Protect Me Dark Knight

1: Dance With Me

Couples gracefully glided around the room to the orchestra, making the room glow. Smoothing my floor length gown, I stood a little straighter, smiling a little bigger. Walking around the dancing men and women caused a grin to spread across my face. I stood just far enough away from the dance floor that nobody would notice me, but also close enough I could see the blinding smiles of the couples. I imagined being graceful, gliding around the room in the arms of a handsome man. The orchestra played a slower song, seeping romance into the room. Many couples left the floor, the men leading. As the few left began to sway, a hand touched my waist, causing me to swing around. "Would you like to dance miss?"

The man was beyond this world. A muscular build underneath his expensive suit, milk chocolate eyes, a smile that made the stars look dull, and messily smoothed dark hair. He could only be Mr. Bruce Wayne. "I would love to, but I can't dance." A light blush painted my cheeks pink as I looked at the floor. He chuckled, making my knees weak. "I'll teach you." His fingers lightly brushed my cheek. A smile crossed my lips as I took his outstretched hand. He laced our fingers together as the crowd parted a pathway to the floor. He placed a hand gently on my waist and held the other. Mr. Wayne leaned close, his lips brushing my ear. "Place a hand on my shoulder and follow me." He left a light kiss below my earlobe, making heat come to my face again. We went slow at first, but once our feet were in synch, we flew around the room. My skirt glided behind me, making a grin cross my face. Once the orchestra's last violin stopped singing, we swayed to a stop. Out of breath, I smiled up at him. "Thank you Mr. Wayne, that was brilliant." His lips curled at the corners as he brushed my cheek again. "It was my pleasure sweetheart." He whispered and brushed my hair away from my neck, revealing a dark bruise.

My eyes widened slightly at the small frown on his face. I took a step away from him. I cleared my throat and bowed my head. "Thank you." I turned and hurried away, pushing my hair over my shoulder. I weaved around the crowd of people, making my way towards a glass door, leading to a balcony. Once I pushed the door open and Gotham's night air hit me, I relaxed. I leaned on the ledge, closing my eyes. Taking deep, calming breaths, I seemed to have my panic under control. Loud screeching below caused my eyes to pop open. Looking in the streets below, I saw 3 dark vans stop below, a dozen of men ran to the door and in the building. I stepped away and rushed to the door. Hurrying through the crowd, I looked for Mr. Wayne, desperate for his and everyone else's safety. I spotted his bright smile and walked briskly towards him. I caught the hem of my dress under my shoe and started to stumble. "I've got you." His deep voice sounded like velvet. His arms were folded around me, holding me to his chest. "Mr. Wayne, there are men-" Gunshots exploded near the elevator.

"Does anyone know where Miss Regina Smith is?" My eyes widened in horror and Mr. Wayne gently pushed me behind him. "When he isn't looking, we are going to slowly make our way to the back okay? Take off your heels." I silently unstrapped the silver heels off my feet and placed them on the wooden floor. "Go, now." He had his hands on my waist, guiding me towards the back rooms. I didn't understand why I didn't just follow him, but then I understood. Mr. Wayne was shielding my body with his. "Anyone? Honestly, are you people that blind?" Insane laughter made my steps falter, "Beautiful girl with blonde curls and stunning green eyes? Anywhere?" His comments made my blood freeze. A couple people we passed recognized me and their eyes widened, but none of them said a word. Once we got out of sight of the crazy looking for me, Mr. Wayne turned to me. "Who gave you that bruise?" His voice was urgent, kind of rough now. "It doesn't matter, shouldn't we call the police? I don't want anyone-" "The Joker gave it to you didn't he? When did it happen?" Their was a crease between his eyebrows. I bit my lip but answered. "He found me on Wednesday. He tried to take me with him, but I refused. He threw my across the room." Mr. Wayne's teeth barred. "Stay hidden." He disappeared down the hall.

I started to shake, not understanding why the Joker needed me, wanted me so badly. "Nobody wants to tell me where Miss Smith is? We'll just find her instead." Footsteps echoed down the hall and faded. "Oh Little Bird, where are you?" His giggles scared me to death. It was deathly silent other than my frantic heart beat. Footsteps suddenly drifted to me and I looked to my right. A thug in a clown mask and holding a gun was staring right at me. "BOSS! SHE'S-" A man in all black and a cape elbowed him in the shoulder, causing him to collapse. The Batman turned towards me as the laughter began again. He reached me in a few long strides and pushed me behind him as a couple more thugs turned the corner with a man wearing clown paint and a dirty, purple suit. "Awe, I've found you Little Bird," He rose his arms in the air, as if thanking the gods, "And I see you've caught the attention of Bats." He drew closer and Batman crouched protectively in front of me. "You are beautiful. Come here darling. You don't want me to leave a matching bruise on your delicate skin do you?" The Joker reached a hand out to me. I pressed myself against the back of Batman. "Well then." he signaled to the men and they raised their guns. Batman turned, gathered me in his arms, and crashed through the glass window.

I screamed as we free fell, plummeting towards the asphalt below. We flipped around and I closed my eyes, waiting for death. A gigantic impact took my breath away as we landed. I rolled off Batman's chest and looked at him. "Thank you. Is everyone else alright?" I breathed. He nodded slightly. "They're fine." I looked up at the sky and breathed deeply. "Why me?" I looked over to the Batman and he was gone.