The sleek black car pulled up at the entrance of the lavish Monaco hotel, escorted by two police bikers. The golden emblem of Stark Industries gleamed under the bright sunlight, drawing attention from onlookers, photographers, and high-profile guests.
The Monaco Grand Prix was one of the most prestigious racing events in the world, and the hotel was teeming with celebrities, businessmen, and influential figures eager to witness the spectacle.
Inside the car, Happy Hogan kept a firm grip on the steering wheel while Seph sat beside him, exuding an aura of nonchalance, his sharp gaze surveying the surroundings.
In the backseat, Tony Stark lounged with a self-satisfied grin, wearing sunglasses that reflected the towering luxury hotel ahead. Next to him, Pepper Potts was focused on her phone, ensuring every last detail of their trip was handled.
And beside her, Hela sat with the regal poise of someone who was once a goddess feared across realms. Yet, instead of her signature black and green armor, she was now donning the disguise of a mortal—more specifically, Pepper Potts' newly appointed bodyguard, a role that Seph had orchestrated with some amusement.
As they approached the hotel entrance, Tony stretched his arms and smirked.
"Alright, folks, welcome to Monaco. Let's try not to make international headlines."
Seph chuckled. "You say that as if it's optional."
Tony gave him a knowing look. "Touché."
Happy Hogan kept it simple—a classic black suit, nothing flashy, just clean and practical. He wasn't Tony, after all.
Seph stepped out in a midnight-blue tuxedo, silver embroidery tracing the lapels. It fit him perfectly, tailored to highlight his broad frame without effort. His hair was styled—just messy enough to look intentional—while a silver watch gleamed on his wrist.
Tony Stark arrived like he owned the place, with a charcoal-gray suit that was as sharp as ever and a crimson tie that added that signature flair. Sunglasses perched on his nose, smirk in place, he was already a walking headline as the cameras flashed.
Pepper Potts was elegant and powerful in a sleek white dress with gold accents, the perfect mix of professional and stunning. Her auburn hair was swept into a stylish bun, and each step she took in her heels carried quiet authority.
Hela, now officially Pepper's bodyguard, stole her own share of attention. Draped in a black gown with silver details, the fabric hugged her figure before flowing like liquid shadow. Her raven hair was braided intricately, and her emerald eyes gleamed with amusement—watching humans react to her was entertainment enough.
And just like that, they entered the building.
Tony and Seph were the last to step inside, walking with easy confidence, drawing eyes even as they chatted casually. The lavish chandeliers cast golden light across the room, illuminating the sea of elites mingling over expensive drinks and shallow conversations.
And standing right near the entrance, waiting for them, was Natalia Romanoff.
Draped in a deep-red satin gown, the fabric hugging her figure like it had been painted onto her, Natalia Romanoff looked every bit the femme fatale she was. Her hair cascaded in soft waves, and her lips were painted the same shade as her dress—a color that matched the danger she carried beneath her beauty.
Her eyes, however, were locked onto Seph with undisguised irritation.
The game had escalated between them.
Even as she greeted Pepper with a warm, charming smile, her gaze never left Seph, glaring at him with the fire of a woman thoroughly messed with.
"Miss Potts," Natalia greeted smoothly, shaking Pepper's hand.
"Miss Rushman," Pepper replied, still unaware of the spy's true identity. "Good to see you here. I take it you're enjoying yourself?"
"Oh, I am," Natalia said sweetly—too sweetly. Her voice was pleasant, her posture relaxed, but the steel behind her eyes was unmistakable as she glanced at Seph. "Some… entertainment has kept me occupied these past few days."
Seph smirked. "Glad to be of service, Miss Rushman."
Natalia's fingers twitched, resisting the urge to strangle him then and there.
But before their silent battle could continue, Tony stepped in—because of course he did.
"Well, well, well," Tony drawled, stepping forward with his signature smirk. "Who's the most beautiful woman in the room? Oh wait, it's you."
He gestured at Natalia, clearly unaware of who she really was, and instantly switched into flirt mode.
"Natalie, was it? You know, I have a talent for recognizing when someone is completely out of my league… but lucky for you, I don't let that stop me."
Natalia, unfazed, gave him a polite smile. "That's very kind of you, Mr. Stark."
"Just Tony, please," Tony grinned, leaning in slightly. "And tell me—what do I have to do to make sure you're always around to brighten up my day?"
Natalia tilted her head, pretending to consider. "Survive the Grand Prix first, then we'll talk."
Pepper rolled her eyes. "Tony, let's go. You're embarrassing yourself."
And just like that, their group moved further into the event. Even Elon Musk made a brief cameo, exchanging pleasantries with Tony and Pepper before they reached the bar counter.
But as Tony got distracted by Justin Hammer's annoying presence, Seph found himself exactly where he wanted to be—cornered by Natalia.
The War of Words
Natalia leaned against the bar counter, her red dress shimmering under the golden lights.
"You think you're funny, you insufferable bastard!" She said smoothly, taking a sip of her drink.
Seph turned his head slightly, only to find Natalia standing beside him now, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. But there was a glint of something in her eyes—something both irritated and intrigued.
Seph smirked. "Depends. Are we talking about my undeniable charm, or the fact that I completely outplayed you?"
Natalia exhaled sharply through her nose, tilting her head slightly. "Sending me nude images of random men? Really? That's your idea of wit?"
Seph shrugged. "You were so eager to spy on me. I figured I'd return the favor."
"Oh, I was paying attention," She countered, her voice laced with amusement. "Especially when you decided to send your own."
Seph's smirk widened. "Ah, so you did look."
Her lips twitched—was that the faintest hint of a smile?
"You really think you're untouchable, don't you?" She asked, stepping closer, her voice lowering ever so slightly.
Seph met her gaze evenly. "No, I know I am."
Natalia was now mere inches away, their proximity charged with something unspoken. They weren't just enemies playing a game—they were predators circling each other, waiting for the other to make a move.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Seph," She murmured.
"And yet, here you are, still playing it with me," He replied, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.
The air between them crackled with tension.
Seph could see it in her eyes—she was intrigued. No, more than that. She was hooked. He wasn't just another mark for her to outmaneuver. He was something different.
And Natalia hated that she liked it.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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