It's a shorter chapter, I know, but more to come next week! I apologize for the delay in updates. Crazy life + Marvel drama does not inspiration make! (Honestly, this garbage with Marvel almost made me scrap everything and quit writing at the news of what they're doing to our couple in Civil War.) But I've got new resolve! Nobody, not even Marvel, can kill my love for these two. So onward and upward, as they say!

Happy Reading! And thank you all SO SO much for your continued support and loyalty! Both to me, and to our sweet sweet Pepperony! May true love conquer all!

The warm ocean breeze blew lazily in his hair as he watched from across the street, at a small cafe. He'd tried his best to fit in with the locals, as he was unaccustomed to wearing anything but the usual protective outerwear of his fellow Jihadis. And he rather detested it. But his leader had sent him to surveil the group during their time in the Cayman's to validate the American's claims that Matthews Energy was indeed going to partner with Stark Industries, and that the funds from their ally, North Korea, would change hands this day, proving the start of production on their promised nuclear weapons would soon follow. He also despised the fact that they were even dealing with such people. But he could never make his opinion known. It would mean certain death. So he trusted that his leader knew what he was doing, and they all would profit from the American and the British companys' agreements.

He'd followed the group of four from their hotel on the beach into the city. And, from where the tall, red-headed woman, and what he only presumed was her husband or boyfriend, had broken off, he'd continued to tail the man he could only recognize as Tony Stark from the pictures he was shown, and the woman he assumed was Ms. Matthews all the way to the bank where he'd been told she was going to be transferring funds. Then, once they re-emerged, he'd be able to leave this place, and go back home to give the confirmation to his leader personally.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

Stepping into the Royal Bank of Cayman from off the street was a bit of a shock to the senses. The bright sun, and radiant heat from outside was a sharp contrast to the air-conditioned and softly lit foyer.

We'd checked in to our hotel not long before, and admired the view for a short time on our collective balconies before heading into town. Or rather, I'd admired Pepper admiring the view, though it was tough, as she was in Nick's arms. They giggled and cooed to each other the whole time, and I had to swallow hard to keep from retching, but none-the-less, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked in the sunlight, and it made me smile to myself. And also long for a different situation. If only it were just you and I, Pep, I'd thought to myself. This would be a trip we'd never want to forget. I'd chuckled. Hell, we'd hardly leave the room!, I'd thought.

We'd had lunch at a small seaside cafe, and elected to walk the few blocks into city center, taking in the scenery. I'd snuck a few stolen glances at Pepper, and let her catch me. She'd blushed, and I'd smirked and given her a flirtatious wink before she'd advert her eyes and try to hide a faint, bashful smile. I always loved these kinds of moments between us. However, I wasn't ever entirely sure what they were, exactly, but they always made me feel happy, you know? Like it was just us, alone in the world, or something.

It was Nick who had divided the group after that. Vanessa explained that she had some banking to do, and Nick optioned to take Pepper shopping while Vanessa and I took care of business. I'd noticed a slight look of worry on Pepper's face, as she knew I, too, held bank accounts in the Cayman's. And as we all parted ways, she'd turned to give me a questioning look. "Go," I'd mouthed, shooing her away and giving her an assuring nod. She just frowned and pursed her lips, shaking her head regretfully before turning back around to walk away with Nick. I watched them for a moment, Nick offering her his arm, and Pepper taking it, and resting her head affectionately on his shoulder, before I reluctantly turned to catch up with Vanessa.

Vanessa was ushered in to a private room where the documents for the transfer of funds laid waiting for her signature. I had tried to put what her plans were out of my mind, but seeing her make a move on it put a pit in my stomach. I affixed my gaze on the documents, glowering at their sinister purpose. Potential nuclear war, right there. All spelled out in black and white, I mused to myself.

"Something the matter, darling?" Vanessa cooed snidely, obviously noticing my expression.

I flicked my eyes to hers, and then back to the documents without answering. "Forward progress, my love," she chided, as she was seated in front of them. "It's all in the name of forward progress."

"Can't progress forward if you have no more world in which to progress," I shot back.

She snatched up the pen they'd provided as the bank manager stood watch, and began to sign each one. "Come now, Tony," she urged. "No need to be so doom and gloom."

"I'd hate to see what it would take to change your mind," I quipped.

Vanessa sat back, and exhaled sharply with great satisfaction, beaming at her first completed step in the process. "There," she said. "Our Korean friends will be quite pleased to know production begins as soon as the ink is dry." She stood up, and handed the fountain pen to the bank manager, thanking him. He graciously accepted and thanked her back, and she made her way from around the table to rejoin my side.

"A pleasant day, madame," the man beckoned, causing me to roll my eyes as we left.

"Nice wish," I muttered, earning a grouse from Vanessa on the way out.

XxXXxXxXx

He's probably signing his life away as we speak, I thought, barely registering Nick trying to talk to me about...whatever it was he was trying to tell me. Honestly, I'd been too preoccupied with thoughts of Tony and Vanessa since we'd parted ways. Nick had suggested shopping, but I just couldn't concentrate enough on it to care. So I made up an excuse that I was feeling jet-lagged and we settled on sitting at a table at a cafe, drinking pina coladas instead, and watching sail boats drift back and forth on the water.

I heard Nick stop speaking, and pulled my eyes away from the water, and my focus out of my thoughts to look at him. He looked at me questioningly.

I smiled apologetically, and shook my head. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you," I said.

He smiled kindly. "I asked if you're feeling any better," he said. "Boy, something's got you in a knot," he commented.

"It's Tony. And...Vanessa," I grumbled, rolling my eyes at the last part. "I can't help wondering if she's somehow getting him to sign over his fortune right now. He banks in the Cayman's, too. But don't tell him I told you that," I warned, wondering again why my tongue had been so loose around Nick. He was nothing if not disarming. And charming. Disarming and charming, disarming and charming, my alcohol-addled brain chanted. I closed my eyes briefly to steady myself, and then looked back at Nick, squinting.

Nick raised his hands in surrender. "Not a secret. They all do, but whatever. My lips are sealed," he replied, chuckling.

I relaxed slightly, and smiled, sighing. "Thank you," I said. "You're a good sport to put up with all of this."

He leaned in and rested his chin on his palm, gazing into my eyes. "You're welcome," he said, shrugging. "And I get it. You're being protective. You care about him, and you're being protective."

I frowned, my fuzzy mind trying to decipher his meaning. Was that a jab at my and Tony's relationship...no, history. That's the better word. Yeah. History. Was he suggesting that I...

"Are you suggesting that he and I..." I began, but stammered to find the right words. "Because I can assure you, we're not...I mean, he'd never... and I certainly..."

Nick put his hands up in defense. "No need to get defensive, Ginny. I'm only saying it's clear that you...feel..." he began, searching for his own right words to use.

I scoffed. "What. I feel what, exactly," I challenged, my temper rising more and more as the moments passed.

Nick pulled back in surprise at my tone. "Relax, honey! I was going to say..." he paused, searching my face. I, then, shot him an expectant look. "A sense of loyalty," he finished.

"Loyalty," I said flatly. "Well, obviously."

"And almost a...maternal..." he began again.

"Ma-ternal?!" I asked in disbelief.

"No, not maternal," he quickly corrected. "More like...sisterly affection for him. At least, that's what I see."

I sat back, silent, frowning. That's what Nick saw between Tony and I? A brother-sister relationship? "I...suppose," I reasoned, never having even an inkling that that's how we could appear to the outside world. Talk about a curve ball, I thought.

"So, it's only natural that you disapprove of the woman he's marrying. It's like no one could ever be good enough for..."

"My...brother?" I ask skeptically.

Nick smiled widely. "Am I wrong?" he challenged.

I let this thought sink in for a moment. Oh, Nick, I thought. Bless you for being oblivious. Then, my sense of shame overtook me, and I was suddenly embarrassed that I'd allowed Tony's personal life to take up real estate in my own head. I knew I really needed to get my mind off of him and Vanessa. Yes, I was concerned. How could I not be? But my emotions were starting to filter in to my ability to look at the situation objectively. One thing was certain- Tony was going to need my help to get out of whatever mess Vanessa had put him in. And I had to be clear-headed enough to collect what information I could, and seize the opportunities as they came. That left no room for anything else.

I smiled kindly, and shook my head. "No, Nick. You're not wrong. I do care about Tony, because we are not only boss and employee, but friends. And I only want him to be happy," I explained.

Nick smiled and nodded. "Of course," he said. He took my hand and kissed it, and we gazed at each other affectionately. "Now," he said, standing up from the table, and extending his hand to help me up as well. "They tell me there is a beach on which we can take a long romantic walk. Sound like a good time?" he teased.

I giggled, and nodded. "You bet it does," I replied. "I could use a little sobering up, anyway. Too much rum."

Nick chuckled, and placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. "Don't worry, I'll be here should you need help to steady those sea legs," he joked, as we made our way down the boardwalk to the beach.