Jaded

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“FUUCKK!” A roar reverberated throughout the office followed by a series of crashes as Apollo Jones overturned his large desk in one swipe. Following this he picked up his heavy desk chair and flung it across the room.

“That son of a fucking bitch! Piece of fucking shit!” Apollo roared to the few people in the room who cowered and ducked the flying objects being thrown about.

“Apollo, what are we going to do? The city wants us out of here by the end of the week.” One of Apollo’s men asked quickly. Apollo’s silver gaze fell upon the man who spoke.

“Where in the fuck is Dieger? Why is he not dealing with this shit?” Apollo asked as he forced himself to take deep, calming breaths. He needed to think. What was he going to do? His club. How could they shut down his club?

“Dieger turned chicken-shit and split a few days ago.” The man who had spoken up responded again. All the other people in the room seemed tongue tied.

“Shiiiit! That fucker! Find that bastard and bury him. I don’t ever what to see him again. Has anyone been able to find out where Luthor or those bitches are?” Apollo looked around the room. Everyone shook their heads afraid to speak.

“They’ve split. Luthor…his girl…Delilah… They’ve skipped town. Even the two whores have disappeared.” The man replied.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” Apollo paused for a few seconds. “All right here’s the deal. The two whores had to have had some friends. Find those friends and get them to talk. If you have to beat the shit out of some then do it.” Apollo silver eyes narrowed as he gave these orders. Most of the people in the room blanched.

“Some of these friends may have protectors. If we go after them, we’ll risk a war and I know for a fact that the Snakeman protects the Westside girls. Are you sure you want to get into it with him?”

Apollo looked at the spokesman for the group. His silver eyes gleamed maliciously.

“What’s your name?” Apollo asked though his not knowing names was no surprise to the people in the room.

“Ah…Donnell.” Donnell responded slowly. Apollo smiled at Donnell as he approached him.

Donnell had been staring intensely into Apollo’s face and therefore did not notice the gun that Apollo had slipped into his hand. Apollo pointed the gun and shot point blank.

Shock filled Donnell’s features as he fell to the floor. Apollo looked around the room waving the gun.

“Anyone else want to question me?” Apollo asked. The others in the room looked at the dead body on the floor and then at Apollo. No one spoke a word.

“Find out where the two whores are. The whores will know where Luthor and the other bitches are. Got it. Now get the fuck out and clear this shit off my floor!” Apollo turned his back on the body and walked towards the large window that overlooked Metropolis’ Southside as men jumped to do Apollo’s bidding. A hatred so intense burned within him. Luthor and those sluts were going to pay. Apollo allowed a smile to form on his face as images of how he would make them all pay ran through his mind… And he’d start with the cause of it all…Chloe Sullivan.

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Luthor Mansion… A few days later…

Lex smiled triumphantly as he hung up the phone. Part two of the master plan was in the works. Eden’s Gate had been shut down due to a series of law suits filed against the club and his smile increased when informed that due to a series of health code violations the club will not reopen until further notice. Pct! ct!

What did surprise him, however, was the criminal investigation that was underway as evidence of Apollo’s Liquid Gold mysteriously found their way to the police. How could that have happened? Lex’s feeling on the police or their investigation methods were not particularly high and he knew they were not smart enough to find this particular drug…even if said drug fell on top of them with a sign reading Liquid Gold… No…This is someone’s doing… But who?

Nevertheless Apollo’s assets were frozen pending investigation and his demise would be soon. All Lex had to do was keep Chloe and her friends safe until the bitter end. Which was easier said than done. Signs of unrest were taking a hold of the ladies. Lex had not allowed them off the property and they were all immediately chafing at the strict rules he imposed upon them. Especially Chloe. Lex practically threatened to tie her down in order to get her to follow his rules. A wicked smile appeared on her face when he shouted this and Lex couldn’t help but grin. One day he was going to have to try that particular idea out…

Lex also had to increase his butler’s salary in an effort to compel his butler not to quit. Although with these particular ladies…any sane man would quit after an hour.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Chloe came in with a sunny smile upon her face and curiosity brimming in her eyes. The bruises on her face had faded to dull red marks while her lips had healed and were slightly scabbed over.

“What are you doing?” She asked looking around inquisitively and Lex could clearly see the wheels of her mind turning. Chloe was like a hawk in search of prey. Thank goodness she was his girlfriend. He could almost imagine the interesting tidbits…Wait…Girlfriend? Girlfriend… He smiled at the woman before him. Her eyes were currently on the documents he had spread out on his desk. She was trying very hard to read them without being too conspicuous. Chloe was his girlfriend. Was she just thatugh?ugh? No…She was more than that...

“Lex? What’s wrong? You look like you swallowed a toad.” Chloe eyes finally focused long enough on him and concern filled them immediately. Rushing over to him, she placed her hand on his forehead.

“Hmm…You’re a bit warm…But I don’t think you have a fever. Are you feeling well? Should I call a doctor?” Chloe hands were on his cheek as she gazed into his eyes. Her green eyes narrowed as they gazed deeply into his.

“Your eyes look clear and you don’t seem shaky. Why are you not speaking?” Chloe hand grasped his chin and she shook it gently.

Lex still could not speak. If anything were to happen to her…How could he live without her…Am I…

“Okay…Now you’re beginning to worry me. Lex, what’s wrong? Dammit, say something?” Chloe gently shook him. A gasp escaped her as Lex wrapped his arms around her waist and settled her on his lap. The smile he gave her was so tender it went straight into her heart and almost brought tears to her eyes. God, she was getting sappy…

“I’m fine…I was sorting some things out.” Lex spoke softly still unable to believe his discovery. How had she done it? How did this nosy, stubborn, opinionated reporter capture his heart completely?

He grinned at her suddenly. I, Lex Luthor am in love with Chloe Sullivan. But did she feel the same? Was this a fling to her? The grin left his face just as quickly as it appeared. How does she feel? She’s never said anything.

“What in the world is the matter with you? You are acting even more strangely than your usual norm and believe me for you that is saying a lot.” Chloe asked as she watched the many expressions on his face. That fact that he allowed these expressions to show caused her to worry.

How do I find out? Lex thought …Perhaps if I…Hang on…Did she just insult me?

“What was that?” Lex’s voice turned smooth as honey. His eyes were alight with a fire. Chloe loved to tease him. He was so cute when riled.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” She smiled mischievously. Lex was not convinced. A knoc the the door interrupted their banter. Danvers walked in and quickly stopped as he gazed at the couple. His face flushed a bright red at his stupidity for interrupting the intimate scene.

“Sir…I apologize for the interruption.” Danvers went on in a shaky voice.

“It’s fine Danvers. What is it?” Chloe was about to stand when she felt Lex’s hand stray from her waist to caress her upper thigh.

Well in that case…she thought as she settled herself closer towards his shaft causing Lex to groan softly in her ear. Chloe held back a grin. The tightening of his hand on her thigh told her she would pay dearly once Danvers left.

Chloe couldn’t wait for his retribution. Hmm…This desk seems nice and sturdy…

“Sir, Ms. Lang is here to see you.” Danvers responded in a much sturdier voice.

Lex felt Chloe stiffen in his arms and almost groaned in disgust. How could he forget? The quarterly reports. Damn!

“Lana is here. How nice.” Chloe responded proud that her voice remained normal.

“Chloe…She is here because of Talon business. I am co-owner remember.” Lex’s voice held a hint of amusement.

“And you could not meet her at the Talon during business hours because…” Chloe growled softly in an effort not to lose her temper. Lex was right and it irked her that she could not say anythi

“With everything that has been happening, I thought it best that she come here. Thank you, Danvers. Please send her in.” Lex informed Danvers while trying to get Chloe to stand up. Chloe proved stubborn once again. She refused to budge from her very comfortable seat.

“What are you doing? Do you honestly think I’m going to leave you alone in the same room with that doe-eyed tramp?” Chloe hissed into Lex’s ear. Lex sighed as he prayed for patience. How on earth could Chloe be jealous of Lana Lang? Yes…Lana was very pretty. But Chloe was beautiful, amazing, dazzling…She should know this by now.

“Chloe…” He began but she firmly shook her head.

Chloe watched as Lana gaily strolled in. Her gaze took in Lana’s outfit and she almost jumped from Lex’s lap. Lana obviously thought this was more than just a regular meeting if the low-cut soft pink top that clung to her upper torso and her skin tight jeans were any indication. Chloe also noticed Lana’s hair was arranged in curls about her face and her makeup was perfect as always.

Damn! The little hussy’s done some prepping…Chloe thought maliciously and a bit insecurely.

Lana stopped suddenly when she spotted Chloe on Lex’s lap. She forced herself to remain calm. “Chloe. How nice to see you here.” Lana said serenely.

What in the hell is she doing there? Lana thought.

“Lana. How are you? How’s the eye?” Chloe replied smoothly although she almost yelped at Lex’s pinch.

“Be nice.” He whispered in her ear. She turned to glare at him with a look that said ‘Are you kidding?’

“Lex, I have those figures for this quarter’s profits and I have some questions regarding…ah…Chloe, would you mind…This is kind of private.” Lana smiled a little vindictively. Chloe’s mouth dropped open at the audacity of the pink nightmare before her.

“Excuse me?” Chloe growled angrily when she was able to speak. Lex, knowing another confrontation was brewing, was about to intervene when Danvers once again knocked and entered the room.

I must remember to give him another raise…Lex thought in relief.

“Excuse me, Sir. Ms. Sullivan, your presence is requested in the solar room. They said it is rather urgent.” Danvers said in his very dignified voice.

Chloe closed her eyes as insionsion marred her features. She didn’t want to leave Lex alone but she also needed to find out what was wrong. Damn! The doe-eyed slut wins out.

“I’ll be right there.” Chloe answered. She turned in Lex’s direction. Concern was already on his face.

“I’ll go with you. Lana can wait.” He told her quickly but Chloe shook her head.

“Nah…Don’t worry. If it’s hinghing serious…I promise to come get you.” Chloe smiled at him. His warm hands cupped her cheeks.

“You had better.” Lex said seriously and he kissed her tenderly. When he pulled back, Chloe saw a gleam in his eyes. Was that…Is that…

She stood up slowly with a confused expression. Does he… Oooh…Could he…

She walked out wondering if what she had seen was true. Lana grimaced as Chloe passed her. A slow burning anger engulfed her body. Damn! Damn! Damn!

******************

Danvers led the way to the solar room. Chloe took that time to reflect on her feelings for Lex. What did she feel? Okay…Let’s think about this. Do I love him? She smiled quickly at that foolish question. Of course I do! She loved him so much it was st pst painful at times. Did he love her? What was that look? Should I tell him? No! Not yet! I can’t… Maybe I just imagined it… Of course I did… It was just wishful thinking…

Chloe arrived at the large solar room still perplexed about the look Lex gave her. She looked around and noticed that Delilah was the only person in the room sitting on a lounge chair. Her loose dark hair fell about her as her head was pressed in her hands.

“What’s going on? Where are Rox and Sin? I thought you all wanted to see me.” Chloe asked softly as fear slowly spread throughout her body. Delilah quickly looked up and Chloe saw the sadness and fear in her violet eyes.

“They’re gone, Chloe. They left for Metropolis and I don’t know if they’re ever going to come back.” Delilah whispered.

TBC...