There wasn't a strong enough word for the pounding in Scarlett's head. Headache just didn't do it justice. It was like someone was beating a drum with an ax against her temples. It had to be just about the worst hangover she'd ever felt. She must have been at one hell of a party.

Shifting, the bed beneath her wasn't a bed at all. It was cold and uncomfortable though something soft was draped over her body. It wasn't a blanket though. Interesting. She supposed that Scott finally got tired of cleaning up after a washed up drunk. Applying pressure to her pounding forehead, she felt the gauze of a bandage wrapped there. What the hell?

Then she remembered.

MedCo.

She bolted upright and snapped her eyes open, fighting the migraine. She was in an incredibly large room and there were massive windows all along one side overlooking the dark ocean. It was a garage. Maybe? There were expensive cars near an exit that was closed at the time. But there was also a workshop or a laboratory or something off on the opposite side. There was something peculiar about it but she couldn't quite make out what was behind it in the distance. Her vision was too blurry. That and she was so damn dizzy that every time she tried to focus she wanted to vomit.

Where was she? Had she gotten away? Was this another MedCo trap?

Scarlett pulled the mylar blanket off of her body and groped at the bandage on her right thigh. Pain made her gasp and tremble but it'd at least been tended to. She couldn't tell how bad the damage really was with it wrapped. She had a feeling it was the worst of the wounds.

Who had taken care of her? And where the hell was she? She'd been miles from the ocean last she checked but there it was. It was a trap. If someone wanted to save her she would have woken up in a hospital bed.

She would not be prisoner to someone else.

She closed her eyes to try and remember. Red and gold. That was it.

It couldn't be.

She opened her eyes and focused on the figures behind the desk. Armor. Iron Man armor. Scarlett suddenly knew exactly where she was.

The audacity.

Carefully she climbed off of the steel table, not putting much weight on her right leg. Her jeans were tattered, the right side having been corroded away until they were a poor excuse for shorts. Her shirt was saturated with dry blood. She rested her hand over her side. Right. She'd been shot. She expected the pain to be worse. It should have been worse by all accounts. Maybe some time had passed. Maybe that was why her limbs were so tired.

Her feet were frigid against the concrete floor of Tony Stark's basement laboratory. The hall of armor, as she read it was called, was behind his desk. And on the opposite stretch of that were a few of his prized cars and motorcycles. Some of the cars were in a state of repair and remodel while others were pristine. What was he playing at leaving her in his private space unguarded?

No, he was watching her. She'd heard rumors that Tony's artificially intelligent security was the most advanced the world over. She was curious, of course. Taking slow, careful steps, she froze as a gentle voice filled the room.

"I must ask that you stay put, madam."

Where was that coming from? She hadn't seen anyone else. "Hello?"

"I do not mean to alarm you. I assure you that you are safe. If you would please take a seat until Mr. Stark has returned from his meeting and can properly attend to you." He was British, whoever he was. The accent was convincing and she wondered if someone was watching her from cameras. Was this worse or better than where she'd been trapped by MedCo? Wait, no. Was that the artificially intelligent security? He was so lifelike if it was.

"Where am I?" She was far too curious to stay seated. Yes, Scarlett despised everything Tony Stark stood for but he was undeniably one of the greatest minds of his generation. He'd achieved remarkable things. If he'd just get his head out of his ass then he could save the world. One of her biggest problems with Stark was that he knew he was remarkable and assumed he stood alone. Scarlett knew plenty of minds that rivaled his. While she didn't have or want his fame she had plenty of her own money and would consider herself on par with him intellectually. She felt arrogant even thinking it.

"I implore you to take a seat, madam." The voice was concerned. That couldn't be. It was a simulated emotion but damn it was convincing. "Your wounds are quite severe. I do not wish for you to pull any stitches."

"Let me guess, you won't tell me anything about anything until he arrives, huh?"

"You are correct."

"What should I call you? Am I allowed to know that?" Scarlett disobeyed and crept further into the laboratory toward the circular desk just beyond the hall of armor. There were several darkened computer monitors and a couple that had screensavers of vintage cars.

"I am Jarvis. I apologize but if you do not return to your seat then I will be forced to take more drastic measures." The voice was everywhere but not in an overwhelming way. It was soft and comforting. Scarlett didn't touch anything but just got the lay of the land.

But the longer she was awake, the longer she got to thinking and her thoughts were racing.

Tony Stark had done this to her. To Scott.

Scott was dead.

Even if Erick's order hadn't gone through, the explosion would have killed him. And according to MedCo, they were funded by the man who claimed to be a super hero. A man who ordered his company to stop making weapons. Why bother? Why put up that front just to keep doing awful things behind closed doors? The cocky yet lovable playboy persona he played for the media was a mask that hid something far more sinister.

She knew now why she was there. Tony wanted to know what happened in South Africa. He wanted to know what went wrong beneath the orders of a company he'd funded. Was she a threat to his reputation? Scarlett wanted to believe he'd become a better man.

So much for that.

And now he'd led the snake right into his den. If she wanted to she could destroy his computers right now and kill him when he came to check on it. But a tiny voice in the back of her head warned against it. Why? Why not kill him now?

This was a rare opportunity.

Tony Stark would die a hero if he died now.

No, she would show the world the monster he still was. That was a fate worse than death for a man with an ego like Tony's. She would destroy his legacy. Her eyes blurred with tears and she turned away from the desk and blinked them away. What was wrong with her? Why did that hurt her heart?

She was so tired of death.

She took a deep breath. Her body was exhausted. Her heart, soul, and mind were exhausted. She needed food and water. She needed a doctor. Why was she in Stark's basement and not at a hospital?

She walked around the desk slowly, hobbling toward the remains of some kind of machine. It was burnt, smoldering. A failed attempt at something. "Does Jarvis stand for something? Or is it the first butler-like name he could come up with?" There were other piles of scrap lying around too but nothing discernable. She bet he did a lot of fiddling. She did too.

"Just a Rather Very Intelligent System." Scarlett could have sworn Jarvis was smiling.

"Cute." Scarlett chuckled. His voice was so smooth and natural, far less robotic than any other artificial intelligence she'd seen before. There was a soft whirring behind her and much to her surprise, a robotic clamp grasped onto her wrist gently and began to drag her back toward the table she'd woken up on. The large, clunky robot wasn't rough, but firm enough that she couldn't pull free.

"Rude!" Scarlett relented instead of tugging. Her body was too tired to fight.

"My apologies, madam. You were warned. Please take your seat and rest until Mr. Stark returns."

She was suddenly aware of the gauze on her forearm too. The bullet had grazed her side and her arm. Just great.

"Fine." Scarlett relented and sat on the table as requested. Despite her objections, she was grateful to be sitting. Her leg was on fire now that she was awake. Her stomach reminded her that she had eaten just about nothing proper in months.

"My apologies once more." Jarvis really did sound sincere. It could just be the charming accent though.

That was all the confirmation she needed to know Tony was no hero. He'd brought her to his laboratory without considering a hospital. He continued to keep her held captive. In fact, she was confined to a table. But MedCo had implied that Tony Stark knew who she was and had wanted her to do his dirty work. If that were true, then why would he ever leave her alone in his highly secure facility? That would be foolish.

She watched the ocean from her spot on the table. At least the view was nice.

Tony Stark was a brilliant douchebag. That was just about all she was certain of. Why was she questioning that he was responsible for this? It was obvious! All the evidence was there. Or was it? It wasn't a secret that Scarlett didn't care for him. Most of the people she'd worked with didn't care for him. Was he used against her just like everything else?

Her head was swimming. She would give him a chance to prove what kind of a man he was. But one way or another, she would find proof of what happened or didn't happen. And she would do whatever she had to do in order to get it. She calmed down considerably. Thank god for science or she'd just be a maniac.

The door across from the desk opened and in came Tony Stark. "Jarvis, can you bring up the newest schematics for the amp? I want to work on it." He wore a dark t-shirt over a long sleeved white shirt and jeans that fit remarkably well, she might add, and hadn't bothered looking up from an impressively high tech phone. He was far less impressive looking without a thousand dollar suit on. He seemed oddly normal.

"Sir, our guest is awake."

Tony stopped walking and looked over at her at long last. Tony smiled at the sight of her and didn't even pretend he wasn't giving her the once over. Why should he? She was lovely and he'd saved her life. "Why didn't you tell me, Jarvis?" Tony smiled pleasantly.

Now that she thought about, she wasn't sure she'd ever seen him actually smile in the press, despite his notorious charm.

"You were in a meeting, sir."

"Jarvis, bring up my schematics at my desk. Have you offered her something to drink? To eat? It's been days since she's had more than an IV in her arm. I'm sure she's starving. This is unlike you. Where's the hospitality?"

"My apologies. Madam, would you like something to eat or drink? We have access to some of the finest chefs in the country though I recommend starting modestly."

"Toast and water?" Scarlett didn't know where to look when talking to the security system. That was probably the best thing for her stomach right now. Though she really wanted a good steak. Or a burger. And some scotch. "How long was I out?" Scarlett observed Tony curiously. It was unfortunate that she was immediately attracted to him. What a shame for an asshole like him to be that pretty. Nice arms, even through the long sleeved shirt. She supposed that was part of his allure, huh? Good looking. He took care of himself, of course he did. Then there were those eyes. Brown and so alive. He was effortlessly handsome. It was easy to see how people fell for his charms.

It was easier to see how he got such a reputation for sleeping around too. A reputation she could potentially use to her advantage. It was easier since she was attracted to him. And it she had to use it as a weapon, she could before dropping the proverbial ax. She would find her answers one way or another.

"I suppose I did say that. Yes. Three days exactly. Tried to wake you but no such luck. I was giving it two more days before bringing you to a hospital." Tony approached slowly, hands in his pockets, giving her the once over with an alluring half-smile. "I thought you were a goner when I found you." He held his hand out to her, oozing with charm that Scarlett was sure made other women melt to their knees. She ignored his hand. "Tony."

"I'm not stupid, I know who you are." She scoffed. Tony put his hand back down when he was certain she wasn't going to shake it. There was something about her. It was more than that he'd found her when she'd been escaping the carnage of the MedCo building. He couldn't put his finger on it.

It was even more than the fact that MedCo had continued to pursue her despite his assault. Yes, he should have brought her to a hospital. He knew that. And his assistant, Pepper Potts, had spent the last three days reminding him of it. But SHIELD would have found her and brought her into custody. Tony needed to talk to her. He needed to understand what was happening in the desert. MedCo. He'd been chasing them for months. They were like ghosts. Ghosts with a stupid name.

It was bad enough to have found out that his father's old partner, hell his former partner had been selling weapons to less than reputable organizations. It'd changed his life. It was another to find out that companies like MedCo were taking them and experimenting with his technology to see how much harm they could do. That outpost he'd burnt to the ground was just the tip of the iceberg.

And MedCo wanted her. This very attractive woman half-beaten on his work table. He could think of a few ways she'd look better on that work table, but that was for later. He had every intention of using his saving her to his advantage. She owed him.

"I should have known better." Tony oozed confidence. Scarlett cautiously got off of the table and Tony rushed to her and urged her to sit back down, hands on her arms. "Take it slow. You were in bad shape."

"I know my limits. I don't need you to tell me."

"At least let me change out your bandages. The chemical burn was bad. I've been changing it every few hours." Tony touched the bandage on her right thigh and Scarlett grasped his wrist to stop him from putting pressure on it.

"Why? Why not bring me to a hospital? What person in their right mind would see a woman burned in an explosion and shot and not bring them to a hospital? Why am I here?" Scarlett was immediately suspicious and Tony didn't hide his surprise. He'd expected gratitude. He'd kind of expected sex, actually, but no. He got disdain. Fascinating.

"I had a doctor come by. You were taken proper care of. A pretty lady like you deserves better than being prodded and poked by some civil servant."

"Bullshit." Scarlett didn't let go of his wrist despite his tugging.

"If I tell you the reason then would you allow me to care for the festering burn on your leg?" He pointed toward the wound with his captured hand.

"Maybe."

"I need that to be a yes." Tony pursed his lips. "If you think you holding my hand is some kind of torture? I assure you that it isn't. I can stay here all day actually."

"Okay. If you're going to be juvenile about it: if you tell me then I'll let you clean the wound. But only because it itches like hell. Honestly, did you get wool bandages or something?" Scarlett let go of his wrist. "And let me warn you, Stark. If you slip as much as one finger where it doesn't belong then I'll break it. Got it?"

"I'm confident you could handle more than one but yes, I see my reputation precedes me." Tony chuckled, then returned to his desk. He searched for a moment out of sight then lifted a first aid kit from beneath. Scarlett could see the reactor in his chest even beneath two t-shirts. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't curious. Was it scarred? Did it hurt? Was there really no way for him to have the shrapnel removed along with the reactor? Everyone knew the story. It couldn't be avoided when it'd happened.

Even Tony Stark hadn't deserved that. And if rumor was correct, he'd taken it as an opportunity to do better. But had he really? Or was it another clever ruse by a clever but greedy man?

"Yeah. You get around. Everyone knows that." Scarlett set about unraveling the bandages on her leg so she could get a better look.

"You seem to know a lot about me. I don't know anything about you. Seems unfair. I tried searching through missing South African models which was… frankly exhausting." He sighed dramatically. "But none of them looked like you." He admired her as he walked closer with the first aid kit. "So, not-a-model and no longer missing… what's your name?"

"Weren't you about to tell me why you didn't bring me to a hospital? How I wound up here?" Scarlett wasn't so easily flattered. Her name wouldn't get her into trouble. She'd been nothing but cautious. A few drunk and disorderly charges here and there wouldn't yield much information. But also, she kind of liked the idea of making him work for it.

"Just a face and no name? What am I supposed to call you then?" Tony opened the first aid kit that he set alongside her. He pulled out a few unlabeled bottles of clear liquid. He gently took her hands away from the bandage and set one of them on his shoulder. She looked to him skeptically but he was having fun. He set the bloodied gauze aside and examined the wound. It didn't look much better. He'd done readings on the chemicals and thought that this should do the trick to neutralize it. But maybe he was off. He'd do another sample. "Something tells me you won't like babe."

"You don't touch anything until I get an explanation. That was the deal." Scarlett threatened though she wasn't sure she could rightfully fight him. With the wound exposed to oxygen the pain was miserable. She wouldn't let him see that though.

"And here I thought I was stubborn. Did my assistant get down here before me? Did you two talk about me already? Don't worry, she's just jealous. I mean, look at you." Tony whistled low.

"I assure you that she woke only moments prior to your return. Miss Potts has not been here since this morning." Jarvis filled him in and Scarlett had to hide her smile. He was defending her? That was a little sweet. Weird, but sweet.

"I was… it's fine." Tony waved it off. "Anyway, I found you in the desert outside of a building owned by a powerful terrorist cell. One of their goons had you at gunpoint. I had every intention of bringing you to a hospital when I noticed the burn rapidly getting worse. Scorched your jeans which I found impressive. Did quick research and discovered that none of the hospitals in South Africa were equipped to handle you. And the hospitals here, let's say our medical care system is kind of a trash fire. That and I've suffered chemical burns of my own before. I thought this was the safest place for you."

"If you took care of it then why the hell does it still burn like this?" Scarlett didn't flinch even as Tony dabbed a wet cloth on the wound. She did, however, move away from him to get him to stop.

"The more you squirm the longer this will take." Tony scooted closer and rested his hand on her knee to keep her from moving. He'd taken care of her pretty steadily and even though he knew nothing about her, three days taking care of someone did something to a guy. Scarlett turned her gaze away but let him take care of the wound. "There's muscle damage, unfortunately. Lucky for you, I've got all the pills you need." He nodded to her hand on his shoulder. "I know it hurts. Squeeze if you need to."

"I'm good." Scarlett was confused by his kindness. She'd expected the ego and flirting but she hadn't expected the tenderness, or the haunting eyes, or how attracted she would be to him, jesus. This had to be a trick. It had to be. And yet… even he wasn't that good a liar. She moistened her lips and then looked away, cursing her naturally flirtatious habits. Why was it that she was so damn attracted to him? Did she really hate herself that much?

Tony applied the unlabeled solution to the wound and her muscle twitched beyond her control.

"That's a shame. Been some time since I've had a pretty girl claw me up." Tony could feel her frustration. If nothing else, he was having fun. Usually women melted into a giggling mess around him. He enjoyed the thrill of the chase. Always had. And it wasn't typical for him to be as attracted to someone as he was to her. Usually that didn't matter. "Shouldn't take more than a few days to heal. So no need to stress." He patted the table. "Put your leg up here."

Scarlett did as she was asked. "So am I confined to this table? Because I think this might be kidnapping."

"Are you going to tell me your name?"

"Probably not."

"Then get used to my lab. It's a shame because it's just below a gorgeous mansion that very few people get to see. Outside of the occasional party here and there." Tony wrapped the wound tightly. "You know, this is the first time…"

"You've been between a woman's legs with all your clothes on? Come on, you have to do better than that." Scarlett leaned back on her arm and Tony stopped wrapping her leg in surprise.

"That was a good one, come on." Tony chuckled. "Admit it. You liked it."

"Can you please finish with this? Without anymore innuendos or compliments? I get it. You have a reputation to keep up. You've proven your point. We can move on now. I promise that if anyone asks I'll let them know you came on strong and charming." She was already drained. Pain took its toll and her body just didn't have what it needed. But if she had been on an IV for three days like he claimed that should soften the blow of recovery a little.

"I'll finish your leg but that's the only thing I can promise. This is just who I am." Tony turned his attention back to the wound. "At least tell me what it is you do."

"If I did, I'd have to kill you." Scarlett yawned. Tony couldn't decide if she was joking or not. Maybe he'd bitten off more than he could chew bringing her home. While he'd imagined about ten different ways she'd want to show her gratitude he hadn't once imagined that she'd challenge him. This was far more fun.

"Is there anything you can tell me without getting defensive? Because I can make up stories about you. I have a very vivid imagination."

"I'm sure I could."

"Will you though?" Tony finished wrapping the wound, cleaned up the first aid kit, and disposed of the mess in its wake. He was intrigued.

"Not likely." Scarlett was enjoying herself. She made to step off the table and the large clunky robot that had guided her away tried to stop her.

"Dum-E, lay off." Tony dismissed the robot that made a sad chirping noise in response but rolled away. Tony walked over to one of the projects that were lying around and fiddled with schematics that hung in the air like a hologram. Scarlett followed him, mostly to get a better look at the technology. She was admittedly curious. Tony wasn't some puffed up billionaire with no talent. He was a genius.

But why would he need a power amplifier that massive? She stepped forward curiously examining the schematics. Tilting her head she realized what it was for. The arc reactor? Rumor had it that he'd created a new element and that element would provide clean energy. Why would he amplify it? To what end? It didn't make sense. It wasn't for a weapon. He wouldn't dare do something like that in front of a stranger. Unless he thought she was dumb as a brick.

"What's this for?"

"What's your name?" Tony didn't even bother to look at her. "Get rid of sector 4B, Jarvis. Not working out." Obviously frustrated with his work, Tony twisted the schematics. Scarlett thought she could fix it. Her eyes were darting back and forth and she smiled. Maybe if she proved useful, he'd keep her around and she'd get a chance to do her snooping.

"I said no." Scarlett walked to stand alongside him and tilted her head to the side. Tony folded his arms over his chest, drank her in, and then nodded to the schematics.

"You know what this is." He snapped his fingers and the schematics grew larger so they could both see.

"It's an amplifier. For the new element. The reactor." Scarlett shrugged as though it were obvious. Tony cocked an eyebrow.

"What are you?" He was delighted. "I knew that the sex doll technology had come a long way but this is beyond remarkable." Scarlett sighed so heavily that he laughed. "No. So what are you? Spy? Undercover? Bond girl?"

"I'm an engineer." Scarlett answered. She had been once, that wasn't a lie. She was many things. "And an inventor. Not really a name for what I do. Are you happy? You learned something about me." Scarlett ignored Tony's gaze of admiration.

"If engineers looked like you when I was in college then hot damn…"

"You're an engineer."

"You're right. I am hot."

"Why are you building an amplifier for something so massive?"

"Oh, sweet talking me, are you?" Tony tapped his knuckle against the reactor in his chest.

"No."

"You're far smarter than you're letting me know." Tony knew it. He felt it. "I already knew that. I'm not underestimating you. I wouldn't make that mistake. I know what was going on in South Africa. I know what those people were doing. And if they were holding you prisoner then you must be profoundly important. They're not the type who dabble in kidnapping just for the hell of it."

"What makes you think I was there against my will?" Scarlett shrugged. When Tony responded, Scarlett froze.

"You have a contract to fulfill." He leaned close and whispered knowingly. He'd had Jarvis read the lips of the soldier who aimed at her before he'd been obscured.

They were dancing. This was a dance.

They would keep spinning each other on the dance floor until one of them got too tired to resist. Scarlett couldn't figure out which one of them was leading. And why would he be talking about MedCo like an enemy if he'd been in bed with them?

"Stark Industries has moved toward the betterment of humanity. Our primary focus has been energy research. But I'm sure you know that already. Are you a Tony Stark fangirl, by any chance?"

"You really do assume that you are just a gift to have in a woman's presence, don't you? I'm an engineer. Whether I like it or not, we know who you are. You're not as special as you think you are."

"I have to disagree with that."

"Yeah, of course you do. I know plenty of people who are just as smart as you, maybe smarter, and don't feel the need to make a spectacle of themselves. I know your work because I have to. That's all."

"I think you misread me. I know very well that there are plenty of people just as smart, if not smarter than me. They were not privileged enough to be born with my resources and fame. Stark Industries has set out to change that too. We provided funding through the Stark Expo…"

"That ended well if I recall." Scarlett scoffed. It hadn't. There'd been a massive attack that was all over the news, actually. "Get back on topic."

"I'm going to get you to like me."

"Uh huh, whatever, Stark."

Turning back to his schematic, he gestured toward the scrap on the table. "We're in an experimental phase. I've been working on a way to transition power from the reactor to household energy. I figured I could try amplification but you can see how that worked out. I think I need a different approach."

"Yeah." Scarlett placed her hand on either side of the schematic like he had and flipped it around. Tony gasped, scandalized.

"Jarvis! Are you letting her touch you?"

"My apologies, sir. Would you prefer if I didn't?"

"Obviously. No touching. That's mine. I don't trust you. You haven't told me your name and you think you can get your hands busy with my computer? Sorry but that's more of a third date thing." Tony pulled the schematic away from her though it had already stopped responding to her touch.

"My apologies, sir." Jarvis repeated.

"It's fine, Jarvis. I get it. She's really pretty."

"An amplifier is overkill. This power can't possibly compare to your current system, right? The infrastructure built into every home in America?" Scarlett waved her hand. "I feel like you'd need to tamp it down and convert it into something that will cooperate. Amplifying it is only going to make it louder and more obnoxious. Kind of like you."

"You know for a stranger in my home who won't even tell me her name you sure do make an unfair amount of assumptions about a guy."

"If you build a converter you can have it cycle and dampen until it's compatible. Right? Not to mention it would save a fortune on the necessary infrastructure changes that would need to be made otherwise. I read this was about accessibility, right? Then make it accessible." Scarlett rolled her eyes. That seemed obvious to her. But perhaps they thought in different ways.

Silence. Finally. Tony caressed his well-manicured goatee in thought. His brown eyes dripped with honey as he ran through equations in his head. Then he covered his mouth before pushing his hair back. Then he began to work. Silently, he made changes.

Scarlett couldn't deny that it was fun to watch. He was brilliant. And it was nice to see that he was capable of being quiet. His hands were nice too and she kicked herself for thinking so. Rough and calloused. Like a man who did his own work. She wondered what kind of scars he had after becoming Iron Man.

Scarlett realized then that Tony forgot she existed while he was working. He was mumbling through his process, thinking as he worked it through. But she could already see it in her head. She supposed he preferred more of a trial and error method for this. Then again, he was fairly new to energy research. It was remarkable he'd gotten this far.

"I thought you were supposed to be a genius." Scarlett gently pushed his shoulder so he would make room for her which he did. Then she went to touch the schematic and her hand went right through it instead. She sighed in frustration.

"Go ahead, Jarvis. Let her touch. Just be gentle." He leaned around her to adjust the schematic, strong arm at her side. She bit her lower lip and he caught her gaze. "You owe me dinner if I let you do this."

"If I do this I think you owe me dinner."

"We'll see."

Scarlett adjusted the schematics which was not as easy as Tony made it look. He knew how everything worked. She didn't. "I need a coil…" Scarlett rearranged things as Jarvis gave her what she needed.

Tony watched over her shoulder curiously, staying far too close. What had she been doing for MedCo? Why help him when she clearly didn't like him? He knew what people in their field thought of him sometimes. "Interesting." Tony watched her work and reached both arms around her to adjust the schematic. Scarlett shoved his arm away from her and narrowed her eyes.

"I swear I washed my hands before I came down here." Tony ignored her stare. Then she stopped and looked over her work and nodded. He agreed. It was good. "Just fabrication now."

"I can't guarantee it'll work in practice. I've no clue what kind of output that reactor has. Also don't bother with the joke, it's not funny or clever."

Smiling, he couldn't help but be delighted by the excitement that surrounded her. Tony stepped a little away and shoved his hands into his pockets. He snapped his fingers and the screens at his computer came to life along with a series of controls. Scarlett turned away from the schematic too. She was uncomfortable. It'd been ages since she had a shower, her clothes were ruined, her body hurt. She was hungry. Where was that toast and water she'd requested?

Scarlett looked down at her tattered jeans. None of it felt real.

She only became aware of Tony's staring after a few minutes of it.

"What?"

"Looking awfully contemplative. Thinking about what happened? How you got here? Ready to talk yet?"

"I was just thinking of what a foul mess I am right now." Scarlett gestured to herself. Tony typed away at his desk and started placing orders for what he'd need for fabrication. Soon enough he'd be able to build and test this prototype of hers and see what changes he had to make.

"Yeah, you look like you had a rough summer." Tony drifted off in hopes she'd fill in the blank with her name.

"Nice try." Scarlett joined him at the desk. To her surprise, he didn't shoo her away. "I would expect there to be errors with calculations I threw together without sleep or food or…" She drifted off. She'd said too much. "The math is right, but I just don't know… enough about it. I know the power is considerable because of your armor but that's it."

"I am considerably powerful, that I can guarantee you. But if you'd like a more hands on experience then I'd be happy to provide it. You want to get changed? Cleaned up? Jarvis? Jarvis, can you send Pepper down here?" Tony didn't bother looking anywhere but at Scarlett. He tugged the bottom of her shirt and she grasped his wrist instinctively and twisted it out of the way.

"Ow, ouch, hey, okay…" Tony grabbed her wrist with his other hand and twisted his arm free. "Awfully quick on the draw for an engineer."

"Some of us know how to protect ourselves." Scarlett let him go and then leaned against the desk.

"I think it's more than that. I think you have secrets and you're afraid I'll figure you out, miss no name."

"I'm not worried. Trust me."

"You know, you could be a little grateful."

"Grateful?" She laughed in disbelief. "You think that you're the reason I got out of there?"

"I found you in a bloody heap in the desert sand. I saved your life out of the kindness of my heart."

"Sure. You can fool the public with this Iron Man good guy schtick but that's not a heart you have." Scarlett's lip curled. She didn't mean it. She felt immediately bad for saying it. She felt bad? Ew! What was happening to her? Fuck, something had messed with her brain through all this. This was not the time for a trauma response, brain!

"Would you rather be at a hospital? Or the police station? Because I'm confident you were working with a terrorist group."

"In Africa. No jurisdiction on that here. That and you have no idea what was happening there. You know what is illegal here in the United States? Kidnapping. Holding a woman who has been seriously injured prisoner in your basement."

"I brought you here to help you not to keep you prisoner. I never expected you'd be so nasty to someone who saved your life." Tony was still having fun. He just wouldn't say it.

"Well, maybe you shouldn't make assumptions, you ass."

"I think your condition is making you a little testy. Maybe you should lie down and take a long hard look at where you are."

"So I should feel privileged? Is that it? Are you mad that I'm not drooling over you, Stark? You'd be surprised how many of us don't think you're God's gift to women."

"Stark? My name is Tony. You're giving me a complex."

"I'm not some twat who gets all giddy in the presence of a pseudo celebrity. I'm not going to quiver because you paid me a compliment. Grow up." Scarlett ignored his question. The more it annoyed him not to use his name, the better. That and it gave them distance. She needed distance.

"I have to say I thought this would all be a huge turn off, but I am incredibly hot right now." Tony wasn't taking anything she said seriously. Scarlett sighed in aggravation and rolled her stiff neck. Her eyes caught the glass door behind him opening and in stepped the familiar Pepper Potts. Professional but feminine, a true red-headed beauty, but professionally dressed with her hair pulled back into a loose bun.

"You called?" Pepper curiously looked Scarlett over, amusement behind her eyes.

"Don't look so happy." Tony turned to his assistant. "She's been waiting for someone besides her to tell me off. Well, look how many years it took! Besides that? She likes me."

"Is that so? Because from what I overheard she's made it quite clear what she thinks of you. You do realize she could sue you for this, right? Actually she could press criminal charges."

"She wouldn't. Why do you always think someone's going to sue me? Have you seen me? I'm charming!" Tony refused to be tag teamed by the two women though he did stop to linger on how hot that would be.

"What is it you need me for, Tony? Jarvis said it was important."

"I'm uncomfortable in these ruined clothes. I need something else to wear. Something clean." Scarlett looked hopeful, speaking over Tony. "I think that's why he called you down here. That being said I'm not looking to be an inconvenience to you."

"You're lucky that I like a woman who takes charge." Tony pointed an accusatory finger at Scarlett then turned in his chair back to Pepper. "You've got some things here, right? For convenience's sake? Could you lend her something? You're similar height though… she's… different shape. Hourglass thing going on…"

"Tony, you're drooling." Pepper rolled her eyes. "I think I have a black dress that might suit you. It'll at least give you something to wear outside of those ruined clothes. If you give me your measurements I can have Jarvis send out for something more suited for you. I'll have catalogs brought to you so you can choose some things." Pepper offered.

"Hey, that's my money you're offering to spend. I'll have to approve each purchase."

"I have my own money. I'll pay you back when I get the chance. There's no way I'm letting this chauvinist make clothing decisions for me."

"She's my assistant, not yours." Tony frowned. Pepper glared at him. "Look, get her the dress and we'll go from there. And contrary to popular belief, I happen to have excellent taste."

"While we're at it, she should probably shower too, Tony. It's inhumane to keep someone trapped down here like this after what she's been through." Pepper glared disapprovingly. "I'll go get you that dress and have the guest room cleaned up for your use."

"Thank you, Miss Potts."

"You can call me Pepper." The redhead smiled before leaving the room, fiddling with her high tech phone.

"I'm not mad, you know." Tony broke the silence.

"What?"

"You said before that I was mad that you weren't drooling over me. I'm not. In fact, I'm having a great time."

Pepper returned with a black dress draped over her arm.

"Here you go. And don't worry about repaying me. It's really something I only keep here for emergencies. And I needed an excuse to buy a new one." Pepper smiled.

"Thanks. I appreciate it." Scarlett turned back to Tony. "Now unless I'll be permitted to go upstairs and change I suggest you give me a little privacy. I've had enough flirting and jokes to last a lifetime. Besides, if you even dare to make a wisecrack about having to watch me change I might break your hand."

Tony narrowed his eyes at Pepper as she laughed.

"You don't know what you're missing out on." Tony sighed. "Though a broken hand sounds like a pain." Tony stood and started toward the door and past Pepper.

"Don't think I don't know you have cameras everywhere either." Scarlett shouted after him.

"She's right, Tony. Have Jarvis black out the cameras just for now." Pepper agreed.

"This is way less hot than it was a few minutes ago. Women taking over my house. Here I thought that might be fun." Tony continued his complaining all the way up the stairs.

"Is he always like this?"

"He's a good guy, he just can't help himself." Pepper smiled sympathetically.

"I thought it was an act for the press but here we are." Scarlett lifted her tank top so she could look at the gauze. It was going to be painful to get changed but she'd survive.

"Nope. He's shockingly honest. You have to really… bear with him to see through it. Just… try not to break his hand. Okay?"

"Don't worry, it was an empty threat." Scarlett had no intention of physically hurting Tony Stark. And she wouldn't hurt him at all if he wasn't responsible for what she'd gone through. But if he had been, he'd suffer something far worse than a broken hand.

Scott was dead.

Her head was suddenly swimming.

"Are you alright? Do you need my help?" Pepper really did sound concerned. "You look world's better than you did three days ago though."

"I appreciate the offer but I've got it. I think it'll feel… good to take care of myself a little."

"Of course… what should I call you, by the way?" Pepper chuckled. But it was in an entirely inoffensive way. Honestly, the only reason she hadn't given her name to Tony was because he'd wanted it and she rather enjoyed giving him a hard time. That and she was deeply uncomfortable with just how attracted to him she was.

It was a problem.

"Scarlett. Scarlett Damien." Scarlett held out her hand to shake and Pepper did so.

"It's nice to meet you, Scarlett. I've been waiting for someone to give Tony a run for his money for years. Just… don't be too hard on him. He's really a sweet guy." Pepper laughed.

"I'll be just as hard as I need to be." She assured Pepper.

"I'll leave you then. I'm going to have a guest room setup for you. I'm sure Tony would prefer that anyway."

"Or maybe he'd like to keep me in one of these display cases. A trophy for his good deed."

"He would." Pepper sighed. "Tell Jarvis if you need anything."

"Thank you." Scarlett turned her back on Pepper and began the tedious process of getting changed with this many wounds. Her body was sore and weary. And the pit in her stomach was filled with stress. Trauma, she repeated. Trauma she had no idea how to begin processing.

She'd been so certain of Stark's involvement with MedCo but when met with the truth, she wasn't so sure. That and she was certain that this was all her fault. Scott had warned her that one day it'd catch up to her. That someday she'd regret it. With his voice racing through her head, she pulled off her shirt, slipped out of her jeans, and then held the black dress in front of her. It was simple and modest. Not really her style, but it was better than wearing something she'd been wearing for months.

Pepper joined Tony at the top of the stairs and he tapped his foot impatiently while staring at his phone.

"You do realize you can't keep her prisoner down there, right?"

"She's too dangerous to keep down there on her own."

"What are you thinking, honestly? Why not just bring her to a hospital and move on?" Pepper furrowed her brow. Tony knew that Pepper was wary of having a stranger around, but Tony had his reasons.

"I know we didn't get to talk much about it. You were too busy yelling at me." Tony recalled, eyes fixed on the phone. "One of the companies Stane was working with under my nose… the one that keeps eluding me? I finally caught up to them and found an active facility. They went on the offensive when I arrived. They were waiting for me."

"And what does that have to do with her?"

"She was one of the few people I found in the wreckage. I think they were holding her prisoner. Making her work for them. Now that I'm not supplying them with weapons where do you think they're going to get their arsenal from? How many years did Stane do this behind my back? Behind dad's? And now they have nothing. Cut off cold turkey." Tony leaned against the stair railing, tapping his screen and zooming in.

"You think she was building weapons for them?" Pepper went pale.

"Against her will. When I found her a soldier was threatening her to complete a contract. That and I'm confident the explosions I didn't account for were her attempt at escape."

"What?" Pepper was more horrified than ever.

"I need her for information. I need answers and I won't get them if she's in some hospital. Or if SHIELD gets to her first."

"So… you're just going to keep her trapped here until she gives you information? What if she isn't ever willing to? You can't keep her forever especially if you think she's dangerous."

"I think she's as mad as I am at these people. If I can track them down then I can save a lot of lives. Bring them to justice. Give her justice." Tony was rarely entirely serious. Pepper shivered.

"What if you're wrong about her, Tony?"

"I'm Iron Man."

"At the very least let me fix up the guest room for her. A little kindness can go a long way."

"I know. Go ahead. Do it. She can stay. I'll make certain that Jarvis sets areas that are off limits to her when she's alone." Tony looked briefly at Pepper before focusing on his phone. "Did she introduce herself to you?"

"Yeah. Scarlett Damien. Pretty name."

"Good." Tony smirked. "She refused to tell me."

"Maybe she's trying to hide something from you."

"Oh, she's hiding more than either of us could guess. This woman… she's going to be like a gift to unwrap. And I mean that in every sense of it."

"Be careful, Tony. Don't get in over your head with this." Pepper warned. Always the mother hen.

"I'm always in over my head. It's what I do." Tony turned so she could see his phone. "What do you think? Is that… Victoria's Secret? Page 23 of the spring catalog? Hmm…" Tony showed her the video feed from his lab as Scarlett got changed.

"Tony!" Pepper grabbed for his phone but he stepped out of her reach.

"Oh, relax."

"Don't tell me to relax."

"She knew I was going to watch her. She didn't even strip completely down." Tony chuckled, admiring her even if it wasn't the best angle for this kind of thing.

"Tony, this is kidnapping. You can't keep her here. You can't spy on her like this!"

"I know, Pepper. God, you sound like my lawyer."

"Do you need me to call him to remind you?"

"No thanks. I think I have some work Scarlett could do for me."

"I'll go setup the guest room." Pepper sighed. There was no point in arguing with him after he put his mind to something. They both knew that.

"Thanks. And have her pick out clothes. I want her to feel welcome."

"How generous of you." Pepper rolled her eyes, pulling her phone from her pocket to make notes on. Tony watched the video feed as Scarlett cautiously put the black dress that Pepper lent her on. This woman had ice cold blue eyes and he was going to break through the wall behind them to find out what she was hiding.

"Jarvis, hold off on the toast. I have a better plan."

"That's a bad idea, sir."

"When has that stopped me?"

"Ah, yes, I forgot who I was talking to." Jarvis complied.