A night on the town with Tony Stark would be a night to remember.

Scarlett finished with makeup then was stopped at the door of her room by an awkward fellow in a black suit and tie. He introduced himself as Happy Hogan, Tony's personal driver. Because of course Tony had a personal driver. The man handed her a garment bag and a secondary bag with a shoe box in it.

A Louboutin shoe box.

She'd planned on rebelling against whatever Tony wanted her to wear but instead decided to at least give it a look before she dismissed it. Offering Happy gratitude, she closed the door and brought the garment bag into the bathroom. It was unlabeled. She hung the bag on the back of the door and unzipped it. Much to her surprise, she found a tasteful dress within.

Still sexy, but tastefully so. A spaghetti strapped shimmering silver dress with a plunging neckline that went down to her mid-thigh. Honestly, it was something she would have picked out herself if given the chance. She held the dress against herself and looked in the mirror. Alright, she'd bite. She slipped on the dress and fixed her hair around it. It fit like a glove too. Of course it did.

Back into the bedroom she opened the box of shoes and found a pair of black pumps, the soles underneath a striking red, with a five inch heel. They were beautiful. Wasted on her since she had a habit of using heels as a weapon. But what were the odds of that tonight? Scarlett slipped them on and looked in the full length mirror. There was her pretty face and she was all dolled up. But she didn't feel much like herself.

And the more that she thought about it, the more she felt like she was getting ready for a date. Maybe it was just because of how damn attractive she found Tony Stark. How drawn to him she was. All she wanted was a drink, food, and sleep. Well, and revenge. She truly didn't know how well she would handle being out in the limelight that followed Tony wherever he went. She much preferred to stick to the shadows.

"You look beautiful, Miss Damien." Jarvis complimented without prompting.

"Sweet of you to say, Jarvis." Scarlett didn't feel beautiful.

"There is a matching clutch within the garment bag you may have overlooked."

Ah, that would do it. She walked back into the bathroom, retrieved the clutch and then walked back into the guest room. It was now or never and she was not the type to avoid something just because it was difficult.

Scarlett expected to find Happy and Pepper dressed and waiting to leave since Tony said they would be joining them for dinner but instead found the mansion quite abandoned. She would have said it was bold for him to allow her to wander his home but with Jarvis keeping an eye on her, she couldn't do much damage. Not that she wanted to.

Scarlett looked around the living room, clearly uncomfortable. "Jarvis?"

"Mr. Stark is waiting for you downstairs."

"In the basement?"

"Yes, Miss Damien."

"Not creepy at all." Scarlett muttered beneath her breath. "Thanks, Jarvis."

Slowly she descended the steps into the basement. It felt more welcoming now that she felt a little more like herself. Distantly, she could hear Jarvis speaking to Tony. The dress covered the burn on her leg. He'd been strangely considerate of her.

Tony had his backside rested against his desk and turned to greet her as she came in. He looked her over from head to toe and whistled low. She rolled her eyes but in truth, he looked like he was ready to go on a date too. A nice suit that probably cost more than anything she owned. White shirt, red tie to match the pop of red on her heels. Vest. She was a sucker for a man in a well-tailored suit.

He offered her his hand and she refused it with a cock of her eyebrow. "It's not a date." She reminded him.

"Of course not." He led her through the office to where his many cars and motorcycles were parked. He stopped in front of a sleek, bright red, Audi and Scarlett walked around him to admire it. She hadn't seen luxury cars outside of magazines in a long while. Too flashy for what she did.

But she'd always liked them. She'd wanted to be a mechanic when she was five years old when she used to work on cars with her dad. That sparked her love of machines and engineering. "Audi R8, yeah?"

"You know your cars?" Tony had his hair styled and yet it still looked like he'd just rolled out of bed. Slipping on a pair of designer sunglasses, he got into the driver's side of the car. She was relieved he hadn't held the door for her and got into the passenger's seat. Maybe he really did respect that this wasn't a date.

"I do. Can't argue with your taste in cars." Scarlett glanced around the interior of the finely crafted machine. It had every feature available too. Built in wireless connection, wireless charging, seat warmers, seat coolers, everything. "Used to want one of these fancy things. I know it's… cheesy but I used to dream of a V12 Vanquish."

"Didn't peg you for a Bond girl." Tony smirked, looking to her from over the top of his sunglasses before shifting the car in gear. She bet he was a risky driver. She shifted uncomfortably. She had to stop thinking about things she might potentially like in relation to Tony Stark.

"I'm definitely not a Bond girl."

"You practically walked out of a Bond film."

"Can we please just go get some food?"

"You know, I'm going to break down the wall you've put up between us. You're gonna like me." Tony turned over the engine.

"I've given you the ideal route given traffic and construction, sir." Jarvis alerted and Scarlett nearly leapt from her seat. Tony chuckled.

"Thanks Jarvis."

"Jarvis is in your car?"

"Jarvis is in everything I own."

Scarlett bit her tongue, resisting the urge to remind him he was a spoiled, over-privileged brat. He knew that already. And he was being excessively generous. Despite kind of holding her hostage. "Not at all surprised you bring a babysitter wherever you go, Stark."

"We're really still doing that? The Stark thing? I bought you that nice dress and expensive shoes and you're still calling me that? I should have gotten you a latex bodysuit and a riding crop. Then at least the tone would be appropriate." Tony smirked.

"Go ahead. I'll happily put you in your place. Trust me, it won't be as hot as you're hoping, Stark." She'd gotten over the initial shock of being sexualized. Now it was a little funny.

"You know, we could just skip dinner if that's a dare."

"Just drive, Stark."

"Hold onto your britches, let me show you what this baby can do." Tony drove along the winding road from his home, out the gate that blocked his house from the rest of California, and then onto deserted stretches of road. Of course he lived in the middle of nowhere. He probably owned all the land surrounding his property. And he did drive dangerously, purposely showing off as he took sharp turns with a smirk.

She wouldn't have done any differently. In fact, she enjoyed the landscape and the drive. It felt good. "This dress is nice."

"Oh, wait? What was that?" Tony perked up. "Was that gratitude from your venomous lips, Scarlett Damien? Or perhaps even a compliment with a sweet little dab of gratitude on the side? I'm shocked! You do realize you're being nice to me, right? I wasn't sure you were capable."

"I was lying. The dress is horrendous and tacky. Silver dress with red and black shoes? Honestly."

"There are women who would fight each other for a pair of those heels, Scarlett." Tony was hard to read. His baseline was sarcastic and joking. She couldn't always tell the difference. Did he really not take anything seriously or was it a defense mechanism like it was for her?

"Is that a joke because it's just a little sad." Scarlett drifted off, opening the glove compartment out of curiosity. She wanted to look through the manual of the car.

"I guess you'll never know." Tony chuckled and steered them into the town of Malibu. The more crowded the area became, the less comfortable Scarlett was. The manual wasn't in the car. Tony probably actually worked on these cars so it was likely stored away somewhere. So much for something to distract herself with. The sidewalks were full of people. Tony pulled the car in front of a club. The line to get in was around the corner, filled with socialites looking for a night on the town.

Scarlett didn't realize it would be that kind of night out. A night where they drank and ate in a place too loud for her to hear anything. The kind of place she would have gotten wasted in a year ago. But at least there would be plenty of other people begging for the billionaire's attention.

She couldn't hear the crowd anymore. A loud buzzing drowned out all other sounds. It started quietly, but became so overwhelming she couldn't think of much else. Her heart was racing. It was like a warning siren going off in her brain. The crowd was too much. She was still in the car and they felt too close. Like she was trapped.

Scarlett preferred crowds because they were easy to disappear into.

What was Tony playing at bringing her here? To show her off like she was his newest acquisition! They'd assume she was with him and he knew that. And she wouldn't usually care. She wouldn't. But this was too much.

Tony was talking, but she couldn't make out the words. He was pointing at places and people and telling her stories with a laugh, like a tour guide.

He pointed to a building on the corner. Scarlett hadn't been listening. In fact, she'd gone white as a ghost and her blue eyes a dull gray. She was just nodding along which wasn't like her at all and left him concerned. Time to test the waters and see if it was just him. "You see that restaurant over there? Big private room in the basement for people like me. I had this cigar party down there once and well, I paid the staff to stay late and then we had an orgy in pudding."

Nothing. Just the nodding. He grasped her knee and she snapped to attention, grasping his wrist and digging her nails into his jacket. Tony watched her with wide eyes. The valet for the club was waiting for him to open the door patiently.

"Scarlett?" Tony caught her blue eyes and there was something surprising behind them. Fear. He gently pried her fingers off of him and set her hand back in her lap. "You weren't listening to a word I said, were you?"

"What?" Scarlett looked down at her hand as he pried it off. When had she done that?

"Maybe we should redo that concussion check."

"Maybe you're boring." Scarlett recovered.

"Yeah, I don't think my pudding orgy story was boring." Tony chuckled and Scarlett did a double take. He opened the driver's side, got out of the car and tossed his keys to the valet. There were surprised whispers from the crowd, and then screams of excitement. The valet opened the door for Scarlett who hesitated. Then the valet went back to Tony, more interested in him.

"Hey, hey buddy." Tony held his fist out to the valet. "Pound it." The valet did as he asked with a grin. Then Tony slipped him some cash. "Don't take a joyride in my car, okay? Any other night I'd say go for it but not tonight." He winked.

Scarlett walked around to meet Tony and was grateful that no one was fawning over her the way they did with him. He shook hands, answered questions, and took pictures. She focused on his lips though she didn't hear what he was saying and laughing about. People noticed her and started asking questions, but she couldn't make them out.

Everything was spinning. Her heart was beating too fast.

The sounds were everywhere. Tony tucked his sunglasses into his pocket. His voice cut through the chaos rattling around her.

"First round's on me. Come on, let's get inside. I didn't show up here to hang out on the sidewalk." Tony chuckled, urging people forward and they ate out of his hand. Scarlett stood there, lost.

Someone grabbed her arm and asked her something, but she shoved them off, and pushed in the opposite direction of the crowd. She hurried down the sidewalk and ducked away, practically running. Her heart was pounding in her ears. She had to get away.

Tony stopped before the doors so he could grab Scarlett's hand, introduce her, and urge her inside but she was nowhere to be found. Tony walked back toward the sidewalk and the valet asked if he'd forgotten something in the car.

"Start a tab. First round is on me. One per person, you know the deal." Tony urged the valet to go and then searched the crowd for Scarlett. Had she taken the first opportunity to run?

Most people who weren't still in line waiting to get in were heading in without him to get that free drink. Though, there were several women waiting nearby, hoping to catch his eye. And boy did they. He smiled.

"We're up for a good time if you are, Tony." The tall redhead wrapped an arm around her shorter, curvy, blond friend. Tony tilted his head in consideration.

"Very nice, really." Tony then gestured inside the club. "Why don't you go inside and keep a seat warm for me. I've got something to do before I settle in." Tony couldn't let Scarlett disappear. He needed answers. They'd been playing a dangerous game where they flirted until one of them broke but it was more than that.

"Don't keep us waiting." The blond blew him a kiss. Tony gave them a smile and a wink but was racking his brain on how to begin looking for Scarlett. Had she planned to give him the slip all along? She'd seemed to even like him a little by the time they left. Got herself a free outfit and just hit the ground running. Furious, he marched down the sidewalk in search of her.

Cursing beneath his breath, he stopped at the end of the building. If she'd bolted at the first chance then she was long gone. But then he heard a familiar shuddering breath. The type of shuddering breath Scarlett took in her restless sleep.

He slipped into the alleyway and found Scarlett leaning against the wall next to the garbage, which was extra strange since she looked tremendously expensive tonight. He chose his words wisely.

"Don't start with me, Stark." Scarlett was out of breath. She was scared she was having a heart attack. Her hands were shaking.

"So that's it, huh? You convince me to spend a little money, then bolt? Not even a thank you?"

"I didn't ask you for anything."

"Oh, come on. You've been manipulating me from the moment you woke up. Then you find the first chance to bolt." He gestured to the alleyway. "Did you think I wouldn't look for you?"

"I don't want this." She whispered in frustration.

"Sorry, couldn't hear you."

"I didn't come out so you could show me off. I'm hungry. I haven't eaten in…" Scarlett counted but her brain was buzzing and she grumbled. "I just wanted a drink and some food. This? All of this was you! I didn't ask for it! The dress, the shoes? I would have… eaten a bowl of ramen and gotten a shitty bottle of whiskey and called it a night in my ripped up jeans."

"Don't play dumb with me. I'm not buying it. Not for a second." Tony slammed his hand against the wall next to where she was leaning and she held her breath. He narrowed his eyes, dangerously close. "You know what I'm like. You said so yourself a number of times. Don't act like I forced you here."

"I'm not some bimbo that agreed to be on your arm for the attention. This is not a date. I don't… make a spectacle of myself. I just…"

"You're a liar is what you are. You've lied from the moment you woke up!" Tony clenched his jaw.

"Oh, because I'm supposed to be entirely honest with the stranger whose basement I woke up in? I didn't think this is what you meant by going to get food, Tony. This isn't some play. I wasn't trying to run. I'm just… trying not to vomit on these thousand dollar shoes." Scarlett took slow, careful breaths, then cursed. Something was wrong. She couldn't breathe. Her brain was buzzing. The progress they'd made flew out the window. He hadn't believed a word she said. And she'd been honest.

What a fool she was.

They were using each other for information. This would never work.

Tony pulled back and paced the alleyway, rubbing his hand over his goatee. He came to what should have been an obvious realization. He was just so ready for her to run away at any moment! Scarlett hadn't been running from him. She'd been running from the crowd. Jarvis was right. She'd gone through something and now she was struggling. But she was too stubborn to say it. Maybe stubborn wasn't even the right word. She was right. He was a stranger.

He'd been too busy with his own ego to see it.

When he'd recovered from his captivity, he'd gone right to the press. But even that felt different than it had in the past. He'd always used them as a tool. But this was different. She wasn't him. It was time to shift gears.

"This place is overrated anyway." Tony shoved his hands into his pants pockets, flipping the corners of his jacket out of the way. Scarlett looked to him skeptically.

"What?"

"It's popular right now but it's overcrowded. Can't hear a damn thing over the music which is… too modern for my tastes. Food is… well, it's not great." Tony held his hand up to stop her objection. "No, I've made up my mind. I know that dress says party, but I know a much better place to get some real food and good liquor." Tony nodded toward the sidewalk.

Was he pitying her? Scarlett didn't know what to say. He was doing it for her, she knew that. But was she supposed to be flattered? By the man potentially responsible for what happened to her and Scott? But if he was then why did he need her around so badly? Her brain was buzzing.

"Just like that, Stark?" She stepped away from the wall, trying to avoid his eyes.

"Just like what?"

"You go from calling me an idiot and a liar to… suggesting we go somewhere else? Is that really how fast you switch gears? Whose the one who has been lying from the moment I woke up, hmm?" Scarlett walked up to Tony, feeling the panicked grip on her heart finally lessening.

"It wasn't a switch."

"This is a joke. And I'm not laughing."

"I made it clear why I was keeping you around." Tony clenched his jaw, trying not to go from calm to angry. She knew how to press all his buttons and get him going. He just wanted to grab her, shake her, and make her understand why this was important. And maybe end up making out a little. "I need to know what you were doing in Africa."

"And I'm done with this. I thought for a second that maybe you had some empathy for someone else. I'm not catering to your whims anymore."

"Catering to my whims? You've been fighting me at every turn!"

"I'll send you money for the clothes. I can't trust you and you can't trust me so I'm out." This wasn't worth it. There were other ways to find the truth and she'd sort them out from there. She left the alleway and walked away from the club that continued on loudly without them.

She didn't understand what was happening to her. The world was spinning. Was she having a panic attack? Was she really suffering from PTSD? Now? Of all the times in her life to start feeling the fear of the messes she'd gotten into, it was now? In the presence of Tony Stark? For someone who considered herself a skilled mercenary, she suddenly felt like maybe she'd lost the edge.

She was failing at her job.

It should have been easy. Flirt with Tony, get in his bed, hack his computer, and get revenge. That was it. But she couldn't do any of it. It was time to retire. This was a mid-life crisis in the worst way possible.

"Hey." Tony called to her. Scarlett had stopped walking at the corner without realizing. She really had lost her edge.

"What do you want?" She said without turning.

"You just stomped out of there without waiting for me to say my piece." Tony approached cautiously. He could have let her go and had her arrested. Then she'd have to talk or rot in jail. But he didn't want that.

"I told you I'd send you money later. I'm sure your address can't be hard to find. All I have to do is Google world's most arrogant asshole billionaire and it'll come up." Scarlett turned to face him. He leaned against the brick wall, hands still in his pockets.

"That's not why I followed you."

"Then why bother?"

"To keep you from doing something you'll regret."

"My life has been one walking regret for awhile so thanks but no thanks." Scarlett narrowed her eyes. Why was she being so damn honest with him?

"Don't leave."

"Why not? The only reason you want me around is to know what I know. Or to fuck me because I turned you down. Neither of those things appeal to me."

"I also offered you a job."

"Another excuse to get to the rest."

"No, I offered you a job to give you an incentive to stay. I want to know what you know about Africa. Of course. And I joke about sex a lot but what can I say? I'm attracted to you." He said it so plainly. "But it's not the reason I'm asking you now."

"Then why, Stark?" She stepped closer. This was all so out of her control. She told herself it was part of the game but it wasn't a game.

"You're really going to make me say it, huh?" Tony smirked. "And it's Tony."

"You just cornered me in alleyway, told me I was a liar and a cheat. So yeah, I'd like to know why you'd waste your time. Just call the cops, this will end faster. We both know I'm here illegally."

"Alright." Tony cocked an eyebrow. He hesitated to say it. "You're not boring." He shrugged. "I get bored pretty quick. I don't know what it is about you but you are definitely not boring."

"Why are you being so nice suddenly?" Scarlett was defensive.

"Call it lack of alcohol, a clear head, or maybe just maybe… I'm nice. Up to you." Tony stepped away from the wall and stood in front of her.

"Well, it's definitely not that." Scarlett found herself smiling and then straightened her expression. "I guess we better get some alcohol in you before you turn into a regular teddy bear."

"Does that mean you've changed your mind?" Tony walked toward the curb and waved at one of the cabs that frequented the block to bring home drunk partygoers. The car pulled up to the car and he opened the door for Scarlett.

"For now."

"That job offer is still on the table."

Scarlett got into the car and Tony got in after her.

"Don't push your luck, Stark. The answer to that is a resounding no." She furrowed her brow as he practically sat on top of her. She pushed him away and scooted to the opposite end of the taxi. "We drove here."

"I don't feel like going back to get the car. I'll have it taken care of later." Tony shrugged.

"Where to, sir?" The cabby turned to face them.

Tony showed him an address on his phone and then the cab joined the other cars on the busy street.

"Where are we heading?" Scarlett spoke quietly. "Listen, I like a little hot and heavy dancing at the club as much as any girl but I'm not… up to that right now." It was hard for her to admit it. It was even harder to feel this vulnerable around Tony Stark. She didn't know what she was doing!

"I didn't consider that you were in too much pain to bump and grind." Tony chuckled. "You look… remarkable all things considered."

"The dress is convincing." The gauze on her leg was peeking out from beneath her dress and the scrape on her arm didn't require wrapping. Some makeup hid the bruising well enough.

"Distracting is the right word."

"So am I not allowed to know where we're going?" Watching the club disappear put Scarlett at ease. The anxiety was fading. But she didn't feel much better. She felt like she was lying to Tony and she didn't like how it felt. A thing she didn't understand. "Or is this one of those secret places for rich people. The you'll have to kill me before you tell me kind."

"If I'm going to take you out back it's not going to be to kill you."

"You know, you keep going on and on about how you want to bang me that I'm convinced if I did let it happen, it wouldn't live up to the hype." She tried to hide her amusement.

"Happy to test that theory." Tony wasn't. Not right now. No, he didn't do that anymore. He was attracted to her, sure, but they were both playing a game. "Or you could just call the lengthy list of women who have left my bed satisfied. Or read that article from Play Girl a few years ago." Tony enticed.

"Of course you would be in a magazine dick out. Why am I not surprised?"

"I'm happy to prove myself."

"Good luck with that hand of yours, Stark." Scarlett crossed her legs. "Now, tell me more about the pudding orgy."

"Ah, so you did hear me…" The two joked on the rest of the cab ride which wasn't terribly long. Tony stepped out of the cab and held the door for her.

"I'd thank you but I'm not pretending that was gentlemanly."

"I am living proof that chivalry is not dead."

"There is no hope for romance if that's what chivalry looks like."

"I have to work back into your good graces somehow. You've got the wrong picture of me." Tony knew he'd crossed a few lines.

"I had no idea you were capable of self reflection."

"Well, you don't know me very well." Tony paid for the cab. "Now come on, if I have to kiss your ass I'd rather do it in private."

"You're disgusting." She laughed.

"And yet you're laughing." Tony looped his arm in hers and she sighed heavily. Then he led her through the doors to the restaurant that were opened for them.

"Mr. Stark! What a surprise." A tall man in a neat three piece suit approached and offered his hand for both of them to shake. Scarlett greeted him with a bow of her head. Her body hated these heels. Her feet were sore and swollen. She hadn't worn shoes like this since Afghanistan. She needed food soon or she really was going to vomit. She tuned out the conversation with the owner of the restaurant and Scarlett was relieved by how much calmer this place was. It was busy, but the tables were all isolated and the lights were dim.

Except that every table seemed to be for a couple on a date. Maybe the club would have been better. Though the mental image of them grinding together in the middle of a hot, sweaty, dancefloor wasn't exactly kosher either. Nope, this was just as bad. This was the kind of restaurant that Scott would have dragged her to and then gotten mad at her for being bored in.

"Right this way." The owner led them through a winding path between tables. "If you'd prefer the back room, Mr. Stark, it's available for your use."

"Please. And it's Tony." Tony offered Scarlett his arm again and she ignored it and walked past him. He smirked, watching her skirt as she walked. The owner led them to a door just past the bar. It was a small room with its own bar at one end, speakers with music playing, some cocktail tables, and then a couch with a large table in front of it, along with a booth beyond that. It was probably for parties or special occasions.

"Yes, of course, Tony. And who is your charming lady friend?"

"I'm Scarlett." She shook the owner's hand and he beamed. "And I'm not his lady friend. He owes me dinner." Scarlett sat down on the plush red couch, relieved to be off of her feet. She usually loved heels, but her leg was trembling beneath her.

"A feisty one tonight, Mr. Stark. Though I haven't seen you with many dates lately…" The owner drifted off.

"And you still haven't. Could you bring me a bottle of of scotch. You know what I like." Tony then looked to Scarlett. "You said you usually take it neat, right?"

"One ice cube, if that's okay." Scarlett crossed her legs and both men watched her. She rolled her eyes.

"I'll have it right out with the usual starters." The owner bowed his head politely. "Keep her around, Mr. Stark. She's fun."

"Oh, you have no idea." Tony unbuttoned his jacket then sat on the couch next to Scarlett, arms stretched behind him on the top of it.

"Nice place." Scarlett decided that this was a boring, safe bet. That and it was better for her nerves.

"It's fine." Tony shrugged. "I'll have to work a lot harder here to get you to dance and make bad decisions but I am known for making the impossible possible." Scarlett laughed which surprised them both. He was delighted.

"If we'd made it into that club tonight I would have made a point to dance with every guy except you."

"Ouch!" Tony couldn't help his laughter. "So what is this, huh? Are you looking to humble me? Because that's impossible. This took years of getting everything I want. You're up against a wall."

"I don't take impossible odds, Stark. I'm just keeping you in check." Scarlett thanked the waiter who brought them each a scotch glass and a separate glass filled with ice. Then he showed Tony the bottle of scotch he'd chosen. Tony approved it and then the waiter poured them each a finger. Scarlett placed a single cube in her glass and picked it up. Tony did the same. "I've never been so excited about a bottle of liquor before."

"Enjoy." Tony dragged the bottle to him, pulled the cork, and then held it for her to enjoy the aroma. "Here…" She closed her eyes and momentarily did as was requested. Earthen. Smoky.

"Wonderful. But I'm much more curious of the taste." Scarlett pointed to the glass in her hands. Tony picked his up to propose a toast but Scarlett was already taking a sip of her drink.

"To compromise." He sipped his scotch.

"That's wonderful." It burned all the way down. Scarlett set down her glass. The waiter came by to give them bread and oil and take their order. Tony had told them not to bother with the appetizers. She ordered a steak with veggies and potatoes though she wasn't sure how much she could realistically eat. She dipped the bread into the oil and then nibbled the edge. She was sort of afraid to eat. This would be a test of her stomach. She had to eat. She couldn't get flirty drunk with Tony Stark right now. Tony followed her lead and ordered a steak of his own.

"So, let's talk business."

"Business?"

"The job I offered you. So you can stay for awhile. Recover." Tony set down his glass and turned on the couch, resting one leg on it.

"If you insist on discussing it." Scarlett turned to face him, resting her elbow on the back of the couch and resting her head in her hand. "I'm never going to work for you, Stark. End of discussion."

"It's Tony. And I need a reason." Instead of listing off the perks he decided to hear her out. Pepper nagged in the back of his head. And Jarvis.

"Oh? You actually want to listen to me?" Scarlett laughed in surprise. Maybe he wasn't as horny as she expected. Maybe it was all an act.

"Yes, as long as it's not just the reasons you hate me, of course." Tony smirked.

"You know, after college all that was available was working for companies I hate." Scarlett held her glass out and then took a sip of it. "So I worked on my own terms. I got used to it. Did it for years. Until this last job. My friend convinced me to take it. A nice, steady, safe job." She said too much. "Look where that got me." She looked away. "I don't like Stark Industries or its CEO. I'm not making the same mistake twice."

"And what if I offered you a partnership instead of a job?" Tony said before he lost the nerve. He'd been milling over it. She cocked an eyebrow. "You'd be a partner on a private project, not an employee of Stark Industries. Our names would be right next to each other on the paperwork. I wouldn't be your boss." He laughed as the color drained from Scarlett's face. Pepper was right. "Wow, are you that surprised I can compromise?"

"I am. Especially since you don't know me or my credentials." Scarlett turned away and contemplated the offer. This would be against everything she'd sworn she was. Taking a job with the potential enemy. But it could also be how she found out the truth. That and she desperately wanted to be wrong about him. Why? So she could end up in his bed and not feel so terrible about it? She finished the piece of bread no matter how her throat objected.

"What will it take for me to prove I'm a decent human being?"

"You kidnapped me." Scarlett then stopped him from making more snide responses. "I have to think about it. Consider it. I don't know what to think right now."

"What's there to think about? This is a once in a lifetime offer. People don't get their names next to mine on projects, Scarlett. I fund other people's projects. I don't work with anyone. People work for me."

"Calm down. You're beating your ego down and that takes all the fun out of it for me." She drained the rest of the scotch in her glass and then refilled both glasses. Why did it feel like he was a fixture in her life? She'd just gotten there. They'd never known each other. She was kicking herself. Scarlett liked him. "Working with you is trouble. I have to think about it when my head is clear and it's not clear right now."

"What makes it trouble?" Tony nursed his scotch. He was prepared to hear why she hated him so much.

"You told me earlier that I don't bore you. Well… you don't bore me either."