Between Stripes

T W E N T Y F I V E

"You look gorgeous." Jerome whispered as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. A smile blossomed on my lips. We were getting ready for the charity dinner. It almost felt normal. Like we were a couple getting ready for a fancy meal... But small things like hiding a gun beneath my dress shook me into reality. That and the fact I dyed my hair a deep brown rather than the light colour it was naturally. The ends were coloured plum - matching my dress.

"Thank you. You look rather-" I lurched forward and grabbed him by the sides of his collar,"-dashing, yourself."

He smiled and moved forward ever so slightly so that our noses touched. His cool skin froze mine.

"Eskimo kissing." I whispered, biting the inside of my mouth to stop myself from laughing.

His eyes fluttered shut as he began to shake with silent laughter. His toxic smile was my drug and I couldn't help but stare. His cheeto coloured hair was styled to Jerome's view of perfection (just a little off). His eyes glittered with so much hiding inside them. Mostly mortality.

"Oh babygirl, you are special." He said through the fit of laughter.

"I like to think I am." I murmured before kissing the corner of his smile. I felt it slowly fall beneath my lips.

"Georgy..." his voice hummed inside his throat.

"Don't ruin this yet, J. Not yet." I whispered, not stopping. His face moved under me, he was probably frowning. Did I care? Not so much.

"Georgy."

"What?" I sighed, pulling away and noticing the many lipstick marks on his face. A smug smile played on my lips.

"Enjoy tonight, you won't be centre of the stage for once."

"I like being the centre of the stage." I stuck out my bottom lip, putting on my best puppy eyes.

"So does Barbra. Let her be it for once, then you can be the centre of my stage." He said, his voice was low, quiet and totally was grabbing my attention.

"Nice offer buddy, but I'm already the centre of your stage." I purred before smirking at him. Jerome rolled his eyes.

"Just have fun tonight. I'll be busy so I can't entertain just you." He whispered before pressing a kiss to my forehead and turning round. He walked across the room and scooped up his hat.

What the shit is wrong with him?

I wondered the same thing. He was being strange. That was all he had been recently. It was exhausting.

"Jerome, promise me something." I said, slipping my feet into the heels which matched my dress perfectly.

"Yeah?" His attention was divided. Partly on me, partly on adjusting his hat.

"You've not got something stupid planned- actually forget that, promise me that you've got no plans for this evening apart from doing the show."

The reflection of his eyes in the mirror moved towards me.

"My only plan is to perform the act." He said firmly. I took in a deep breath, turned round and began to walk across the room towards the door.

"I'll see you later, when you perform." I shortly said before leaving our bedroom quietly. The door clicked shut.

A large sigh escaped my mouth.

If only I could get on that motorcycle again.

If only I could drive for hours.

If only I didn't have to worry.

If only I could be free for once and all-

"Ready, Georgia?" The voice, which never really left me alone, tore me from my thoughts.

I looked to my right, Galavan was stood there. He was wearing some fancy Italian suit, as per usual.

"Yes. I'm ready." I smiled and took his arm which he'd opened for me.

We began to walk through the penthouse. Galavan spoke to me as we walked. Nonsense which didn't interest me in the slightest. Just stuff about the night ahead.

"Oh and dear Lee Thompkins will take a little charge over everyone. She'll try to steer the night in the right direction. Obviously that won't work." Without looking at him I knew he was smirking. It was the usual tone he took when looking down on others.

"Who's she?" I said, stifling a yawn. All I could think of is how I'd have a lovely nights sleep later.

"James Gordon and her are in a somewhat serious relationship." Galavan explained.

"How fun, is there any chance of me slitting her throat tonight?" I purred with a smirk dancing on my lips.

"That's unlikely." Galavan snorted which dampened my mood only a little. But the smirk didn't leave my face as I thought about slitting dear Lee's throat.

The blood would bloom. A pool would form. All the light in her eyes would dim out. Her face would fall. Maybe even a choking sound would escape her lungs.

The small fantasy drove the bloodlust inside me crazy.

"Get a handle on your crazy for tonight, dear Georgia." Galavan chuckled as we reached the front door.

"Oh, I've got a handle on it. But if anything, and I mean anything goes wrong, I won't hesitate to make a move." I slid out of his grip, glaring at him menacingly before turning to the lift and pressing a button.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

A.N
I'm so sorry about the really late chapter! Everything's been a slight kafuffle recently, especially cause the creative juices are on low stock. What a mess.

Aaaaaand I'm with the him that I'm constantly talking about, so yay for me.

See ya soon my buddies