AN ILLICIT LOVE

CHAPTER 5

(April 2013) - ONE MONTH LATER - I'm still sleeping across the street from Stark Tower, but I have started training with Hailey in the early morning hours. Today was one of those days. I got up at 5:30 in the morning so I could get dressed and be out the door by 6:00. As I was getting out the door, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

H: You on your way?

P: Yeah, I'm locking up now. Should be there soon.

H: Ok girl, see ya soon.

I hauled it to the large tower across the street and made it to the front door on time. "Good morning, Miss Taryn." Hailey's AI, JARVIS, said as he unlocked the front door for me. "Good morning, JARVIS. Can you do me a favor?" "Yes, ma'am. What do you need my assistance with this fine morning?" "Can you let Hailey know that I'll be waiting for her in the training room?" "Sure thing." I thanked the sweet AI and went on up to room.

I waited for a good fifteen minutes before Hailey showed up. "Sorry, Piper. JARVIS told me you were here, but I took a little longer than expected." "Oh, so you're fashionably late?" I smiled and she nodded. We started training right away and we did so for about a good two hours.

After I finished training with Hailey, I was packing my gym bag when I saw her dad, Tony, and Captain America walk in. "Morning, Hailey. Piper." I waved at Mr. Stark and his colleague. "Morning, sirs. I'll see you later, Hailey." We hugged and I walked out.

As I was leaving, I got stopped by Loki. "Good morning, Piper. What brings you by this early in the morning?" "I started training with Hailey last Friday, so I'm here every morning at 6:45." His eyes got wider and he nodded. "Wow." Was all he said before he asked me a question that I never thought he would ask me this fast. "Piper, before you leave, can I ask you a question?" "Sure, Loki." Taking a breath, he asked, "Would you join me for dinner tonight?" "I would love to, Loki. You know where I live." I winked at him and went back across the street to change and bathe.

LATER ON THAT AFTERNOON - I had just finished a meat and cheese sandwich when I heard one of the doors open. I grabbed the bat that I had next to me and turned around. "Ah! Why do you do that to me?" I dropped the bat at the sight of Loki behind me, placing my hand over my heart. "What?" He walked closer to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Loki, we have only known each other a month." He smiled at me and leaned down closer to me. "Well, beautiful, how about we go on a walk and then go to dinner right after?" I nodded and he kissed my cheek. I pulled away from him and walked off to change into something other than sweats for my dinner date with the tall Asgardian.

When I finished changing out of my sweats and into some nice jeans and a tank and flannel, I met Loki at the front door. "You look nice." I looked at the ground, then back at him. "Thanks. Now, where are we going?" "You will see." He grabbed my hand and led me on an interesting walk around the city.

It was nice to walk and talk with Loki. I hadn't seen him for a few days, and I started to miss him. Anyway, Loki and I kept walking until we hit the wrecking club. "I haven't been here in a while." Loki looked at me with a smile. "I'm glad you like the idea, beautiful." I smiled at him and he led me inside the building.

After an hour at the wrecking club, Loki took me to dinner, which was nice. He took me to a small cafe not far from my place, which happened to be open late. Loki was such a gentleman that it made every bad thing he did a year go just disappear from my brain.

Three days later, I called Hailey and her dad to come over so we could talk. When she arrived, I had them sit down in the only chairs in the house. "What's going on, Piper?" Hailey asked as I sunk my head to the ground. "Do you remember when you caught me walking around the night of your 18th birthday party?" I wasn't going to say anything to them about it, but my conscience was getting the best of me. Hailey nodded and I pulled out the picture of the necklace Jake had given me a year prior. "I was at your party for one reason. Not to make friends, but for publicity and money. My friends wanted me to take this from you. After meeting you though, Hailey, I just couldn't do that to you, so I left without anything." Hailey covered her face in her hands and her father stood up to leave. "I think it's best you stop coming around, Piper." "I understand, sir." Mr. Stark grabbed his daughter' hand and they left without another word.

I now sat in the corner of the living room in silence. Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door. "It's open!" I called. I heard the door open and close, then he was beside me. My prince pulled me into his arms and held me until my sadness faded. "What's wrong, Angel?" Taking a deep breath, I answered. "I told Hailey the real reason I was at her birthday party last year and now her dad said we can't hang out anymore." He placed a kiss on the top of my head and helped me off the ground. "Everything will be just fine. Now, I need to go talk to my brother in a little while, but I will be back as soon as I can. Stay safe for me."

When Loki returned, I noticed he had his bags with him. "What's with all of that?" I asked, pointing at the full luggage on the floor. Instead of an answer, Loki crashed his lips to mine for a very passionate kiss. When he pulled away, he placed his forehead on mine and caught his breath. "I've been wanting to do that ever since Stark's party." "I've wanted that a lot longer." Smiling, he answered my original question. "I talked to my brother and told him that I will be staying with you." "Yay, I get a roommate!" I hugged him tight and he spun me in the air. "Well, let me show you to your room." I led my prince down the hallway to another empty room. "Here you go, sir. If you need anything, the owner is right down the hall to your left. Breakfast is at 7:30 sharp and lights out by 10. Please enjoy your stay at Casa de Piper, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask." We both laughed and I went to my room, leaving Loki to settle into his new room.

About ten minutes later, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. Placing my current book down, I pulled my blanket over me. "It's open!" I called out. The door opened to reveal Loki standing there in everyday street clothes. My eyes go wide and I smile at him. "What do you think?" He asked, throwing his arms out to the side. "Well, I have two questions myself. First of all, where did you get those?" "Stark and Banner gave them to me before I left." I nodded and he turned around. "Now, my second question is, where are your other clothes? Don't get me wrong, I like these, but I like your other ones a little better. They're more 'you'." He smiled and answered. "I have them still, but I'm not going to walk around New York City with a suit on." I smiled and beckoned him closer to me.