𝑺𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅-𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏.
LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER.
Charlie, also known as the jet-setter and billionaire Tony Stark's only daughter, is 26 and in a relationship with Steve, soon-to-be successor...
The gun James gave her was slipping for her clammy hands. She knew how to use it, but hitting the targets in a shooting center was one thing, while infiltrating a base surrounded by bad guys and getting out of there alive was totally another.
Charlie tried to calm her breathing, the little confidence she had earlier clearly evaporated.
She tightened her grip on the handle of the gun, repositioning her hand and making sure her forefinger was ready to pull the trigger if she had to shoot.
Hopefully she wouldn't have to, but considering she was trying to save not only herself but also the people she loved the most, Charlie was willing to do anything. No matter the consequences.
Her bare feet on the cold, hard ground, she was walking silently, trying not to draw attention to herself.
Feeling a presence nearby, she moved quietly to a corner, pressing her back against the wall, gun poised in her hand. Footsteps echoed, faint but deliberate, growing closer. She took a deep breath, then a second, even a third. Then in one swift motion, she stepped forward, bringing her weapon up, aiming at their face with her finger ready to pull the trigger.
At the other end of the barrel was a petite frame with red hair, holding her hands up in surrender.
"Your safety catch is on," she said rather flatly, and Charlie lowered her gun as her shoulders sagged in obvious relief.
"Nat!"
She ran to take Natalia in her arms, hugging her tightly. She held onto her best friend as if she was afraid that by letting her go she would vanish into thin air. Having her here was like catching her breath after drowning, a sense of relief so overwhelming it nearly brought her to tears.
"I could have killed you," she stated.
"Doubtful," Natalia answered, clearly unimpressed. But she returned the hug, holding Charlie tight in her arms.
That made Charlie smile. Her best friend's activities were a mystery for her, but if there was one thing Charlie knew, it was that Natalia was fearless and deadly.
Suddenly Charlie frowned when she remembered why she was here, trying to find her dad and Pepper, and escape. She broke their embrace, putting some distance between them.
"No, seriously," she looked at Natalia, worried. "What are you doing here?"
"Ask James," Natalia said, obviously avoiding the question that was directed at her as she handed her something she just took out from a backpack. "Wear this."
Charlie took it, without asking any further questions, knowing Natalia wouldn't answer them either. She felt the leather in her hands as she unfolded the piece of fabric.
