Chapter 3
The next day at school Claire was surprise to see Chloe acting as if she hadn't just found out her best friend was an alien and it put her more at ease. Chloe, Pete, Lana, Whitney and Claire had all decided to eat lunch outside under one of the big oak trees. "Chloe, wanna come over tonight for dinner? My parents really wanted to talk to you about that thing we were talking about yesterday."
"Oh ya sure." Chloe said with a smile.
"What thing?" Pete questioned right before he took a large bite of his sandwich.
"Oh just a story I am working on about the use of chemically engineered fertilizer." Chloe spoke without skipping a beat. Claire breathed a sigh of relief that for once she did not have to come up with a lie to explain what was happening.
"Speaking of coming over." Lana began as she snuggled into Whitney's chest. "I was thinking of having a girls movie night. I got the old movie projector fixed so we can watch one last movie at the Talon before it is officially handed over to the Luthors."
"Actually I can't." Claire responded. "I am going into the city this weekend." Then swiftly Claire shoved the spoon from her pudding cup in her mouth so she did not have to divulge anymore information.
Chloe however was more than willing to wait her out. Once Claire had finished her mouth full Chloe pounced. "Why are you going to Metropolis Claire?"
Claire just shrugged and and proceeded to start a conversation with Pete when she heard her name being called. Turning around she saw Lex making his way towards them. "Lex!" Claire stood quickly and brushed the grass off the white A-line skirt she wore. "What are you doing here?"
"I was hoping to catch you before you went on lunch, but I see I'm a little late." Lex spoke with a smile as he tucked his hands into his black dress pants pockets.
Looking him over Claire could not believe how good he looked in a suit. "I...umm…"
Seeing her friend losing the inability to speak Chloe quickly stood and moved to her friends side. "I think what she is trying to say is she only just started eating."
Lex turned to smile at Chloe in thanks then moved to examine Claire. She wore a simple plain skirt with a fitted red plaid shirt tucked into it. "Well then, would you care to accompany me to lunch?"
Before Claire could answer however Chloe placed her hand on her shoulder. "Claire would love to go to lunch, she even happens to have a spare next period so there is no rush to get back."
"Ya, I would like that." Claire finally responded, reaching to the ground she grabbed her book bag and waved goodbye to her friends before following Lex off of the school grounds.
Lex reached his Porsche passenger door and opened it for Claire. "Thank you." Said Claire as she seated herself down in the car. Lex shut the door and then made his way to the driver's seat, and without another word he tore off out into the road.
They arrived a few minutes later at a local sandwich shop and took a table near the back. "So how are your classes going today?" Lex questioned casually as he looked over the menu.
"Good, I guess." Claire spoke as she looked around the establishment and saw that everyone was watching them.
"You will get use to it." Lex spoke simply as he placed the menu down and looked at Claire. Turning Claire looked Lex in the eye not understanding what he was talking about. "People always stare, whether it's because I'm a Luthor, a bald freak or both."
Claire reached across the table and took Lex's hand in her own. "They stare because you have power, and they don't know you well enough to know how you will use that power. As for your lack of hair, it's sexy...I mean suits you. Oh god." She pulled her hand back quickly and ran a hand through her hair.
"I find you to be quite charming Ms. Kent." Lex spoke with a smirk.
Feeling her cheeks redden Claire put her head in her hands and sighed. "I don't think charming is the word I would use. Crazy, unstable, maybe insane."
Reaching forward Lex pried Claire's hands away from her face and brought them down to the table. "Enchanting is more like it." Lex watched as Claire became beat red. He didn't know what it was about her that had him so captivated.
"God, you must think i'm incorrigible." Claire spoke as she looked up from table to make eye contact with Lex.
"Anything but." Just then the waitress came over and both Lex and Claire gave their orders. After the waitress left Claire found herself looking everywhere but where Lex sat in front of her. She wasn't sure how she had embarrassed herself to a whole new degree.
"So I must admit I did have an ulterior motive to this lunch." Lex spoke as he folded his hands on the table in front of him. "For this weekend, I will need you to accompany me to a charity benefit. It is not until Saturday evening so we are still good for dinner before hand."
Claire shook her head in shock, as the image of a room full of people in expensive dresses and suits danced around as she sat in the corner in a pair of dirty overalls. "Oh, Lex. I'm flattered, but are you really sure you want to you know, be seen with someone like me?"
He was taken aback by Claire's comment. Did she really see herself as not worth of being on his arm. "I assure you I would must rather be seen with you then with anyone else that will be there. Besides I need someone I can trust to be by my side when my father is so close by."
"Lex, you hardly know me." Claire spoke slowly.
"Claire Bennet Kent, age seventeen. You were adopted at the age of four by Martha and Jonathan Kent. Your extracurriculars include track and field, competitive swimming, and the school's newspaper. Highest grade point average of your class three years running, need I go on?" Lex spoke this as he leaned back in his chair. He examined Claire's face closely as he spoke gagging her reaction to his words.
"Kind of creepy." Said Claire with a smile. "I'm guessing you didn't find all that out on your own?" Claire began to wonder if maybe somehow Lex knew her secret already.
Leaning forward slightly Lex held Claire's gaze. "I like to know who I'm dealing with. Speaking of which, how exactly did you pull me from that car?"
Claire was pretty sure she lost all the colour from her face as she looked at Lex. She did not know what to say, she did not know how she would get out of this one. "I just didn't think about it Lex. After your car went in, I dove after it. The roof was torn back so I was able to just pull you through. It really isn't anything special."
"You know, I keep thinking about the accident. I could have sworn I hit you." Lex spoke leaning back once again but not breaking eye contact.
"Lex, you were going like sixty miles and hour, had you hit me…" Claire trailed off in an attempt to emphasise her point. She wanted to drop the subject and had hoped the thought of him almost killing her would do that.
Just then as if on cue their food showed up. The waitress placed their pates in front of them and then walked away. "This looks delicious." Said Claire with a smile as she dove into her salad with her fork. After she had finished chewing her first forkful she paused to look at Lex. "So this charity event...I wasn't lying when I said I didn't think you would want to be seen with someone like me. The only dress I own is a yellow sundress which I got second hand from Chloe."
"You don't have to worry about anything Claire. I will have everything you need delivered to the penthouse." Lex spoke simply.
"Penthouse?" Claire questioned just as she was about to take another bite.
"Yes, we will be staying at my penthouse while we are in Metropolis. I hope that is okay with you?" Lex questioned before he too took a bite of his salad.
Claire's brain was in overdrive as she envisioned the blowout her father would probably have at that news. "Oh that's fine...but lets not tell my father that." Claire chuckled lightly as she pictured her father chasing Lex down the drive with a shotgun.
Lex too was thinking of the many ways Jonathan Kent would most likely murder him if he were to find out that there was only one master bedroom in the penthouse. "Yes, I think that best as well."
The two then made small talk and ate their lunch and soon Claire realized she needed to be back at the school for her final class. Lex pulled the car into the parking lot of the school and reached for Claire before she could exit the vehicle. "Claire, I...I heard that you family is he one to call for produce deliveries, would I be able to get the number?"
"Sure, but only if you do something else for me?" Questioned Claire as she looked to Lex. "Lana's aunt sold you the Talon right?" Lex just nodded his head in response not knowing where she was going with this. "Lana was talking the other day about wanting to turn it into a coffee shop. That old theater is one of the last things in this town still standing that contains memories of her parents. Would you ever consider maybe, not tearing the building down?"
"Claire this town is growing, and it is in desperate need of a parking garage but, if Lana could give me a profitable reason to not go forward with my plans then I would be more than willing to hear her out." Replied Lex as he let go of Claire's arm that he realized he was still holding.
Smiling excitedly Claire leaned forward and gave Lex a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks Lex." Claire then reached for her bag and ripped a piece of paper out from one of her notebooks. Grabbing a pen she quickly scribbled down a number and handed it to Lex, then she proceeded to exit the vehicle. "Talk to you later Lex." Then with that she rushed off towards the school.
Once she was inside the building she quickly made her way towards her photography class, and once she was inside the room sat herself beside Chloe. "So how was the date?" Chloe questioned with a smirk as she pulled out her equipment.
'It wasn't a date. It was just a lunch. Besides he wanted information of getting on the produce route." Claire said innocently.
"A produce route which you happen to run…" Chloe spoke slyly.
The rest of the day went by quickly and uneventful, and soon Saturday morning came, and Claire was just coming down the stairs with her suitcase in tow when there was a knock on the door.
Martha who had been whipping down the counter looked towards the door. "Come in." She said as she tossed the rag into the sink and moved towards the door. "Good morning Lex."
"Good morning Mrs. Kent." Lex spoke with a smile as he entered the kitchen. He was dressed in his usual black slacks and today a light green dress shirt with a black long dress coat overtop. "Are you ready to go Claire?"
"Yup." Claire said with a smile as she moved to stand next to him. Just then Jonathan entered the kitchen to see his daughter off.
"She's to be back by noon Sunday." Jonathan directed his words to Lex. "And I want you to call us once you get to your hotel room." He spoke now looking towards his daughter.
"Mr. Kent, I assure you, Claire will be perfectly safe with me." Lex spoke as he reached down to grab Claire's small suitcase.
Moving towards her parents Claire wrapped her arms around her mother and kissed her cheek then moved to her father and did the same. "I will see you guys tomorrow." She spoke as she pulled back and then her and Lex left the farmhouse and made their way towards his car.
Soon they were in Metropolis and on their way up in the elevator to Lex's penthouse. To say it was luxurious would have been an understatement. Claire could not believe how classy the suite was as well as the view. She had left her bag in the middle of the living room floor when she rushed to the large wall made of windows.
"Lex this view is amazing." Claire spoke happily as she looked out across the city. The large daily planet sign just across the street.
"The best in the city actually. Wait till you see the view from the bedroom." Lex then walked over to a large set of double doors and opened them, revealing a large master bedroom. Claire followed after him and soon found herself staring out at a view of the water front.
Lex watched Claire as she looked out in awe at the city below her. "Your outfit for tonight is on the bed. You will find shoes in the box next to it. Once you are ready I will meet you out in the living area. Then with that Claire was left alone in the room as Lex left closing the door behind him as he went.
Turning towards the bed Claire found a dress bag and box sitting nicely laid out on the bed. Unzipping the bag she found a gorgeous silk chiffon vintage little black dress inside. Pulling it carefully out of the bag she admired the material as she let her fingers brush over it. Then carefully she laid it back down and went to the shoe box. Inside she found a simple pair of black ballet flats.
Not wanting to keep Lex waiting any longer Claire quickly changed. Only to realize once she had her shoes and dress on that she could not zip it up by herself. "Lex!" Claire called out as she attempted to reach for the zipper.
Entering the room Lex had to stop himself from letting his jaw hit the floor. She looked absolutely breathtaking even as she attempted to reach behind her for what he assumed was the zipper of the dress. "Would you like a hand? Lex questioned as he moved to stand behind her.
"Yes please." Claire moved to grab her hair and lift it so it did not get caught at the top of the zipper.
Reaching forward Lex slowly rested his left hand on Claire's lower back and used his right to pull the zipper up slowly. Once he got it to the top he let his hand linger on the soft skin of her back.
A few moments went by in silence as neither person moved, till finally Claire giggled lightly. "I must say I clean up pretty good." Said Claire as she looked herself over in her reflection in the glass of the window.
This was enough to break Lex out of his thoughts and pull away. "Come, I figured we could work up an appetite at the museum. Lex held out his hand and as Claire turned around she took his hand in hers.
The two then made their way down to the street where a limo was waiting for them. There was a man in a suit standing waiting for them as he held the door to the long vehicle open. Lex helped Claire into the limo and then followed quickly after sitting himself next to her near the door.
Once they were in the limo started moving and Claire smiled as she looked around the large space.
"First time in a limo?" Lex asked with a smirk as he watched Claire take in her surroundings.
"Actually I came here once for a play with Lana and Nell. She rented a limo to drive us around all night, but it was nothing like this."
Lex reached forward and grabbed a bottle of champagne that had been uncorked for them and the proceeded to grab a glass to fill. He held it out for Claire to take and she just stared at the bubbly liquid. She had never had a drink before, she was not even sure she could get drunk.
"I promise I will not tell." Lex spoke pushing the glass closer toward her.
Taking the glass Claire examined the liquid and then took a small sip to test the waters. She was surprised when it tasted quite well. Lex then proceeded to pour himself a glass and then placed the bottle back in its bucket. Raising his glass to her he smiled. "To new friendships."
Claire raised her glass to lightly knock Lex's. "To new friendships." They each then took a small sip. "Thank you again for bringing me here Lex. I mean I would have totally been fine with a burger and milkshake but this, this makes me feel like a princess."
"Well every beautiful woman deserves to be treated as such." Lex spoke simply, he said it in such a matter of fact tone, and it made Claire blush.
Soon they arrived at the museum and Lex helped Claire out of the limo and walked her with her arm in his up the steps and into the building. They spent a good few hours in the museum, with Lex giving her history lessons on each piece she found to be interesting. Once they were done touring the building they decided to head to dinner.
Lex walked Claire towards a large and very posh looking restaurant as they approached the doors to the building were pulled open by two of the staff and a rather stunning looking lady came to greet them as they entered.
"Mr. Luthor it is good to see you again." She spoke with a slight english accent. Claire examined her and felt as though she looked more the part of going out to dinner with Lex. She wore a very low cut black and white dress, which hugged her nicely and ended just low enough to cover her. Her long brown hair was curled and she wore bright red lipstick.
"The pleasure is all mine Christy." Lex smirked as he said this, and Claire got the impression there was something she was missing.
"We have your private both ready and waiting Mr. Luthor." Christy spoke before making her way toward the back of the restaurant. Lex kept Claire's arm in his as they made their way across the floor and back towards a very private and closed off section that was situated a floor above the rest of the restaurant.
Lex helped Claire into the booth and then moved to sit down on the other side. "Lex this is amazing. This day has been amazing. Thank you."
"I don't think you will be thanking me once you have to deal with the boring socialites of Metropolis later." Lex laughed.
A waiter came by with a bottle of white wine and began to pour them each a glass. Once the waiter was gone Lex handed a glass to Claire with a smile.
"Lex…" Claire began as she took the glass but was soon cut off by Lex.
"Don't worry, you won't get carded as long as you are with me." He said with a light chuckle. "Besides, you should enjoy the night."
Claire just nodded her head as a smile formed on her lips and she took a sip of the wine, delighted by its taste her smile widened. "This is really good."
"That is good to hear. I myself love a good glass of chardonnay." Lex said this right before he too took a sip of his wine and then sat his glass back down. "I hope you don't mind but I already set up tonight's menu."
"That is fine by me." Claire set her glass down and giggled lightly. "Chances are good I wouldn't know what half the stuff on the menu was anyways." Claire watched as a smile formed on Lex's face. "You know you should do that more."
Lex looked at her the smile slightly fading from his face as he tried to figure out the meaning to her comment. "I'm sorry I don't understand."
"Smile Lex. You should smile more, I think every picture I've ever see of you, is you looking all serious." Claire proceeded to pick her glass back up and take a small slow sip.
"That my dear is a luxury I only indulge when in beautiful company." Lex watched as Claire began to blush.
Lex proceeded to compliment her throughout the rest of dinner, loving the way she blushed any time he mentioned her looks. By the end of their dinner her cheeks seemed to have held onto their light rosy tone and he found it positively adorable.
Now they stood outside of a large room that contained a few hundred people all dressed to the nines. Lex lightly pulled Claire towards him by wrapping his arm around her waist. As he watched the people in the next room he brought his lips down to just graze her ear, the smell of vanilla and baked bread flooded his senses.
"Just stick close to me, and you will be fine." Lex whispered to Claire. She could not help the shiver that went down her spine as she felt Lex's warm breath on her ear. Then Lex led her into the room and through the throngs of people.
It was not nearly as bad as she had thought it would be, and there was no way she was going to lose Lex. It seemed he always had his arm around her waist as they moved from group to group mingling with the crowd. Every group they talked to, talked about mergers and shares. Things Claire had no care or knowledge of, but for some reason she seemed quite content just being next to Lex.
"Lex." Came a voice from behind them and Lex without realizing it tightened his grip around Claire and involuntarily stood just a little straighter if that were possible.
"Father." Lex spoke as his father came into view in front of him. His presence caused the couple he had just been talking to, to move on to another group. "I thought you weren't going to be coming tonight."
Lionel stood there looking at his son, that was until he realized he had his arm around a rather stunning looking woman. "I got back sooner than expected. Besides, I couldn't miss an opportunity to see my son now could I? Now who is this stunning young beauty you have with you tonight?"
Claire felt herself stiffen under Lionel's gaze, and just as she was about to respond she felt Lex pull her slightly closer and then he spoke on her behalf. "Father this is Ms. Claire Kent, from Smallville. Claire this is my father Lionel Luthor."
"Claire Kent, I believe I've met your parents before. I think it was just around the time that you were adopted." Lionel reached his hand out in greeting.
Slowly Claire put her hand out in front of her before she knew what was happening Lionel had her hand in his and had brought it to his lips. Giving her a light kiss, his lips lingering slightly longer than necessary on her skin. Once he let go of her hand, Claire found herself moving to rest against Lex's side and she reached up to put a hand lightly on his chest.
"Sorry I cannot stay and chat father, but I promised Claire a dance." Lex spoke as he glared daggers into his father.
"Certainly, it would be impolite to keep such a stunning creature confined to the side lines." Lionel spoke as he looked Claire over once more.
Lex made to move so he could take Claire's hand in his. "It was a pleasure Mr. Luthor." Claire spoke politely as she looked at Lex's father.
"The pleasure was all mine Ms. Kent." Lionel spoke with a smirk.
Then before she could think Lex had swept her away and onto the dance floor. Placing his hands on her hips they began to sway slightly to the beat. Claire reached up and wrapped her arms around Lex's neck and smiled up at him. "Sorry about my father."
"It's fine Lex." Claire smiled up at him. "Even though it did feel like he was undressing me with his eyes." She giggled as she said this attempting to cut the awkwardness with humor.
Lex felt himself stiffen slightly at her words. The thought of his father and Claire together flashed in his mind, only for a second but that was more than enough to put a damper on his once happy mood.
"Lex, seriously it is fine. Remember how I said you need to smile more, here is a good example of a time to do that." Claire let her hand slowly caress the skin on the back of Lex's neck as they danced. "Smiling would be the best way to get under your father's skin you know."
Looking down at Claire and the large smile she had on her face was more then enough to cause his lips to curl up slightly. That and the feeling of her fingers on his skin was setting his skin on fire. "What do you say we get out of here?"
"Lex, we don't need to leave on my account. I will stay with you as long as you want." Claire spoke as she let her eyes lock with his.
"I don't plan on letting you leave my side any time soon, I would just prefer not being in the same room as my father right now." Lex spoke as he pulled slightly away from Claire causing her to drop her hands down to rest on his chest.
He then led her out of the party and back to the street, where they only had to wait a few minutes for the limo to come around. Once they were inside Claire slid herself across the seat so that she was right next to Lex. "Are you sure you're okay?" Claire let her hand reach up and rest on Lex's cheek forcing him to look at her.
Lex let his eyes lock with Claire's and her smell hit him hard causing him to take a deep breath of the air around him. "You're intoxicating." Whispered Lex as he leaned in pushing his nose into her hair.
"Lex." Claire whispered. Lex pulled back to look her in the eyes and noticed that they had slightly darkened, taking that as his invention he pushed his lips lightly against her, and once she responded to his advance he did not hold back.
Wrapping his arms around her Lex slowly pushed Claire down onto the leather seats of the limo as he continued to kiss her. Once her back was against the cool leather he moved his lips from hers and began to slowly kiss down her neck.
Claire felt like her skin was on fire as Lex kissed his way down her neck, only stopping when he reached the fabric of her dress as it rested on her collar bone.
"Why did I buy you such a modest dress?" Lex questioned lightly, his breath ghosting over Claire's skin.
"Guess you'll just have to stay above the neck till we get back to your suite." Claire said with a light giggle.
Quickly looking up Lex met Claire's eyes wondering if that was a joke or an invitation. He let his eyes flutter down to her lips and found her chewing on her bottom lip and quickly decided he would much rather be chewing it.
Once the limo came to a stop outside the building Lex quickly got out bringing Claire with him. Before she could do anything however he scooped her up into his arms and began walking them into the building. After that, they made it as far as the elevator before Lex had her pinned against the back wall her legs wrapped around his waist, and his hands under her dress.
The elevator chimed signalling they had gotten to the penthouse and Lex carried Claire out of the elevator and towards the master bedroom. When they had gotten inside the room Lex tossed her down on the bed and just stared down at her as she propped herself up on her elbows.
"Claire, you know I would never ask you to do anything you didn't want to right?" Lex spoke as he unbuttoned the cuffs of his shirt.
"Lex, you could never make me do anything I didn't want to do." Claire smirked as she said this, her hidden meaning only going noticed by herself. "Now, are you going to join me cause I'm pretty sure I only saw one bedroom in the place."
Running a hand over his head Lex stared down at her with a smirk. "God Claire, where have you been all my life."
"Waiting for you to drive off a bridge." Claire spoke with a light giggle.