Hooker!Clark, Part 9
Sep. 27th, 2003 03:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
scribblinlenoreThis section could be subtitled: Lenore's big gay fantasy! *g*
The end of this story is starting to come into sight. I think there will probably be about 4 more parts to it. Big thank you to everyone who has stuck around this long! I really started this just 'cause I was in the mood to write a little porn one day. I never imagined it would turn into this big hookery extravaganza.
***
Lex was always rather amused by the odd things that affected business. Economics textbooks would have you believe it was all a matter of disinterested market forces, the cool logic of supply and demand, simple facts. This had to make anyone laugh who'd ever actually done business.
The truth was that perception trumped reality almost every time. An aura of success could prove far more valuable, at least in the short run, than actual achievement. Just look at the multitude of CEOs who parlayed their charisma into larger and larger compensation packages as they steadily drove their companies into the ground.
None of this came as a revelation to Lex. He knew perfectly well how the game worked. And yet, it did still surprise him that his own relationship with another man could have such a profound effect on his company's performance.
After the opera benefit, he and Clark started making the rounds of the social scene. They attended charity auctions and fashion shows, made appearances at all the A-list parties and strolled up the red carpet at local film premieres. Every time they turned around a flash bulb was going off. Their pictures were a staple of the Planet society news and on page 6 of the Intruder in the gossip columns. Lex had even made the cover of Fortune in an article titled "The New Young Titans of Industry," which featured in addition to shots of Lex at the office a big, glossy photo of him relaxing at home with Clark.
He'd been prepared for the publicity surrounding their relationship to send a few shock waves through the LexCorp stock price. Investors were a conservative lot, and not all of them would care to bankroll a gay business leader who flaunted his lover in public.
So when LexCorp stock actually began to rise, he was rather astounded. His financial team had initially been very concerned how lost market share from their stolen product might hurt them, but all their numbers were going through the roof. Sales were up almost fifty percent, and they'd landed a number of important contracts, including the one from Bill Taylor, who'd sounded appropriately sheepish when he'd called to inform Lex of his board's decision.
Lex had occasionally seen this kind of boost come from a high-profile wedding. He found it wonderfully ironic that it had not happened for him with either Desiree or Helen, but now, that he was shacking up with a beautiful young man. Apparently, the popularity of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" was no fluke. Gay was indeed the fashion of the moment, the new black.
The best part, though, was the kick Clark got out of seeing their names in the paper. Every morning, he'd quickly flip the pages to see if they'd been mentioned.
"Hey, we made Liz Smith," he'd say, with an adorable grin, holding up the paper for Lex to see.
It was funny, though. As many pictures as there were of Clark, his face was never clearly visible in any of them. He was always turned away from the camera or in motion when the shot was snapped, little more than a beautiful blur in the printed photograph. Lex wondered if it was just an odd coincidence or if Clark somehow sensed where the cameras were and avoided them. He still believed, as he had from the beginning, from those nights watching Clark in the club, that he was special, that he had hidden talents. That he had secrets.
But he was less anxious lately to uncover Clark's past. A number of weeks had gone by without any word from Phelan. Lex had picked up the phone many times, but he'd never actually made the call. Knowing would change things, and right now, all he wanted was for everything to stay the same.
At least the investigation into the theft of the new fertilizer formula was finally making some progress. The team was due to brief him that morning. Marvin showed them in, and he directed them over to the conference table.
"So what do we have?" he asked, settling into a chair.
The head of the team was named Tucker, a former Naval intelligence officer who'd parlayed his military experience into an extremely successful private security business. "We've narrowed it down to a half dozen points of vulnerability. These are the only people who had access to the right information at the right time to be able to pull off the theft." He handed Lex a folder.
Lex perused the list inside and laughed at one of the names. "You've got to be kidding."
"All the subjects had opportunity. We can't rule anyone out at this point."
"So what's our next step?"
"We've concocted a red herring, supposedly top-secret information on new research, that we'll leak to the suspects, and then we'll see who bites. We're monitoring your competitors. If any of our targets makes contact, we'll know about it."
"Do I want to know how you're doing this monitoring?"
Tucker looked him squarely in the eye. "No."
"Fine," Lex said tersely. "Move forward as planned."
"Right away." Tucker stood up, and the rest of his team rose on cue. "We'll report back when there's activity."
Lex nodded distractedly. Tucker and his associates left. Some of the people on the list were among Lex's most trusted employees. It was a kick to the gut, sickening and familiar, the realization that one of them had already betrayed him and was no doubt looking for the opportunity to do it again.
He went back to his desk and picked up the phone. He needed something cheerful to think about.
"Hello?" Clark answered.
"Hey."
"Lex." Clark's voice grew warmer, more intimate, and that made Lex smile. "How's your day?"
"Okay. How about you? What are you up to?"
"I played tennis with Mitzi this morning."
Lex grinned. After their first meeting, Mitzi Kidderson had decided that Clark was her new best friend. She'd made her intentions clear at the next society gathering they'd attended, marching up and claiming Clark.
"You don't mind if I borrow him for a little while, do you, Lex?"
As it happened, Lex had rather minded. He's slung his arm over Clark's shoulders and given Mitzi a look of warning.
She'd waved him off. "Oh, please. There's no need to urinate on the poor boy, Lex. No one is trying to encroach on your territory. But Clark's moving in these circles now, and he should get to know people. I'm sure you agree." She hooked her arm through Clark's and whisked him away.
Since then, she'd arranged for Clark to have tennis lessons from her pro. She was redecorating her drawing room and took him with her to the designers to get a man's opinion. They had lunch several times a week, and she was teaching him to play bridge so he could join her weekly bridge game.
"It's much better than having the poor boy cooped up in that apartment all day while you're at work," Mitzi had insisted.
When Lex asked Clark how he felt about it, he said it was kind of weird being a lady who lunched, but he liked Mitzi. She was nice. Lex had noticed that Mitzi's friendship seemed to have made Clark more comfortable in society. Now when they went to events, Clark seemed perfectly at home, exchanging small talk with people he'd met through her. In those moments, Lex was rather fond of Mitzi Kidderson himself.
"So what would you like to do tonight?" he asked.
"I don't know. I'm really up for anything. Is there somewhere you need to go?"
"Not really. Maybe we'll just have a quiet evening at home."
"That sounds nice."
Lex smiled. "It does, doesn't it? I'll try to get out of here early. See you at six?"
"Can't wait."
They hung up. A moment later, the phone rang. "Clark?"
"Well, I am calling about him." Phelan's amused tone made Lex grit his teeth.
"I thought you'd lost this number," he snapped. "It's been…what? Almost two months since I've heard from you?"
"Well, I'm calling now. And I have everything you wanted to know. The kid's real name is--"
"Tomorrow."
"Excuse me?" Phelan sounded confused.
"I want to do this tomorrow. We can meet then, and you can tell me everything."
"You were just complaining about how long it's taken."
"And after all these weeks, a few more hours isn't going to make a difference. I have--" He wasn't even sure why he was putting this off. It just felt important to spend one last evening with Clark in all the bliss of ignorance. "Other priorities today."
Phelan snorted. "Other priorities, huh?"
"You heard me," Lex said coldly. "Be here tomorrow at nine."
"Fine." Phelan hung up.
Lex called Clark back. "Hey, change of plans. Let's go out tonight after all. Do something special."
"Is there a party?"
"No. I mean just the two of us. We should celebrate. It's like our two-month-and-something anniversary."
"Twelve days. Two months and twelve days."
"Does it mean something that you know the exact number?"
"Only that I keep track of the good things."
It sounded so heartfelt it gave Lex a warm feeling in his chest. "I know the perfect place for tonight. See you at six."
***
Clark was waiting for him in the lobby when he arrived, chatting with the doorman. He was dressed in slim black pants, white silk shirt and a sleek black jacket, urban and sophisticated. When he glanced up and saw Lex, he smiled and stepped into his arms for a hug.
"Hey." Lex kissed him, lightly, affectionately. "You ready?"
"Let's go."
They held hands out to the car. Lex opened the door for him, and Clark grinned at him. "You're such a gentleman."
Lex took him by the lapel and hauled him in for another kiss, far more predatory than the last one. "See if you still think so later on," he whispered in Clark's ear.
Clark shivered and pressed closer. Lex kissed him again, then made himself let go and head around to the other side of the car. A few more kisses like that, and there were going to end up naked on the penthouse floor for the rest of the night. Not that this was a bad thing, but Lex really did want to take Clark out for the evening.
In the car, Clark fiddled with the CD player. Lex watched him out of the corner of his eye. Usually the power of someone's beauty faded rather quickly once you got to know them, no matter how eye-poppingly gorgeous they seemed at first. But not Clark. Every time Lex looked at him, whether he was wearing a pair of old jeans or the perfectly tailored suit he had on now, he took Lex's breath away.
Clark smiled softly, knowing perfectly well that Lex was admiring him. "So you didn't tell me where we're going."
"It's a surprise."
Clark laughed. "Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah."
Clark was clearly intrigued, but he didn't press for details. He did, however, begin to look rather concerned as they headed over the Metropolis Memorial Bridge and into Mayburn, a gritty offshoot of the city.
"Are you sure we're going the right way?"
"Just trust me."
Lex cut across several back streets to get to Lamont Avenue. The Rialto was at the end of it, tucked into a block of warehouses, no sign, just a steel door. If you didn't know it was there, you'd never guess from the exterior.
Lex pulled up to the curb and got out. Clark threw him a slightly worried look, but followed. A valet materialized out of nowhere.
Lex tossed him the keys to the Jaguar. "Take good care of it."
"Of course, Mr. Luthor."
He put his hand on Clark's back and guided him inside.
"Wow," Clark said softly.
The Rialto was one of Metropolis' hidden gems, an old-fashioned cabaret with dinner and dancing, dark and intimate, decorated with polished mahogany and red velvet. The walls were lined with plush, private banquettes, candles twinkling on each table. The Rialto catered to a mixed crowd. Gay and straight couples alike swirled around the dance floor. Tonight's performer was Mona Lynan, a blues singer with a sultry voice. She swayed on stage at the far end of the room, singing an old standard, her rendition deep and throaty and undeniably sensual.
"Like it?"
"Are you kidding?"
Lex smiled and squeezed his hand.
Marta, the hostess, greeted them. "Mr. Luthor, welcome to the Rialto. Come right this way. Your table is waiting."
He'd requested one of the more private booths. Clark slid onto the leather seat, and Lex settled beside him.
Marta smiled. "Enjoy your evening."
The banquette was situated in a dark corner, at an odd angle that it made it difficult to see inside. Lex could take Clark on the table and odds were no one would be the wiser. The idea put a shark smile on his face that Clark, of course, did not fail to notice.
"I know you're thinking about sex."
Lex didn't answer, just let his expression speak for itself.
"In public, huh?" Clark laughed huskily. "Well, that's definitely a way to celebrate." He leaned in and his expression grew more serious. "Thank you." He brushed Lex's lips with his. "For bringing me here. It's wonderful."
Lex stroked his fingers through his soft hair. "I'm glad you like it. And I'm glad you're here with me."
He would have gone back for more kisses, but he spotted the sommelier hovering a few feet from their table. He waved him on. "It's okay, Philippe."
"Very good, Mr. Luthor." Philippe produced a bottle of champagne with a flourish. "The Krug Clos du Menil, just as you ordered."
Lex nodded his approval. Philippe uncorked it. His assistants produced glasses, and he poured a taste for Lex. "Very good," he said.
"I'm glad you're pleased, Mr. Luthor." He poured glasses for both of them, returned the bottle to the ice bucket, gave a formal half bow and left them alone.
Lex raised his champagne flute. "To two months and twelve days." Clark smiled. They chinked their glasses together and took a sip.
Lex tilted his head. "Well?"
"It's definitely better than the Scotch." He smiled impishly.
A waiter appeared and set down several plates of appetizers.
"I asked them to bring us an assortment," Lex said. "There's bruschetta and a goat cheese torte and grilled calamari."
Clark tried a little of all three. "Mmm. Delicious."
Lex leaned in and tasted his lips. "Yes, very." Clark's eyes darkened. He opened his mouth, deepening the kiss, stroking his tongue against Lex's.
The rest of the meal passed much this way, a back-and-forth of eating and foreplay. Clark rubbed Lex's thigh, teasing, his hand inching closer and closer to his crotch, until it finally came to rest there, lightly stroking his cock all through the entree. Lex doubted he'd ever eat braised duck again without getting hard.
When they finished eating, Lex asked, "Would you like to dance?"
Clark shifted uncomfortably. "Um. Well--"
"It's okay if you don't."
"No," he said quickly. "It's not that. I just-- I don't really know how."
"It's not hard. I promise. Really just a matter of standing close and holding on to each other."
"I think I can handle that." Clark's voice was low and throaty, just the way he always sounded after sex.
Heat pooled in Lex's belly. He stood up, held out his hand and led Clark out to the dance floor. There was nothing like having Clark in his arms, the weight of Clark's body against his, soft brush of curls against his cheek, tickle of breath on his neck, the sweet wholesomeness of Clark's scent, soap and warmth and teenage boy.
Clark moved a little awkwardly at first, nervous about doing the wrong thing, but after a couple of songs, he relaxed, began to sway effortlessly in time with Lex, like they'd been dancing together all their lives.
The band played a slow, throbbing ballad, and Lex pulled him even closer, his hands wandering over Clark's back, caressing him everywhere.
"Mmm." Clark laid his head on Lex's shoulder, pressing the occasional kiss to his throat.
It had been a long, long time since Lex had felt even remotely this happy.
"Everyone's staring at us," Clark murmured.
"Are they?" Of course, he knew perfectly well that they were. Who could help staring at Clark?" They must be wondering how I got so lucky."
Clark lifted his head to look at him. "I'm the lucky one. Remember what you said that night at the club? That I could do better? I never guessed it could be like this. Never knew it could be so good."
Lex hugged him hard. Frankly, he'd never imagined it could be this good, either. "Clark, I lo--" He stopped himself just in time.
His mouth seemed to want to say things that were against his better judgment, impossible things, things only a fool would blurt out to a prostitute who was handsomely paid to hold him like this, to kiss his neck and make those soft little sighs that went straight to his cock. Only a fool, and that was one thing Lex had promised himself he would never be again.
Clark squeezed his shoulder. "Hey. Everything okay?"
Lex made himself relax. "Better than okay." He took Clark's mouth in a scalding kiss that left Clark whimpering, pressing closer, begging for more. Lex obliged, digging his fingers in at his waist, kissing with the same kind of determination men carried into battle. He was in charge here, and this was for his pleasure. That's why he'd hired Clark, after all. Because pleasure didn't have the power to hurt you the way love did.
And Clark did please him, so very much. Lex clutched at him and kissed wildly until there was not even the pretense of dancing anymore. When Clark finally pulled back, his eyes were feverish, his cheeks flushed, chest rising and falling with his heavy breathing. "Do you want to get out of here?"
"Yes." Lex took his hand and pulled him off the dance floor, heading for the exit.
"Don't we need to pay the bill or something?"
"They know where to send it." His voice was sharp and urgent. All he could think about was getting Clark home, having him naked and eager and under him.
Outside, though, the valet was nowhere to be found.
Lex sighed. "They park the cars in a lot around the corner. Wait here, and I'll go see if I can get it. If the valet comes back, let him know we're ready to go." He gave Clark a quick kiss and headed down the block.
He was almost to the end of it when he heard the screech of tires. He turned around in time to see a car speeding down the street, swerving crazily. As it neared him, he heard the engine gun, and then the car jumped the sidewalk and barreled toward him. He instinctively lifted his arms as if that could somehow protect him from two tons of steel slamming into him. His worst regret was that Clark was going to watch him die.
A strong gust of wind blew up, and then somehow Clark was standing in front of him, even though he'd been too far away to get there so quickly. Only there he was, shielding Lex with his body, like some crazy kid who'd watched too much television and mistakenly believed he was invulnerable. Now they were both going to die, and that knowledge cut him with grief and guilt.
He held his breath and braced himself for impact, but it never came. The car plowed into Clark and bounced off him. The force knocked them down, but other than getting a little dirty, they were both fine. The car careened back onto the street and sped away.
Clark scrambled to his feet and helped Lex up. "Oh, my God. Lex. Are you okay?" He frantically ran his hands over Lex's body, checking for injuries.
"I'm all right. But how--" He clutched Clark's arm. "What the hell just happened?"
Clark's eyes slid away from him. "Must have swerved at the last minute."
"I saw that car hit you."
"If it had, we'd both be dead," Clark mumbled.
Lex leaned in closer, lowered his voice, urgently. "You can tell me, Clark. I know you have secrets. That you're special. I've always realized that. And you have to know I'd never let anything happen to you."
Clark sighed heavily. "We just got lucky, Lex. That's all. Why can't you just accept it and be grateful?"
"Because I don't believe in luck. I believe in what I can see. What I know. In facts. In reasonable explanations."
"Then know that I'd never let anything happen to you and just leave it at that, okay?" He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw was set, eyes bright with determination.
A boy who could move faster than anyone could see, effortlessly toss aside an oncoming car, and every instinct Lex had clamored to find out how this was possible. But it was clear Clark didn't trust him enough or was too afraid or had some other reason not to tell him. Battering him with questions would only alienate him.
He let out his breath. "Fine. Let's just go get the car." He started to walk, anger making his shoulders stiff. He'd do anything to protect Clark, and the fact Clark he didn't seem to recognize that filled him with an unaccountable fury.
Clark fell in beside him, and they walked in silence. It took a moment for Lex to register that Clark had purposefully maneuvered so that he was on the outside of the sidewalk, next to the street, putting himself between Lex and any other possible danger. All Lex's anger suddenly dissolved. No matter how Clark had managed it, he had just saved his life, and Lex was indeed very, very grateful for that.
He reached for Clark's hand, and Clark held on to him fiercely. His face was pale, his expression stark, and it gave Lex a sudden, sharp ache in his chest. Clark had really been scared for him.
"It's okay," he said, gently. "I really am fine. Not even a scratch."
Clark slipped an arm slipped around Lex's waist and pulled him tightly to his side. He pressed a frantic torrent of relieved kisses to Lex's face. This wasn't anything he'd come to expect from his lovers, this tenderness, this concern, but it was certainly something he could get used to.
At the parking lot, the attendant was inside the office. Lex retrieved his keys and unlocked the passenger door. He caught Clark's arm before he could get in.
"I want to thank you. For what you did back there."
"But I--"
He pressed a finger to Clark's lips. "I'm not asking any questions. I'm just saying thank you." Gratitude was a slow, wet, lingering kiss.
Clark trembled and kissed back, gripping Lex's waist as if he never planned to let go. "You're welcome," he whispered.
It was much more of an acknowledgement than Lex had expected, and he hugged Clark passionately. "Let's go home."
There was a great deal more thanking he wanted to do, and Clark's secrets could wait. At least for now.
Author's Note: The cover article on Lex in Fortune magazine was inspired by![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
xnitelite's icon. I've always loved that icon, and I hope she doesn't mind that I borrowed her title.
***
You can read the previous parts here:
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8
The end of this story is starting to come into sight. I think there will probably be about 4 more parts to it. Big thank you to everyone who has stuck around this long! I really started this just 'cause I was in the mood to write a little porn one day. I never imagined it would turn into this big hookery extravaganza.
***
Lex was always rather amused by the odd things that affected business. Economics textbooks would have you believe it was all a matter of disinterested market forces, the cool logic of supply and demand, simple facts. This had to make anyone laugh who'd ever actually done business.
The truth was that perception trumped reality almost every time. An aura of success could prove far more valuable, at least in the short run, than actual achievement. Just look at the multitude of CEOs who parlayed their charisma into larger and larger compensation packages as they steadily drove their companies into the ground.
None of this came as a revelation to Lex. He knew perfectly well how the game worked. And yet, it did still surprise him that his own relationship with another man could have such a profound effect on his company's performance.
After the opera benefit, he and Clark started making the rounds of the social scene. They attended charity auctions and fashion shows, made appearances at all the A-list parties and strolled up the red carpet at local film premieres. Every time they turned around a flash bulb was going off. Their pictures were a staple of the Planet society news and on page 6 of the Intruder in the gossip columns. Lex had even made the cover of Fortune in an article titled "The New Young Titans of Industry," which featured in addition to shots of Lex at the office a big, glossy photo of him relaxing at home with Clark.
He'd been prepared for the publicity surrounding their relationship to send a few shock waves through the LexCorp stock price. Investors were a conservative lot, and not all of them would care to bankroll a gay business leader who flaunted his lover in public.
So when LexCorp stock actually began to rise, he was rather astounded. His financial team had initially been very concerned how lost market share from their stolen product might hurt them, but all their numbers were going through the roof. Sales were up almost fifty percent, and they'd landed a number of important contracts, including the one from Bill Taylor, who'd sounded appropriately sheepish when he'd called to inform Lex of his board's decision.
Lex had occasionally seen this kind of boost come from a high-profile wedding. He found it wonderfully ironic that it had not happened for him with either Desiree or Helen, but now, that he was shacking up with a beautiful young man. Apparently, the popularity of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" was no fluke. Gay was indeed the fashion of the moment, the new black.
The best part, though, was the kick Clark got out of seeing their names in the paper. Every morning, he'd quickly flip the pages to see if they'd been mentioned.
"Hey, we made Liz Smith," he'd say, with an adorable grin, holding up the paper for Lex to see.
It was funny, though. As many pictures as there were of Clark, his face was never clearly visible in any of them. He was always turned away from the camera or in motion when the shot was snapped, little more than a beautiful blur in the printed photograph. Lex wondered if it was just an odd coincidence or if Clark somehow sensed where the cameras were and avoided them. He still believed, as he had from the beginning, from those nights watching Clark in the club, that he was special, that he had hidden talents. That he had secrets.
But he was less anxious lately to uncover Clark's past. A number of weeks had gone by without any word from Phelan. Lex had picked up the phone many times, but he'd never actually made the call. Knowing would change things, and right now, all he wanted was for everything to stay the same.
At least the investigation into the theft of the new fertilizer formula was finally making some progress. The team was due to brief him that morning. Marvin showed them in, and he directed them over to the conference table.
"So what do we have?" he asked, settling into a chair.
The head of the team was named Tucker, a former Naval intelligence officer who'd parlayed his military experience into an extremely successful private security business. "We've narrowed it down to a half dozen points of vulnerability. These are the only people who had access to the right information at the right time to be able to pull off the theft." He handed Lex a folder.
Lex perused the list inside and laughed at one of the names. "You've got to be kidding."
"All the subjects had opportunity. We can't rule anyone out at this point."
"So what's our next step?"
"We've concocted a red herring, supposedly top-secret information on new research, that we'll leak to the suspects, and then we'll see who bites. We're monitoring your competitors. If any of our targets makes contact, we'll know about it."
"Do I want to know how you're doing this monitoring?"
Tucker looked him squarely in the eye. "No."
"Fine," Lex said tersely. "Move forward as planned."
"Right away." Tucker stood up, and the rest of his team rose on cue. "We'll report back when there's activity."
Lex nodded distractedly. Tucker and his associates left. Some of the people on the list were among Lex's most trusted employees. It was a kick to the gut, sickening and familiar, the realization that one of them had already betrayed him and was no doubt looking for the opportunity to do it again.
He went back to his desk and picked up the phone. He needed something cheerful to think about.
"Hello?" Clark answered.
"Hey."
"Lex." Clark's voice grew warmer, more intimate, and that made Lex smile. "How's your day?"
"Okay. How about you? What are you up to?"
"I played tennis with Mitzi this morning."
Lex grinned. After their first meeting, Mitzi Kidderson had decided that Clark was her new best friend. She'd made her intentions clear at the next society gathering they'd attended, marching up and claiming Clark.
"You don't mind if I borrow him for a little while, do you, Lex?"
As it happened, Lex had rather minded. He's slung his arm over Clark's shoulders and given Mitzi a look of warning.
She'd waved him off. "Oh, please. There's no need to urinate on the poor boy, Lex. No one is trying to encroach on your territory. But Clark's moving in these circles now, and he should get to know people. I'm sure you agree." She hooked her arm through Clark's and whisked him away.
Since then, she'd arranged for Clark to have tennis lessons from her pro. She was redecorating her drawing room and took him with her to the designers to get a man's opinion. They had lunch several times a week, and she was teaching him to play bridge so he could join her weekly bridge game.
"It's much better than having the poor boy cooped up in that apartment all day while you're at work," Mitzi had insisted.
When Lex asked Clark how he felt about it, he said it was kind of weird being a lady who lunched, but he liked Mitzi. She was nice. Lex had noticed that Mitzi's friendship seemed to have made Clark more comfortable in society. Now when they went to events, Clark seemed perfectly at home, exchanging small talk with people he'd met through her. In those moments, Lex was rather fond of Mitzi Kidderson himself.
"So what would you like to do tonight?" he asked.
"I don't know. I'm really up for anything. Is there somewhere you need to go?"
"Not really. Maybe we'll just have a quiet evening at home."
"That sounds nice."
Lex smiled. "It does, doesn't it? I'll try to get out of here early. See you at six?"
"Can't wait."
They hung up. A moment later, the phone rang. "Clark?"
"Well, I am calling about him." Phelan's amused tone made Lex grit his teeth.
"I thought you'd lost this number," he snapped. "It's been…what? Almost two months since I've heard from you?"
"Well, I'm calling now. And I have everything you wanted to know. The kid's real name is--"
"Tomorrow."
"Excuse me?" Phelan sounded confused.
"I want to do this tomorrow. We can meet then, and you can tell me everything."
"You were just complaining about how long it's taken."
"And after all these weeks, a few more hours isn't going to make a difference. I have--" He wasn't even sure why he was putting this off. It just felt important to spend one last evening with Clark in all the bliss of ignorance. "Other priorities today."
Phelan snorted. "Other priorities, huh?"
"You heard me," Lex said coldly. "Be here tomorrow at nine."
"Fine." Phelan hung up.
Lex called Clark back. "Hey, change of plans. Let's go out tonight after all. Do something special."
"Is there a party?"
"No. I mean just the two of us. We should celebrate. It's like our two-month-and-something anniversary."
"Twelve days. Two months and twelve days."
"Does it mean something that you know the exact number?"
"Only that I keep track of the good things."
It sounded so heartfelt it gave Lex a warm feeling in his chest. "I know the perfect place for tonight. See you at six."
***
Clark was waiting for him in the lobby when he arrived, chatting with the doorman. He was dressed in slim black pants, white silk shirt and a sleek black jacket, urban and sophisticated. When he glanced up and saw Lex, he smiled and stepped into his arms for a hug.
"Hey." Lex kissed him, lightly, affectionately. "You ready?"
"Let's go."
They held hands out to the car. Lex opened the door for him, and Clark grinned at him. "You're such a gentleman."
Lex took him by the lapel and hauled him in for another kiss, far more predatory than the last one. "See if you still think so later on," he whispered in Clark's ear.
Clark shivered and pressed closer. Lex kissed him again, then made himself let go and head around to the other side of the car. A few more kisses like that, and there were going to end up naked on the penthouse floor for the rest of the night. Not that this was a bad thing, but Lex really did want to take Clark out for the evening.
In the car, Clark fiddled with the CD player. Lex watched him out of the corner of his eye. Usually the power of someone's beauty faded rather quickly once you got to know them, no matter how eye-poppingly gorgeous they seemed at first. But not Clark. Every time Lex looked at him, whether he was wearing a pair of old jeans or the perfectly tailored suit he had on now, he took Lex's breath away.
Clark smiled softly, knowing perfectly well that Lex was admiring him. "So you didn't tell me where we're going."
"It's a surprise."
Clark laughed. "Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah."
Clark was clearly intrigued, but he didn't press for details. He did, however, begin to look rather concerned as they headed over the Metropolis Memorial Bridge and into Mayburn, a gritty offshoot of the city.
"Are you sure we're going the right way?"
"Just trust me."
Lex cut across several back streets to get to Lamont Avenue. The Rialto was at the end of it, tucked into a block of warehouses, no sign, just a steel door. If you didn't know it was there, you'd never guess from the exterior.
Lex pulled up to the curb and got out. Clark threw him a slightly worried look, but followed. A valet materialized out of nowhere.
Lex tossed him the keys to the Jaguar. "Take good care of it."
"Of course, Mr. Luthor."
He put his hand on Clark's back and guided him inside.
"Wow," Clark said softly.
The Rialto was one of Metropolis' hidden gems, an old-fashioned cabaret with dinner and dancing, dark and intimate, decorated with polished mahogany and red velvet. The walls were lined with plush, private banquettes, candles twinkling on each table. The Rialto catered to a mixed crowd. Gay and straight couples alike swirled around the dance floor. Tonight's performer was Mona Lynan, a blues singer with a sultry voice. She swayed on stage at the far end of the room, singing an old standard, her rendition deep and throaty and undeniably sensual.
"Like it?"
"Are you kidding?"
Lex smiled and squeezed his hand.
Marta, the hostess, greeted them. "Mr. Luthor, welcome to the Rialto. Come right this way. Your table is waiting."
He'd requested one of the more private booths. Clark slid onto the leather seat, and Lex settled beside him.
Marta smiled. "Enjoy your evening."
The banquette was situated in a dark corner, at an odd angle that it made it difficult to see inside. Lex could take Clark on the table and odds were no one would be the wiser. The idea put a shark smile on his face that Clark, of course, did not fail to notice.
"I know you're thinking about sex."
Lex didn't answer, just let his expression speak for itself.
"In public, huh?" Clark laughed huskily. "Well, that's definitely a way to celebrate." He leaned in and his expression grew more serious. "Thank you." He brushed Lex's lips with his. "For bringing me here. It's wonderful."
Lex stroked his fingers through his soft hair. "I'm glad you like it. And I'm glad you're here with me."
He would have gone back for more kisses, but he spotted the sommelier hovering a few feet from their table. He waved him on. "It's okay, Philippe."
"Very good, Mr. Luthor." Philippe produced a bottle of champagne with a flourish. "The Krug Clos du Menil, just as you ordered."
Lex nodded his approval. Philippe uncorked it. His assistants produced glasses, and he poured a taste for Lex. "Very good," he said.
"I'm glad you're pleased, Mr. Luthor." He poured glasses for both of them, returned the bottle to the ice bucket, gave a formal half bow and left them alone.
Lex raised his champagne flute. "To two months and twelve days." Clark smiled. They chinked their glasses together and took a sip.
Lex tilted his head. "Well?"
"It's definitely better than the Scotch." He smiled impishly.
A waiter appeared and set down several plates of appetizers.
"I asked them to bring us an assortment," Lex said. "There's bruschetta and a goat cheese torte and grilled calamari."
Clark tried a little of all three. "Mmm. Delicious."
Lex leaned in and tasted his lips. "Yes, very." Clark's eyes darkened. He opened his mouth, deepening the kiss, stroking his tongue against Lex's.
The rest of the meal passed much this way, a back-and-forth of eating and foreplay. Clark rubbed Lex's thigh, teasing, his hand inching closer and closer to his crotch, until it finally came to rest there, lightly stroking his cock all through the entree. Lex doubted he'd ever eat braised duck again without getting hard.
When they finished eating, Lex asked, "Would you like to dance?"
Clark shifted uncomfortably. "Um. Well--"
"It's okay if you don't."
"No," he said quickly. "It's not that. I just-- I don't really know how."
"It's not hard. I promise. Really just a matter of standing close and holding on to each other."
"I think I can handle that." Clark's voice was low and throaty, just the way he always sounded after sex.
Heat pooled in Lex's belly. He stood up, held out his hand and led Clark out to the dance floor. There was nothing like having Clark in his arms, the weight of Clark's body against his, soft brush of curls against his cheek, tickle of breath on his neck, the sweet wholesomeness of Clark's scent, soap and warmth and teenage boy.
Clark moved a little awkwardly at first, nervous about doing the wrong thing, but after a couple of songs, he relaxed, began to sway effortlessly in time with Lex, like they'd been dancing together all their lives.
The band played a slow, throbbing ballad, and Lex pulled him even closer, his hands wandering over Clark's back, caressing him everywhere.
"Mmm." Clark laid his head on Lex's shoulder, pressing the occasional kiss to his throat.
It had been a long, long time since Lex had felt even remotely this happy.
"Everyone's staring at us," Clark murmured.
"Are they?" Of course, he knew perfectly well that they were. Who could help staring at Clark?" They must be wondering how I got so lucky."
Clark lifted his head to look at him. "I'm the lucky one. Remember what you said that night at the club? That I could do better? I never guessed it could be like this. Never knew it could be so good."
Lex hugged him hard. Frankly, he'd never imagined it could be this good, either. "Clark, I lo--" He stopped himself just in time.
His mouth seemed to want to say things that were against his better judgment, impossible things, things only a fool would blurt out to a prostitute who was handsomely paid to hold him like this, to kiss his neck and make those soft little sighs that went straight to his cock. Only a fool, and that was one thing Lex had promised himself he would never be again.
Clark squeezed his shoulder. "Hey. Everything okay?"
Lex made himself relax. "Better than okay." He took Clark's mouth in a scalding kiss that left Clark whimpering, pressing closer, begging for more. Lex obliged, digging his fingers in at his waist, kissing with the same kind of determination men carried into battle. He was in charge here, and this was for his pleasure. That's why he'd hired Clark, after all. Because pleasure didn't have the power to hurt you the way love did.
And Clark did please him, so very much. Lex clutched at him and kissed wildly until there was not even the pretense of dancing anymore. When Clark finally pulled back, his eyes were feverish, his cheeks flushed, chest rising and falling with his heavy breathing. "Do you want to get out of here?"
"Yes." Lex took his hand and pulled him off the dance floor, heading for the exit.
"Don't we need to pay the bill or something?"
"They know where to send it." His voice was sharp and urgent. All he could think about was getting Clark home, having him naked and eager and under him.
Outside, though, the valet was nowhere to be found.
Lex sighed. "They park the cars in a lot around the corner. Wait here, and I'll go see if I can get it. If the valet comes back, let him know we're ready to go." He gave Clark a quick kiss and headed down the block.
He was almost to the end of it when he heard the screech of tires. He turned around in time to see a car speeding down the street, swerving crazily. As it neared him, he heard the engine gun, and then the car jumped the sidewalk and barreled toward him. He instinctively lifted his arms as if that could somehow protect him from two tons of steel slamming into him. His worst regret was that Clark was going to watch him die.
A strong gust of wind blew up, and then somehow Clark was standing in front of him, even though he'd been too far away to get there so quickly. Only there he was, shielding Lex with his body, like some crazy kid who'd watched too much television and mistakenly believed he was invulnerable. Now they were both going to die, and that knowledge cut him with grief and guilt.
He held his breath and braced himself for impact, but it never came. The car plowed into Clark and bounced off him. The force knocked them down, but other than getting a little dirty, they were both fine. The car careened back onto the street and sped away.
Clark scrambled to his feet and helped Lex up. "Oh, my God. Lex. Are you okay?" He frantically ran his hands over Lex's body, checking for injuries.
"I'm all right. But how--" He clutched Clark's arm. "What the hell just happened?"
Clark's eyes slid away from him. "Must have swerved at the last minute."
"I saw that car hit you."
"If it had, we'd both be dead," Clark mumbled.
Lex leaned in closer, lowered his voice, urgently. "You can tell me, Clark. I know you have secrets. That you're special. I've always realized that. And you have to know I'd never let anything happen to you."
Clark sighed heavily. "We just got lucky, Lex. That's all. Why can't you just accept it and be grateful?"
"Because I don't believe in luck. I believe in what I can see. What I know. In facts. In reasonable explanations."
"Then know that I'd never let anything happen to you and just leave it at that, okay?" He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw was set, eyes bright with determination.
A boy who could move faster than anyone could see, effortlessly toss aside an oncoming car, and every instinct Lex had clamored to find out how this was possible. But it was clear Clark didn't trust him enough or was too afraid or had some other reason not to tell him. Battering him with questions would only alienate him.
He let out his breath. "Fine. Let's just go get the car." He started to walk, anger making his shoulders stiff. He'd do anything to protect Clark, and the fact Clark he didn't seem to recognize that filled him with an unaccountable fury.
Clark fell in beside him, and they walked in silence. It took a moment for Lex to register that Clark had purposefully maneuvered so that he was on the outside of the sidewalk, next to the street, putting himself between Lex and any other possible danger. All Lex's anger suddenly dissolved. No matter how Clark had managed it, he had just saved his life, and Lex was indeed very, very grateful for that.
He reached for Clark's hand, and Clark held on to him fiercely. His face was pale, his expression stark, and it gave Lex a sudden, sharp ache in his chest. Clark had really been scared for him.
"It's okay," he said, gently. "I really am fine. Not even a scratch."
Clark slipped an arm slipped around Lex's waist and pulled him tightly to his side. He pressed a frantic torrent of relieved kisses to Lex's face. This wasn't anything he'd come to expect from his lovers, this tenderness, this concern, but it was certainly something he could get used to.
At the parking lot, the attendant was inside the office. Lex retrieved his keys and unlocked the passenger door. He caught Clark's arm before he could get in.
"I want to thank you. For what you did back there."
"But I--"
He pressed a finger to Clark's lips. "I'm not asking any questions. I'm just saying thank you." Gratitude was a slow, wet, lingering kiss.
Clark trembled and kissed back, gripping Lex's waist as if he never planned to let go. "You're welcome," he whispered.
It was much more of an acknowledgement than Lex had expected, and he hugged Clark passionately. "Let's go home."
There was a great deal more thanking he wanted to do, and Clark's secrets could wait. At least for now.
Author's Note: The cover article on Lex in Fortune magazine was inspired by
xnitelite's icon. I've always loved that icon, and I hope she doesn't mind that I borrowed her title.***
You can read the previous parts here:
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 12:35 pm (UTC)More, more of the hookery extravaganza! Please!! ;)
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:49 pm (UTC)Thanks for the lovely feedback, doll!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 12:35 pm (UTC)Much too excited over this to give you any sort of coherent feedback. Wait until it's percolated through my brain for a bit before you expect anything more articulate than "Me like".
P.S. So what does Lionel think of Lex being photographed everywhere with his new boyfriend?
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:52 pm (UTC)So what does Lionel think of Lex being photographed everywhere with his new boyfriend?
Oh, not very pleased, I imagine. And planning something. I think I get to that in the part after the next one.
Thanks for the feedback, doll! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story. *hugs*
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 12:53 pm (UTC)*g* i'm glad it has.
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 12:55 pm (UTC)Guh, too wonderful. I love this universe!
I came in to it late, but I'll be twitching for the remaining chapters from here on out!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 01:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:56 pm (UTC)I really appreciate all the feedback and encouragement you've given me. You're a darling!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 01:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:57 pm (UTC)Thanks for the lovely feedback, doll! :)
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 01:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:58 pm (UTC)I'm glad you're enjoying it, doll! And thanks so much for the lovely feedback. :)
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 01:53 pm (UTC)Cause it's really, really not.
::happysigh::
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 04:01 pm (UTC)*hugs* Thanks, doll! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. :)
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 02:58 pm (UTC)I love this and cant' wait to see where you're going (although, being a soft hearted romantic person, I hope it ends with Clark properly hitched to Lex for Life *G*).
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 04:04 pm (UTC)I love this and cant' wait to see where you're going (although, being a soft hearted romantic person, I hope it ends with Clark properly hitched to Lex for Life *G*).
*g* You know, I'm pretty soft-hearted, too. So I don't think you'll be disappointed!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 05:12 pm (UTC)I really appreciate the feedback, doll! :)
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 03:50 pm (UTC)I really started this just 'cause I was in the mood to write a little porn one day.
Boy, am I glad you did! *tacklehugs Lenore*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 05:17 pm (UTC)I'm glad you thought they were cute and snuggly, not sappy. I just have this thing about pretty boys slow dancing together. :)
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 04:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 05:18 pm (UTC)Thanks for the feedback, Carla!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 04:01 pm (UTC)And I really loved when they were dancing. Guh!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 05:21 pm (UTC)And glad you liked the dancing scene. I'm a big sucker for that kind of thing. :)
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 06:26 pm (UTC)Name suggestion: "Love for Sale." Cole Porter!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 06:36 pm (UTC)It's perfect.
*big hugs*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 07:05 pm (UTC)OMG. I almost fell out of my chair when I read that. Hee! Of course I don't mind. I am sooooooo flattered, Lenore!!! You have no idea!
I love this installment and Mitzi, in particular. Her attitude cracks me up. Plus Clark saving Lex from that car had me squeeeing in my seat.
Can't wait to see what happens next when Lex meets with Phelan. *still giddy*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 07:25 am (UTC)Glad you're enjoying the story, Nite! *hugs*
Wow, yet again!
Date: 2003-09-27 07:19 pm (UTC)*Sigh* I'm *not* looking forward to the ouchie misunderstanding parts, though with your deft handling, I know they'll be highly readable even while they hurt like hell!
Heh, I've never wanted a story to have a happy ever after as much as this one! It's all your fault, Lenore! *g*
This version of the boys were meant to find each other and be happy 4eva! (cue sappy music! *eg*)
Await, as always, more!
{Hugs!}
Re: Wow, yet again!
Date: 2003-09-28 07:31 am (UTC)So glad you're still enjoying this, Astrea! There are going to be some misunderstandings ahead, I'm afraid. But I'm such a big sap you can pretty well count on that happy ending.
Thanks for all the lovely feedback, doll! *hugs*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 07:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 07:37 am (UTC)I just want a happy ending, that's all I ask. *begs*
Since I've never written an unhappy ending in SV, I think you're pretty safe. *g*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-27 07:37 pm (UTC)this is just to let you know that i'm shivering with antici... pation.
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 07:41 am (UTC)this is just to let you know that i'm shivering with antici... pation.
*g*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 12:16 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 07:38 am (UTC)So glad you're still enjoying it, doll! *big hugs* Thanks for all the feedback!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 01:01 am (UTC)Love it all so much!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 07:49 am (UTC)I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Fleegull! Thanks for the lovely feedback, doll. *hugs*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 03:28 am (UTC)*wants more*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 07:57 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 04:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 08:03 am (UTC)I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Meret! *hugs*
no subject
Date: 2003-09-28 02:32 pm (UTC)I think that there is something so compelling about this AU-not only because it's Clark but because it's such a subversion of the Superman myth.
:squints: Is that angst I see? YEAH!
no subject
Date: 2003-09-29 03:05 pm (UTC)And, yes, it does give me a big old illicit thrill to be making the future Superman a teenage prostiute. *laughs evilly*
I really appreciate the feedback!
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From: