Hi, everyone. SO - here's the prologue to my new story. It's not exactly AU, but you'll find out yourself :) I won't say anything else, so you can make your own opinion.

Enjoy and leave me some comments, cause they're very important for me :)

Prologue

Tony Stark was in a trap.

Woman, who spent the last two months in his arms and bed, wasn't able to understand that their "relationship" is over.

"You don't love me," she cried yesterday evening.

No, Tony didn't love her. He had never said it and he had never promised love to her. He knew there are men who will promise anything to get from the woman what they want. He isn't like this. Love, marriage, "old life", "new beginning", there wasn't place in his life for these. To be honest, he had never wanted this.

But women loved him. He is smart, amusing and good looking. And, of course, he was rich. Why beading around the bush? He was probably the richest man on this word and he knew it.

It wasn't enough? The problem wasn't to find a woman, really. The problem was to get rid of her.

Tony shook his head. It wasn't nice, but it was true. Brandi wasn't exception. He tells his girlfriends that he doesn't want to plan some big future with them and they always say it's okay. But then, from some baffling reason, they start to look at him with that We-could-live-together-happily-ever-after look. And that's it – that's the end.

Only person who was helping him in these uncomfortable situations was his assistant Loki.

Loki, thought Tony with relief. What will he do without him? He was intelligent, hardworking and always on alert. He was helping him with the business but also protecting him of importunate women like Brandi. It was often, that he spoke with them instead his boss, but never said anything. And it weren't pleasant conversations.

Tony wasn't mean. Yesterday he told Loki to let Brandi into his office. He knew it was a bad idea. The only thing she wanted to say was how much she loves him and how much he doesn't.

"No," she sobbed, "you don't love me, Tony!"

Why should he lie? "No, I don't," he said and handed her a tissue. "But I really like you," he added honestly. She was crying loud and it was starting to be annoying.

He liked her and she was attractive. So, he let her into his bed... two months. God, how long has it been since I have been in relationship longer then for a month? He liked her, but wasn't able to imagine himself with only one woman for the rest of his life. Not now, not in the near future, maybe never.

He's just started to live. His father was dead and there was nobody who could stop him now. The Merchant of Death – that was mistake. But now he was an Avenger, he helps people and people like him.

This life was perfect for him.

He had friends, beautiful women, billions, Jarvis. And he had Loki.

His life was good... if you don't count Brandi.

Tony yawed and run hand through his hair.

It'd started with the tie she'd bought him and he ended it when she showed him two air tickets.

"Surprise!" she smiled. She said she's going to visit her parents this week and wants him to come with her. The tie she'd bought him started to choke him. After some weird looks and confused questions he said he doesn't want to meet with her parents. She started to cry.

Why can't be women like Loki? Life would be easier without all the tears – it would be drier.

"Mr Stark?"

He had to hurt Brandi's feelings so she would let him go. Not that he would mind at all. He could have ten like her with a snap of fingers.

"Mr Stark?"

Tony turned around. Loki stood behind him and the billionaire smiled for first that day. If every women could be like Loki...

"Yes, Loki?"

"I just wanted to say that I sent the message to director Fury."

"Good."

"He sent an e-mail. It says that he agrees and that he wants you to be on the next Avengers meeting or he would pay me vocation," Loki smiled.

"When is the next meeting?" Tony asked little bit roughly 'cause he didn't like the thought working without Loki.

"Next Monday, sir. You have nothing prearranged, so you have no excuse to not go. But there is one meeting I could put on Monday if you want."

Tony laughed a little. "No, I'll go. I wasn't on the previous three and I can't risk my assistant staying on the vocation forever, because I'm sure Fury will find a way how to do it."

Loki chuckled and looked into his text book. "Oh, and today you have dinner with Professor Xavier in the..." Tony stopped listening and was watching as Loki's lips were moving. When he caught himself he cleared his throat and smiled a little bit nervously. "Yes, thank you, Loki. You're saving me every day."

"I just do my job, Mr Stark."

"Tony, please. You can call me by my first name. How long do you work for me? A year?"

"Eleven months and twelve days," Loki smiled at him, "And Mr Stark is okay with me, but if you want me to...?"

"No," Tony said quickly, "it's your choice."

Loki was good looking. And if Tony would be honest he would admit his assistant could quit the job right away and start a carrier as a model. He had something special and his eyes were so green Tony once asked him if he wears contacts. But it didn't seem he was interest into women. They were smiling at him and he at them; however it was just a matter of politeness.

But it weren't only women who were looking at his assistant. Men also smiled at him. And Loki just acted like he didn't care. Carrier was important to him and everything else had to wait. Tony liked this about him.

"Loki, how much I paid you?"

"Pardon?"

"I asked how much I paid you."

"Eight hundred per week, Mr Stark."

"Add another hundred."

Loki smiled again. "Thank you, sir."

"No," Tony sighed, "I thank you, Loki."

His assistant nodded shyly. "I mean it," said Tony, "you're the best assistant I ever have."

Well, what do you say? Should I continue?