An Assassin Never Tells

T W E N T Y - F O U R

May 16th, 2011

Unfortunately, Mr. Stark decided that it would be a great idea to take a trip to Monaco for the Grand Prix, meaning 'Natalie Rushman,' and I had to fly ahead of him. Me to scope out the area and Natalie to take care of some legal things, I guess. It truly was a beautiful area, but I didn't get to enjoy it because right when I got a minute to myself, Tony, Pepper, and Happy arrived with Happy carrying a funny-looking red suitcase. Since it was a more formal event, I chose to wear a knee-length emerald green dress that was quite flowy. It had a high neck in the front, only revealing my collarbones and a low back. It was nice. My father would throw a fit.

Natalie and I made our way over to Tony and Pepper, who seemed to be arguing about sorts.

"Mr. Stark," Natalie made our presence know.

"Hey," said Tony

"Hello," she said.

"How was your flight," I asked.

"It was excellent," Tony turned away from me, "Boy, it's nice to see you."

"We have one photographer from the ACM if you don't mind. Okay," said Natalie, getting right down to business.

Pepper and Tony were having another argument under their breath as the photographer took their picture. Afterward, Natalie led Tony away, and I hung behind them with Pepper.

"So, what," I began, speaking quietly so the others can't hear, "Is he bored of me? She comes along, and he throws me away like I'm some old toy?"

"I'm sure that's not it," Pepper coaxed, rubbing my arm, "She's a stunning woman; it's hard not to get swept up in it."

"God, Pepper, I can't imagine how you must feel. I mean, that used to be you, though you've moved on to bigger and better things, Ms. CEO of Stark Industries."

"Yeah, well, I try not to think about it, and so should you. It'll only stress you out."

"I know, I know, it's just...If he only knew what I'd done for him."

We arrived at a table in the corner of the room, which happened to be next to a Mr. Musk, Elon Musk, who, apparently, Pepper and Tony knew. Pepper and Tony left for the bar, which gave me the minute I desperately needed to quiz "Natalie."

"Hey," I said, "Natalie."

"Yes," she turned around.

"Can I, uh, talk to you?"

"Sure," she moved to sit next to me and leaned in to try to isolate us from everyone.

"Nat, what's going on? Why are you here?"

"I'm on a mission, same as you."

"Nuh-uh, not gonna fly. I need a bit more information. What's the reason behind the mission?"

"Unfortunately, that's classified information."

"Nat, I swear to God, I outrank you by two levels. What's going on?"

"Just because you outrank me doesn't mean I'm authorized to tell you."

"Damnit."

"How has it been? Working for him, I mean."

"Good, I guess. I mean, he gave me a motorcycle, so that's pretty nice."

She hummed and proceeded to get up to tell Tony his table was ready.  

A/N: Hello, hello, hello!! I hope you all enjoyed this week's chapter! I have to say, you guys are amazing! I entered the app not too long ago, and I had a crap ton of notifications of y'all voting on this book and adding it to your reading lists! Thank you so much! I love y'all!! <3 :)