Title: Gold Rush
Pairing: CaptainAmerica-WinterSoldier-FemaleOC (poly)
First language isn't English, so please point out spelling or grammer mistakes.
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Chapter 10 part 2
I invited Tessa and Hillary over Friday afternoon to help me get ready for tonight, knowing I would probably not be able to see them this weekend. I felt like a movie star as I twirled around in my bedroom in my lush yellow gown, with a classy V-neck in the front and back. Hillary did my hair and make-up, while Tessa quizzed me about the guest.
"I wish my boss bought me dresses like this," Hillary sighed jealousy and insisted I let her borrow this dress if she needs to attend something classy. It wouldn't be the first time she borrowed one of my dresses. Hillary and I have the same built, whereas Tess has voluptuous curves.
"Yeah, I have to admit, this is one of the biggest benefits," I said with utter glee while inspecting her work. My brown hair had wavy curls and she kept my make-up very light and natural, except for my lips. She gave them a darker red tone. I have always been a fan of bright lipstick colors. I know vanity is not a good look, but I look damn fine right now. Tessa brought a bottle of Sauvignon wine, but I only took a few sips from their glasses, since I need a clear head for tonight. Hillary put on a different record and the tunes of Twisted Sister started playing.
"How's that family you work for turning out?" I asked while Hillary took my schedule from my purse and quizzed me about the guests and the order I would need to introduce them to mister Stark. I would be his shadow for the night, whereas Thalia would follow miss Pots.
"I think we're turning a corner. I talked with the mother last night, like really talked and I think she is starting to get it. Now we just need the dad to understand and then I think this family has a real shot. I know their kids are sweet and they're acting up is just a cry for attention from their parents, but I'm not going to stick around if this keeps going on. I've only worked for them for seven months and I have already been to the hospital three times with Lily," Tessa complained about her job.
"I hope so for you," I said and Hillary and I sent each other a knowing look, wondering if she would actually go through with it. Tess is a bleeding heart when it comes to children, going the extra mile in their upbringing and education. I'm sure she makes them do extra homework in fun way's to up their grades. You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can't take the teacher out of the woman.
The girls fawned over some of the guests I would meet tonight, begging me to give them numbers, addresses, juicy details about their lives, but I managed to keep them satisfied with little things. I don't need the tabloids finding out the things I know about these people, because one of my friends opened her mouth to the wrong person. My bosseswould fire me for sure, as being discreet is a necessity in my field.
"I am not introducing you to any of them. They might be rich but most of these people are horribly entitled and the men are absolute pigs," I sighed as I picked up my phone. Happy texted me he'd pick me up in five minutes. I asked him if we could drop my friends off downtown. I'm sure they would make it up to him with playful flirtation. Now that he and May weren't seeing each other anymore, he'd been feeling rather blue.
"Sounds like a drag. Have you ever had any…?" Tess asked as they cleaned up and I pulled on my high heels.
"My boss makes sure that there is plenty of security around for us to call and get us out of sticky situations," I avoided answering the question, remembering a guest from two years ago. He had been making his way through most of the female waiters before he made a move on me. I still shivered as I remembered his breath smelling of Bourdain and his grabby hands on my body. I had followed miss Pots all night and was on my first break when he cornered me. Luckily nothing happened besides some unwanted touching before I was saved by security. When mister Stark heard about it, he started an investigation and turned out the man had a reputation for assault and covering it up. I don't know how it ended, but he hasn't been invited back since then.
My friends turned up their charms when we got in Happy's car. I have to hand it to them, they knew how to fake it. They asked him about his job as head of security and by the time we reached their place, the man was all buttered up and boasting with confidence. When we arrived at the gala, I asked him to walk me inside. Guests were already arriving and Happy looked very chipper being able to walk in with a young woman on his arm.
I have to hand it to my bosses, they know how to throw a glamorous party. No cost has been spared and anyone who is a celebrity in New York is here tonight, from singers, to actors, to wealthy families, to business people, inventors, models etc. I followed mister Starks like a shadow and subtly steered him in the right direction the entire evening. Getting him to meet his guests in the right order wasn't easy and Thalia had to steer certain guests in our direction from time to time. Before we'd meet them, I would whisper to him personal information about the personal so he could easily sweet talk them. Thalia was doing the same thing with miss Pots, while Camille watched over the guests and kept her eyes open for potential problems. She's good at spotting and ending them before they get out of hand. Dealing with drunk males is her specialty. She has two security guards that watch her every move in case she needs backup. The Starks make sure we are watched during these kinds of events. Drunk rich men have a knack for becoming inappropriate with the hour and they always turn their unwanted attention to the working-class.
I was glad this night had finally arrived because I had been working serious overtime, as had we all, to organize this event. I was secretly pleased for the distraction mister Stark offered at the Avengers compound. Yesterday I'd spent the whole day behind mister Starks desk again, dodging the hyena's calls, asking me where I was and what I was doing. Sadly, the Sergeant didn't come by to distract me, but my boss kept me busy so maybe it was for the best. I managed to identify most of the people, but a few turned out to be tricky. Especially the young man with piercing green eyes and mark behind his ear still remains a mystery and it bugs me for some reason. Most of the individuals are military and connected to one and other but I couldn't find anything that linked him to anyone. Naturally, mister Stark is most interested in him.
"Miss Taylor, am I allowed to say you clean up nicely?" mister Stark asked me while we walked away from the Huntington family, the third most wealthy family of New York. They are a kind family and try to stay as down to earth as one can be when owning five houses across the country and a summer house in Italy. A waitress arrived perfectly timed and offered my boss a drink. He took two glasses of Champagne and offered one to me. I didn't want to seem rude, but I declined none the less: "I haven't eaten anything in hours sir. I'm afraid it'll go straight to my head."
"Since I am depending on you, I'll just make this glass disappear," mister Stark said and turned back to the waitress. He flashed the woman a toothy grin and told her to enjoy the glass herself and take a fifteen-minute break: "Miss Taylor insists."
The woman looked baffled at him and then at me, wondering if he was being serious. I simply nodded my head to her to move along, as we continued on our way to the next guest. I had been in charge of finding mister Stark a suite for the evening and I am very pleased miss Pots picked the one I liked most when I showed her a couple of suites.
"So how was your weekend, Taylor? The good old Captain was far to chipper when I saw him Sunday," he asked me and I nearly twisted my ancle. There's no way he knows about what happened Saturday night, right? The Captain wouldn't have told him. And there's no way the Sergeant would tell him. Wanda maybe? Or Natasha? I tried to sound casual as I pointed out this wasn't an appropriate conversation between a boss and his employee.
"When has that ever stopped me from asking questions?" the man pointed out as we walked around the room. He smiled politely to his guests and waved occasionally to a few. I wondered if he actual knew who he was waving to. I know he's a genius and all, but social interactions seem to be his Kryptonite. I stayed by his side, making sure there was an appropriate distance between us: "Are you going to go full dad mode on me?"
"Watch out with him. He isn't as perfect as his squeaky-clean image might tell you," he warned me. I looked up at him, but he avoided my eyes and seemed rather uncomfortable. No one is perfect, but I doubt there's much to worry about when it comes to the Captain. He seems rather straightforward and the honest type. Not knowing how to respond to my boss his warning, I stayed quiet.
"This might come as a surprise, or maybe not, but the guy likes to be in charge…" mister Stark continued, his lips barely moving as he spoke. The idea of the Captain being in charge sounded rather enticing, but I doubt that's what my boss was going for. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep my face straight and neutral.
"…And he's a control freak, not to mention paranoid at times."
"I'm a big girl, boss. I know how to handle a man," I simply stated and was pleased he was only bringing up the Captain. Since we hadn't had any time to talk about how this relationship would work and what we would tell people, I'd prefer to keep the Sergeant a secret for now. I'm not even sure they want people to know they are involved. To many things we'll need to figure out in the future.
"I do wonder why this sudden interest in you. I mean you have been working for me for years and you have met before. Why now all of a sudden, I wonder?" my boss pondered out loud as we reached the bar and I ordered myself a glass of water. I might know why he took a sudden interest, but I'm not going to share that detail with my boss. Work has kept me so busy, I haven't had the time to wrap my head around that fact. So I stayed quite again and let my boss continue: "…You did get your hair cut recently. Looks good on you by the way."
"Thank you for noticing boss and what does that have to do with anything?" I asked nervously, but my boss ignored me and continued vocalizing his thoughts: "Rogers hasn't looked twice at anyone since his disastrous dating of agent Carter and yet he suddenly notices you." I drank from my glass and resisted the urge to ask who agent Carter was. Everyone has a past. An agent, huh? Maybe Wanda knows her. Going from an agent to an assistant seems like a step down. Oh great, I'm already comparing myself to this woman.
"…And let's face it, the man's old school. He isn't a modern thinker like you and I," mister Stark said and I looked up confused. This time he met my eyes and there was a glint in them. He knew something and it seemed like he wanted to share whatever it was, but he was unsure how to approach the subject. Please don't let it be about the Captain and Sergeant and me. I really don't want people knowing about that just yet. I raised an eyebrow and waited for my boss to continue. He chuckled and then surprised me by pushing my hair behind my ear, exposing my mark. His hand touching my skin was very unprofessional and I prayed no one had seen it. I froze as he leaned closer and lowered his voice: "We don't let those marks influence our choices in finding a partner."
I looked startled at him and pulled back quickly, making sure miss Pots hadn't seen this highly unprofessional interaction. My boss simply snickered and told me to relax: "After seven years, Pepper has come to realize we are not going to end up in bed together."
"Don't say that out loud! I don't need a reporter hearing you and finding my face on some tabloid tomorrow morning claiming I'm your piece on the side," I said and my face went flush as I realized what I had said out loud to my boss. He didn't seem to mind and signaled the bartender to get me a glass of wine. I tried to stop him, but he insisted: "You clearly need a drink if you are fantasying about being my side piece."
"Oh, shut up," I growled and thanked the bartender as he placed the drink in front of me. I let my hand slide threw my hair as I drank from my glass.
"You know I do rigorous background checks on my employees before hiring them, especially if they are to work so closely to Pepper and Morgan," mister Stark told me and a cold spread through my body. I had not expected him to say that. I hadn't expected him to know anything about my life or previous life. I know he does background checks, but I have never been arrested and my bank records shouldn't have sent him any red flags. And I never shared anything about my family on social media accounts. So how does he know about that? I eyed him with a cautious eye wondering if maybe he was just yanking my chain to see how I would react.
"I know a lot about you, kid. Maybe even more then you do. We are alike you and I," he turned around and leaned his elbows on the bar. He looked far to smug for my licking. I began to panic, not knowing how to respond to him. Did he really know about my life before I started working for him? I didn't need him going around telling others? Would he really do that, though? Maybe miss Pots or Happy.
"Relax, I won't tell anyone about what I found. It's none of their business," he assured me but that didn't stop my heart beating nervously. What could he possibly know that I don't know about? I have more then enough skeletons in my closet, I don't need to go down some rabbit hole only to find more skeletons: "And what is it that you are trying to tell me, mister Stark?"
"We fall in love regardless of what those marks tell us," he said and I stopped midway drinking from my glass. Does he mean he and Pepper aren't soulmates? But they are so perfect for each other. How can they not be soulmates?
"Don't let Rogers' good boy routine push you into something you don't want to do," he said with a serious tone. I met his eyes and could tell there was more he wanted to say, but he stayed quite none the less. What could he be referring to? If it's something serious, I'm sure he would tell me, but what could the Captain have possibly done? I know they aren't on good terms with one and other and it somehow involves the Sergeant, but…
"He likes to meddle with other people's business whenever he thinks it puts them in danger. He likes to think he knows better," my boss continued in a hush tone. What business? Is he talking about me, but I'm not doing anything…Wait, the Sergeant saw me looking into those files? Did he tell the Captain? I gave my boss a skeptical look: "What did he do?"
"Same old same old. Chewed me out for absolutely nothing," my boss admitted and stared into his drink. He seemed sad for a split second, but then turned back into his cheery self as he turned around, dropping the conversation and saying he was ready for his next guest.
"How many more people do I need to play nice with?" mister Stark asked me and I finished my drink, his words still ringing in my ears. What could he have said to my boss in regard to me? I shook my head and checked my schedule to get my mind to focus again. Our next guest was a woman who had a great love for expensive wine. I ordered two glasses, one for mister Stark and one for him to offer to misses Cordoza, the widow of the late mister Cordoza, who owns a considerable percentage of the Stark company. Now that mister Cordoza has passed away, from a heart attack that was the result of his lifestyle and love for decadent food, the Starks want that percentage back, or at least half of it, to make sure their influence in the company is lessened.
"You only have three more to go and then I have you planned on stealing your girlfriend away from her work for a dance," I said and noticed Camille pointing subtly to where misses Cordoza was. I guided my boss towards the elderly woman, who was dressed in a very stylish Louise Vuitton dress: "When are you guy's ever going to get married by the way?"
"That's a highly personal question miss Taylor," mister Stark pointed out, but I simply rolled my eyes at him: "say's the man who was minutes earlier asking about my personal life. And as I will be the one to basically organize the whole event, I feel like I should be allowed to ask."
"I guess whenever we actually find the time to hold a wedding." I noticed how my boss sighed and adverted his eyes for a second: "Whenever I bring the subject up with Pepper, it usually gets shut down quickly because more pressing things show up."
"Do you still want to get married?" I asked and my boss turned to me and I handed him my cheat card so he could quickly read the personal information about misses Cordoza, while he positively affirmed my question.
"And does she still want to get married?"
"I think she does, but I feel like she's dreading actually starting to organize it, knowing it will be a nightmare to combine it with running the company and spending time with Morgan," mister Stark admitted and turned to greet miss Cordoza, while I pondered about what he said. She was escorted by her eldest grandson, who was a big fan of Iron Man. Mister Stark indulged the young man, while I kept a respectful distance.
The Stark wedding would be one of the biggest events of New York, but I doubt my bosses would actually want a party that big. Maybe something more intimate would be more their thing? A small ceremony with only their close friends and miss Pots family. Maybe we could organize it at their house upstate? Although if word gets out about it, the paparazzi would be all over that place. No, their wedding needed to be small and somewhere no one would ever think about. Like a place that's theirs. And on a date that no one will suspect.
"Can I make a suggestion about our previous conversation?" I asked my boss as we made our way to the next guest. He eyed me curiously, but nodded for me to continue: "Why not do something small instead of the big social event everyone is expecting from you. And let me take care of organizing the whole thing. I think I know your 'fiancé' well enough to know what kind of wedding gown, flowers and music she would like and I have the utmost faith in you when it comes to buying wedding rings for the two of you."
My boss looked at me perplexed. The more I think about it, a small intimate feast would be so much better for them. It would be more casual and calmer and the couple would have time to relax and have fun. If it's a big feast, they would easily have over two hundred guests and they would have to greet every single one of them. There would be no time for each other.
"Does this mean I will have to write my own vows?" mister Stark asked me and I smiled with glee in my eyes as I told him I had the utmost faith in him. If there's one thing my boss isn't good at, it's writing romantic words.
"I wonder what your wedding dress looked like."
"Absolutely gorgeous, now do I have your approval to pitch this idea to your 'fiancé'?" I said, not wanting to talk about that. He smirked at me for the way I was pronouncing the word fiancé. They really have been engaged for far to long.
"No, don't tell her anything. Let's surprise her," he said and his trusty smile came on his face. I noticed he was looking in miss Pots direction and there was a sparkle in his eyes. How can they not be soulmates?
"Think you can pull this together before the end of the year?" mister Stark asked and my face fell, asking me if he was serious: "What's with you and getting everything done before the end of the year?"
"Starting the new year fresh sounds nice. I might suck at romance, but a Christmas wedding sounds like something that would sweep Pepper of her feet. You know what, you're right. I am too old to be calling Pepper my girlfriend. I'm taking you out to dinner next week so we can discuss this further," he told me and I made a mental note to make us a reservation somewhere. As much as a drag the organizing will be, I'm actually looking forward to this job.
"Now about that dance I will be spontaneously stealing Pepper away. Am I really that smooth?" mister Stark changed the conversation and I confirmed he was and that he should also give her the gift that was stuffed in his jacket pocket. He was impressed I'd managed to slip that in there without him noticing: "Wow, I really am good. Are you gunning for a promotion, Taylor?"
"No just my usual ass kissing mister Stark," I replay with a smirk and directed him to the next guest he needed to smooch with. Thirty minutes later we were done and I directed my boss to his girlfriend. He asked her for a dance, that everyone of course noticed thanks to Camille dimming the lights and signaling the band to play a slow song. I eyed the couple from behind the crowds and noticed miss Pots cheeks darkening, probably from everyone looking at them. After a minute of them dancing alone, Thalia joined them with one of the guests, who I believe was a cousin of her. The other guests took that as a cue for them to join in. I went to the bar and sat down with a noticeable sigh, finally being able to take a break.
I can't believe I'm going to organize the Stark wedding. This is going to be hell but man I'm looking forward to do some wedding shopping. I can't wait to take miss Pots to a bridal store and show her dresses that I know will look amazing on her. She won't want a ball gown look or a heartline neckline. For some reason I could totally picture her in a 50's length dress and not with too many lace decorations. Classic, but formfitting because she has a beautiful figure.
"A whiskey for me and get the lady a glass of wine please. She looks like she could use one," an unknown voice interrupted my train of thought. A man that seemed to be around my age held out his hand to the seat next to me, asking if he could join me. He was wearing a rental tuxedo, but that didn't diminish his handsome face with very sharp features. He was quite handsome.
"Be my guest," I said and thanked the waiter for my drink. I couldn't place the man's face so I decided to introduce myself to find out who he was: "I'm Alexandra Taylor. I work for the Stark family."
"My brother was supposed to be here tonight, but a family emergency prevented him from coming. He asked me to come and give my regards to your bosses and assure them my brother is very excited about the new mental health unit they opened downtown and would love to offer his support," the man explained smoothly and ran his fingers threw his brown hair, pushing it back. I noticed he didn't give me a name, but I didn't want to seem rude: "I'll pass that along to my boss."
"I have to admit, I'm a little intimidated by everyone in this room," the man confessed as he leaned closer to me. A cologne sent hit my nostrils. It smelled a bit to musky for my taste. I sipped from my drink and kept a cautious eye on him, trying to figure out who he was. I memorized every single guest and yet his face didn't ring any bells. He say's his brother was suppose to come, so that might explain why I don't recognize him: "I know what you mean. Sometimes I think they are aliens with the way they talk about their exotic lives."
"I overheard a man boasting to a couple about investing in an airline so he could always fly first class and because he had some extra money left," the man said while looking over his shoulder, making sure no one heard him. I chuckled: "That's nothing. Most of these people would faint if you mentioned that you don't like spending your summer days in the Hamptons or don't go skiing every New Year's in Vail."
"I never understood the appeal of the Hamptons," he admitted and I agreed with him. I much rather go somewhere with white sandy beaches and higher temperatures then the Hamptons: "It's simply to posh and elitist for my taste."
"You mentioned you work for the Starks and I noticed you follow mister Stark all evening. Am I correct in assuming you are his assistant?" he asked me and I was surprised to find no tone of judgement in his voice. Most people look down on my job, even though I work for Tony Stark and Pepper Pots. He asked me questions about my job and seemed genially interested in what it's like to work as a personal assistant for a power couple like the Starks. I was on my guard with his questions, but he didn't ask anything that I could label as suspicious.
"It's not as glamorous as you point out. Tonight, is simply the exception," I told the man when he pointed out I must have a glamorous life getting to go to parties such as this one. I'm glad it's not that glamorous to be honest. Going to these events three times a year is more then enough for me. I prefer going to parties with my friends where we end up waking home barefoot because our heels are killing us or Brooklyn and Michael carry us home, if they are sober enough.
"My brother likes to drag me along to parties his colleagues throw, but I always hate dressing up. I always feel like the butler for some reason," he said and I chuckled at his comment. The man seemed easy to talk to and he had a friendly face.
"Well, you manage to dress up nicely for tonight," I complimented him and he adverted his eyes with a small smile. When he turned back to me, he wanted to continue our conversation, but something caught his eye behind me. He quickly finished his drink and stood up. he waved to whoever was calling him, but I missed who it was. He surprised me by taking my hand in his and kissing it. When he looked up at me, I noticed he had green eyes, with a smidge of blue in them. He smiled friendly at me: "I'm afraid that's my cue to do some ass kissing. Enjoy your evening, miss Taylor,"
"You as well, mister…" I asked but he simply smirked at me and walked away. My eyes tried to follow him as he walked away, but I quickly lost him in the crowd. Who was that guy?
"Good evening ma'am," I heard behind me and my thoughts about the man were forgotten as I turned around and saw the Captain standing there. He was wearing a suite that looked mighty handsome on him and I was pleased I was sitting down because I might have swoon at the sight of him. The dark blue material made his eyes stand out and I adored the side line hairstyle only he could pull off. Tell me your mine. I shivered as I remembered the way he whispered those words against my lips. Suddenly all I wanted to do was grab his hand and leave this event.
After the sudden departure of the Captain on Sunday, I hadn't heard from him all week. Not that I was complaining, with being swamped by work and seeing the Sergeant on Wednesday was a nice surprise and distraction. But seeing him now, I realized I did miss him. I overheard miss Pots talk to someone on the phone about mister Stark and the Captain being in Europe on Monday and I figured it had something to do with Morgan. Since I didn't have the man's number and didn't want to give my boss any ideas, I didn't ask and worried in silence. I tried calling Wanda, but it went straight to voicemail.
"I see you managed to get your hands on an invite, Captain Rogers," I greeted the man with a sincere smile. I have been smiling the whole evening and my cheeks hurt from it. But the man's cheeky grin as he saw how surprised I was to see him, made all that disappear. Mister Stark hadn't mentioned he asked the man to come, but that isn't really surprising. He ordered us two glasses of Champagne and held out his arm for me to take. I accepted it and his smile grew even brighter. I already had two glasses of wine and the second one was starting to affect me, since I felt like a schoolgirl when the Captain smiled at me. But I just couldn't say no to him offering me a drink: "I figured you could use someone to keep all these rich donators at bay."
"How gallant of you Captain, but I am perfectly capable of keeping unwanted attention at an arm's length," I assured the man as we walked slowly around the room. Most of the guests were looking at the dancefloor, so no one was paying attention to me. Well, maybe one or two of the security guys, but they'll back of once they realize who I'm walking with. The hyenas will probably grill me when they see this.
"How has your evening been so far? Chatted up some big spenders?" the Captain asked me with his cheeky smile. I chuckled at his choice of words: "I'm luckily spared from having to chat up anyone. I just have to stand behind my boss, look pretty and make sure he appears to know everyone he meets tonight."
"Sounds exhausting," he pointed out and I had to pinch myself to keep myself from doing anything stupid as he looked so handsome. Whenever our eyes met, I couldn't help but blush, what made his grin grow cheekier. I really need to stop drinking alcohol. I scratched my throat to keep my voice even: "It is, but I get to keep the pretty dress, so it's worth it. Now tell me Captain, how did you manage to get your hands on an invite for this rather exclusive party?"
"Tony might have asked me yesterday if I had any plans. Since I knew you'd be here, I accepted the invite," the man told me honestly and I felt my cheeks heat up and adverted my eyes. He came simply to see me? My heart practically skipped a beat as the man leaned closer and his voice tickled my collarbone: "I thought I'd offer my assistance to escort you for the rest of the night."
"Escort huh? I feel like we need to have a talk about the meaning of that word in the twenty-first century, but let's not spoil the evening with talk about prostitution," I said and the Captain looked adorably confused at me, stuffing one hand in his pocket, making me chuckle: "How about you be my date for the rest of the evening Captain?"
"Is that what their calling it these days?" the Captain joked and I sipped from my glass. I had been following my bosses none stop since two in the afternoon, leaving barely time to eat anything semi-decent, so I had been living of snacks and chips. I could really go for a fat burger or some greasy fries at the moment. I wonder why my boss hadn't mentioned he'd invited the Captain. I suddenly remember hearing him say something about hiring a monkey in a suite to Happy earlier today. I laughed as it clicked in my head he had been talking about the Captain.
"He did not say that," the Captain said, clearly not amused by my boss his reference to the man. I chuckled and avoided his eyes again because they were making knees go weak, especially with this champagne going straight to my head.
"Of course, he did, he's Tony Stark. When does he ever speak nicely about someone he likes?"
"Remind me again why do you work for him?" the Captain leaned closer to me when he spoke. I took in his scent and was reminded of the feeling of his arms around my body. I wanted his arm to sneak around my shoulders so I could lean into his side, but we are in public so I would have to make due with just his arm.
"Remind me again why do you work with him?" I shot back at the Captain and took another sip from my drink. The Captain chuckled at my response and looked down at his shoes before saying: "He has his talents, I guess."
"He has his moments, I guess," I responded with a smirk, making the Captain eye me curiously: "You two seem to get along well?"
I could be mistaken but I think I heard a slight jealous tone in his voice, but I could be mistaken. They are…colleges, I don't think friends is the correct word to describe them. And I think the Captain doesn't think very highly of my boss, so I can imagine he wouldn't be all that thrilled about me being by the man's side as much as I am. Maybe I can change his opinion about the man someday. He really is a good man, with a huge heart. His social skills just cause problems for him: "We do, Captain. He is my boss after all."
"I didn't seem him talking so casually with his other assistance earlier," the Captain pointed out and I wondered when he got here. I had been so focused on my boss, I hadn't noticed the man walk in at all, what is surprising because he's rather noticeable.
"Everyone always has a favorite Captain. Is that a problem?" I asked and he pulled his arm back. I gasped slightly as his hand touched my lower back. He leaned closer and a shiver went down my spine as he whispered in my ear: "Maybe I'm a little jealous of him getting to spend so much time with you during the day."
I adverted my eyes and he chuckled as he noticed I was trying to hide my blushing cheeks. For a split second he pulled me into his side and I felt his lips brush gently against my ear. As much as I wanted to disappear into his arms and find some dark corner no one would find us, I pulled away to keep myself from doing anything stupid and smirked at the man, who looked confused: "That makes two of us, Captain. The Sergeant gets to spend all day with you, while I'm stuck in my ivory tower."
"Are you jealous ma'am?" he asked me with a cheeky grin and I smirked at him with a raised eyebrow. I was pleased to see him blush this time.
"Don't act coy, miss Taylor. From what I've heard, you've been seeing Bucky while I was away," the Captain told me and I had no problem with imagining the Sergeant boasting about that. We walked outside and I pretend to be busted: "Oh dear, did he tell on me?"
"Tell? He boasted like a peacock in heat," the Captain told me and he asked me if I was fine being outside in the cold air. The cold doesn't bother me easily, so I waved his worries aside. Besides I could use some fresh air to cool off. There were a few guests outside, all huddled together around an astray, a puff of smoke hanging around them.
"He couldn't stop grinning when I got home yesterday. And apparently you already left when I arrived at the compound," the Captain continued as we walked over the newly laid terrace. I wouldn't mind disappearing between the bushes for a few minutes of privacy, but I'd doubt I'd get away unseen with that. I could practically feel the hyena's eyes drill into my back.
"If you had given me a heads-up that you were coming home, I might have waited," I said and the man looked at me with a raised eyebrow, so I explained my boss was being a pain, so I doubt I would have had a minute to spare on the Captain. When we were far enough away from the other guests, the Captain asked me how mister Stark was doing with everything.
"He's been better, but he's rather tight lipped about the matter, so I don't know much," I explained and hoped the Captain would provide me with some insight, but I didn't want to ask. I don't want to put him in a difficult situation. Luckily for me he picked up on my hidden question: "The kid is spending the weekend at Pepper's sisters, with Wanda. Rhody is in the neighborhood in case something happens, but you didn't hear that from me."
"These lips are sealed," I joked and he leaned closer and I shivered as his lips touched my ear again and whispered to bad. I wanted to reply with a cheeky comment, but when he pulled away, he looked so serious all of a sudden and he told me the Sergeant saw me looking into files at the Avengers compound. I was a bit taken aback by his seriousness about the matter and uneasy on how to answer that. The Captain is involved in this Morgan mess, but I don't know if my boss wants him to know what I have been doing. I sighed and adverted my eyes to avoid his piercing blue eyes that might make me tell more then I wanted to: "My boss asked me to look into some people, but if you want to know more about that, then you'll have to ask him. Discretion is the basis of my job."
The Captain looked conflicted at me, but I was pleased he didn't ask more questions and admitted the same went with his line of work.
"Maybe we should agree on not asking questions that will but the other in an awkward position," I suggested and the man agreed with me, but he did ad it was under protest. My boss his words about the man being a control freak rung in my ears, but I ignored it.
"You look beautiful by the way," the Captain complimented me. I lowered my eyes and smiled a little. I had been receiving compliments all night but none made me smile like the Captain did. The very sudden conclusion of our weekend together felt very unsatisfied and with the Sergeants actions, I do wish to have a conversation about how this would work. I have experience in this field but that doesn't mean the Captain or Sergeant will see things the same way as I do.
"You don't look to shabby yourself in your monkey suite," I said and smirked at him, hoping to get a rise out of him. He chuckled and flashed me his million-dollar smile that made my knees wobble: "You know, a simple thank you would suffice."
"But that would be too easy," I said and took a sip from my drink: "I'm guessing the Sergeant isn't accompanying you tonight?"
"No, I left him at home."
"And he just let you go? After all your scandalous behavior last weekend?" I teased the man and I wonder what he would be up to. I'm guessing he knows the Captain is here, with me. Would he be jealous?
"If you are trying to embarrass me, it's not going to work ma'am," the Captain chuckled, but I could tell he was blushing anyway, what made me grin and wink at him: "Give me a few more minutes, I'll get there."
"I don't seem to recall any scandalous…" the Captain tried to counter, but I interrupted him and asked if he always ends up in bed with people that easily. He cut me of this time, clearly embarrassed, what made me chuckle: "Captain are you embarrassed about that night? I think I should feel insulted."
"What about you ma'am? Do you always end up in bed that quickly with two guys'?" he whispered in my ear as he pulls me in his arms and I went stark red as butterflies made my stomach do a summer sault. I bite my lip and lowered my eyes, but he grabbed my chin gently and made me look back up, a cheeky grin on plastered on his face: "Two can play at this game ma'am."
"You need to behave yourself Captain. I'm at my job and need to…" I whispered, but my voice didn't sound as even as I would have liked it to sound.
"What? Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"Uncomfortable is not the word I would use, but sure let's go with that," I said and he caught on to my double meaning and that made him blush harder. I grinned: "Like you said Captain, two can play at this game. But to help you change the subject to a more appropriate topic, I didn't think this would be your scene, Captain."
"You know, I have a name," he pointed out as I tried to pull away to create an appropriate distance between us, but he didn't let me. I liked that he stopped me. He looked confidently at me and God, I wanted him to kiss me. He lowered his eyes and looked at my dark colored lips. I waited for him to close the distance between us, but he didn't. I bite my lip as he pulled back: "And what a nice name it is, Captain."
"Bucky mentioned something about needing to keep an eye on you among all these rich old men," the Captain cleared his throat and I slide my arm around his elbow. It seemed like a safer position: "Aren't you technically the oldest in the room? Maybe I need protection from you?"
"I'd figure you'd be looking for a handsome strong man to come save you," he said with a glint in his eye. So, the Sergeant told him about him interrupting my work. I wonder what else he told him about: "Well, lucky for me that one showed up."
"Besides you look far too beautiful to pass up an opportunity to see you."
"Captain, I must ask to stop with the flattering. I haven't eaten anything in hours so this glass is already going straight to my head and your sweet words aren't helping with keeping a clear head," I sighed and decided I needed to stop drinking. The night was still young and I'm sure mister Stark will signal me to get back to work shortly. The Captain flashed me his million-dollar smile and my knees wobble as he says: "I'm afraid I can't ma'am. My mother raised me to be honest."
"Well, in that case lucky me," I said practically smitten.
"Why don't I get you another drink that might help you keep a clear head," he said and I nodded. He took my glass from me and I noticed he was standing closer then was necessary. I looked in his eyes and my heart started beating faster again as he flashed me his million-dollar smile: "Will I find you here when I get back?"
I nodded and he had the brightest smile I have ever seen. I needed a few seconds to calm my fluttering heart as the man went back inside. I took a few deep breaths and I was actually it was a cold evening. It helped cool me down. God, is this really happening? My fluttering heart got pulled back on earth in the form of Berry Doppler. How the hell did he get in here? There is no way my bosses would invite him or any of the other construction men.
"Wow you look like a movie star!" he greeted me and just like other men who had complimented me tonight, I simply offered him a polite smile in return. Even though his compliment is unwanted, that doesn't mean I need to be rude about it. His suite looked like a rental, his tie wasn't properly tied and the tips of his shoes were slightly damaged. If he's hoping to score with someone here tonight, he's going to leave this event disappointed. He isn't fooling anyone.
"This is some party right? I just met Olivia Wilde. What a babe!" he boasted and I have to force myself not to roll my eyes at his comment. I make sure there's a respectful distance between us as he looks around with glee full eyes: "I was lucky to score an invite when a buddy of mine fell sick. He told me check it out because apparently our boss knows how to throw a party. For some reason I'm disappointed. I thought there would be more entertainment, you know."
The way he said that word, made me feel like cold syrup was dripping down my back. I had to ball my fists to keep myself from reacting in an inappropriate manor. He might be a jackass, but he was here and that meant he's a guest, so I have to be respectful to him. I'll tell security to keep an eye on him and throw his ass out if he oversteps.
"Mister Stark does his best, but I guess he can't please everyone," I said not wanting to engage in this conversation. I thought about going inside and look for the Captain myself, but I told him I would wait here. It's so crowed inside and there are multiple bars, it could take us a while to find each other again.
"You would think the guy would have some pretty girls walking around with his reputation," the guy continued, his hands shoved in his pockets.
"He is a very different man then the one he was ten years ago. You won't find that sort of entertainment here," I shot back with an edge to my voice, hating what the man was implicating about mister Stark. I know what his past was like but he isn't like that anymore and I won't let anyone smear his reputation like that.
"Look doll face, you are being wasted here looking like that," the man continued and tried to lay his hand on my shoulder, but I clearly pulled away from him and shivered from his words. Doll face, what a horrible way to call a woman. So, demeaning and sexist. Berry didn't seem to understand he needed to back of and simply added on, sounding way to boastful: "I know a killer club down the street where I can get us in for free and it plays a lot better music then this place."
I smiled politely at him but shook my head to decline his offer: "No thank you. I'm working."
"Really? Looking like that? Come on, I won't take…" he said and grabbed my elbow harshly. His hand felt warm and sweaty. I tried to pull lose, but he seemed to have a firm grip. He smiled at me with a predatory grin, that made me want to punch him in the face. I kept my face even and spoke slowly: "Let me go."
"Come on doll face…" he tried to again, but was interrupted by a strong voice: "I suggest you do as the woman asked if you don't want to get into trouble."
We both look to the side, me hoping to find the Captain, but surprised to find the nameless man from the bar standing there. He was casually lightning his cigarette, looking very nonchalant. He had pulled at his tie during the evening, because it was to lose and he seems to have a habit for running his hand threw his hair, because it looked less put together. I tried to pull away again, but Berry's grip tightened and hurt my skin. He's stronger than he looks.
"Beat it nobody, this doesn't concern you," Doppler tried to sound threatening, but the nameless man didn't seem to care. He walked closer, his light cigarette danglingly between his lips. His nice smile from earlier looked very unnerving now. Doppler froze and I waited for the nameless man to make his move, hoping it wouldn't catch anyone's attention. The nameless man placed his hand casually on Berry's shoulder and before the man could react his fingers pushed down on what I assume is a pressure point. Doppler let go quickly of my arm and went down on his knees. The man didn't let go and leaned closer to Doppler: "Beat it nobody and leave the lady alone. She's clearly not interested in you."
Berry looked at us with venom but stayed quiet and stalked of. I looked around and saw two security men watching us. I nodded my head towards Doppler and rubbed my ear, a signal we use to tell each other when a guest needs to be removed from the party. I felt relieved knowing there was always someone watching my back. Even now, as the situation had been handled, one of the security men hung around and kept an eye on me and the nameless man.
"Are you all right, miss Taylor?" the nameless man asked as I rubbed my elbow to get rid of the feeling of Berry's warm sweaty hands. I gave the man a genuine smile and thanked him for his help.
"You don't need to thank me. I'm sure, hadn't this been work, you would have been perfectly able to handle him yourself," the man told me and I felt a little bit flattered by his insinuation that I could have handled it myself. I could have, but it's nice to hear a man say it and not assume you are some damsel in distress. Berry would have gotten a swift kick in his balls had this not been work.
"I don't mean to alarm you, but low lives like that tend to hold a grudge and stick around. You should make sure someone brings you home tonight," he advised me and took my hand and kissed it again. Who is this guy? His green eyes with a hint of blue were quite mesmerizing to look at. Like I'd seen them before somewhere. For some reason I was reminded of the young man in the files I had been looking into for mister Stark, but this guy looked to health to be him and not to mention too old. Perhaps somewhere else then.
"I'll remember that, mister…" I asked and he simply smiled at me. It felt a bit weird. He didn't respond and took his leave. I wanted to follow him and see where'd go, who he would talk to, but as I wanted to walk inside, mister Stark go in my way. He looked perfectly calm, but I could tell he already knew what happened outside because he had a security guard with him and Camille looked like she was waiting for some kind of order regarding the situation.
"Is everything alright?" mister Stark asked me and I assured him the guest had been handled and security was already escorting him outside: "It's handled sir."
"Do me a favor and let Happy drive you home tonight. Cockroaches tend to linger when you don't kill them off properly," he told me and I nodded. Mister Stark told Camille to make sure Doppler had been thrown out and she left with the security man standing behind my boss. When they were gone, my boss sent me a look, making sure I was alright. I didn't have time to respond because the Captain joined us and I was pleased my boss didn't bring it up. He simply looked at the both of us and rolled his eyes with a dramatic sigh and left.
"Should I even ask?"
"No," I said with a smile and forgot about the nameless man and Berry Doppler. I let the Captain distract me for the rest of my break, while wandering through the garden with my hand tucked perfectly in the crook of his elbow. He kept me company in the dark corners of the newly laid garden, keeping me entertained with stories about the war and stolen kisses in dark corners. By the time mister Stark signaled me to get back to work, the Captain received a phone call and told me he had to leave. I was disappointed he would be gone, but maybe it's for the better. I probably can't work properly knowing the man is looking at me from afar.
