The Bargain

Chapter 11: Eleventh Installment

Eleventh Installment: Expectations

There were some things a girl just never thought she'd be doing. Flying to Stark Tower to be the teacher of the worst enemy of Earth qualified. It was even weirder that this enemy was her crush's younger brother who, it happened, had saved her life. Twice. It didn't stop Jane from wanting to smack him again as she embraced the waiting Thor.

"I missed you," he murmured in her ear.

She smiled up at him. "Then you should call more often. I haven't seen you in two months."

He sighed and looked tired. "I am sorry. I could almost wish away my responsibilities."

"Don't you dare," she said. "So, where am I going to be working?"

Thor introduced her to Tony Stark, who was just as handsome and charming and arrogant as all the tabloids claimed. He kept his flirting to a minimum, and Jane wondered why until she saw Thor's glare out of the corner of her eye. She grinned to herself and enjoyed that Thor felt possessive of her.

Tony gave her a comfortable room with a couple chairs, a faux fireplace, and at least a dozen holo-screens for her lessons. There were also about a hundred fat textbooks.

"You know, in case he wants to follow along or something," Tony said.

His expression told her he was just as weirded out by the thought of teaching a god anything as she was. At least she wasn't alone.

Thor stayed by her side as Loki appeared. Jane couldn't help the automatic shiver. He was tall and slim and very attractive, but there was just something so dark about his countenance. She couldn't quite place her finger on it. She resisted the urge to slap him. His green, green eyes glittered as if daring her.

She cleared her throat and lifted her chin. "Loki."

He glided toward her, feet hardly making a sound on the soft carpet. "Miss Foster," he said, holding out a hand.

After a slight hesitation, she took it. However, he didn't shake it. Instead, he lifted it to his lips and, with a slight bow lightly kissed her knuckles. His lips were cool. To her consternation, she blushed. But really, it was such a courtly gesture. When he met her eyes, they were filled with amusement. Her blush darkened a little as she pulled her hand free.

"I have to say, I was surprised by your request," she said, going to the computers. "Where do you want to begin? I really should do some sort of comprehension test to see what you already know or your learning level, because obviously I can't just launch right in without—"

"I think you will find I am a quicker study than your average human," Loki purred. "You may begin wherever you wish. I will tell you if I need more explanation or if your explanations are too simple."

Jane made a sour face while her back was turned. He's so arrogant. She immediately decided to start out with some of her most difficult subject matter. Thor, who had been standing by the door watching Loki, pushed off.

"Do you need anything, Jane?" he asked in that lovely deep voice of his.

She smiled at him. "No, thanks."

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Then I will see you later." He left her alone with Loki.

Who was watching her with a tiny, knowing smile. She straightened her shoulders. "Why me?" she asked. "You probably could have gotten anyone to do this."

"Not just anyone would do," Loki replied. "You are perhaps the cleverest human I have ever met. And inexplicably, you enjoy my brother's company. I believe Stark would call this a 'win-win' situation. Do you disagree?"