His Armored Heart

Chapter Two

Tony sluggishly stood up from the wheelchair and walked off of the carrier plane to see a crowd of reporters waiting to greet him. He knew he had to make a statement to them, but the last three months of being in that cave were still heavy on his mind. The bombing, being held hostage, and his great escape, it all flashed through his mind. Not to mention the miniature arc reactor in his chest, that now kept him alive. 

He wanted to make his quick statement and then retreat to the comfort of his home. The only thing on his mind was to call Bree. He didn't know if he was up for a night of rough sex yet, but he hoped she would willing to just give him company and a friendly face.

Pepper smiled as Tony reached her. "Mr. Stark. It's good to have you back home."

"It's good to be home. But first, a cheeseburger, then a press conference to get this all out of the way."

Pepper narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure? Wouldn't you rather go to the hospital?"

"No," he answered sternly. "Conference and a burger... burger first."

~~~~~

Meanwhile as soon as the news reached her ears, Bree walked from her tiny bedroom, to her living room, and turned on the news. He's safe... he's home. She took a relieved breath and felt tension leave her shoulders as wiped a few tears from her face, curled up on the couch.

~~~~~~

As soon as Stark walked into his home, he went to the kitchen and poured himself a stiff drink. "Jarvis, call Bree." He said, then waited as the phone rang.

"Sir, the number you have on file is disconnected," Jarvis responded. "Shall I search for a new number?"

"Disconnected? What the hell? Yes, find her new number. Make it your priority." Tony said, feeling mildly concerned. He took a sip of his scotch and leaned against his kitchen counter with a sigh. 

Jarvis went silent for a little while until he spoke once more. "Sir, I have found a new number for Briana Woodrough. Her name also brings up a newspaper article and a mention on the local news about a court case. Would you like all of the information?"

"Yes, I need to know everything right now." Tony said urgently.

A nearby tv screen popped up once Tony sat on his couch, airing the news broadcast.

"Tonight on the ten o'clock news we bring you the latest. A young woman was found beaten tonight outside of a local club called Nextdoor. She has chosen to not give a statement but her injuries are non life threatening and she was taken to Memorial Hospital. This is the sketch that was drawn of the man that attacked her and he is still at large for assault and suspected rape. The woman has been identified as known Stark Industries PR associate Briana Woodrough. If you have any leads, as always contact the local NYPD."

Tony watched the newscast in shock. Once it was over, he stood up and started walking towards the door. "Jarvis, have my car brought around. Find Bree's exact location right now and send it to my GPS." He fretted then walked outside. When the car was brought around to the front, Tony climbed in and instantly began driving towards Bree's home.

~~~~~~

Once he arrived, Tony parked his car in the parking garage that belonged to Bree's apartment complex, hurried to her door and knocked. "Bree, it's Tony. Let me in." He called out, his voice urgent.

The harsh sound made Bree jump and look at the door. "Tony?" she murmured. Bree stared at the door for a few moments then let out a breath of air she held before she slowly got up, keeping the blanket wrapped around her body, and answered the door. As soon as she met his eyes, her own watered. "Tony."