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Chapter 25
The party was a success; the most important people in the U.S. danced and drank. Nicholas Fury and his Avengers shined through out the night. The men looked dashing in their tuxedos. There was just something appealing to Tony when he dressed up for the occasion. The man looked good enough to eat when he wore a suit.
She had to admit Thor, Steve, Clint and Bruce looked well too. Bruce looked striking. Natasha looked amazing too. Pepper grudgingly accepted that, the Russian spy wore her hair up in a loose but stylish bun, her dress was long and black, and it hugged her like a second skin. Red lipstick, diamond earrings and a tear drop diamond necklace against her perfect skin. The dress was tasteful and left a hint of cleavage.
Darcy wore a bold red gown; it flowed and complimented all of figure. She decided to leave her brown hair down in a 40's hairstyle. Jane decided for a green sleek dress. Her hair was in a side bun. She looked beautiful and comfortable talking to a Japanese scientist.
Pepper wore a cream colored dress that complimented her skin and her eyes. It was a very tasteful dress. It was strapless and showed her shoulders and long neck. Pepper showcased her neck with a very expensive silver and emerald necklace. She didn't remember buying it. Tony must have really messed up. She didn't feel as beautiful as her female friends but she felt pretty enough. She smiled when Tony raised his glass of champagne in her direction. He was across the room talking to Fury.
She mingled around and danced with a few important men. She slipped out of the room and went up to check on Alex. She tucked him in an hour ago; Tony tired him out; that had been the plan in the first place. Tony took him to the park, played with him and kept him active for the whole day. The baby closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Pepper kissed her son and slowly made her way back downstairs. She saw Tony laughing and dancing with Darcy. Bruce and Natasha were also dancing. They seemed very comfortable with each other. In fact Natasha's eyes were alight with happiness. Bruce must have said something because she laughed and smiled sweetly at him.
"You look very beautiful tonight." She turned around and saw a man in his late thirties smiling at her. He had sandy brown hair and green eyes. He was tall and had a dashing smile. She didn't recognize him at first, "Derek. How great to see you. What are you doing here?" She kissed his cheek. The man kissed hers too.
"Ms. Ginny Potts, is it still Potts?" he flirted with her.
"Yes." She winked at him. They knew each other from High School they had been very good friends. She had such as crush on him, good old days.
"I was invited by an ambassador who happens to be my friend. I can see you trying to riddle this out." He chuckled and winked back.
"I'm a doctor, after high school I went abroad, you remember that." she nodded.
"I went to France. I went to medical school, travelled for a bit and then tried to settle down in Europe. Didn't work, I am a neurosurgeon. I work with Doctors without borders."
"That's great. How long are you staying in New York?" she asked excitedly.
"I got here yesterday. I'm supposed to fly to Ghana in three days. Now tell me what are you doing here Ginny?"
"I'm a CEO. I run Stark Industries." She punched him in the arm when he made a face.
"We don't sell weapons anymore. We are the number one name in clean energy as of today." She said smugly.
He listened attentively to her. It was interesting to have a conversation that revolved around her for once. It was nice to actually talk to someone who didn't know anything about her association with Tony and the avengers. "Ms. Potts would you like to dance." He said charmingly. He led her to the dance floor and the swayed to the music. She felt attractive again; this man held her close and there was clear desire and lust behind his gaze.
Tony who happened to have seen the whole reunion simmered in anger. He downed a glass of whiskey. He looked at the dancing couple from the bar. Bruce came to his side, "don't you dare make a scene." His best friend hissed while pretending to smile and wave to some guests.
"What are you talking about? I'm relaxed. You are the one with anger issues." Tony replied and asked for another drink. "Make it double, extra strong." He tipped the bartender and waited for his drink without taking his eyes off his wife and the stranger.
"Tony, don't do this. She'll never forgive you if you do something stupid in front of all these people." Bruce tried to appeal to any argument strong enough to restrain him. It worked; Tony remained seated and just observed the couple from afar.
Thirty minutes, and three shots later Tony saw red. A man, a complete stranger kissed his wife's hand. He stood up and made his way to the couple. Steve, Thor and Bruce were close by just in case they needed to restrain him.
They were laughing and flirting. This was Potts on flirting mode; he didn't like it. "I believe we haven't officially met. Anthony Stark." His smile was cold. He offered his hand to the stranger.
"Derek Grey." The man stretched his hand. Tony used more force than necessary.
Pepper spoke up, "This is my boss: Tony." She smiled uncomfortably.
"Nice to meet you, Ginny just mentioned how happy she was working for you." The man tried to be polite but he could feel the hostility pouring out of Tony.
Tony laughed, one of his depreciative laughs, "I'm sorry whom?"
"Virginia." Derek said tightly, not liking this man at all.
"You mean Pepper." Tony spoke as if he was talking to a small child. He didn't even use that tone with Alex.
He heard the band play again and grabbed Pepper by the waist; "if you'll excuse us." he led her to the dance floor.
She smiled trying to be polite and let Tony guide her, once they were out of earshot she asked, "are you insane? What was that about? You were very rude to Derek."
Tony smiled at another couple close to them and tightened his hold on her body. "Who the hell is that man Pepper? Why was he kissing your hand?" he sounded angry.
"I just told you he's Derek." She rambled and then stopped. "Wait, I don't have to answer to you. That's not your business." She was outraged by his actions.
He hissed close to her ear. "Do not play with me Virginia." Her body shivered against him. He squeezed her tight against him.
"He's my boyfriend. Are you happy now? As soon as we are done with this dance he'll take me back to his hotel and we'll fuck all night. Stop the big brother attitude. " She said against his cheek. She was done with him. She tried to move but he squeezed harder.
Tony was tired too, "I am not your fucking brother. You are not going anywhere. He raised his voice and the Chinese spokesperson heard him clearly. He didn't bother to apologize. The music stopped, Tony dragged her out of the dance floor and toward the elevators. Derek followed them.
"Stop, Anthony what are you doing?" she struggled against the vice grip he had on her left arm.
"You are going to get half of your wish." He looked really angry, barely controlled. She was ashamed to admit that his possessive attitude thrilled her.
"Mr. Stark I think Ms. Potts doesn't want to leave the party just yet." Derek reached the elevators too.
Tony brought Pepper closer to his body. "Stay out of this." he said through gritted teeth. Do not punch this guy; keep calm was the mantra inside his head.
"Everything's fine Derek. I'll talk to Mr. Stark and then I'll come back to the party." She tried to do the polite smile thing she did to reassure strangers. "No you won't." Tony said while pushing the elevator button again.
"I don't think you going with him is a good idea right now Ginny." The man said cautiously.
Tony came closer to the man, this time it was Pepper who had her arm around his waist. "Tony don't, please," she sounded angry but he was angrier.
"I don't want to hurt you but if you call her that one more time; I'm going to punch you hard. Her name is Pepper, not Gin, Ginny or whatever you said. She is Virginia Fucking Stark. My wife, the mother of my children, stay away from her." Tony growled dangerously.