Love of a Dark Knight

Chapter 6 (Who Knew?)

I stared at the ceiling with my mind in a whirlwind of thoughts and images. How could I have not noticed it before? I felt a light breeze through the still open door that led to the balcony before I glanced over at the chair where Bruce was still sleeping. I felt bad for taking his bed and had tried to get up but he insisted on it.

I stared at his face, now mask less and suit less, and I studied him. How could Bruce be Batman? Bruce was a pretty playboy who loved parties and women not fighting bad guys that would risk messing up his face. Then again that was the Bruce from a long time ago and he had told me the full story, at least I think it was the full story. And how could Rachel not tell me!

I sighed and grabbed a button down shirt from Bruce’s closet that was long enough to be a dress on me. I also grabbed a belt and a brush of his and took it into the shower with me so that I could get all this crap off of me. When I got in the bathroom I paused and whistled. “Nice.”

To say it was huge and gorgeous was doing it no justice what’s so ever. I turned the nozzles and watched the hot water come out in a blasting spray. I smiled and peeled off the nightgown, wondering who’s it was, and hopped in and almost moaning in pleasure as the hot water ran through my hair. I glanced at the floor and saw all the blood and dirt coming off of me and I smiled glad I could wash it away at least for the moment. I started washing my hair when I started thinking about last night again.

I had kissed Bruce and he had kissed back. Where did that leave us? I mean I haven’t really thought of him that way recently but I remembered that when I was in that room and I saw Bruce look at the camera I had felt my heart jump. Did that even mean anything or did it just tell me I was happy someone was looking for me? Then I remembered looking into Batman’s eyes last night and feeling a sort of joy and happiness that rushed through me and to my heart. It was probably just because I was happy to be finally saved.

When I was done in the shower I got out and started drying myself slowly and gently just because I was sore all over. I put on Bruce’s shirt and buttoned it up and slipped on the belt. I looked in the mirror and saw that the damage wasn’t as bad as it had looked before. Now that the blood was off all that was really there was a fading black and blue eye a few cuts and bruises and a busted lip with no chipped tooth thank god. Speaking of teeth. I started looking around for a spare toothbrush and found one under the sink. I grabbed the toothpaste and started scrubbing my teeth as hard as I could and when I was done 5 minutes later I felt a hell of a lot better. I scrunched my hair since that was all I could really do with it and walked out into the room were Bruce was fast asleep on the bed now. I couldn’t help but smile and I was about to leave when I saw that his was tossing and turning. I just sighed and walked back to the bed and climbed in scooting next to Bruce.

“Hey. Bruce wake up. It’s just a dream.” I whispered as I pushed his hair out of his face. His eyes popped open and they seemed to focus in on me as I smiled at him. “Well good morning sunshine.”

He looked at me for a second and cracked a smile before closing his eyes and when I hear him in a more calm sleeping mood I pulled the cover up to my chin and turned my back on him to maybe catch up on more sleep since I was up most of the time with the joker afraid something would happen to me.

I felt a hand snake over my stomach and I felt a blush come up before I smiled to myself. Well I never thought this would happen, especially with Bruce!

And then I just went back to sleep with a grin across my face.

When I opened my eyes again in the late afternoon sunlight to find Alfred sitting in a chair by my side of the bed. He looked up from a book and he chuckled at my confused look.

“Master Wayne asked me to be with you when you woke up so that you wouldn’t think you were left alone. But I must say I am ever so happy to see you again Miss Carmichael.”
“Ugh Alfred its Rosemarie or Rose for you. You’ve known me for way too long to be so formal.” I sat up and hissed in pain as I realized I used my busted wrist to push myself up. Alfred looked at it and shook his head.

“Its bad enough he is always hurt but you were always right there along with him in that area.” I smiled at him and he pulled out a first aid kit from at his feet. He started putting a clear liquid on a cloth and started rubbing the cuts to clean them. I smelled the alcohol and flinched in disgust. I always hated that smell.

After a few more minutes of being cleaned up Alfred got up and told me to come down stairs and eat before I died of starvation. I giggled and got up slowly and knew I had to get used to wearing a brace on my wrist for a few weeks. When I got downstairs I saw that Alfred had made me pancakes and French toast and I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I heard my stomach rumble and my mouth started to water.

I rushed over and sat down only to shove food in my face as if it just might disappear. Alfred laughed and placed a glass of orange juice and Advil in front of me which I happily took. By the time I was done I was one happy woman who just wanted to go back to sleep.

I made my way through the pent house back to Bruce’s room where I just crawled back in bed and fell asleep.

I was startled awake a few hours later by some noise and I felt my heart rate speed up. If it was the Joker I had nothing to protect myself with nor protect Alfred with. Alfred!

I rolled out of bed quickly and rushed downstairs only to find Bruce sitting on the couch watching the news. He looked up at me and smiled as he got up and wrapped his arms around me to give me a hug. “What’s wrong Rosie?”

I looked around confused and almost hit myself for being so paranoid but could you blame me? I was kidnapped, raped, and mauled by dogs. “I thought I heard a noise and thought someone was in the room. I noticed I had nothing to protect myself with and then thought of Alfred before I realized I was already racing this way to help him.” I felt myself blush in embarrassment at the sound of that but Bruce just continued to hold me. I wrapped my arms around him and he brought me over to the couch where I saw that anchor from yesterday on talking about how I was saved and one of the guys was now in jail but not talking to anyone. Then they moved on to the Joker and they started playing the video again and Bruce quickly turned it off and put on a cartoon only seeing that it was Tom and Jerry.

“Where’s Alfred?” I asked quietly as I glanced at Bruce before looking back at the TV and flipping on the football game. Bruce raised his eyebrow and I smirked at him. “What? I like football too you know.”

“Well I guess we learn something new everyday then don’t we? You look good in my shirt by the way.” he looked down at me and leaned in as I did too before pulling away before we kissed.

“Well its all I could find that would fit me.”

He looked embarrassed for a moment before continuing. “Alfred is with Rachel getting your things and shopping for more clothes.”

“Why?” I asked clearly confused. Then it hit me. “Oh.” I could never go back home until Joker was caught. “You don’t have to get me anything. I’m good with what I have.”

“Rosie. You’re staying with me for awhile. I treat all female friends like family.” My smile dropped and I moved out from underneath his arm. He just basically told me he’s done this for all the other girls he probably saved or slept with. At least mine was only a kiss. Wait a minute? Since when did I care? I haven’t liked Bruce since we were kids for Christ sake! It must be me wanting to like him because he saved me. Yeah well I’m not going to be played like a game of cards.

I sat up and moved to the chair across the room away from Bruce. His eyebrows furrowed as he watched me and then he realized what he said. “Rose I didn’t-.”

“No I know what you meant Bruce. This is just to protect me. I’m not going to become one of your whores. I’m sorry.” I got up and walked back towards the bedrooms and finding myself a guest bedroom that was still nice but away from his room. I closed the door with a silent click and slid down in front of it putting my face in my hands. My heart was racing but I knew I was doing the right thing. I wasn’t going to fall for him since he saved me and I wasn’t going to be heartbroken. I also don’t think I could handle staying up all night worried to death wondering if one day he wouldn’t come home. I’m too young to become prematurely grey.

My eyes started prickling and I hated myself for it because I was in self denial. I’ve always liked Bruce even when I was mad at him and avoiding him. You can’t help who your heart reacts to. I felt one tear streak down my face and I quickly wiped it away not wanting to be caught crying. Yes I had feelings for Bruce but what woman in her right mind wouldn’t? He’s handsome, muscular, rich, charming, and a freaking superhero for Gods sake! I silently cursed to myself and then jumped as there was a knock at the door. I jumped and my hand flew to my throat in some sort of reaction.

“Rosemarie? Can I come in?” I didn’t answer him but quickly locked the door so he wouldn’t come in. He sighed and it sounded like he whispered an apology before I heard light footsteps moving away. I held my breath before letting it out and getting up to go to the bed. I paused and stared at it before I decided to walk to the balcony I had attached to my room too. I threw open the doors and walked out into the cool night air to look out at the distant city lights. I heard the faint honking of horns and I felt the air gracefully roll over my bare skin sending goose bumps all over.

I felt a blanket put itself around my shoulders and I spun around swinging my fist and then my momentum was stopped. Batman was staring me in the face with my fist just about an inch from his face. My hand started to throb and he let it go. I looked down and away from him not wanting to meet his eyes.

“You shouldn’t be out here. Its cold.” I rolled my eyes at his ‘hero voice’. I looked him up and down and figured he was going out for the night.

“Out to save the night?” I asked pulling the blanket around me tighter. He just nodded and looked out over the city I was just staring at.

“You should be save here. Rachel and Alfred are back. They’re making you dinner at the moment.” There was a small smirk at that comment and I wondered what he was hiding from me. “Rosie-.”

“Please? Don’t.” I placed my hand on his chest before it started to slide down off him. He grabbed it in his and gave it a kiss before looking at me one last time and jumping over the railing into his bat mobile at the bottom. When did that get there?

I watched him drive off and I felt utterly alone all of a sudden. I walked right back into the bedroom closing the doors behind me and crawling into bed. I stayed like that for most of the night and well into the morning before gradually dozing off when I heard Bruce’s door close.

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This Mr. Lau guy was sitting next to his sleazy lawyer who’s name I think was Evans. Rachel walked in and I crossed my arms in almost a bored way. She thought I should get out of the penthouse and have some fun after being cooped up in it for almost a week. And her idea of having fun? Interrogating some really rich Chinese guy.

“Give us the money and we'll deal.” Rachel started off slamming her files on the desk and eyeing him.

“The money is the only reason I'm still alive.” Lau said glaring at her but Rachel had a look on her face I knew all to well. She wasn’t giving up anytime soon. Rachel leaned forward speaking softly and clearly.

“You mean when they hear that you've helped us they're going to kill you?”

“Are you threatening my client?” Evans stood up defensively and I rolled my eyes making a grumbling noise. Harvey, who was next to me, glanced at me questioningly.

“No offense to you or Rachel but lawyers piss me off because their always so uptight and act like that.” I said pointing at Evans. Dent just chuckled and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“But its us uptight lawyers that put people like him behind bars making the world a much better place.”

“Well when you put it that way.” I said laughing and Dent playfully messed up my hair and pushed me away. “You are so lucky Rachel likes you. If she didn’t I would have just killed you for messing up the hair.” Dent rolled his eyes and I smacked him behind the head. He mouthed an ‘ouch’ and went back to watching Rachel. God they were perfect for each other.

“No, I'm just assuming your client's cooperation with this investigation. As will everyone.” She moved to the door and I grinned. I’ll give him 5 seconds tops with what’s coming next. “Enjoy your stay in County, Mr. Lau.” And 5-4-3-.

“Wait!” Rachel stopped and turned around. “I won't give you the money, but I'll give you my clients. All of them.” Better then nothing.

“You were a glorified accountant- what could you have on all of them that we could charge?”

“I'm good with calculation- I handled all their investments. One big pot.” No idea what that meant for Rachel but yeah! He’s cracking!

Dent hit a buzzer and turned to Gordon and me. “I've got it. Rico. If their money was pooled we can charge all of them as one criminal conspiracy.”

“Charge them with what?” I asked confused on how he was going to do just that as Rachel walked in and Dent turned to me.

“In a Rico case if we can charge any of the conspirators with a felony-.”

“You can charge all of them with it.” Dent nodded at me smiling and turned to Rachel with a nod as she realized what we talking about. She turned right back around leaving the room excitedly.

“Mr. Lau, do you have details of this communal fund? Ledgers, notebooks?”

Lau smiled like he knew he was off the hook. “Immunity, protection and a chartered plane back to Hong Kong.”

“What!?” I screeched and Harvey put a hand on my arm and gave me a ‘be quiet’ look so I shut my mouth. She couldn’t give in to him that easily could she?

“Once you've testified in open court. So with your clients locked up, what happens to all that money?”

“Like I said- I'm good with calculation.”

“Good. Can he calculate how many years he’ll do behind bars?” I whispered to Gordon who chuckled and nodded his head in agreement. Dent and Gordon continued to watch Lau as I read a text message from Bruce on the new smart phone he got me. I was still cautious to be around him but that didn’t mean I didn’t flirt every now and then and help him with making new gadgets. I was having fun with messing with the computers he had in that train carton thing on the other side of town. I was surprised he even took me there let alone let me drive his Lamborghini! Lets just say ones on my Christmas list this year.

Bruce: “Dinner? My treat.”

Rosemarie: “Bruce it’s always your treat. You’ve bought me enough things. I’m not completely poor I promise!”

Bruce: “I know but in a way I’m making up for everything that happened and all the years we missed when you left.”

Rosemarie: “This is the last time though Bruce!”

Bruce: “Nope J just one more thing then this week.”

Rosemarie: “What?”

Bruce: “It’s a surprise.”

Rosemarie: “Jerk! LoL J”

Bruce: “Love you too Rosie.”

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks and I couldn’t help but smile before thinking about how I had that whole internal fight with myself how I wasn’t going to let him do this to me. Yet here I was getting sucked into his charm and humor. When I didn’t answer right away he quickly texted again.

Bruce: “Rose I didn’t mean it like that if you didn’t want it to.”

Rosemarie: “Ah Brucie Bruce. Loving caring Bruce. What have we gotten ourselves into now?”

Bruce: “Whatever it is you want it to be.”

I hit the lock button on the top of the phone and the touch screen went black. I saw my reflection in the screen and I blinked. My bruise was almost unnoticeable and my cuts had almost disappeared along with the teeth marks. You would almost never guess that almost a week and a half ago I was kidnapped and beaten, well that is until a few people the street recognize me and I see pity looks or have complete stranger come up to me telling me how sorry they are. Yeah cause that makes me feel a whole lot better.

“He can't go to County. I'll keep him here in the holding cells.” I jumped and put my phone away as Gordon looked at Lau in there getting comfortable because he knew he wasn’t going to jail.

“What is this Gordon, your fortress?” Dent asked as I looked between them. There was some sort of rivalry between them and I rolled my eyes again. Men.

“You trust them over at County?” Gordon asked looking at Dent irritated.

“I don't trust them here.”

“Lau stays.”

“It's your call, Lieutenant. Be right.” Dent said looking away back out into the interrogation room.

“I am, counselor.”

I looked back into the room also and saw Rachel looking into the room, or well at the window that she saw from in the room. She pointed at the door and I hit the buzzer.

She came in looking happy and joyful and slightly determined. “Ready?”

“Ready for what?” I asked as she pulled me out the room by my arm and practically dragged me out of city hall.

“Shopping! You have dinner with Bruce at 8 and we have to get you a dress for Harvey’s fundraising party that Bruce is throwing.”

“How did you know I had dinner-?” I just dropped it though already knowing he talked to her about it. I felt my eyes drop in shame though. “Rachel I have no money to afford these dresses. And every time we go out it is to somewhere fancy and I look like a peasant in a room full of Dukes, Kings, and other royalty.”

She pulled something out of her purse and it took me a second to focus on it. It was a credit card and she was smiling evilly. “Say hello to Bruce’s unlimited stash of ever overflowing green in his savings.”

“You took his credit card!?”

“No he gave it to me silly. He said buy whatever you like no matter the cost.” She said continuing to walk towards the center of the Gotham. I laughed because I didn’t know whether to love this treatment or feel like a charity case. “Come on Rose. When do you think another opportunity will present itself like this?”

I looked at her like she was crazy but she was right still. “With Bruce? In about 6 hours.”

We both threw our heads back and laughed at that since it was true. I wiped my tears out of my eyes and looked at a car passing us. I froze when I saw someone looking at me before they continued to speed off. My heart was racing as I thought about how it had looked like the Joker but I knew I was being paranoid again. He wouldn’t come after me just yet at least. Then I thought about Bruce again.

Could I be falling for Playboy Richman Bruce?