The ties that Bind.

Chapter one:

Disclaimer: I own nothing

A.N. Ello there, so this is my first fan fiction and I'm kind of going through an Iron man phase and whatnot so that's why I'm writing an iron man fic. Although I love Tony and Pepper I love Rhodey a lot too so I figured I'd start off with him. So here we go!

Summary: James "Rhodey" Rhodes has never been successful in finding love. However all that changes in one night at one party, with one girl. James Rhodes/ OC. Rated M for later chapters

James Rhodes is a very highly regarded colonel. He has had many successful missions, and has been credited with many rescue missions. He is highly regarded that is, until he is in the presence of Tony Stark. In the presence of said person who also happens to be his best friend he becomes "Rhodey", "Platypus" or "Sour Path" neither of which is very appealing- or attractive. "Why the frown sour patch? Don't worry none of the people here know that you wear adult pull-ups, your secret is safe." If Tony Stark wasn't his best friend and the star of the party James was sure he'd be dead by now. He was currently sitting on Tony's couch watching guests filter in through the main loby. Yes, Tony was throwing another party. Joy. As much as he didn't want to James had to give Tony credit because this was a party for business people. Kind of like a glorified business dinner.

The music was insanely loud. This was one of the things James noticed as he counted the ceiling tiles. People were going to go deaf if they weren't already. Tony and Pepper were currently entertaining their guests and having a good time. Well, tony was; he could't say as much for Pepper but she seemed to be enjoying herself. James closed his eyes only to reopen them when a slight change in weight on the couch. There, sitting on the end of the couch, not 5 feet away from him was probably he hottest girl he had ever seen in his life. He was almost instantly interested. The woman couldn't be a day over 32 with long black hair that James would put money on felt like silk. She was thin - perhaps too thin- with nice shoulder, good cheek bones and long fingers. Her body seemed to fit together perfectly and ivory toned skin. He couldn't see her eyes colour but there was no doubt in his mind that they would be beautiful no matter what the colour. Nothing about this woman seemed fake or imperfect in any way.

James cleared his throat to get her attention but much to his confusion she didn't respond. He tried again, but to no avail which further fueled his confusion. Finally, too curious to drop it he reached over to tap her shoulder. Before his finger had reached within 5 inches of her shoulder she was gone. Well, not gone but she had moved, and quickly at that. She was now off the couch standing stock straight with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She had hazel eyes. James frowned, he didn't recognize the beautiful creature in front of him and her posture confused him. "Sorry miss, you'll have to excuse me. I didn't mean to frighten you, I just wanted to get you attention." His voice shook to some extent as he tried to be professional and polite. Much to his dismay she didn't speak or move. She just stood therewatching him silently with an unwavering gaze. James sighed, trying his hardest not to show his frustration. "I'm, uh, really sorry to have bothered you. I'll just be going now..." He rose from the couch and tunred to leave, but was stopped by a soft voice. " I apologize colonel Rhodes if my behaviour was inappropriate or rude. You've done nothing to offend me." Her apology floored him. She was apologizing because she didn't respond to a total stranger? And how did she know his name?

He smilied lightly in an attempt to bring levity to the situation and took a step forward. He was again suprised when she took a step backwards simultaneously. Jame brought up his hands in a traditional non agressive posture to show he meant no harm and smiled again. "What's your name?" He asked merely for conversational purposes and the questio seemed innocent enouh. He frowned lightly as she appeared to tense slightly causing his smile to fater as she met his gaze evenly. "My name is Madeline Brooke, co- owner of Double Brooke Hydraulic." Her name was beautiful and also answered the questio of why she was here. She was co-owner of one of Tony's main hydraulic suppliers. Even though they seemed to be on a less formal ground she didn't smile and James found himself wondering why she would come to one of Tony Stark's parties. She didn't seem like much of a party person if first impressions were anything to go by.

James turned to look aroun the room and nearly choked. Holy shit. She was a twin. Standing twenty feet away from him was Tony, Pepper and Madeline's Twin, who looked to be much more of a party animal. He turned his attention back to Madeline, who still hadn't moved an inch and smiled. He glanced at his watch and sighed lightly, he had to get going but he really didn't want to leave. Damn this girl, a five minute encounter and he already wanted more. "Well, it was nice to meet you Ms. Brooke, but I must be going. If you'll excuse me." James extended his hand slowly and offered it to her, it seemed appropriate and it wasn't agressive. He watched as she regarded his hand for a minute before carefully placing her hand in his. Her skin was soft and warm and she didn't want to let go, but did so reluctantly. After he let go he turned and walked over to Tony who was still with Madeline's twin. "Tony man, I gotta go, gotta a board thing tomorrow and I need sleep." James smirked as tony pouted and put his arm around his shoulders. " Now now platypus, i'd like you to meet Ms. Brooke. she's co-owner of one of my main hydraulic suppliers. Ms. Brooke, meet platypus." James smiled and shook her hand, it was different than Madeline's even though they looked the same frown head to toe. "James Rhodes, nice to meet you." Ms. Brooke smiled and laughed lghtly, "Please, call me Alison. Ms. Brooke is most definelty my sister whom you seem to have already met." Her voice was smooth and James nodded, "Yeah I met Madeline... she's nice." At that Alison laughed and flashed a grin, "You don't have to lie James, I know she's a stick in the mud but she has her reasons. She's actually quite lively once you get to know her."

James definetly wanted to talk to Alison Brooke, and made a mental note to do so. Pepper and Tony had gone off again to socialize with their other guests leaving James and Alison alone. He wanted to ask her about Madeline which suprised and annoyed him at the same time. For some reason a woman whom he'd just met facinated him. although he was anxious to talk to her he really need the sleep and had to get going. He bade Alison good-bye an left the party somewhat anxiously. That night James had a strange dream, he dreamed that Ms. Madeline brooke was ghosting soft kisses over his collar bone and lower. He woke up in a sweat with an uncomfortable erection which he took care of with a long cold shower. He needed to speak to Madeline brooke, and he needed to do it now.

A.N. That turned out a littlelonger than expected. Hope you liked it, i'll post more chapters in the coming days. Please read and review and i'm sorry for any spelling mistakes. i'm craptastic at typing on a computer DX