A/N: Hey guys, this is my very first story so please be gentle! I wanted to develop a story that will show the progression of Pepper and Tony's relationship. This takes after Afghanistan but before Obadiah's drama. So you guys will be experiencing some Ironman 1 moment.

This story goes all the way from Ironman 1 to Spiderman Homecoming and maybe if we get the trailer I could develop some Infinity War storyline (no spoilers though).

There will be a few OC and Avengers coming along the story. Hope you like it, reviews are always welcome!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or any lines from the movies. This is just for recreational purposes.

CHAPTER 1

It was supposed to be a relaxing evening with wine and a long bath; little did she know it was going to be the opposite. Since young, she was always calmed and composed, not that she was a prude, but her classy and well-mannered attitude always defined who she was and that's why people have always respected her. Right now it wasn't the case.

Dancing freely and getting drunk sounded like the perfect idea for ending a hellish week at the office. Her corporate life at Stark Industries was draining her soul and she needed to be saved and rescued. Thanks to Camila and Emma, her longtime friends from college, she was now bouncing her hips side to side without caring.

"Girl you are going wild tonight! I love this new you. Surely that boss of yours keeps you busy enough to not enjoy, although he's so hot!" screamed Emma through the noisy Latin music.

"Yes, who knew you had all this Maria Conchita Alonso vibe in you; I swear to God I would have never thought that about you. Caliente!" said Camila with her sexy Latina accent and joining the pair again with three shots of tequila in her hands.

'Oh boy this will be a very funny and interesting night' Pepper thought accepting taking the drink from Camila's hand.

"Guys please, you haven't seen anything yet and do not go there he's just my boss" replied Pepper feeling so confident and swaging her hips with more force while drinking her shot.

Emma throws her a look sipping her drink, "sure thing Peps, whatever you say".

They were dancing around and drinking when a group of three handsome guys approached and started to dance with them. One of the guys was being very annoying, touchy and pushy. His hands were roaming all over Pepper's body and she had to back him off her.

"Enough! I was trying to see if you understood that I'm not interested in you grabbing my ass but clearly you don't understand and take the cue", she screamed at him with so much force that his other two friends turned around from the girls and started to hear the heated discussion.

"You were begging for it, bitch" he approached her and growled so close to her face, "don't try and act like the damsel in distress when you know you want it, all you fucking girls are the same".

He was so close to her face that she could smell the disgusting breath of alcohol the guy had. She was inebriated but now all her fun and drunkenness was wearing off and she started to be more alert to her surroundings. By now, Emma and Camila had to step in.

"Stay away from her you asshole!" said both at the same time, trying to get Pepper away from the guy.

He was kind of, well… Actually very strong and in just one swift movement he took Emma and Camila from him and went full predator mode on Pepper. He grabbed her hair by the back of her head and started to pull so strong that she was feeling dizzy. His other friends took control of the girls. It was claustrophobic and dark; nobody could see what was happening.

Whispering on her ear he said, "Now you will listen to me sweetheart, you and I we will leave this place nicely and quietly without attracting any attention and I swear I won't rape you that hard otherwise I will fuck you right outside the alley and choke you till you beg for me, is that understood?"

Emma and Camila started to cry being held by the other two guys. Frustration was building up and they were struggling to get free.

"Let my friends go and I will" she challenged him and punching him back one more time. 'What I'm doing? This guy will rape me and kill me', she thought all mortified.

The guy ran out of patience and holding her hair tight screamed, "Enough you bitch we are leaving now and I won't be nice, I will fuck you so…"

"Let her go now" a calmed voice suddenly filled the small bubble they were and the oppressive guy turned around to see who it was.

"Who the fuck are you? Do you know who I am? Do you know who are you talking with?"

"Yes, a loser who can't understand when a lady says no. Now back off or I will kill you, and trust me I do keep my promises" said the new guy so calmed and composed that it gave chills to everybody around.

Feeling all brave, he let go of Pepper's hair and swung his arm to this new mystery guy that was ruining his night. Unfortunately, he was too drunk to fight and all of a sudden he ended up all over the floor with a bleeding nose and a missing tooth.

"I won't repeat it again," said the guy grabbing his throbbing hand with the other hand in a manner of calming down the muscles, "Get the fuck out before I do something you will regret," he said directing his words to the other two guys that were holding Pepper friends.

Emma and Camila went all over Pepper and started to soothe her.

"We are so sorry Pepper, we tried but the guys were so strong and I was a little drunk, which I don't feel anymore, but I was so weak," said Emma crying along with Camila.

"It's okay guys, I'm fine. Let's just call it a night. I will go home by myself, I feel like I need to breathe and be alone for a second".

They both eyed the handsome savior and at that moment they both knew that Pepper was going to be okay and that he was going to take care of her. Reluctantly they let go of Pepper, gave her a strong hug and left.

Now it was just the two of them, and of course… Happy on the back projecting just his shadow.

Grabbing her by the hands, he turned her around and looked at her face.

"Are you okay?" he asked so softly that it was barely audible.

Still not meeting his gaze she said, "Yes, I'm fine, maybe it was my fault… I shouldn't have come here. I was supposed to stay at home and…"

"But nothing Pepper, you are allowed to have fun. Don't think for a moment that I just see you as a robot", he said sweetly and took the chance to put a hand on her cheek caressing her soft skin. "You look beautiful, like a hot mess if you ask me," he said at the end trying to light up the mood.

"It's okay Tony; I will just go home and pretend this day never happened. I feel so embarrassed", she put both of her hands in her mouth and a tear started to escape from the left eye.

Tony took both of her hands and put it down and embraced her. She put her head in the crook of his neck and breathed deeply.

"Shh Peps, it's going to be fine, you don't have to feel embarrassed. I'm here, I will always protect you. See why I don't like when you make plans without me?" he said so sweetly that Pepper's heart started to swell.

She always knew about her attraction towards her boss but of course, she would never act on those feelings. Big, big no. He was her boss and that's it, she was the assistant who will do anything he requires, even taking out the trash. That last thought hurt her a lot because she knew that he was in this same club trying to get into the pants of some other girl for the night.

It was so easy for him, being handsome, charming, successful… Who wouldn't want to end up with Tony Stark?

She was lost in her thoughts that she almost missed out the sweet nothings he was whispering in her ear.

"I promise you, Pepper, I will never let anyone touch you again. You're so precious to me", he took a step back to look her into her eyes and contemplate her beauty. He was so lost in those ocean blue eyes.

Both of them have been carrying around this tension for so long that it was becoming unbearable for him too. He knew that he had some effect on her but little she knew, one touch and she will set him on fire. He didn't know if it was love but he has never felt anything like this for anyone, so it has to be love, right?

'God, just take me out of this torture' he thought looking deeply into her eyes. They were so close that he could hear her heavy breathing and detail her beautiful freckles.

"Pepper you have no idea, I feel…" he stammered, "I feel like, God… Peps, I…" he wanted to blurt it out and kiss her but…

"Boss, I'm sorry to interrupt…" clearing his throat, "but you are not very good at disguising in public and you are starting to attract people's attention, surely we don't want to see your face on tomorrow headlines regarding this little problem, don't cha?" interrupted Happy placing a hand on Tony's shoulder.

Certainly, the moment was broken… 'Thanks, buddy, you fuck it up', thought Tony feeling an immense frustration and the desire to punch something. He let go of Pepper and whispered "it will be okay… Oh! And by the way, you are coming with me".

Pepper all flushed immediately replied, "No need Mr. Stark, I can call a cab and go home".

"Have you lost your mind woman? There's no way in hell I will let you go by yourself tonight… And that's the end of the discussion sweet cheeks", he winked at her and took her hand dragging her out of the crowded club.