Broken

Broken: Chapter 14

"So, let me make sure I got this right," Tony Stark said as he stared across his desk at me, his fingers laced in front of his face. His eyes were blank, but I knew he was both annoyed and impressed. Not many people approached the man directly and less admitted to what I had done. "You used a stolen version of my tech."

"B.A.R.F. to be exact," I corrected, fighting back the grin. "And might I suggest using a different acronym."

"Yeah. I'm working on it." When he tried to shoot me a menacing glare, I couldn't keep from snickering. "As I was saying: you took my technology and modified it to... What did you do with it exactly?"

"Allow veterans with PTSD to relive traumatic incidents from an observers point of view," I explained as professionally as my smirk would allow. "By creating a safe environment, it allows them to manage their stressors while learning better coping mechanisms. It's all in the paper I wrote. I can highlight the important passages if you like. Save you some time reading."

"Thank you for the offer, but I am capable of reading." He lowered his hands. "I have another question, though. How did you get my very private, very encrypted phone number?"

"I was given it."

"By?"

I shrugged. "A close, personal friend."

"Can I get a name? Maybe I can invite them to my birthday party."

"With all due respect, Mr. Stark, these friends of mine are very private people who like being left alone." When he opened his mouth to speak, I raised my hand. "However, they tell me that they consider you a friend as well and hope you'll forgive them for not staying in touch. Well, some of them do. Sam thinks you're an asshole."

"And I supposed these 'friends'-" He actually held up his fingers for air quotes, "said it'd be a good idea to come to me? To ask for a job?"

"No, sir. They thought it was a dumb idea." I shrugged. "But a girl's gotta pay her bills and living in New York is expensive."

"Guess working in Wakanda doesn't pay much." This time he got to hold up his hand to keep me from speaking as he eased around his desk and came to stand in front of me. He leaned on the edge, assessing me. "Don't act surprised, Ms. Hunt. Did you really think you'd get past security without a background check? I got to say, you impressed me."

"Thank you."

"That's not a compliment. You're either crazy or have the biggest set I've ever seen." He returned to his seat behind his desk. "I'm sure you know that Pepper is actually the CEO of Stark Industries."

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"So, I can't exactly hire you on the spot."

Again, I nodded. "I understand."

"Well, Destiny." He paused. "Can I call you Destiny?"

"Of course, but I prefer just Des."

"All right, Des." His expression was deadpan as he continued. "Take the weekend and relax because Monday morning you start in R and D. I usually get in around eleven so be there around eight. And bring coffee. I take mine with a shot of Irish cream. Oh, and dress casual cause you're going to get dirty."

"Yes, sir." I rose and extended my hand. "Thank you, Mr. Stark."

As I turned to leave his office, he called after me. "One more thing: next time you want to play with my toys, just ask."

I turned to him and winked. "Of course, Mr. Stark."

"And Des?"

I glanced over at him again. "Yes, sir?"