CHAPTER 13

"So, why are you really here?" Allie asked Steve as she took a sip from her coffee.

He sat across from her at the table outside of the cafe. He smiled tightly as he stared at his drink. "Fury has a mission for me," he answered.

She squinted at him and pursed her lips, "That's lie number two. Try again." She took another sip.

He chuckled. "Are you some sorta human lie detector?"

She rolled her eyes. "Cut the shit and answer the question."

The was an awkward silence before he answered her, "I really am on a mission. But, it wasn't Fury that requested it of me."

She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Now, we are getting somewhere. Who was it?"

Steve sighed and took a long sip of his coffee. "Your father."

"My father?" she repeated. "What could he possibly have for you to do that Rumlow can't accomplish on his own?"

"Well, he said that you needed a bodyguard-" he started.

"Oh goddamn it!" she exclaimed. When a few people turned around to see what the commotion was all about, she apologized to them for her outburst and looked back at Steve. "Sorry, nothing against you or anything, but my father promised me that I wouldn't have anymore bodyguards."

Steve grimaced, "It's just orders. Although, he did warn me about how you might react, which is why I didn't answer you truthfully."

"Alright," she sighed. "Thank you for your honesty. Now, since you're my new bodyguard, I have a few rules."

LATER THAT NIGHT...

The room was filled with guests, flowers, drinks, and glamour. Soft jazz played in the background. Even Allie's dress was divine. It was a long maroon, strapless dress that had a diamond belt wrapped around the waistline. Her hair was up in a low bun. Everything couldn't be more perfect. She walked into the room with Steve on her arm. She greeted and introduced him to a few people. Mostly everyone was more interested in Captain America than the hostess of the fundraiser. A bald old man engrossed Steve with a conversation about World War II. She took her cue to leave the two gentlemen when she saw Tony Stark at the corner of the room and excused herself. She approached and greeted him with a handshake.

"Did I thank you for doing all of this for me yet?"

Tony took a sip of his whiskey, "You did. This is the sixth time."

She giggled.

"Is this everything you wanted, kid?" He asked.

She smiled at him, "Everything I dreamed of." She inspected more of the decor. "I must admit, you have exquisite taste. Are you sure you did all of this by yourself?"

"I did," he said. "Actually, I may have had a little help," he admitted. "But just a little."

"Ah, Mr. Stark," Pierce announced as he approached his daughter and Tony. He grabbed Tony's hand and gave it a firm shake. "It's good to finally meet you."

'You say that to everyone,' Allie thought to herself.

"Thank you, Mr. Secretary," Tony replied. "You have a very determined daughter."

"Yes, thank you," Pierce smiled tightly. "You know, since you are here, I was hoping you would take a moment to talk business."

"I would love to, but I'm only here for a quick stop by," Tony replied with a fake smile and turned to Allie. "It was a pleasure working with you, my dear.I hope to see you again in the future," he grabbed her hand gently and gave it a kiss.

It was a bright sunny day. There were sirens blaring all through the city. She was running. Someone was chasing her. She looked up at the sky to see someone flying over her. She ran faster until she saw her soldier on the ground, surrounded by military men and Captain America was by his side. They held their hands up in surrender.

"Congratulations Cap, you're now a criminal," someone said.

"-alright? Hello?" Tony's voice grew louder.

"I'm sorry, what?" she snapped back to reality.

"You alright?" Pierce asked his daughter.

"Oh," she laughed lightly. "I'm so sorry. I was reciting my speech in my head. I didn't mean to be rude; I am not used to speaking in public. I really want to make sure I got it down."

Tony gave the young woman an odd look, but let it go. He said his goodbyes before he left the party.

Pierce moved closer to his daughter. "You had a vision," he observed. "What was it about?"

Allie chewed on her bottom lip, "It was nothing." Pierce looked at her suspiciously. She sighed, "I'll tell you later. Now, go enjoy yourself and drink!"