Hey, guys! So, this chapter was really hard for me to write. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if I like it all that much. I had a really tough week, I had to work 6 days in a row, lots of hours, and then I had some personal problems... it wasn't exactly easy to write, and I sort of did it in two days.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it!

I edited the last part because I didn't like it, and samweb1411 had a really good point. I felt the same after re-reading the chapter, maybe even felt it a little before first publishing. Eric was coming on way too strong, I like it much better like this.

DC Verse - Gotham

"Street Cats and Dark Knights"

Selina x Bruce

Chapter 13. Dysfunctional Relationships

Gotham - The Iceberg Lounge

The sun was setting behind the tall skyscrapers of Gotham when Selina arrived at Penguin's club. Since she wasn't making a social visit, it was better if the place wasn't open yet. Scenes wouldn't be good for business and Penguin was an old acquaintance. In fact, she was hoping to take advantage of their previous history to persuade him into paying up his dues instead of using brute force.

Unlike The Sirens in the Narrows, The Iceberg Lounge was both a nightclub and a dining restaurant. It was a two-story public area with VIP booths and a private bar on the upper floor. A circular pool with the sculpture of an iceberg occupied the middle of the lower level, some of the tables were set around it while the others into strategically secluded corners of the room. The decor was extravagant and polar themed - black and white walls and matching furniture, ice columns and bluish lights. It looked a lot like an exuberant winter wonderland, in a tasteful way.

A large man was wiping the counter. He was the size of a bus, tattooed from the neck down, with a shaved head. He raised his head as Selina walked in, eyeing her up and down, bushy eyebrow shooting upwards.

"Well, I'll be damned… is that you little Cat?"

Selina forced a half smile, "Hey, Beefy. Still workin' for Penguin, huh?"

"It's not so bad," he shrugged noncommittally, tossing the towel aside and resting his elbows on the counter. "You lookin' for him?"

"Yeah. Is he around?"

Instead of responding, Beefy called out for his boss over the shoulder. It wasn't long until Penguin's wobbling figure appeared on the railing of the upstairs level. As he stared down at Selina from over his exaggerated nose, she couldn't help being surprised by how different he looked. For one, he was older, he had deep creases around his blue eyes and the frown lines on the corners of his mouth were more pronounced. He had also put on a significant amount of weight. The orange vest he was wearing was tight on his round, grandpa belly.

"Selina Kyle in my club…" Penguin drawled with contempt. "Better call the paparazzi, Beefy, because we are in the presence of a celebrity."

"Bite me," Selina hissed, scowling.

Penguin laughed as he teetered down the stairs to join her. He was still using umbrellas for canes, she noticed. "You're the one who bites, not me. Unless, of course, all the money and fame have turned you into a domestic cat."

Even though she knew he was purposefully goading her, Selina couldn't resist baring her teeth in a snarl. She took three deliberate steps towards the older man, snapping the retractable claws in her gloves out, brandishing them in a silent threat. The sight of the sharp weapons seemed to ignite a small spark of uneasiness in him.

"I am not domestic, Penguin, so quit squawking before I snap your neck in two," she growled under her breath. He clenched his jaw, reluctant but otherwise compliant. When she was satisfied with his change of attitude, Selina yielded the claws, crossing her arms instead. "Now, I'm here to collect what you owe Mister M. I believe the debt is around 2K, give or take."

Blood rushed to Penguin's face at an alarming speed. She wouldn't be surprised if he started heaving smoke from his nostrils, like a teakettle. It was hilarious, Selina couldn't help teasing him some more. "Are you gonna pay up like a good little Penguin, or am I gonna have to use my whip?"

"Since when is Catwoman a debt collector?"

At the sound of the familiar voice, Selina whirled fast on her heels, pulse racing. Ivy was leaning against the doorway, dazzling in a sparkly knee-length mint dress. Her long, dense hair fell in a mess of crimson waves over one shoulder. On the outside she was the picture of cold detachment as she regarded Selina with unblinking green eyes, yet she could sense the chaotic mix of feelings bubbling below the surface.

Selina glanced between the two individuals, snorting in disbelief, "You're back with him after the way he treated you? Seriously, Ivy? That's dumb even for you."

"Actually, Penguin and I are partners," Ivy elaborated with an air of superiority, chin tilting up.

"Pff, yeah okay," Selina scoffed, rolling her eyes. Partners - the notion was almost laughable. The only other person Penguin had ever considered a partner was Edward Nygma and, even then, they had both betrayed each other over and over again. Shaking her head, she placed her hands on her hips, "Look, I don't care what you two idiots have going on here, I just need the money you owe because I have better things to do with my life."

"We will not be paying another cent to Mister M," Penguin said.

The assertive declaration stunned Selina for a second. She blinked, then raised one eyebrow, "Have you lost your mind? This man has Gotham in the palm of his hand, he's not someone you wanna go up against. If I don't get back with the money, the next person who comes knockin' on your door is gonna collect more than a few thousand dollars, trust me."

"The concern is much appreciated, but we can manage."

Upstairs, Edward was casually leaning against the railing. Clearly he hadn't been fed properly in Arkham, he was skinny as a beanstalk. His cheeks were two dents on each side of his face and there were dark circles underneath his eyes. The trademark green suit he was wearing was spotless, impeccably ironed, although slightly baggy on his shoulders. His bowler hat stood proudly on top of his head as he grinned deviously.

From the other side of the room, two more men stepped out. Selina was acquainted with one of them. Born Victor Fries, now known as Mr. Freeze, he was tall with hair white as snow and pale blue eyes. After his wife died, partially at his own hands, Victor had tried to commit suicide by freezing himself to death but wasn't successful. During his presidency of Arkham Asylum, Hugo Strange saved his life. However, Victor's condition prevented him from surviving in temperatures above 50 degrees unless he wore a suit specially developed to maintain his body permanently colder.

The other guy, she wasn't so familiar with. She'd read about him on the papers and heard rumours on the streets and from Jim and Bullock, but she'd never seen him actually. He called himself Killer Moth, most likely because of his flamboyant moth costume. It was an ugly thing in shades of purple and orange. The colours clashed horridly in her opinion, and the insect-like mask he wore over his head was absolutely monstrous.

An uncomfortable sensation pooled inside Selina's stomach as she scanned the five criminals in front of her. Not exactly fear, but close. They were all very different, they each brought something unique to the table. In spite of their psychotic tendencies and obvious psychological disorders, Penguin and the Riddler were brilliant masterminds and strategists. They didn't have brawn, but what they lacked in power, they had certainly found it in Ivy, Fries and the moth-man.

"You're planing to overthrow him," Selina observed, referring to Sean, who they all knew as Mister M.

"Indeed," Penguin nodded with a smug smile. "Gotham belongs to us, and we will not stand idly by and let an outsider take over our city."

Selina was honestly torn between impressed and amused. "He's already taken over the city. He decimated the Red Dragons and he blackmailed every other gang leader into submission, not to mention he has the crime families under his absolute control."

"The families can be bought," Edward provided.

"Not from him. This little gathering you got here-" She gestured between all of them with her finger, "It's cute really, but you guys are no match for a man like him."

When Ivy pushed from the doorway, gliding towards her, Selina went into alert mode. Her hand reached for the whip strapped to her belt. The action seemed to entertain the red-haired woman.

"You know who he is," Ivy accused. Selina gritted her teeth, choosing to stay quiet. Whatever she said wouldn't matter because Ivy could read her like an open book. "If you told us, we would let you join us. We could all share Gotham. I'm sure you don't like being his errand girl."

"I'm not an errand girl, and I wouldn't join your society of losers even if you offered me the world. You don't wanna give me the money? Fine. Have fun with Zsasz when he shows up to wreck this place and shoot you all in the head." Tired and annoyed, Selina threw her hands up in defeat and stormed off towards the exit, tossing a quick goodbye over the shoulder at the man behind the counter who had watched the exchange with the open curiosity of someone watching the hottest movie of the week.

"See you later, Cat!" Selina heard Penguin call out after her with an exuberant laugh which sent chills down her spine.

Christ, she couldn't wait for the day to be over. She just wanted to go back to her apartment, crawl into bed with a tub of chocolate ice cream and slip into a food coma where she wouldn't have to worry about anything concerning Sean and his underworld business, or think about the mind-blowing, life-altering kiss she had shared with Bruce earlier.

Somehow, though, Selina highly doubted she would be able to avoid thinking about that last one.

Gotham - Arkham Asylum

Something was missing, Harleen realised while rummaging through the drawers on her desk. Her notes. Where were her notes? She always kept them in the same place, inside her personal binder, underneath the police and medical files on Jeremiah she managed to swipe from the GCPD station. They weren't there anymore, and Harleen couldn't remember the last time she'd actually seen them. The last few weeks had flown by in a haze of lust and scheming… and so much hot sex.

Always a beautiful woman, Harleen never had any trouble finding men interested in her. However, she had very few boyfriends throughout her life and casual flings simply didn't do it for her. She was perfectionist and hard to please, with an overachieving personality which intimidated pretty much everyone around her. They all told her she was too invested, too intense. Personally, she didn't understand what the problem was. How could someone be too intense?

After a while, she convinced herself it was fine. She didn't need anyone, she was a successful career woman, and she was happy staying single. Then, Jeremiah came along. He understood her, embraced her intensity. Yes, he was insane, but Harleen was drawn to the insanity. With Jeremiah, there were no rules, no judgement. He saw the darkest shades of her soul and he didn't care. In fact, he wanted her more because of them. She was liberated to be whoever she wanted, do whatever she wanted. And she wanted to be his - completely and irrevocably his.

"Looking for this, Dr. Quinzel?" Agnes Sterano asked, suddenly appearing on the doorway to Harleen's office. Her attention zoomed in on the black leather journal Agnes was flaunting with an evil-looking, satisfied sneer.

Harleen bolted from her chair, growling, "What are you doing with my journal?"

"Oh, that's an interesting story," Agnes started in a jeering tone that grated at Harleen's patience. "There I was, minding my own business in the staff room, reading my novel and eating my apple slices, when I hear some of the guards from the High-Security Wing talking about your frequent visiting, and I thought to myself - that's weird, Harleen doesn't have any patients in that wing."

The older doctor made a pause for dramatic effect, stepping further into the office and closing the door behind her. Hardly intimidated, Harleen moved around the desk, furious stare firmly set on the woman as she continued, "I decided to do a little investigating, and what do you know? The surveillance cameras in cell 5031 were tampered with, have been, in fact, for several months, which is odd because the cell belongs to Jeremiah Valeska and he's… well, I believe the term is braindead. Unless, of course, he's not. So, I sneaked in here and found these fascinating notes on your therapy sessions with a very much conscious Jeremiah."

They were face to face now. Agnes was taller. As she looked down at her with such infuriating contempt, such arrogance, Harleen was assaulted by a violent need to hit her until she was purple and bleeding.

"But that's not even the best part," Agnes insisted, sounding delighted by her twisted discovery while tapping the journal against Harleen's chest to goad and diminish her. "What really blew my mind away was reading the incredibly detailed entries about the steamy, dirty, depraved sex you two are having on regular basis. Dear lord, it was appalling. How can you let him touch you? He's revolting and disg-"

Before she could finish that sentence, Harleen snapped. Snarling and yowling like a wild animal, she landed a harsh punch on the doctor's jaw which had her reeling backwards into a bookshelf. Harleen pounced without pause and they tumbled to the ground, pulling at each other's hair, scratching, biting, punching.

"How dare you insult Jeremiah?!" Harleen hissed in between blows. "How dare you sneak into my office and steal my stuff?! I never liked you, fucking bitch!"

The violent impulses she had held back all her life burst through the surface in a ruthless explosion, making her blood boil with fury, bringing forth an overwhelming thirst for blood and an even more powerful desire to inflict pain. Instead of fighting against the savage urges, Harleen surrendered to them willingly, welcoming the darkness into her soul as she closed her hands around the woman's neck and tightened - tightened hard until she stopped struggling, until she went limp and turned blue from lack of oxygen. Her eyes rolled back into her head, and Harleen felt it. She felt Agnes heart slow to a halt as the last remnants of life slipped from her body.

The rush of adrenaline, of killing with her own bare hands, crashed over her like the ecstasy of a climax. Harleen threw her head back laughing maniacally. She didn't recognise the sound of her laughter and, deep down, she was horrified at what she had just done, of what she still wanted to do. But Harleen locked that small voice away, because that voice was weak and she was no longer weak. She was strong, she was free from the prison of her mind.

Still chuckling quietly under her breath, Harleen took off her lab coat and tossed it aside. She grabbed her keys and the gun she kept on her desk, stuck it in the hem of her skirt under her shirt. As she stepped over the dead body, she barely heard the crunching of her glasses underneath her foot on the way out of the office. It was late, the corridors were empty except for a few tired guards who didn't pay attention to her. When she reached the High Security Wing, she made a beeline to Jeremiah's cell. She unlocked the door and flung it open.

At the sight of her, Jeremiah stood from where he was laying down on the cot. His sharp blue eyes locked onto her face. Whatever he found there, put a dark, deeply satisfied grin on his lips.

"Hello, puddin'," Harleen purred enticingly. "Let's go for a ride, huh?"

Jeremiah held his shoulders back proudly, prowling towards her with purpose. He grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her against him, inciting a deep moan from within Harleen.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Gotham - Cartier Jewellery Store

The women in the store wouldn't stop staring at him. Some were more discreet than others, but they were all looking, and giggling like idiots. His friend, Brent, seemed to think they were funny. Eric just thought they were annoying.

Rolling his eyes for the hundredth time since he walked in, he made an effort to focus on the jewellery display in front of him. There were too many rings, he had absolutely no clue how to choose one. He'd never seen Selina wear a ring once in three years, how was he supposed to guess what shape of diamond or which style she would like?

"I still don't get why you're in such a hurry to get married," Brent said as he leaned against the glass counter next to him. "I mean yeah, she's hot, but so are billions of other women out there. Are you really ready to be tied down to the same one for the rest of your life?"

"I've had plenty of women," Eric replied distractedly, eyes set on a three-stone ring with round diamonds. He asked the jeweller to let him have a closer look and the man eagerly complied. He showed it to his friend, "What do you think of this one?"

Brent raised an incredulous eyebrow, "Am I some kind of expert on engagement rings? Get her anything. She's a street orphan from the Narrows, I doubt she'll be picky about those sorts of things."

"You're technically right, but Selina has surprisingly good taste in jewellery for someone of poor origins," he commented, twirling the ring to inspect it from different angles.

"Well, it's really not that surprising when you take into account who used to gallivant around town with her. I bet Bruce Wayne was more than happy to give her thorough lessons in all areas of his interest."

The simple mention of Bruce Wayne's name filled him with hatred and spite. Eric loaded the man from the very first moment he met him. He knew Wayne would be trouble, he knew he'd be a threat. There was no mistaking the emotion present in the way Selina looked at Bruce. She had never looked at him like that. Knowing the woman he loved still had feelings for her childhood crush was painful, unbearably infuriating. It made him want to punch something, destroy it into million pieces.

And the guy clearly felt the same. Even after Eric warned him to stay away from Selina, he kept pushing, kept making advances. Advances which she didn't exactly seem to be rejecting. Whenever he caught a glimpse of the two of them at a party, he barely recognised her. The Selina he knew was guarded, distant, defensive, sometimes aggressive, but with Wayne she laughed with her whole body, she leaned towards him like a woman leans into a man whom she trusts unconditionally.

Still, at the end of the night, she went home with him, she slept in his bed, she gave herself to him. Eric would make sure she continued to do so.

In a way, Brent had a certain point, there were a lot of other women, and Eric never had any problem finding one to keep him pleased, but Selina was different. Although those women claimed to want him, they never truly did, not once they realised what it entailed to actually have him. While as Selina had embraced his brutal nature. She didn't judge him, she was the first woman who didn't show fear, who was brave enough to defy and fight him. It was exciting and exhilarating.

Eric wanted to see how far he could go until she finally surrendered to the inevitable - that she was his to do whatever he wanted, and that he would never give her up, not to Wayne, not to anyone.

Gotham - City Hall

The wide oval room was beautiful. Warm lights enveloped the guests in golden hues. The music was quiet, tasteful, playing softly in the background while the guests enjoyed the festivities preceding the upcoming election of the new Gotham mayor. The three contenders were neck to neck, it was a very well-balanced competition, and everyone was buzzing with excitement to find out the results.

The daughter of some powerful rich politician had timidity approached Bruce. He tried to maintain the conversation flow out of politeness, but his mind was far away as he scanned the room in search of the woman who wouldn't stop plaguing his every thought. Their kiss was playing inside his head in a nonstop loop, had been all week. He couldn't sleep, he couldn't concentrate on his work. In fact, he couldn't concentrate on anything but the feeling of her skin under the palm of his hands and how much he wanted to kiss her again, this time without stopping, this time without her leaving.

No words could describe the explosion of blissful emotion he had experienced the moment their lips touched. There was no hesitation from Selina, she completely gave into him, matching his passion with equal fervour. She could deny it all she wanted, but she wouldn't have kissed him back like that if she didn't still feel the same about him as she did ten years ago. If Selina thought he would quit fighting because she hurt and pushed him away, she couldn't be more wrong. He had walked out once. He'd be damned if he would make the same mistake again.

When the girl realised he wasn't particularly invested in her, she excused herself with a polite smile and left. Relieved, Bruce went looking for Alfred. His faithful friend was sitting at the bar talking to an attractive red-haired woman who appeared to be enjoying his company quite a lot. Figuring Alfred deserved to have some fun, Bruce decided against interrupting and changed course of direction, still hoping to cross paths with Selina. Eric was there, he'd seen him twice already, so she had to be around somewhere.

"There you are, Mr. Wayne!" Hamilton Hill, one of the candidates running for election, called out as he fast approached.

Bruce fought against the urge to roll his eyes, smiling instead, "Here I am, Mr. Hill. What can I do for you?"

"I was hoping to get your public support once I get elected."

The anxious eagerness in the older man's stance set off the alarming bells in Bruce's head. The last time a politician asked for his support, he was kidnaped, locked up in a dungeon and nearly sacrificed by a cult. His suspicion of politicians was no secret to anyone. He refused to back up any of the contenders prior to Hamilton, and he wasn't about to open any exceptions.

"With all due respect, Mr. Hill, even if you do win tomorrow, I'm abstaining from politics this year," Bruce replied tactfully.

Hamilton's preppy grin curled into a frown, "What about your partnership with Chairman Murdock? Correct me if I'm mistaken, but he still counts as a politician."

A muscle in his neck jolted at the insistence, but Bruce hid his distaste for the man by schooling his face. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants, fixing Hamilton with detachment. "Mr. Murdock and I have united efforts to provide free health to one of Gotham's most neglected and problematic neighbourhoods. We're not exactly doing business for the sake of his political career."

"Well, I suppose so but-"

"If you're about to list each of the motions you're planning to implement in order to improve Gotham, let me stop you right there, Mr. Hill," Bruce cut off firmly. "I have read all of them, yours and those of your opposition. My decision does not reflect my opinion on your intentions. This is strictly personal."

"Yes, Mr. Hill, didn't you hear? Mr. Wayne has bad history with politicians."

They both turned towards the woman who had boldly joined their discussion. She was beautiful, in a very obvious sort of way, Bruce decided. Her skin glowed with the telltale signs of a beach tan, contrasting pleasantly with her white lacy gown, and her long golden hair was fashioned into an elegant updo on top of her head, proudly displaying the pearls on her ears that matched the necklace on her neck. She had a heart-shaped face with a pointy chin and great cheekbone structure.

As Bruce met her dark-brown eyes, he was hit by a sense of deja vu. She looked vaguely familiar. Had they met before?

"Oh, good evening, Miss Saint-Cloud. I wasn't aware you knew Mr. Wayne," Hamilton commented as he all but leered at the young woman's cleavage.

"We're old friends, aren't we, Bruce?"

When she smiled, he finally realised why she was familiar. Saint-Cloud, as in Silver Saint-Cloud - Galavan's niece, the girl who had tried (and succeeded for a while) to manipulate him when he was a thirteen year old boy. After the events leading up to her uncle's demise, Bruce had heard rumours about Silver leaving town, but never heard from her since then. Honestly, he never even thought about her.

"Silver? What are you doing here?" Bruce asked incredulously.

She shifted her body fully towards him, pointedly ignoring Hamilton Hill's presence so she could give Bruce her undivided attention. "A friend of mine is getting married to Simon Stagg of Stagg Enterprises. Since he was born in Gotham, they're having the weeding here. I'm the maid of honour."

"Right, uh…" he trailed off in search of something to say. "Congratulations? Do people say that to maids of honour?"

Bruce could've jumped out the window. Great job at not looking like an idiot. In his defence, he was definitely thrown off by her appearance. It was disconcerting and suspicious, to say the least. The awkward comment seemed to amuse her, however. She giggled quietly into the back of her hand, peering up at him from underneath her eyelashes.

"Well, I can tell when I'm not desired," Hamilton Hill chimed in. Despite the good-natured tone of his words, he clearly wasn't pleased about being so easily dismissed. "Enjoy the rest of the party, Mr. Wayne, Miss Silver."

Once he was out of sight, Silver leaned in conspiratorially, "Thank god. I thought he'd never take the hint."

Bruce chuckled, "He is a very persistent little man."

"Persistent and creepy. Sometimes he just stands there, staring at me," she said, shivering delicately. "It's awful!"

"Not to justify him, but you are very lovely to stare at."

A soft shade of pink blossomed on her cheeks. The comment wasn't made with any particular intention, it was purely observational. Bruce always considered Silver beautiful, and he was admittedly a little dazzled by her when they first met. Age had matured the girlish traits of her face, amplifying her best attributes. She was a very attractive woman and, if she knew how to use it in her favour when she was young, now she would undoubtedly be a master at doing so.

Out of sheer curiosity, he indulged her in conversation, quickly discovering that Silver was still as interesting and charismatic as before. She entertained him with flourished tales of her trips to Japan and China, told him about her job as an actress and the new life she had built for herself in Metropolis.

Bruce was laughing at one of her stories when Selina showed up in his line of vision. She was arguing with Sean, speaking quietly and discreetly, yet gesturing furiously with her arms. The older man seemed annoyed by whatever she was saying and it didn't take him long to walk off, leaving her standing alone. She pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh, then threaded her fingers through her hair. Her aggravation was painfully obvious.

When she suddenly glanced up, their eyes met. His heart jolted inside his chest as she started towards him, grabbing a firm hold of his arm once she reached him.

"I need to tell you something," Selina urged, pausing when she noticed he was accompanied. Without relinquishing her grasp, she eyed Silver up and down in a not so subtle manner, eventually narrowing on her face. "You look familiar, who're you?"

Unable to hold back, Bruce chuckled at her blasé attitude, "Your manners could use some work, Selina."

"Oh, you're that little girl with the leather jacket and the goggles," Silver pointed out with surprise as she too did a head to toe analysis of Selina. One of her elegantly arched eyebrows jerked high, "You're… different."

Recognition flashed through Selina's eyes and her mouth curled into a sour scowl. The grip on his arm tightened. Bruce glanced down at her in curiosity. Was she bothered by the old grudge or was she actually jealous?

"What are you doing in Gotham? Planning to sacrifice Bruce to another cult?" Selina's voice was laced with accusation and hostility, causing Silver to visibly wince.

"I can understand your concern," Silver started softly, casting her gaze to the floor, sounding heavy with guilt. "I am ashamed and I deeply regret my actions. I was young and my uncle was using and manipulating me, but I know none of it justifies my behaviour."

"It's alright, it's all in the past," Bruce assured understandingly.

Selina wasn't as eager to forgive and forget, but she refrained from commenting. Blatantly shooting a meaningful look at the blonde woman, she started tugging on his arm, "I have to talk to you - in private."

Since it was pointless to deny Selina when her mind was set on something, Bruce excused himself to Silver with the promise of finding her later in the evening and followed Selina as she guided him through the guests and out into the hallway. She glanced both ways to make sure no one was passing by before shoving him inside one of the several offices.

"If you're going to manhandle me, using your whip would be more effective," he joked good-naturedly.

Bruce straightened up the coat of his black suit while making his way to the desk, where he sat on the edge, facing her as she leaned back against the closed door with her arms crossed. The dress she was wearing was short and tight at the waist, from where it flared in ruffles until just above her knees. It was dark grey and it had no sleeves. The amount of fair skin in display was incredibly distracting.

"Is that one of your fetiches? Me whipping you?"

The playful smile dancing on the corners of her lips sent his pulse skyrocketing. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his pants, trying to convey an air of nonchalance when truthfully he was dying inside to swoop in and kiss her in that sassy mouth.

"Fetiche? No. Fantasy?" Bruce stared into her eyes before answering, "Definitely."

A rush of colour exploded in her cheeks, and he couldn't help feeling incredibly pleased and proud for making her blush. Embarrassed, Selina turned her head to the side, clearing her throat, bringing one hand to her neck. Even there she was flushed, Bruce noticed.

"We should stop playing this game, Bruce," she said after a while.

The previous lightness in the room grew thick and tense. He furrowed his eyebrows, "It's not a game for me."

Selina chortled dryly, wrapping her other arm around herself, "Whatever. Listen, Sean hired an assassin to take out Batman. I don't know who it is and I don't know when he'll get here, but you have to be careful when you're out there."

"Why would he wait until now to send someone after me?" Bruce asked, intrigued by the new information.

Agitated, Selina started pacing back and forth in the small space of the office. He followed her movements attentively. "Because he's planning something big and you are a serious threat to those plans."

"What is he planning?"

"I'm not sure," she muttered, chewing on her lip. "It has something to do with the drug. Now that he's established a solid market for it, he's working on a new version of Red Haze and he never does anything without a motive. I think it has something to do with Sofia."

Bruce scowled, "Sofia Falcone? Isn't she in a coma?"

"She woke up a few years ago, she's the reason why Sean moved to Gotham. Their families have history. He's Sofia's godfather."

There was a stunned silence. Never, in all of his research, had it come up any sort of relation between the Murdock family and the Falcones. Both families shared several similarities, but Bruce didn't even think to make the connection. He felt very stupid for not seeing something so obviously staring him the face.

"How do you know all this? Sean Murdock hardly strikes me as the sort of man who enjoys sharing private intel about his life with an employee." His question affected Selina, who stopped pacing abruptly, lips pursing, jaw clenching, and she was still not looking at him. Realisation dawned on him. "He's grooming you. He wants you to take over when he retires."

Selina heaved a long sigh, "Yeah, it certainly appears like it."

"You're not going to do it, right? Selina, you're not a murderer," Bruce hissed hastily, pushing off the desk and stepping closer to her. When she turned around, facing away from him, his hands balled into tight fists.

"I've killed before, you know that better than anyone."

"It's different."

"Why? Because you want it to be? Because you don't wanna think of me as someone who's capable of becoming a killer? Newsflash, Bruce, I'll do whatever I have to when it comes to saving my own tail."

Bruce took a deep breath in and out through his nose, grappling for patience because it was very clear what she was doing. She wanted to make him angry and hurt so he would stay away, so he wouldn't find out what she was feeling. He placed his hands gently on her arms, hating the way she jumped. "If you need help getting out, all you have to do is ask."

"I don't need help," Selina fired back.

It was his turn to sigh. His shoulders sagged defeatedly and he slid his hands down her arms to her wrists, then lower, intertwining their fingers as he hugged her from behind. "Why are you so stubborn?"

Although her breath hitched and she tensed, she let him told her. "You like my stubbornness."

"I love everything about you, Selina, it doesn't mean it's any less frustrating," Bruce chuckled quietly, tightening the embrace for a second more before releasing her. She turned around, finally staring up at him. Her eyes were lit by the moonlight streaming in through the window and her pupils were like two small dots drowning in the liquid green. "You can try to convince yourself that you're fine and that you don't mind taking over Sean, but I know you, I know you're not a bad person. In fact, I think you're a lot better than you give yourself credit for, otherwise you wouldn't be risking everything you worked for to warn me of your boss's intentions."

Speechless, Selina closed her mouth and gritted her teeth. So he continued, "I won't ask you to do it for me, but if he's planning to hurt people, I need to know you're on my side."

Selina smiled ruefully, "I'm always on your side, Bruce."

With that said, she went around him and walked out of the room.

Gotham - City Hall

What was she doing? She shouldn't have told Bruce about the new drug. She'd made the decision to warn him about the assassin out for his head for obvious reasons, but disclosing secret information about Sean's illegal operations were not in her plan. It was definitely a bad idea to give Bruce more reason to pursue his investigations when she was desperate to keep him away from the man.

There was certain truth to what Bruce said, however. Selina wasn't a bad person. When she heard Sean was working with BioIngen to create another formula of Red Haze, she had gotten an unpleasant feeling in her gut. Sean was ruled by a code of honour, but the love he felt for Sofia made him weak, susceptible to her schemes, and while Sean usually avoided unnecessary casualties, Sofia couldn't care less about innocent people getting hurt if it meant achieving her goals. She was as ruthless as Sean and even more deadly. Worst of all she was hungry for revenge on those who had overthrown and put her in a coma for years.

While searching for Eric amidst the tastefully-dressed guests, Selina spotted the blond woman who was with Bruce earlier. She was sitting at her table, sipping champagne - the picture of quaint innocence in her white dress. Ugh. Almost fifteen years later and, god, she still hated that stupid girl. Why did she come back now? There had to be a reason. She had to be after something. It was too much of a coincidence for her to show up not long after Bruce returned.

Since she was on a reckless streak of dumb decisions, she marched towards Silver. She didn't show a hint of surprise as Selina approached her. Her lips stretched into a calculating smile, "Let me guess… this is the part where you threaten me to stay away from Bruce."

Selina slammed her hands on the table, startling a few passing guests who shot her strange looks. She mimicked Silver's expression, "Glad we're on the same page."

Amused, and apparently not concerned by Selina's straightforwardness, Silver leaned casually back in her chair, hands gathered daintily on her lap. "I don't know whether to find it sad and pathetic or simply astounding that after all these years you're still in love with him."

Anger clawed at the insides of her stomach, but Selina pushed it down, clenching her jaw. "Why are you here? Haven't you done him enough harm?"

"As much as it may surprise you, the world doesn't revolve around Bruce Wayne. I'm in town for a wedding, nothing else."

"I don't believe you," Selina growled.

Silver rolled her eyes, "Well, that's your problem then."

"Listen to me, blondie-" Selina moved closer to the woman, getting in her personal space until they were breathing the same air. To her credit, Silver held her ground without blinking even once. "If you hurt a single hair on Bruce's head, I will use my claws to permanently disfigure that pretty face of yours."

"Bold words," Silver pointed out, voice calm and steady.

"Yeah, and I have the guts to back them up, believe me."

The sound of Eric calling her name reached Selina's hears, so she pinned Silver down with one last glare for a few more seconds before straightening up and going to meet him halfway. He didn't look happy, she noticed, feeling dread creep up her spine.

The grip Eric suddenly had on her arm was harsh and painful. "Where have you been?"

"Eric, we're in public," Selina spewed under her breath, "can you please try to tone down your obsessive need to control me?"

He shook his head, chuckling darkly as he proceeded to drag her across the room and outside into the balcony. There, he shoved her against the wall, placing his hands on each side of her head, trapping her with his body. She stared up, wide-eyed.

"A friend of mine saw you leave the party with Bruce Wayne. What were you doing with him?"

"Nothing! We were just talking!" Selina argued fiercely.

"I don't want you anywhere near him!"

Enraged, Selina pushed hard against his chest, but he was stronger. He barely even moved. "You don't get to tell me what to do just because we're together!"

A muscle on his cheek jumped, like it usually did when he was angry and trying to hold back the full extent of his temper. "Selina, put yourself in my position for once, wouldn't you feel threatened if it was me sneaking off with an ex-lover or are you really so indifferent to me?"

"Don't be stupid, of course I'm not indifferent to you," she countered, clutching the lapels of his jacket, casting her eyes to the side. "I'm not a jealous woman, Eric, it doesn't have anything to do with how I feel about you."

"Fine, but then at least have the decency to respect me. How do you think it makes me look when people see you with another man?"

"If this is about appearances-"

"It's not just about that, and you know it," Eric interrupted sharply. He took a few steadying breaths, dropping his hand from the wall to find the side of her neck, tilting her head back to him. "I don't want to lose you, I need you."

Guilt bubbled inside Selina, constricting her chest, her throat. She didn't want to tell him the truth - that he couldn't lose what he never had in the first place. It would be mean and cruel. Part of her desperately wanted to end everything and give into Bruce, but, deep down, she didn't feel worthy of a man like Bruce, never had. With Eric, she didn't worry about being worthy or not. Yes, he was jealous, possessive, sometimes almost violent, but at least she wasn't in constant fear of screwing up or having her heart broken.

Selina brought one arm around his shoulders, pulling him down and kissing him. The reaction was instant, he pressed her hard into the wall until she felt every edge and every hardness of his body. When that wasn't enough, Eric grabbed her leg by the back of her thigh and hoisted it around his hips, fingers digging in her flesh for a second before finding the hair on the back of her head, pulling on it as he broke the kiss and started nibbling south the column of her throat. She closed her eyes, letting the sting of his bites and the pain on her scalp lull her mind into nothing.

"I need you too," she uttered through breathless gasps.

So that's it guys.

The sudden reappearance of Silver has a purpose (obviously) and you will find out later what it is. I knew I wanted to include her even if for a few chapters because I always thought it was really weird how she suddenly disappeared from the show and was never again mentioned in any sort of conversation. It didn't make sense.

Anyway, I know it's not one of my best chapters, still I hope you found it entertaining!

As always, I am deeply thankful for your constant support. Love you all.