The Way We Fall | Bruce Wayne

CHAPTER 39 - Confessions

She was sure he had many more cars, but the Lamborghini was undoubtedly his favorite. Sara watched as it came to a stop at the bottom of the steps where she had been waiting for him to get ready.

Now dressed in his usual business suit, Bruce was stepping out of the car when she had already approached. Her hand was on the door by the time he had walked around to open it for her. Finding the release button, she pressed it and the scissor door swung upwards. As she settled into the seat and pulled the door shut, Bruce awkwardly walked back around to the driver's side.

The silence as they left the manor was torture. Neither one said a word at first.

Listening to the hum of acceleration onto a freeway, Sara set her thoughts on whatever strategy she would need to convince the board of directors. The news of Mr. Riley's crimes hurt the company's reputation beyond repair. They may never be as successful as they once were, but there was still a chance.

Doubt creeped into her mind as she watched the blur of city buildings outside the window. What if Bruce was right? Rumors spread like wildfire in Gotham. If they already had their minds set on believing she was guilty, then she'd likely be in handcuffs before ever reaching the executive floor.

Unless she could use him to her advantage. She glanced at his side profile as he had his eyes set on the road. One look at him, and the Board would see dollar signs. Just what she needed. As long as he stayed far away from everything else. The last thing she wanted was for him to incriminate himself right beside her.

"Whatever happens," she said, finally breaking the silence, "promise me you'll stay out of it."

"I don't make promises I can't keep." His eyes remained fixed on the road as they approached typical traffic.

Exhaling a frustrated sigh, she averted her gaze back out the windshield. "Could you put your hero complex aside, just this once?" She hadn't meant for her tone to sound on edge, but it was.

When he didn't respond, she felt ashamed. Some snarky comeback would've at least alleviated the heaviness in the air. But instead it lingered, and the more time passed, the more she felt its crushing weight.

"Bruce," she said at last, his name rolling smoothly off her tongue, "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. Really, I am."

As the car came to a stop amidst the city traffic, they glanced toward each other. The words she wanted to say next vanished briefly as she gazed back into saddened hazel eyes.

Finally she continued,"But rather either of us like it or not, it's time for me to stand on my own again. No matter what happens, I'll take care of myself."

"We don't know yet if Riley has his own men prepared for retaliation. You're not—"

"If he does, so be it. Maybe it's what I deserve."

Bruce frowned at that, his narrow gaze passing between her and the red glow of taillights. "Deserve?" He repeated it as if it left a bad taste in his mouth.

Her remorse went beyond what she had done against him and his company. Maybe he was familiar with her grief, but he didn't share the same guilt.

"I made the choice to put on that mask a long time ago. Unlike yours, it wasn't with good intentions."

His expression grew solemn now, perhaps unsure of anything he could say.