Hey All! Finally, here's the new chapter... I hope you're all going to enjoy it! Thank you for all the new faves/alerts and reviews!

Special thanks for my boyfriend -without him you'd have had to wait another week- who was willing to go over this for me while Hip Karma is having her well deserved vacation.

Please, leave a feedback if you have the time. Thank you :)

REPLY FOR THE GUEST REVIEWS:

Saffron: I'm glad you liked it. Hope you enjoy the new chapter! Thanks for the review :)

Jane Southway: I think it was time for someone to start training her, seeing as Oliver wasn't willing to do that even though I believe it would have been highly recommended. As for Oliver's relationship with Felicity, you're right, things are going terribly, and he doesn't seem to be able to get a grip. It really is darn difficult to decide between those two, they're both so irresistable, even Oliver with his personal demons. Laurel was planning the party, and rumours travel fast, she met a lot of people, that's how she got to know about Bruce taking Felicity to the party. Thanks for the feedback :)

The tiny black and green crystals shone on my dress like small sparkling fireflies on a field during summer time. I didn't miss the irony of that piece of fabric. Black and green stones; like they were there as the proof of how divided I was between two men. In a way it was almost funny to think about this. Two years ago I hadn't got a single person to be concerned about, especially not two incredibly powerful, strong and dangerous men. Two years ago it was only me and my machines, and peace.

Sometimes I missed that. The light buzzing of the computers offered such deep relaxation, and safety like nothing else in the world. The technical part of the world was always easy to understand. If something went wrong, there was a solution somewhere. Occasionally, I spent several nights awake to find out what could have gone wrong with some algorithm but in the end I always succeeded. Numbers, letters, they were the simple data of my life, and I was happy with them. Emotions on the other hand were too difficult. I was barely able to follow what was happening in my own life.

Ever since I met Oliver, everything had become incredibly complicated. My life and my heart were in constant danger. Most certainly, I never complained about the change he'd brought into my life. Before him I was just an average IT girl but since he walked into my life I became something more. I was grateful that he found me, and pulled me out of my nice little shelter. On the other hand, sometimes I craved those old days when I could sit around, and play with my heartless toys.

I'd acted stupid with Oliver after what happened with Bruce. I didn't dare look into his eyes, and to someone looking from the outside, I was sure I looked incredibly angry with him. The truth though was that I was embarrassed of the kiss I'd shared with Bruce, and I was worried that I would accidentally somehow end up telling Oliver about it. I could only imagine the reaction he would have if he knew about it. Let alone, I hadn't figured out myself what I should do about that situation if Bruce meant something more to me.

He was a sore point for Oliver, I could tell that from the very first moment I saw them together. Of course, Bruce was no better either, he disliked Oliver just as much. I had a theory about the two of them, and their clear clear irritation with each other. They were both way too dominant, and secretive. I believed they could feel the other was hiding something, and that was what bothered them so much.

The fact that Oliver practically had no money left at all, and he was in huge need of Bruce's help only made things worse. It hurt his pride badly that he had to accept Bruce's offer. They reminded me of racing horses, and now Oliver had broken one his legs but he still kept running. It might have been a slightly vivid metaphor but I'd gone to many horse races with my mother back in the days when I was a kid. Without the financial backing Oliver was having a hard time keeping up his secret life as the Arrow.

He reminded me of a horse that had been called Golden Star, the best racer for an entire year... But then had come a new competitor, Black Lord and from that moment the two animals had only been racing against each other. The last race had been terrible. I'd been only 6 years old when it had happened. They'd been running head to head and then Golden Star had broken its leg, and he'd stumbled, and lost his balance. The jockey had almost fallen off, it had been a miracle that he hadn't. Golden Star, that beautiful deep chocolate brown horse had kept on running until the end. It had been one of the most heroic things I'd ever witnessed in my life. In the end Golden Star had won but they shot him to save him from further suffering. That had been the last horse race I'd seen in my life. Somehow Oliver's situation reminded me of that time. He was struggling to stay alive as well.

Then of course, there was Bruce with his incredible charm. I didn't think any woman in the world would be able to keep the three steps distance from a man like him. He was so caring, so attentive. Whenever I was with him I felt like I was the centre of his world, that he really only concentrated on me those times. I was flattered by his attention. Who wouldn't be, right?

I liked working with him, being around him. I appreciated a lot that he took the time to teach me some self defence. I felt safer this way that I wasn't completely vulnerable in risky situations. Even if I was aware that I wouldn't be much of a help in a fight, it eased my soul that I wouldn't be completely helpless.

If I wanted to be completely honest with myself the main reason why Bruce appealed to me so much was that he treated me like a woman. I could never be certain about Oliver's feelings, if he ever saw that I wasn't only a pretty blonde with the talent for hacking, or just a funny buddy to hang around with. It was the exact opposite with Bruce. I was more than aware that he saw me as a woman. He was able to melt me with one single look.

That kiss we'd shared had caught me out of the blue. There was an undeniable tension between us from the very beginning but I hadn't expected something like that to happen. I might have gotten used to Oliver's pace, the one step forwards, two steps back dance he seemed to play with me, to expect anyone to actually act on their feelings.

It had been a very nice kiss, and carefree for those few moments while it had happened at least. Then my brain had suddenly started to work again, and guilt washed over me like an ice cool summer storm that caught people without a warning on a sunny day. I'd acted like a foolish school girl, and run away.

I hadn't talked to Bruce since this had happened. I'd also tried to avoid contact with Oliver as much as possible. The situation was so confusing, and difficult I wished that I could have just locked myself up for a few weeks to think this over. However, there was no time for that. I could get a few days, saying that I got a nasty flu but that was it. Both of them would have gotten suspicious by more. I could tell they were already questioning this sudden illness of mine.

The sound of the car took me back to reality. As promised by Bruce my lift was here in time to take me to the party. We agreed that we wouldn't go together, not wanting to raise too much attention after the ridiculous scandals in the magazines. That in the end had turned out not being that ridiculous.

I looked at myself in the mirror one more time, let out a sigh, and started out. Here goes nothing, I opened the door, and walked towards the black limousine that waited for me in the front yard of my house. As usual, Mrs. Carpenter was watching from behind her curtains. I was sure the nowadays average appearance of fancy cars in the street made her life more than entertaining at least. If nothing else, her life became a little bit more interesting in the last few months.

I was standing in front of the entrance of the fancy hotel where the party was being held. Oliver was standing next to me. We shook each other's hand with fake smiles on our faces, both of us gripping the other's hand just a little stronger than we should have. Unfortunately, this was part of our agreement with Felicity. I had to help him to get back to the good side of the investors, and the media. The best way to do that was to put on a show, and make them believe we were friends.

"I'm going to pay you back somehow. I don't want to owe you anything," Oliver muttered under his breath, still having the forced smile on his face.

"It was a favour for Felicity, not for you," I replied in the same way as I let go of his hand, waved to the hoards of photographers, and turned to the entrance, followed by Oliver hot on my heals.

"Oliver," a young brunette woman in light pastille pink dress walked towards us at quick pace, waving her hand. "Oh, Mr. Wayne, it's a pleasure to meet you finally. Laurel Lance," she smiled at me and offered her hand.

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Lance," I returned her smile, took her hand into mine, breathed a soft kiss on it, careful that my lips wouldn't touch her skin. "I have to admit you did an amazing job with this party."

The ballroom was incredible. The theme of the party was circus life. There were beautiful women dancing, and flying around in the air on light white and coloured fabrics, iron rings, with such bird-like grace. Model like men were walking among the guests, offering champaign, and appetisers, their faces were painted in the well known comedy/tragedy clown style. Artistes, fire magicians entertained the crowed, men on wooden legs walked high above them. The band on the stage played soft salon music.

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne. It was worth it for Ollie," she said in a sweet voice, running her hand lightly over Oliver's arm. For a moment I almost believed they were together but I saw him tensing under her touch, and realized it was more of her wishful thinking than the truth.

"Indeed, you made a fantastic job, Laurel. Thank you," Oliver smiled at her but I could tell it was the same fake expression he had when he had been standing beside me a few minutes ago in front of the building.

"You're both way too nice but I'm grateful for the compliments," she smiled widely as she moved her eyes between us.

I let my eyes wander around the place, saw all the rich, powerful men and women gathering in the huge ballroom, wearing their best brand suits, and couture dresses, wore their most perfect fake smiles on their faces, all of them trying not to stare at the strange pair of Oliver and I.

My eyes stopped at the entrance as I saw Felicity entering the room. She was breath taking in the dress she wore, almost like a pixie from an alternative universe. Her blonde hair fell over her shoulder at one side, held together by a jewellery hairpin that matched her sparkling green and black dress.

She seemed to be a little bit lost for a few moments until her gaze found us. I could see her letting out a sigh but then her body tensed again when she started to walk towards us. I could only imagine how anxious she must have been with having Oliver and I next to each other.

I hadn't seen her in a few days. She'd claimed to be ill. However, I'd suspected the truth was she'd gotten confused after I'd kissed her. I hadn't planned that to happen, it had been the heat of the moment that took me away. I hadn't been surprised by her reaction. I could tell she was quite devoted to Oliver, even if I couldn't understand why. Yes, it was easy to tell they had something going on between them but he didn't seem to actually make any move. He'd have had the chance a long time ago, considering that they'd been working together for quite a time.

"Good evening," she stopped between Oliver and I, obviously not certain about what she should have been doing.

"Felicity, you're a vision," I smiled at her, lifting her hand to my lips. I loved seeing the blush working its way all over her face, down to her cleavage. "I believe I'm the luckiest man in this room to have you as my partner."

"Of course your luck was found in blackmailing but who cares, right?" Oliver narrowed his eyes.

"Oliver," Felicity sighed, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

"But at least I have the woman I want as my partner, can you say the same?" I cocked my head to the side, raising an eyebrow. I understood it was easier for him to believe Felicity was only with me because she wanted to help him but I had a feeling deep down he knew as well, it wasn't the entire truth.

"Oliver, I think it would be time for you to mingle a little bit," Laurel cut into our conversation. She seemed to be irritated by our tensed encounter. Most likely, she was jealous of the blonde. I could tell the very first moment that Felicity entered the room, and Oliver's jaw had almost dropped that Laurel knew she was running after a man who didn't care for her the way she wanted him to.

Oliver's only answer was a nod. He gave a sharp look for me before he turned around and followed Laurel into the crowed to greet his guests. He had to perform well tonight, his entire life was at stake. If I were him, I wouldn't let anything distract me. Though, I had to admit, Felicity was indeed difficult not to care about, even in a situation like this.

"Would you like a glass of champaign?" I turned back to my partner, offering my arm to her.

"Yes, I think I could use one," she smiled at me softly, putting her arm into mine.

My face started to hurt after I had to force a smile on it for more than an hour while I greeted everyone who was nice enough to attend the party. Laurel had made a wonderful job with the event. Even though, I could tell most of the people were here because they were curious if Bruce and I would make a public show, or not. Most certainly, we were both civilized enough not to make such a scene. Also, thanks to Felicity he was here to support me, and not undermine the evening.

I hated to rely on him or ask for anything, he made my palm itch but Felicity was right, and the trick seemed to work. The investors liked the idea of Queen Corporation and Wayne Enterprise working together. They started to have this idea with Bruce attending the party, and Laurel pointed out, it was only good for us if they thought a huge company like them would be willing to work on our side. It was a tough call but I wanted my life back.

I couldn't help but look for Felicity in every second. Bruce was right in one thing, she was like a vision tonight. Her dress showed off her beautiful figure perfectly, and the stones on it made it look like she was sparkling, and not the fabric.

"Excuse me," I said as I got tired of putting on the good boy face, smiling to everyone who wanted to see me failing.

It was time for me to steal Felicity from Bruce for a few moments at least. I hated to see her with him, chatting and laughing so carefree like she never did with me. I wished she could have been the same with me.

"Are you two having fun?" I asked as I stopped next to their table. They were leaning close to each other, whispering like they shared some kind of top secret business.

"Oliver, the press isn't here, you aren't entitled to try and be around me," Bruce smirked at me as he leant back in his chair. My jaw tightened, I wanted to hit him so badly that I almost acted upon the feeling but I knew I had to control myself.

"How is it going?" Felicity asked, biting her bottom lip as she glanced up at me from under her lashes. "Do you think you can get the trust of the investors back?"

"It seems to go well, I'm very hopeful," I nodded, my fists still tight as I moved my eyes from Bruce to the blonde.

"I'm so very happy to hear that, Oliver, I really hope this is going to work out, and you get the company back. You'd deserve it," she smiled at me softly.

"I hope you know that wouldn't mean I'd give Felicity back to you," Bruce tried to make it sound like he was only joking but I could see through him. He meant every word.

"I believe she's a grown up woman who can make her decisions without either of us trying to tell her what to do," I answered, narrowing my eyes. Suddenly, the realization hit me that he was right. It didn't necessarily mean that she'd come back to me just because I managed to get the company back. What if she decided that she'd rather stay with Bruce?

"I am a grown up woman, yes, thank you both, and I think we have more than enough time to figure out what to do in case you manage to get the company back," Felicity cut in, glaring at both of us.

"Would you dance with me?" I asked, changing the topic. I wanted to have a few moments with her alone. I needed to talk to her, and see where we were at.

"Of course," she sighed deeply, and nodded, standing up from her seat.

"I have a surprise for you, I hope you're going to enjoy it," Bruce told us before he turned on his heal, and headed towards the stage where the band played salon music.

"What is he up to?" I asked Felicity, not trusting Wayne for a single moment. Did he invite Playboy girls to the party to lift the mood? That was all I could imagine from him.

"I don't know, Oliver but you should trust him more. Believe me, he isn't as bad as you think," Felicity said softly as we walked to the dance floor.

"It isn't surprising you say that," I growled, not liking it at all that she tried to protect him. He was an arrogant playboy, no more. I couldn't even imagine how someone as smart as Felicity could fall for him.

"I hope you know I'm not some lovesick teenager, Oliver," she said angrily, stopping at the edge of the dance floor, next to the huge glass door that led to the balcony. "I was hoping you'd trust my judgement enough after all that we've been through."

"Ladies and gentlemen," Bruce started to talk to the microphone, getting everyone's attention. It was so typical of him. He could never stand not being the centre of the attention. "I have a surprise for tonight. My friend, Chris is here to play one of his new hit songs," he continued as Chris Daughtry walked up to the stage from behind, and sat at the piano.

"Of course he has to show off," I groaned, my blood boiled from his little private surprise.

"It was a good idea," Felicity said quietly, letting out a sigh as I pulled her to me. I looked at her quizzically. "People like celebrities appearing at parties like this."

"And he has to show off," she shrugged slightly.

He started to play a slow song, nice and relaxing. I didn't know it. Though, that wasn't surprising as I rarely had the time to listen to music. I swayed to the rhythm of the music slowly with Felicity. I loved having her that close to me, her arms wrapped around my neck, her body moved with mine in perfect sync.

"Listen, Felicity, I know these have been a rough few months but you're still important to me. You know that right? I"d like to have you back as soon as things finally settle."

She stared at me for a moment, opened her mouth and closed it, clearly not certain what she should answer for that. It was the truth. Felicity was one of the most important people in my lift. I wasn't sure how I could go on without her.

"I know, Oliver," she nodded slightly. I wasn't sure if either of us was able to shut the music out. The song cut to the bone. I felt like it was written to me, about me. "But this is complicated for you and for me, too."

"What's complicated about it? You're part of our team, and not his... It would be the best for all of us if you came back as soon as it was possible," I said a little bit harsher than I intended to but I didn't like the idea of Felicity even thinking about the option of staying with Bruce. There was nothing complicated about this. She belonged to us, and not to someone whose life was showing off and playing around with top models.

"And I'm still helping you, Oliver," she raised her voice a little bit. "I don't see why it hurts you so much that I work for him, or that I became friends with him."

"Because something is off about him," I groaned quietly. And because I had a feeling there was something more between them. I needed all my self control not to let my rage get the best of me. "And I hate that he's everywhere, that you spend all of your time with him, that I feel like I'm losing you to him."

"Losing me?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Her lips were straight lines, her eyes throwing lightning at me. "Oliver, who am I to you? Who do you think you are losing? Am I your friend? Your partner? Something more? Do you even know the answer?"

I opened my mouth to say that she was everything to me but I couldn't make myself say the words. It would have been foolish to drag her into my dark world even more. I was hurting her now that we weren't involved with each other, I could only imagine what would happen if I gave in to my desires.

"That's what I thought," she answered, her eyes filled with tears as she let go of me and turned around. "I need some air."

I swallowed hard, running my hand over my face. This hadn't gone as I planned it to. It seemed like whatever I did, I ended up digging a deeper hole for myself. I was trying to make things right between us but only got them worse. I simply wanted Felicity to understand that she was still important to me. Despite of all the arguments, and disagreements between us, she was a huge part of my life. But I even managed to say this in the wrong way.

I needed some air after my conversation with Oliver. I'd gone outside to the balcony. I was thankful there was no one else around. I needed a few minutes to try and clear my head. Everything that we did, this whole place, the party were all fake. Our entire life was built on lies. We all just pretended, Bruce and Oliver and Laurel and I was the worst of all of us. I lied to Oliver, I lied to Bruce, most likely I even lied to myself when it came to them. I knew Oliver needed time to deal with his demons but I needed answers. I needed to know why he wanted me in his life. As always, he couldn't answer that question.

The reason why I asked the question now was Bruce. I felt like with him I'd have a chance for something new, something exciting that I'd never experienced before; a real relationship. He wasn't afraid to show me how he felt, and I was grateful for that. Even though, both Bruce and Oliver had acted like possessive cave men when it came to the question where I'd continue my career once Oliver got the company back. They had been both acting childish but they were men after all.

I closed my eyes and let the chilly air cool my burning face, enjoyed the light wind that caressed my skin when I felt something cold against my neck.

"Don't move," the familiar voice ordered, the cold metal dug into my skin.