Life is crazy, and I know I haven't updated as much as I was before, but here's a nice lengthy one in hopes it will go towards making up for it! Much love! I SO appreciate you reading and reviewing! :D

I smiled in approval of her seemingly genuine intrigue. That's it, Vanessa, I thought. Come to Papa. "Well," I said, gazing into her eyes intently. "What if I told you I'm willing to comply fully with your demands, but if, and only if, you comply with a few of mine?" I asked.

She looked at me with a curious frown. "And those are?" she asked.

"Keep Pepper out of it," I stated. "She's innocent in all of this. And I want her safety guaranteed."

Vanessa gave me a sly grin. "Or what, Tony? You won't comply? Last I checked, that bargaining chip had already been used," she replied.

I nodded. "I know, Vanessa. But I'm trying to save us both some struggle, here. Truth is..." I said. Here goes. I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Deville, I thought. "You've busted me. I've never wanted to be a company man. It just got dumped in my lap when Mom and Dad passed away, and..." Her expression started to brighten as I spoke. I continued. "I've been looking for a way to exit quietly. I'm tired of being painted with the weapons tycoon brush. I want out. And if we play our cards right? We both can get what we want," I explained.

"Why have you waited so long, love? Why haven't you sold your stock and got out before now?" she asked.

"And subject myself to the kind of public ridicule that would bring on? I couldn't do that," I replied. "Stark Industries is my father's company. It's his legacy. The public would have my head if I just unloaded it and ran. No, no," I said. "This has to be a much more gradual process. One in which we ease into the merger, via collaborating on non-munition projects, just as you'd suggested, but we also slowly make our personal relationship known over the coming months. Be caught by the paparazzi leaving ritzy restaurants together. Go on expensive, romantic getaways together. You know. The usual game," I told her.

She frowned. "Tony," she said. "The Supreme Leader of North Korea has already put earnest money down, in good faith, for an order of nuclear warheads set to be delivered in 90 days! I'm afraid we don't have the luxury of time," she argued.

"But we do, Vanessa," I argued back. "We keep going. As planned. I'll play along. And Obi won't be any the wiser. We just can't get caught. Can you guarantee me that?" I asked.

She smiled slyly. "Of course, darling," she said, cupping my cheek.

I smiled approvingly. "Good," I said. "In the meantime, we pretend we're dating. We announce the new projects that Stark Industries and Matthews Energy are working on together, and we make like it's all good. We announce our new nuclear energy focus with some 'hope for the future!' ticker tape parade, or some other bullshit. Then, in a few months' time, we get married, and I sign it all over to you. A few more months down the road, we let it get out to the press our marriage is on the rocks, and then I make my get away," I proposed. "But not without a few mill to plant roots somewhere far away from the spotlight. We'll sign a prenup, even. Where you get the majority."

She chuckled, and I shrugged. "Hey, I'm handing you my life, Vanessa, in return for an exit strategy from it. And that has to include some dough. It's only right," I said. "Plus, we've got to keep up appearances. Nobody would believe I'd walk away in a divorce with nothing."

She nodded in agreement. "Of course," she said. "Plus, I'm not without a sense of justice, Tony. It's the least I can do for your compliance," she explained.

I stifled a spluttering guffaw at her denial of just how unjust she was actually being, and smiled and nodded instead. "Of course," I said, playing along.

"But," she said. My expression quickly changed from a grin to trepidation. "I'm afraid I can't guarantee Pepper's safety until all is completed and I've sent you on our way." My stomach dropped out at her words. "What's to stop you from vanishing into thin air? I can't be without some kind of collateral over the barrel head, now, can I? No, no, love," she said. "I simply must keep Ms. Potts well in hand. That means that she, along with our soon-to-be adoring public, isn't to know anything about our arrangement. And, as you said, in a few months' time, you'll be free to do what you wish. Wherever you wish. And with whomever, for that matter. "

I frowned, and worked my jaw for a moment before I gave her a polite smile. "Okay, Vanessa," I said finally. I tried to look agreeable, but I was very disheartened. I tried to get you away from this, Pep, I thought regretfully. Honest to God, I did.

Vanessa inhaled and slapped her hands to her thighs in indication the conversation was over. "Alright, then, darling," she said, grinning. "That's that. But I still have appointments to keep in the Cayman's. So, in the spirit of our new found arrangement, I believe this is the perfect opportunity to introduce our romance to the public, wouldn't you say?"

I tried to give her an approving smile. "I would," I said. "But I have one request."

Vanessa cocked an eyebrow at me silently.

"Pepper comes with. She's my assistant. It's only logical to have her with me. Besides. She's been after me to get these shipping mandates signed. If I duck out on her now, she'll have a coronary," I said, trying to lighten everything up with a joke.

Vanessa worked her jaw in thought, her eyes skeptical. "Very well," she said, after a moment. "Bring your tart along. But on one condition."

I frowned. "What's that," I said.

"Cinderella must find a date to the ball," she announced. "I want her occupied in every facet. Both professionally and personally. Don't think I'm not going to safe guard against you two talking in a dark corner somewhere, concocting some kind of brilliant idea about all of this. Just remember. Any funny business, and her blood will be on your hands, darling."

The lump that formed in my throat at the thought of having to watch Pepper with another man, and the still-apparent threat on her life, made it impossible to respond vocally, so I just swallowed hard and nodded. "S-sure, Vanessa. Whatever you say," I managed to croak out.

"Surely, she can find a companion in short order?" she chirped sardonically. "If not, then I suppose she'll just have to stay home, poor dear," she sneered, with a devilish smirk.

I took a deep breath. "Well, then," I said. "I suppose I should get dressed and go tell her the change in plans, huh?"

"Nonsense," Vanessa says, hopping up off my lap, and reaching for the beside telephone. "Ring her room, and tell her from here. Ohhh! Better yet, tell her you want her to come over straight away! I want you to do it in person!" she purred gleefully, dangling the receiver of the phone in her hand in front of me.

I gritted my teeth to hide my ire, and gave her a polite smile as I stood up. "Good idea," I said, as I took the receiver from her, and dialed Pepper's room.

XxXxXxXxXx

I'd used close to a whole box of tissues by that time, crying my eyes out, when the phone on the end table next to me rang. I startled, and yanked it off the hook, sniffing and blinking back the remaining tears before I answered. "Hello?" I said, trying to answer in an upbeat tone.

"Pepper, it's me," I heard Tony say on the other end. "Can you come down here? There's been a change in plans," he explained.

I frowned. Now what?, I thought. I don't think I can take much more!

But I agreed, and quickly worked to collect myself after hanging up. I splashed some cold water on my face, and primped and preened in the mirror for a few moments, making sure my emotional breakdown was undetectable. Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I left my room, and walked down the hall to Tony's door. I hesitated for a moment, bracing myself for whatever was to come, before I knocked.

This time Tony answered, fully dressed this time. His eyes were a lot clearer now, and he smiled brightly at me. "There she is," he said jovially, motioning for me to enter.

I smiled politely back as I stepped through the threshold. "You wanted to see me?" I asked.

Tony went to Vanessa's side, and pulled her close to him from around the waist. "Uh, yeah, Pep. We, uh...decided to wait on the wedding. For right now," he explained, turning his eyes to look at Vanessa, and smile as he brought her hand in his to his chest. But not before kissing the back of it lovingly, which, admittedly, made me almost retch. They gazed adoringly at each other.

I exhaled in relief, which I'm sure was noticeable. But then I gave him a look of confusion. "What changed your mind?" I asked, looking back and forth between them. "I thought you two couldn't wait?"

"We've decided to enjoy our engagement a little longer," Vanessa cooed, keeping her eyes trained on Tony. "So, we'll push it back for a few more months. But," she said, now turning her eyes to me. "The trip to the Cayman's is still on. I have some appointments I must keep, and Tony doesn't want to leave my side. Isn't that right, my love?" she said in a sugary-sweet, cutesy-wootsy voice. She reached up to rub the tip of his nose with hers. They baby-babbled to each other for a few moments, seemingly forgetting my presence. I rolled my eyes, and turned my head away in disgust, and waited until one of them began speaking again. Then I lolled my head back in their direction.

"We still want you come with us, Pep," Tony said.

I shook my head, and frowned, bemused. "Of course," I said. "What else would I be doing, Tony? We still have all of those shipping mandates you need to sign, and..."

Tony put up a hand to stop me. "I know, Pep. And don't worry. We'll get them done, but..." he said. He stepped away from Vanessa toward me. "In the spirit of the occasion, we feel like you also deserve a romantic getaway of your own. So," he said, glancing back at Vanessa, who nodded encouragingly, and then back to me. "Vanessa and I thought you could bring someone with you. Maybe that...'Nick' guy you've been seeing?" he suggested hopefully.

I looked at him in shock. "Nick? You want me to bring Nick?! Tony," I warned. "We've only just met! Our first date was last night, for Pete's sake! Why in the world would I bring him along on trip like this? What kind of girl would he think I am? What kind of girl do you think I am? This is all so..." I argued.

Tony put his hands on my shoulders and smoothed them down my upper arms. "Pepper, calm down," he urged. "We're trying to make this something fun for you, too. How boring would it be for you to watch us play in the sand all weekend while you work, hmmm? That's why we thought to give you the option of bringing someone along. Who wants to spend their time in the Cayman's working, anyway? And I'm not saying you and Nick even have to share a room. I get it. That's not your speed. But at least you wouldn't have to be there alone, right?"

I fell silent at this point. Is he feeling sorry for me, or something? Why would he care if I'm there alone? He never cared before!, I thought.

"And, it would be a great chance for you guys to get to know each other, anyway, am I right?" he encouraged. He backed away. "Pep, I know. This is out of left field. And if it's not your thing, don't go. Okay? I don't want you there if all it's going to be is you working, and then sitting in some night club by yourself at night. That's not fair to you. So, that's the deal. Either you come along with someone to enjoy the trip with, or I give you an easy off, and see ya' Monday when I get back! No biggie. Your choice, Pep," he told me.

"But I'm...I'm your assistant, Tony. I go everywhere you go," I argued. "Plus, we still have work to do, whether or not you're..."

Vanessa stepped in at that point. "Look! Darling!" she cooed, giving me an exaggerated grin. "We understand and appreciate your sense of loyalty and obligation!" We?, I thought. What do YOU know about MY sense of loyalty and obligation?! But I just stared at her silently, as she continued. "But this will be our first trip together as a newly engaged couple! So you must understand there just won't be much in the way of work that gets accomplished, love!" she said, smiling coyly. She chuckled. "So do yourself a favor, hmmm? Bring along a date so you aren't stuck there alone, or fly back to L.A, enjoy the personal holiday, and Tony will catch you up upon his return. As my future husband pointed out, it's your choice, love," she explained, giving me a superior grin.

I glanced back and forth between the two of them, as confused as ever. "Honestly," I murmured. "I don't mind being by myself in an exotic location like that. As Tony's assistant, I've done it for years..."

"Yes, and as Vanessa was so kind to point out, that was very insensitive of me," Tony interjected. "So, I'm trying to make up for it, Pep. If you want to bring Nick along, or anyone else for that matter, do it! Otherwise? You're dismissed until I get back. Enjoy the vacation," he stated, smiling.

We were at an impasse at that point. I couldn't argue any longer, as they were both so dead-set on this ridiculous either-or. Why couldn't I just go along, like I always had? Wasn't that my job? And for Tony to suddenly feel guilty for me doing my job smelled fishy. I could only guess that Vanessa wanted me to go home, and Tony had insisted I go with them. I figured Vanessa knew she couldn't demand my absence completely, so this was a compromise. But she wanted me to stay distracted, and as far away from Tony as possible. For Tony to allow her to manipulate the situation, and make him forget my position as his assistant, was disappointing, to say the least.

It was obvious Vanessa didn't like me being around. And I could see she was going to slowly work her way between the two of us in an attempt to rid his life of me completely, which I wasn't willing to let happen. Not until I actually heard the words straight from Tony's mouth that he no longer needed my services. If I stayed back this time, like I knew she wanted, then that was a battle won for her. I couldn't let that happen, either. So, my only option was to somehow get Nick to come along. I prayed he'd be able to break away, and bail me out. Hopefully, he was still in London, and would be able to join us directly.

I sighed and shifted my eyes to Tony, ignoring the fact that Vanessa still standing in front of me. "Alright, Tony," I said to him, relenting. "I'll see if Nick can join me. If not, then I'll take the jet back to L.A. And you two can go have a wonderful time."

Tony smiled broadly in satisfaction. "Great," he said. "We're going to pack up, and head for the airport in an hour. So let me know?" he asked.

I nodded weakly, and swung the door open to head for my room. "I will," I said in a sing-songy voice, not bothering to make eye contact with him again before I left.

XxXxXxXxXx

Hey. Got a minute? I texted Nick simply, the knot in my stomach growing, as I sat on the sitting-room sofa in my hotel room.

A moment later, I got a response.

How did you know I was thinking about you? And of course! For you? Always, it read.

Despite my current mood and situation, that made me smile. "You're nothing if not sweet," I murmured to myself.

Are you still in London? I typed, and hit send.

A moment later, the notification of his response came.

Sure am. For the next few hours, anyway. My flight leaves tonight. Why? What's up? it said.

I swallowed hard, and took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing," I murmured, as I dialed Nick's number. It rang only once before he answered.

"Well, hello there," he purred warmly. "Can't say I mind taking this phone call," he joked.

I chuckled politely. "Yeah, well, I'm calling to make a...a request of you. No, request isn't the right word. It's more like an invitation, I guess? Or an offer? I don't know. This is all so..." I stammered.

Nick chuckled. "Just come out with it, Potts! What do you need me to do for you? I promise I won't freak out," he assured.

"Famous last words," I muttered, sighing. "Okay, you're right. I'll just come out with it. Would you be interested in accompanying me to the Cayman Islands over the weekend?" I asked bluntly.

There was silence on the other end. I squeezed my eyes shut. That's right. Exit stage left, I thought.

"Um...okay? I have to be honest. I wasn't expecting that, exactly," Nick said softly. "But I can't say I wouldn't be thrilled to go! It's just that, before I happily accept, I feel like I need to ask why."

I rubbed my forehead nervously, and stood up to start pacing the room. "I know this is sudden. Believe me, I do. But it's Tony. He's leaving for the Cayman Islands, and he's insisted that, if I go, I have to bring a date."

"I don't understand. Aren't you his...I mean, don't you get paid to..." he started to say.

I nodded emphatically. "Yes, I'm his assistant. I know. This sounds crazy. But it's his fiance. She's put it in his head that it was rude for him to drag me along all these years..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Nick said, interrupting me. "Fiance?! The mighty Tony Stark, the womanizing playboy bachelor, is engaged?! Since when?!" he asked.

I stopped in my tracks, realizing I hadn't fully explained the situation. "Since last night, actually," I replied, sheepishly. "They are taking a trip to the Cayman Islands as a celebration of sorts. We're flying out this afternoon, and they are insisting that I need to bring a date if I intend to go with them..."

"My God! Who is she? What's her name?" he interrupted, with a lilt of giddiness at the gossip. I closed my eyes and shook my head. This conversation was quickly going off the tracks. And if it wasn't for my need to stick to Tony like glue, I'd have told him to forget it, and hung up. But since I couldn't...

"Vanessa Matthews, of Matthews Energy," I blurted out, without thinking. And then I panicked. "But Nick? Please keep it under wraps! I doubt they've told anyone yet, and far be it from me to let the cat out of the bag."

"Your secret is safe with me. Or rather, Tony's secret. You know that," he assured me, and I smiled to myself in relief. "So back to your offer," he said. "I have to admit, after one date, I'm a little...shocked, shall we say? That you're actually asking me to do this. Call me old fashioned, but..."

"I know. And I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time, if you do go. But I have to tell you, my intentions aren't exactly pure. God, I'm embarrassed to even say this, and I understand if you say no, but..." I break off, and take a deep breath. "I don't trust Vanessa. There's something that isn't smelling right with any of this. She's made it known she doesn't like having me around. And I feel like she's...I don't know...trying to oust me? Does that sound ridiculous?"

"Not at all," he replied.

"And Tony suddenly feeling guilty about my enduring a trip like this as his assistant just isn't like him. It's like you said. It's my job to follow him around. Why would this matter to him now?" I said.

"Right," Nick agreed.

"So, if I stay back this time, and surrender to what seems to be Vanessa's will, that wins the battle for her. And Tony might start to think that maybe he doesn't need me as much as he thinks he does. And then..."

"You're out of a job," he finished. I heard him take a deep breath. "I hear ya', kiddo. And I understand your predicament. Granted, it's not the ideal situation in which to whisk you away to somewhere romantic, but, I'm happy to help."

I grin. "You are?" I asked happily.

"I am," he said. "Plus, I could use the miles. Save them up for a romantic getaway of our own, maybe?" he teased.

We both chuckled. "I appreciate it. It's embarrassing for me to have to ask you for something like this, and I hate to bring you into any drama in my life, but..." I said.

"Don't think another thing about it. A chance to spend a weekend on a beautiful island, with a beautiful woman? What could be better?" he asked. "When do we leave?"