The Philanthropist and His Witch

Chapter-2

A/N: Chapter-specific warnings - Harrassment.

*****

Wanda was not having a good evening, much less an enjoyable one, and the reason was—

"So, where's Tony?"

—this.

"Having such a beautiful woman by his side, I would've thought he'd never want to leave for even a single moment."

Wanda's lips twisted to form a tight smile while she tried hard to keep down the mortifying blush steadily creeping up on her cheeks. "He's just there," she smoothly pointed in the direction where she could see the familiar figure of Stark, "mingling with his guests. It's his party after all!"

"Of course, of course!" The man — Tiberius Stone, he had introduced himself as — inclined forward, forcing Wanda to lean back as far as she could where she nearly started fearing falling off the high bar stool. Stone flashed her a small smirk, one that was arrogant but otherwise seemed innocent enough. However, the glint in his eyes gave off the vibes of that of a predator. "If Tony's too busy to entertain you, maybe I could take his place? Wouldn't want a woman as beautiful as you to stand alone all by yourself." He angled his body further towards her. "It's not safe, y'know?" he whispered.

"Uh..." Wanda was lost for words, her eyes widening with every second that passed and the man continued subtly invading her personal space. "I don't..." Oh God, what was she supposed to say to this? What could she say? "It's the rules..."

Stone gave her an amused look. "Fuck the rules, Wanda!"

She didn't like how her name rolled off his tongue.

"I know Tony doesn't give a damn! We've done this before, y'know? He'd bid for women to increase the auction price and if, by chance, he got stuck with one, he'd pass them on to others. He doesn't care who he takes home!" Stone's smirk suddenly melted to give way to a softer grin. "You deserve better than that, baby." He kept a gentle hand on her thigh.

On her thigh. Her thigh that was currently exposed by the slit of the dress she had been coerced into wearing by Natasha and Michaela 'because it looks sexy and I bet everybody would be drooling over you'.

"I...I don't..." Wanda gulped, trying to tamp down the surge of panic that was constantly bubbling inside her like hot water. "St—Tony is...he said—"

"Darling," Stone's imploring voice cut her off, his hand rising upwards on her thigh. "Forget what he said. He does a lot of that. Talking. His words mean nothing. Come with me. I promise I'll take real good care of you." He ventured closer to her, bringing his lips near her ears. "Real good care."

Wanda inhaled sharply, a deep breath that was meant to calm down but that apparently sent the wrong message because she could feel his twisted smile — yes, he was that close. She nearly threw herself off the stool if only to get away from him, image and reputation be damned, when a familiar deep baritone made their presence known, putting a stop to whatever more nonsense Stone was gearing up to say.

"If you don't get your slimy hand away from her in three seconds, I'm gonna fucking blast you into space and whatever is beyond."

Wanda's head whipped to her left, her brain taking a moment to register the face, amidst all its panic, but when it did manage to comprehend, she felt a wave of relief crash over her and blanket her in its warmth like she had never before.

"Tony," Stone greeted him neutrally, if a bit smug.

"Stone." Stark's features were blank except his eyes. His big, brown, doe eyes that were blazing with barely controlled fury. "I see your habit of attempting to prey on my dates has not gone yet."