Live Long Enough to be a Hero

Savior

~Chapter 13~

Hadley sighed

Why did this seem to be a biweekly thing at the tower?

That party animal

She sighed again as she adjusted her dress.

"Another party" she said, shaking her head

It was another moment before she finally left the room

She made her way down to the party and looked around

There were already an abundance of guests even though the party had just started

Loud music played through the room as Hadley made her way to the bar.

She hated to admit but she did enjoy Tony's parties a good bit. The music was good, the drinks were better, and being in the company of her friends, real friends, was quite enjoyable

She made her way through the crowd to the bar and ordered an appletini

She took it and looked around, leaning on the bar.

She sipped on her drink quietly, looking down at it

"Hey" a voice next to her said

Hadley looked to the side and there stood a man, smirking slightly as he nursed a whiskey

"Hi" she said, looking him over. He wore a nice suit and his hair was neatly quaffed

"Can I just say you look... Stunning in that dress" he said

"Oh... Thanks" Hadley replied, looking at him quietly

"I'm Richard" he said, putting out a hand

"Oh. Nice to meet you... I'm Hadley.." she said, shaking his hand

"Likewise" Richard replied, letting go of her hand

He let his eyes glaze over her body slowly, Hadley shifted her weight a little, uncomfortable under his gaze

"Damn... You're fine.." Richard mumbled to himself as his eyes zeroed in on her body, "wonder how you'd look without the dress.."

Richard looked back up at her with hungry eyes

"Umm... Yeah okay thanks... That's really nice of you and everything but I'm just gonna.." she started to walk away from the discomfort of the situation when Richard grabbed her arm

"Where're you going sweetheart? Party's just getting started... I know Stark's got a lot of rooms built into this place... Let's go put one to good use"

"Um no thank you" she said, trying to pull away but Richard wouldn't let her

"Come on baby it's a party" Richard said, pulling her closer

Hadley struggled a little as Richard pulled her into his arms, putting his hands on her hips territorially

"Please let me go" Hadley said politely

Across the room, Tony had begun to noticed what was happening. His brows furrowed as he watched the situation

"Alright. That's enough" he mumbled, setting his drink aside before he waltzed over

"Hey Star Storm, what's happening over here?" Tony asked as he got to them

"I-"

"Nothing Stark" Richard replied

"This guy bothering you Hadley? Want me to take care of him?" Tony mumbled to her

"Please. You're nothing without that fancy suit of yours." Richard spat, his grip on her hips tightening

Tony noticed the slight wince in Hadley's eyes and immediately acted, grabbing the man's arm

"Okay." Tony chuckled darkly, "Get your hands off her hips before I punch you in the lips"

"I'd love to see you try Iron boy. Can't you see me and the girl are having a moment?" Richard asked, turning back to Hadley

"Hey. Guy" Tony said grabbing his attention again, earning an eye roll, "take a hint"

"Excuse me one moment sweetheart while I put Rich boy in his place" Richard said, feigning sweetness to Hadley

Tony chuckled and clenched his fist before swinging, landing the hit right on Richard's jaw, knocking him over the bar and to the floor

"Looks like your place is the ground. Pity. Shall we go?" Tony asked, offering his arm to Hadley

"Thank you.." Hadley said, taking his arm and letting him lead her away

"Any more guys like that bother you, you tell me okay?" Tony asked, "and you're welcome to stay by me the rest of the party"

"Thanks Tony. Really. I appreciate it."

"Of course. I'd do it again in a heartbeat" Tony replied

"Punch a guy in the face or help me?" Hadley asked with a smile

"Probably both" Tony chuckled

Hadley shook her head with a laugh

"You're insatiable"

"Yep that's me" Tony said, leading her to the couch. He sat down and let her sit next to him

Hadley smiled and sat, looking around

"So this is your life huh? Endless parties? Loud music and women?"

"Yeah pretty much... Though less women. I'm changing remember. There's only one woman on my mind actually.." Tony admitted, looking at her

Hadley blushed lightly

"Tony..."

"I know. No relationships. I was just saying..." Tony said with a shrug, looking away

"It's not personal Tony I just..."

"I know."

Hadley looked at him quietly

"You're a great guy Tony I'm just-"

"I know Hadley. You don't have to reassure me. I know" Tony interrupted, "let's just have fun tonight okay? Deal?"

Hadley smiled and nodded

"Deal"