The Way We Fall | Bruce Wayne

CHAPTER 13 - Escort

As Bruce settled into the driver's seat, Sara stared out of her side window.

"You're having second thoughts already?" Bruce inquired as he started the engine.

"No." Her head turned straight and she fixed her gaze on the horizon. If she looked at him, she worried the fluttery feeling in her stomach would return. Instead of butterflies, she felt her stomach drop as he accelerated quickly into moving traffic. He liked to drive fast. Wonderful. "I may not be the party-going type, Mr. Wayne, but I'm no coward."

"I never said you were." The Lamborghini came to a smooth stop at a red light. "And this may be a formal party, but not that formal. I think we can drop the last names. At least for tonight."

Even without turning her head, she could feel that he was looking at her until the traffic light turned green. She hoped all the makeup would hide the red glow of her cheeks. "I'm attending the banquet for business purposes. I intend to be professional."

"You're not exactly dressed in a business suit." He stole a quick look at her once more. "I'm sure you're aware this isn't an office party."

Must he work so hard to get on her nerves? Maybe it came easy to him, natural even. "I want to make it clear, Mr. Wayne, that I-"

"Bruce," he corrected.

She shot a sharp glance at him now, then wished she hadn't. His side profile was perfectly illuminated by streetlights in passing. Should she give in to his demands, just for the sake of peace? Nope.

She continued, "I am going to set an example for Gotham Tech. And you are going to keep up your end of the deal by introducing me to your investors."

He opened his mouth to speak, but she wasn't done. He wasn't just on her nerves, perhaps he'd struck one. "And, I want this to be very clear to you, I am not one of your models to show off." There was a fine line between introducing and showing off. Sara wasn't quite sure what his intentions were just yet. Either way, she'd use the open door to her advantage. "But I suppose I wouldn't be enough, anyway. I understand you're used to more company."

Sara felt the venom on her tongue. She expected him to retaliate with a sly remark, but he was silent. Maybe she'd gone too far, but if that was what had to be done, then so be it.

The smooth ride remained quiet for a few long minutes until they encountered heavier traffic. Bruce's lead foot was limited to the brakes.

"I'm sure you've seen the news." He broke the silence, almost startling her.

"About the woman? Yeah." Sara felt a lump rise to her throat. "Any idea who she is?"

"No. The detectives think she could be an employee, but there's no conclusive evidence."

They were off her scent, for now. She could breathe a little easier. "Is there anyone who comes to mind? Maybe someone with a grudge..."

"Nearly a billion dollars is quite a big 'grudge,' don't you think?"

Sara shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm sure there's plenty of jealous people with a chip on their shoulder. And they would do anything to have your fortune."

She wanted to breathe a sigh of relief when they arrived to Wayne Tower at last. However, she held it in when she saw the amount of press and paparazzi outside its front doors. Part of her wanted to bail right then and there, but of course it wasn't possible. The Lamborghini came to rest right beside the crowd. Regret settled in her mind.

"It's nerve wracking at first, but most of them don't bite." Bruce said, stepping out of the car before someone could come to open the door for him. Very reassuring.

"It's a first, and it'll also be the last," Sara mumbled, though he was already outside and out of earshot.

Bruce strode around the car and opened the door for her. He extended his hand as she moved to step out. Figuring it'd be best if she didn't trip on her high heels, she accepted it. The touch was brief, but enough to make her want to duck back into the car. Maybe she was a coward. Blinding flashes of light greeted her as she stood. Her ears flooded with shouts for photos and questions intended for Bruce. As she saw a group of reporters move in closer, she felt Bruce hook his arm around hers. "Just follow my lead," he whispered.

Sure enough, he took the lead and led a charge past the press. He was quick enough to get through without being caught up undoubtedly with questions, yet careful enough as to not let her fall. Now that would make headlines.

Two doormen opened the large glass doors to allow them entry. With the doors shut behind them, they both let out sighs of relief as though they just escaped a pit of crocodiles. "You said most of them don't bite. I think you have that reversed," she said as he continued leading her to the elevators.

"They're not the ones you should worry about." They entered an empty elevator. He looked down at her as the doors closed. "The people up there are pretty... uptight."

"You're one to talk," Sara retorted as she fixed her eyes on the slowly rising floor numbers. It was a long ride to the top. And the elevator was beginning to feel more claustrophobic than the car.

His lips thinned to a line. "They'll try to eat you alive."

"I believe I can handle myself, Mr. Wayne." She waited for him to correct her again, but perhaps he knew better. Bruce worked to adjust his bow tie.

"That's what I'm afraid of."