Chapter 7: Love is a Mysterious Thing

Tony's POV

I sat on the cold floor of the hospital wing at the Stark Tower in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I let out a sigh as I look up at Selena as her heart rate is too normal and the wound on her forehead was all stitched up. After we landed on the roof Selena started having an anxiety attack and which lead to her fainting from blood loss and so much stress. I raced her down with the suit on her body to a point where I started stitching her up with the suit on. The Stark Tower had many floors for different needs of S.H.E.L.I.D and The Avengers. The top 90th floor however was my own personal penthouse that was about the same as the one in New York City. I put Selena through so much. I stood up thinking this as I made my way to her bed. She was wearing her black skinny jeans and red and black plaid shirt that was covered in dust and rips. I took her plaid shirt off since she had it unbuttoned and I wanted to make her comfortable. After I took her shirt off, I took her off the cords of the heart monitor and blood pressure machines. I slowly lowered myself and gathered her in my arms as I carried her towards the elevators. I was only in the black t-shirt and grey pajama pants with a pair of black socks, since the event happened so suddenly. I gathered her closely to my chest as I head towards the elevator. I walked through the white floored and glassed wall medical level as I head to the black elevator. I softly pressed my right pointer finger against the up button. Selena was sound asleep as she was holding on to my shirt very tightly. The elevator doors open as I slowly walked in. "Jarvis, level 90 please." I said as the doors close and the elevator took us to my penthouse at the top of the Stark Tower. This tower was the last one of the towers to be made in the United States. There is a Stark Tower now in every state for situations of relocation as well as gathering places for The Avengers when situations happen in that certain state. The tower was just finished about a week ago, which the finishing touches were still being made to the tower. My penthouse is already finished even though it was at the top of the tower. The elevator dings as the doors open to my penthouse. I looked down and see Selena still and slowly breathing. I smiled softly as I come out and head into my house. The house was made and designed the same way as the one in New York City. I hold Selena closer to my chest as I turned to the right to my master bedroom. At the very end of the hallway was two grand doors that was similar to the wood craved door alike to the one at my home. Jarvis had opened the doors as I step inside the grand bedroom. I look around at the huge master bedroom that was painted red with a gold trim around the edges. The bed was a huge master bed that had red sheets with a black heavy blanket to match the bedroom. The bed was to the left of the room as there was a dresser and mirror across from it. The mirror mostly took up the wall that was just across the bed. I made my way to my bed as I then sat on the edge of it. Then I softly placed Selena in the middle of the bed. I removed my hands from her back and legs as I pull the black cover over her to rest. I softly caressed her cheek as I then got up and started to make my way to the door. Then all of a sudden I was stopped by something that pulled my shirt slightly. I spun around and saw Selena sitting up looking at me with her bright blue eyes. I sat at the edge of the bed and placed my hand on her left cheek. Her blue eyes were filled with concern. "Selena, are you ok? Are you feeling well?" I asked as I continued to caressed her cheek. She nodded her head as we stared at me. "Yes I am well." She leaned into my hand as she placed her hand on top of mine. "Tony, I'm so scared!" She exclaimed loudly as she wrapped her arms around me tightly. I immediately wrapped my arms around her in a comforting hug. "I know the only way I am safe is with you next to me please stay with me the night and protect me. You are the only one that can be able to keep me safe as well as to make sure that I will not come into harms way." She looked up at me with teary eyes as I started to wipe the tears away from her cheeks. I looked at her and gave her a small smile. "I promise I will always keep you safe, even if that means I need to die to keep you safe." I gave her a small kiss on her forehead as I brought her closer to my chest in an loving heartfelt hug. She immediately relaxed as her arms held on to me tightly. We hugged each other for a few minutes which seemed like hours. Her nature rose like scent filled my nose as I relaxed in her presence. I hesitantly broke the hug and looked down into her eyes. She smiled up at me as she seemed more relaxed now. "You need rest. You had a very long day today miss." I said as I looked at her face that had a few scratches on her forehead and chin from the explosion. I placed my hand on her cheek and gave her kiss on her forehead were the scar of the car accident was left. "Tony?" she said in a soft tone. I looked down at her and removed my hand from her cheek. "Yes?" She had blushed cheeks. "C-can you please stay with me the night? I would feel safer if you would be close to me." I was shocked at her request, but then I was honored. "Of course." She smiled as I started to sit on the bed close to her. I pulled the covers over us as we laid in the middle of my bed. I laid in the bed on my left said as Selena laid on her right to look at me. We both smiled at each other and it was very sweet. "Good night Ms. Acevedo." I said softly as I noticed her eyes were calling her to sleep. She smiled. "Good night Mr. Stark."

Ana's POV

I stood in the middle of the now destroyed Stark Mansion as I was ordered to look for clues on the whereabouts of Tony and Selena. About 25 men of ours were here searching for clues on where they might be in the dead of night. "Ah, my love isn't it just beautiful out tonight." I turned and see Killian walking towards me in an pair of workout clothes that seems to be used for rock climbing. I smiled as I looked at him with hope. "I'm guessing you have found something on their whereabouts then my love." I said as I snaked my arms behind his neck and brought him close. "I did." He said with a smile. "Pack your best dress and warm clothes my dear. We are heading to Wisconsin." I smiled with glee as I kissed him passionately and deeply. "This means we are having one awesome night in bed my dear." He said staring at me sensually. "I'll bring out our kinky chest then Love." I said with a smile and another passionate kiss.

Selena's POV

Hearing birds outside my eyes slowly open from a deep slumber. I look around not moving from my comfortable position, and I recall the events that happen from yesterday. The event of the bombing at the safe house which has moved us from Georgia to Wisconsin is just outright scary. I let out a sigh as I closed my eyes and nuzzle myself back into bed. Then I notice it wasn't the bed I was laying on. I open my eyes, and widen them as I notice I was cuddling against Tony. He was still sleeping and I noticed that is arm is around my waist. "We must have started cuddling with each other after we fell asleep." I said in a low whisper voice. Honestly, I felt like moving away from him, but then I wouldn't want to wake him up. I then laid right back to him. I rested my head on his shoulder and placed my arms between my chest and his side. I looked at his peaceful sleeping form and smile. He is so amazing and I honestly couldn't be anymore happier to have him protect me. I felt sleep call me again from the night as it seem to only be 5 in the morning. I cuddle closer to him as I pull the blanket over us again. After I rested my head on his shoulder her moved and pulled me closer to his chest, so that my arms were between mine and his chest. I smiled as my eyes closed slowly. I was happy even though I was in this situation. I feel like a truly love this man.

Tony's POV

"A Ball?" I said in a hush voice. I look over to Selena and notice that she was still in the kitchen preparing lunch for us. I was talking to Nick Fury on the secure line from the tower. "Yes a ball. Did I stutter? It will be yours and Selena's mission to go to this ball and locate a man named James More. He is the second hand man to Killian. The only thing we need you guys to do is find him, place a locater chip on him and leave the rest to us. Anyways, my database says that you were invited to this ball." Nick said over the phone. "Yes I was, but we are in no state to show our faces like that in a public event." "This event is private with no press available. Everyone still believes you are dead and we have a mask that you made to connect to the face and show someone else. You and Selena will be safe that whole time. I sent the chip and mask to your tower and Jarvis has it stored for you this weekend. Any more questions?" I rolled my eyes and sighed. "No we will be there." I said. Before I hung up the phone I was told last few details about the mission then a good luck to both of us. With a sigh I place the phone back on the charger and sat back on the couch. I really don't feel like putting myself and more so Selena in anymore danger. Bad enough they want us to go to this ball when we have a terrorist chasing our asses. "Tony. Lunch is ready." I come out of my state of thought as her soft lovely voice broke through. I smiled at her and headed to the kitchen. I sat at the island that was in the middle of the kitchen and waited for Selena to hand me a plate. She made chicken enchiladas with orange rice and black beans with a side of guacamole and salsa. My stomach growled at the smell of the amazing meal. "This looks amazing. I honestly love your cooking better than a five star restaurant." I said as I poured two glasses of Mountain Dew into cups for us. "I am just glad that the famous Tony Stark loves my cooking." She said as she sat down next to me. I gave her a smile as we both began to eat. After what happened a few night ago at the safe house we have been held in order to hide from the danger of Killian and Ana. I really don't want to ask Selena to do something dangerous as going to a ball in thought of getting caught by a man who is dangerous. "So when is the ball?" I chocked on the piece of chicken enchilada and felt myself sweat. I grabbed my glass and chugged down my soda as Selena patted my back. "Are you ok?" She asked as she handed me her glass of soda. "Y-yes I am fine. Just how did you know about the ball?" I asked as I drank her glass of soda. She smiled and giggled while she poured more soda for me and her. "Well it would be best to make sure that the speaker of the phone isn't on in every room of the penthouse. The speaker in the kitchen was on as I was cooking so I heard everything." She took a sip of her soda as I stared at her and then mentally cursed. "Well I assure you the Jarvis had something to do that." "You are very welcome sir." Jarvis said. I looked back at Selena and saw that she was still waiting for an answer. I took a deep breath in and let out a sigh. "Sel. We don't have to do it if you don't feel comfortable about doing it. It is something that is very dangerous and could go in any direction." I looked at her for a response and she stared at me then moved to eat another piece of her lunch. "Tony, I have been in danger ever since you had hit me with your Audi. Remember I also wanted to be a super hero and if this is what Black Widow and Hawkeye do then let me do this. I will be safe with you and I will be fine. Let's do it." Selena told me with a confidante tone. She honestly keeps surprising me with her will on helping others and me. "You and I have some shopping to do then." I said with a smile. She smiled as well and gave me a huge hug. I wrapped my arms around her immediately and pulled her close onto my lap. She seemed to sit on my lap as we continued to hug each other. Ever since the morning we have woken up from us escaping from the safe house and we have been embracing each other a lot more. I smiled and let out a comfortable sigh as her rose scent filled my nose again. She pulled away slightly as she looks at me deeply in the eyes. I stared deeply in her eyes and then cupped her right cheek. "You need to understand that we have to be very careful. We can't draw attention to us. We just need to place the chip on him and then leave or just dance whatever you chose." I said as I placed a strand of hair behind her ear. She smiled as she pats my hand. " I understand that there is danger, but we have each other and we can get through it together Tony." I smiled at her words. "You always know how to make me feel better Sel." I smiled as I stood up and lifting her up at the same time then softly placing her on her feet. My hands were still placed on her waist as her hands were on my chest. We shared glances at each other as Selena's cheeks started to turn pink. "Sir, you have visitors at the door." I cut my glance from Selena and looked towards the elevator doors. Selena stood behind me holding onto my shirt, but was still able to look at the doors. "Tony open the door. We have the outfits you and Selena will be wearing for the Ball." I relaxed as I realize the familiar woman voice. I look behind me and give Selena a comforting smile. "Want to meet some members of The Avengers?" I asked her and she smiled widely. "Yes!" She said with a smile. I grabbed her hand and lead her to the doors of the entrance of the penthouse. I held her hand tightly as I lead her to open the door with my other hand. I let her hand go as soon as Natasha and Clint come walking in with bags and boxes from high end fashion designers in California, Spain and France. "It's good to see you are still alive. We hate to look for a replacement of Iron Man." Natasha said as she placed the boxes she had on the couch to the left of her. "Well I wouldn't mind taking that job over." Clint said as he followed Natasha to place his boxes down. I shake my head and let out a chuckle before I move my attention to Selena who was standing behind me. " This is Selena Acevedo. She is the famous Sel that has been with me on this witness project against the fucker." Natasha walked over to Selena and gave her a firm hand shake. "I hope he hasn't tried to seduce you. I would hate for him to turn a pure innocent girl like yourself into his girl he mad bad." She said as she patted Selena's back and looked at me. I rolled my eyes and looked at Clint, who shrugged his shoulders. "That's you man not me." He said as he started to separate the bags and boxes. Selena smiled and giggled "No he has been very pure with his actions and hasn't done anything to make me want to hurt him." She said as she smiled and patted my arms. I relaxed and immediately felt happy. "So what is in the boxes and bags Birdie?" I asked Clint as I moved closer to him as he finished placing a box in a pile. " We have a suit and shoes for you Tony and other things that you might need for the mission. Then we have a dress for Selena and things she will need." Natasha said as she walked over to the safe across the living room and punched in a code. "This mission S.H.E.L.I.D. will have agents undercover in case anything happens. We will have transportation for you whenever you are ready to leave after the mission is done. I'm sure you guys would like to party for a little longer while you have been stuck in different places for over 3 months." Clint said as he stood by the elevator doors with his hands behind his back. His tall frame stood there taking in the surrounding of the room. He was dressed in an all black leather jacket with a pair of black pants. Under the jacket he had a white t-shirt and was wearing a pair of black combat boots. His hair was in his usually style. Natasha walked over to him as she was holding a black box from the safe. Her red hair was straighten as it hung down her back. She was wearing a white blouse with a pair of black dress pants and heels. They are dressed very opposite today for they must look important for some reason. "These is your mask that you will need to put on after you have gotten ready with make up Selena." Natasha said to Selena as she handed her four chips that were identical to each other. "You will place one on the hair line of your forehead, one on each ear and then the last one on the bottom of your chin. They will sync with each other and create a "force field" on your face to give you the look of someone else." Natasha then walked over to me and handed me the same four chips as Sel. "The chips will be hidden along with your faces. No one will know who you are. You are going to be given different names that will be on your invitation." Clint says as he minds me the white and black invitation. "Selena your name will be Alexis Starr. You are married to Tony here." I felt my cheeks blush as I see Selena's cheeks become bright red. "O-oh ok then. That will work." She said as she started to play with her hair. "Tony you are Lorenzo Starr. You are just a very rich and well known doctor." Clint said as he checked his watch and looked at Black Widow. "Nat, we got to go." He said as he pressed the button for the elevator. "Ok. You guys are on your own now. There are chips to communicate with us in the wedding bands that are part of your disguise. The chips that are in your eyes will be us talking to you for we can lead you to the right man. The picture of him is inside the bag. He isn't hard to miss. He is blad blue eyes and about Clint's height." Natasha said as they stepped into the elevator.

Selena's POV

"We wish you guys good luck." Clint said as the doors closed and they made their way out of the tower. I stood there with the chips in my hand and looked over at Tony who was staring at me. I felt myself blush as I give him a smile. He was wearing a pair of black athletic pants with a grey muscle tank top. His arc rector was glowing through it as he stared at me. I started to fidget with my black tank top I had on over a pair of light blue running shorts. Tony started walking over towards me as I began to feel my heart race and my face burn. He stopped right in front of me and stared down at me. I was only 5'5" and he had to be around 6'1" so he towered over me. He placed his free hand on my left cheek and I felt a burst of energy shoot throughout my body. "I hope you are ready for tonight Sel. It will be one important mission we will be doing." He said as his thumb rubbed my face and his thumb traced along my bottom lip softly. I felt my heart race so fast I thought it was going to jump out of my chest. I remember this feeling and moment before we kissed at the safe house. Also the moment I was in his room when he confessed his love for me. My eyes open in shock as I remember his body close to mine when he told me his in love with me. Am I in love with Tony Stark? I thought to myself as I stared at him with loving eyes. I smiled as I stood on my tip toes and kisses him on his lips softly. I felt Tony gasp against my lips, but then held my waist and pulled me up towards him. With my free hand I tangled my fingers into his hair as I kissed him deeply. My other hand holding the chips were behind his neck holding myself to him. I felt Tony deepen the kiss with me as he holds me close to him that I couldn't touch the floor anymore. Our lips danced with each other with the sweet taste of each other. His lips were soft and had a sweet taste to them. Once I realized what I was doing I opened my eyes and slowly pulled away and stared at him. Tony opened his eyes and looked at me with his hazel eyes. "Selena?" He said as I stared at him. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. "Uh… I think we should probably start getting ready for tonight." I said as I turned around and grabbed the box and bags that belong to me for the ball. "Selena wait." Tony said as he grabbed my arm firmly. I turned to him and stared at him deeply in his eyes. Tony and I stared at each other for a period of minutes. "B-be ready by eight please. We don't want to keep the agents waiting." Tony said to me as he let go of my arm. I smiled then kissed him on his cheek. "I will be." I said with a smile. I walked away with him with my bags, boxes and chips in hand to the room were me and Tony have been sleeping. Tonight is the night I tell him I love him.