the still clasped bra. Using his tongue he traced the line of my heaving breast against the cool flimsy fabric. "Come on baby… tell me…answer me." His voice was low and primal he wasn't just searching for a yes or a no he wanted it all. Oliver had spent weeks proclaiming his feelings for me, assuring me that I was it and then today I'd overstepped and pushed us even further far faster than I'd intended to. Now he'd risen to the challenge instead of ignoring it or backing away he was just coming closer. I had his heart and now he wanted mine in his world fair was fair. So I upped the play if he wanted everything then I'd make him work for it.

"You want my answer…then give me a reason to respond." With those breathy raspy words his control snapped. The clasp was released and before I knew it his mouth was over my right nipple sucking hard as his hands traveled down ripping the thin fabric of my underwear to shreds. Two hard tugs against my breast later and he had my body hoisted up my soaking wet core directly aligned with his elongated shaft. "Oliver…baby… just say it" He growled slamming my back directly into the bathroom wall. "You first." His mouth once again returning to my chest this time taking my left nipple between his teeth and biting down as he thrusted forward impaling me with one slick movement. " I screamed out as he moved rapidly sparing mere seconds between thrusts pushing me higher and higher until I felt my body begin to quiver begging for the release that would shatter my existence. "Come on Felicity…you have everything…just say it." His lips now moved to my neck making very sure to leave my lips free to utter that one little word the one word that he craved and the one that I was withholding. I moaned and panted as he kept up his punishing pace my legs wrapped tightly around his as my hips matched his thrusts one by one. "I love you…I need you…I want you…I want everything with you…Oliver…"

The floodgates broke apparently the words he was searching for had been uttered and to my utter disbelief he moved even harder and faster plunging his cock further and deeper into my already aching core with each rapid movement. My body tensed and clenched around his tightening down on his massive erection as my body imploded around us my voice screaming out his name as I came. His voice came out low and feral as he found his own release my name being uttered like a prayer. With him still buried deep inside me I brought my hands up to grab his face while his strong form held me firmly against the wall. Once I could see his face I spoke my voice broken and strained as my breaths came out in short rapid pants. "Ask me." He leaned forward exhaling as our foreheads touched his eyes closing softly as he whispered against my lips "Marry me."

Smiling in reply I finally gave him his answer our lips still gently ghosting against the others. "You heard me last night didn't you? You heard me as I spilled my guts to what I thought was your sleeping form." He nodded lightly his nosed gently bumping and brushing against mine. I kissed him firmly before pulling away once again struggling to keep my composure. "I meant every word." His eyes fluttered open his pupils blown wide taking every square inch of my face in as if memorizing every detail in this moment. "Yes, my answer is yes. I want everything with you." This time his lips collided with mine his mouth releasing all his thoughts and feelings into one mind blowing kiss "Oliver…baby… wait." He pulled back from my neck his gaze hardened like the rest of him and also confused. "Do you not want to?" I giggled at his absurd question. "Oh no I always want you…" I gulped before finishing hoping he understood what I truly wanted. "This last time was straight up fucking each of us attempting to gain dominance and it was well oh my fucking god." That earned me a low growl and swift but hard kiss to the mouth. "This time I want us coming together in our bed…I want us to make love this time." My voice had become so quiet that by the end I was whispering. He walked while still inside me until his knees hit the bed. Then with careful gentle movements he leaned forward bringing us both down upon the rose petal covered bed and answered me before placing a soft languid kiss to my mouth. "I think that can be arranged. I love you." I smiled as he leaned back slowly beginning to move within me once again. "I love you." This time when we came it was as one and this time when I screamed I kept repeating the word yes over and over again each of us knowing the meaning behind it.

"Oliver how long do we have until we have to get ready to go?" I was curled against his chest with his arms wrapped around me as I spoke feeling drowsier with each word.

"We have about 30 minutes than we'll have to move I'm afraid." I yawned in reply. I still couldn't believe it Oliver and I were really engaged and it wasn't for some scam that we had to pull off in front of Amanda. I was going to marry Oliver Queen and I just couldn't seem to wrap my head around that fact.

"What type of ring do you want?" I turned so I was now facing him as he brought his hands up to gently caress my face. "I don't know something simple, classic, nothing too big or flashy. I mean I don't even really need one I have you and your commitment to me. That's enough for me." He shook his head scowling as he did so. "No you deserve a ring and I'm going to give you what you deserve." I laughed slightly at his sudden show of dominance.

"Baby are you trying to stake your claim by branding me with your seal via an engagement ring?" His eyes sparkled with amusement and I can swear a hint of a positive reaffirmed yes.

"You're mine and yes I intend to state that to the world and that means you're getting a ring." I just shrugged and kissed him lightly against the mouth before moving heading to the shower in preparation for my next obstacle dinner with his family.

"Since when do you walk around here naked without a care in the world?" I just shrugged once again walking in all my naked glory towards the shower. "Oh about the time that I came home to my boyfriend's heartstopping proposal." With that I turned the water on and stepped into the shower; within minutes I felt his rock solid form pressed up against me pushing us both beneath the scalding hot spray of the shower head. I knew this was a bad idea but just like this morning the moment his lips were on mine all my protests fell on deaf ears.