Rewrite

DISCLAIMER: Absolutely none of the characters in this story belong to me. I'm just having a bit of fun with them...

A/N I was watching reruns and this just jumped out at me. This is currently a story of UNresolved sexual tension... if that's not your cup of tea there is plenty of smut to be had elsewhere. Hopefully, the characters will want to get naked soon.

Rewrite of a scene in “Whisper” (season 3)- While feeling angry at Clark and Lana, Lionel Luthor convinces Chloe to do research on Clark and give it to him in exchange for computers and a column at the daily planet. Chloe agrees but then has difficulty following through. Clark, due to his increased hearing, has figured out the deal between Chloe and Lionel and is livid even though she’s refused to help Lionel Luthor.

Chloe ignored the tight feeling of panic in her stomach. Why the hell had she even driven out to Metropolis? Never mind the powerful, dangerous man who held her dreams in his careless fingers. She closed her eyes and set her head against the wheel of her car. She was in so far over her head it wasn’t even funny. With a deep breath she straightened her shoulders and got out of the car. The sooner this was over the better.

The elevator was done in an understated plush but the message of wealth and power was clear, even its hum sounded expensive. The female assistant behind the enormous desk was perfectly coiffed and looked about as real as a Barbie Doll. Chloe wondered briefly if the assistant was capable of independent thought.

The message of wealth and power was no longer understated in Lionel’s office. The huge window gave a perfect view of the Metropolis skyline. The furniture was all slick surface and expensive material. And Lionel seemed to barely notice it as he paced back and forth across the room.

“Was there any result with the change? Hmm.” Lionel spoke into the small, black phone.

Chloe found herself alone in a room with Lionel Luthor. It was an experience she could have lived without. He moved casually, as if she weren’t even there and Chloe gritted her teeth. Lionel Luthor didn’t do anything without a half dozen reasons and the message of her unimportance to him was coming through loud and clear.

“Uh, all right. Do it again.” His laugh grated over her skin. “How long will that take? All right. Call me when you're done.”

Lionel disconnected the call and walked across the room. He completely ignored her and she had had enough of this crap.

“I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to cough suggestively? You know, I don't have any new information on Clark.” Her voice sounded too loud to her but at least none of her fear is coming through. She thinks anyway.

Lionel glanced at Chloe, taking his mug from the coffee table.

“And even if I did, I would have happily e-mailed it to you sans three-hour drive.” Chloe shifted impatiently. What the hell does he want?

Lionel poured a cup of coffee.

“Would that have been before or after you spoke to Lex?” His voice was pleasant but she could hear the edge of anger underneath it. Her heart manages to beat even faster.

“What are you talking about?” She replied, knowing her confusion is plain on her face.

“You know, Miss Sullivan, these coy evasions may work when your wheedling information out of a high school librarian, but up here, you're out of your league.”

He’s more clearly annoyed and Chloe suppresses a shudder. She hates the way he says her name. It makes her feel…grimy.

Lionel holds his coffee in one hand and looks her up and down. A small smirk plays at his lips as does so and now anger flashes through her over the fear.

“Mr. Luthor, what's this about?” Now she knew the edge of her emotions is clear in her voice and she knew he’d see that as weakness.

“We had what I assumed was a private conversation, but imagine my surprise to have Lex throw my very own words right back in my face. You led me to believe, Miss Sullivan, that you were no longer in communication with Lex.”

Again her name off his lips creeped her out. But she had to focus on his words.

“I’ve little or no contact with you son and, if you’ll forgive the impertinence, mental illness does not inspire confidence. Was that all Mr. Luthor because I’m on a deadline.” She sneered his name and hopes he can hear the ‘asshole’ she really meant underneath the words. He just smiled a condescending smile and Chloe turns to leave.

“Not anymore. Your column at the Daily Planet's been cancelled.” He didn’t quite manage to hide the smugness in his voice…though that may have been the point. One never could tell with Lionel. She turned to face him.

“I see.” She kept her voice flat and empty. After all, it wasn’t really a surprise.

Lionel blinked, as if he were expecting a different reaction. He moved a couple steps forward and set his coffee cup down on the low table in front of the couch.

“Here's the deal, Miss Sullivan. You tell me everything you fed to Lex, I'll let things stand.” He spread his hands out in front of him as if he were being perfectly reasonable. And he was, for a raving lunatic megalomaniac.

“I’m not Lex’s source. And while I'm sure you could kill my column, this is not the only piece I'm working on for the Daily Planet. I know I could interest them in a story about an eccentric billionaire with an obsessive interest in a Kansas farm boy.” She lifted her eyebrows at him and tipped her head in annoyance.

The change in Lionel’s expression was immediate and terrifying. He moved so close to her that Chloe could feel the heat of his body on her skin and she had to shove down waves of fear. Stand your ground, stand your ground. He can sense fear like blood in the water.

“Are you threatening me?” His voice was quiet and almost a hiss.

Chloe swallowed convulsively and then said the first thing that came to mind.

“I doubt I could ever threaten you, Mr. Luthor. I’m just pointing out that there’s more than one way to get what you want.” She kept her tone light and mocking though it took every ounce of her mental strength to do so.

The look on his face shifted…it was almost…predatory. He moved even closer to her and Chloe refused to back down.

“Is that so, Miss Sullivan?” He purred at her and then lifted his hand to touch one cheek gently. Chloe couldn’t stop the flinch that jerked through her. His smile grew bigger. “Perhaps we can come to some…other arrangement.”

Chloe stared at him. He couldn’t possibly…be coming on to her! Oh. My. God. No, no this had to be some sort of power play. Don’t freak out.

“I think I’ve learned my lesson about making…arrangements…with you Mr. Luthor.” She stepped back out of his range smoothly before turning her back on him and heading for the door.

“I wouldn’t be so hasty, Miss Sullivan. Money can buy a great many things.”

Chloe turned to face him.

“Is that so, Mr. Luthor? Than might I recommend that you look into buying some manners.” She turned on her heel sharply and left the room at a brisk pace. His laughter ran over her skin like ice water but she managed to leave the room without looking back.

In fact, she managed to make it out of the building, into her car, and onto the road before she had to pull over and throw up. How the hell had life gotten so complicated?