Hey! Bet you were worried you wouldn't hear from me again. Sorry about being MIA for a year with this story. Blame life and other crap.

Anyway, I still have to recharge my writing skills after taking such a long break which is why this chapter is kinda short. But it's better than leaving you guys with nothing still. Hopefully, the next one should be longer and out far quicker. So, enjoy and thanks for waiting so long! -xoxo, Lovely

Lots of Love to grapejuice101, SomebodyWhoCares, Kingdom Hearts Slayer, SmillyReaper, Counting Sinful Stars, HoneyLemonCake17, kimmi9x, gwenwesley & my three Guests for your reviews last chapter. And rest of you for 110 favs and 154 follows!

-Pinky Swear

-Paring(s): Tony Stark/OC

-Rated High T for colorful language, violence, and minor adult situations

-Disclaimer: I don't own Iron Man II. The canon characters belong to Marvel Studios and Stan Lee. I only own the original characters introduced.

chapter three:

"Wicked Games"

I am in misery

There ain't nobody who can comfort me

Why won't you answer me?

The silence is slowly killing me

Girl you really got me bad

You really got me bad

Now I'm gonna get you back

I'm gonna get you back

-Misery, Maroon 5

Pepper and the two geniuses soon found themselves in Monaco as guests for the Grand Prix. This tended to be an annual occurrence, thanks to Stark's sponsoring one of the vehicles. Tony also greatly enjoyed watching the race, especially while seducing the local French women there. But that was no longer an option for him anymore; now in a secret committed relationship after all.

It was one of the many things different about that year's visit. Along with the unknown disappearance of his bachelor status, his health was slowly waning. Hayes and Potts were already well known by world as the new CEOs of Stark Industries.

And..there was an unspoken tension currently stewing.

Potts shifted uncomfortably for the fourth time since entering the car. The tense atmosphere lingering in the air was to the point of suffocating in the small confined space. She was almost at her breaking point having to be unwillingly endure the horrible feeling. Every instinct inside her wanted to flee, but was unfortunately trapped at the moment.

Instead, wary blue eyes shifted to the culprits.

Tony sat beside her slouching with arms crossed, visibly pouting and glaring at the back to the passenger seat's headrest like a fuming child. The immature anger was directed at none other than Hayes. Who sat there—a quiet beauty in her tailored black blazer over a collared button-down shirt and dress pants—seemingly unperturbed as her grey orbs stayed glue to her phone. Just texting away as if she didn't feel daggers aimed at her.

The older woman sighed softly. The sudden dispute had been occurring for the past four days now. Both being far too stubborn to forgive or discuss whatever they were currently fighting about. But she knew they wanted nothing more than to do so; having caught the not-so-subtle pleading glances directed at each other whenever either weren't looking. And ever the mediator, she tried gently asking what was wrong as a way to help get things moving. Except only to receive a peeved 'Talk to him/her' each time that resulted in the frustrating cycle the trio were stuck in.

But then again, this wasn't the first time Pepper witnessed such interactions. They had done so too many times to count over the course of years since living together.

Except this time, it felt strangely different. Even the usually oblivious Happy noticed their behavior was more odd than normal.

"Almost seems like a lovers' spat if I didn't know any better." he joked one day. She instantly rejected his comment. While Tegan's closeness and admiration towards Tony could easily be mistaken for unrequited affections, Pepper knew the truth. The younger woman firmly stated on more than one occasion that she only saw her predecessor as a parental sorta figure, considering him and Potts as her second family and close friends. The same thoughts going for her former employer as well. So, she figured this was just another familial-like spat that would hopefully be over soon.

Oh, how in the dark and close to the actual truth she was.

Even since the encounter with Ms. Rushman, Tegan refused to speak with her lover. It didn't take her long to figured out the real reason for his sudden infatuation with the overly-perfect redhead. He wanted to get under her skin on purpose. All because he was jealous she remained close to Joven even after their mutual breakup. Such as sharing comforting hugs that seemed far too intimate than just friendly. While other girls would be flattered by his jealousy, it pissed her off. How could he insecurely believe she'd get swept away by her best friend's affections again and end up dumping him for the other boy? No matter how adamantly the young woman stated her love for only him.

So, the cold shoulder was being given until he admitted his unjust actions.

And during all of it, she found herself complain once again to McBride.

I feel him glaring at the back of my head. This is horrible!, she texted.

Don't tell me he's pouting like a little kid too? Grey eyes hidden behind dark-tinted sunglasses peeked at the side rear-view mirror then.

He is! With his arms cross too! Dear god..*pensive emoji* In response, Joven sent only a laughing emoji; almost making her throw her phone from irritation. While he assisted her in coping with not speaking to Stark, the artist couldn't help but find the whole thing unfortunately amusing.

Thankfully, the group arrived at their destination then—the Hotel de Paris. It was the famed place where rich elites went to either stay or watch the ongoing race in luxurious style. Also, the perfect place for paparazzi to lurk around..Hayes mentally grimaced while stepping out to the screaming crowd and flashing camera lights. This was something she still had to work at getting used to. Constantly in limelight as much as the billionaire, thanks to her new position; no longer allowed to just stand on the sidelines.

Her phone chimed, signaling another text message. A deep frown formed as she went to check it, already expecting another annoying reply from her best friend.

Don't worry, Teg. You got this. *thumbs up emoji*

She smiled softly at the screen, grateful for the encouragement.

Unfortunately, her small bubble of happiness didn't last long. And it was thanks to the appearance of a familiar pretty redhead. Strolling up to their group the second they entered the hotel's bar lounge, all polite and professional in a cerise tight fitted dress that no doubt would cause many wandering eyes while in the room.

"Mr. Stark, hello. How was your flight?" she asked with that ever-seductive tone of hers. Tony happily greeted her while Pepper stood there in disbelief. But not Tegan. No, instead of standing there in skeptical anger, she laughed. Full blown belly laughed with her head tossed back at the entrance of the lounge, making everyone around stop and curiously stare. Potts, Stark, and Rushman stared at her too, equally confused.

Why the bizarre joyous reaction? Because she knew all along he would stoop to such a petty level, having learned a lot about the man after living with him for so many years. Hire poor innocent Natalie as his new assistant just to get even more under her stubborn skin. Oh, don't be fooled either. Under the giddy laughter, she was beyond pissed. But the female genius wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing that. If he wanted to witness and know how much someone dislike his immature actions, he could gladly get it from dear Pepper instead.

Carefully wiping a tear from her eye, the young woman straighten with a light chuckle. "Man, it's been awhile since I've laughed that hard. Thanks for that, Natalie."

"Uh..you're welcome?" she replied, baffled by the situation now. No longer with that mature enticing air lingering around her. It just made Hayes even more wickedly gleeful.

"Tegan, are you alright?" Pepper voiced her concern softly. Dark browns narrowed as Stark took in his lover's laid-back stance and slight smirk. Instantly sensing his stare, her smokey ones briefly met his. A deep frown graced his lips as he read what they were silently telling.

'You'll have to do better than that, love.'

Hayes smiled brightly at the older woman then. "Oh, yeah. I'm peachy. In fact, I'm feeling so good, I'm gonna head to the bar and celebrate with a stiff drink like a truth Irish." With a lazy finger wave, she strolled away without another glance back.

It didn't take long for the billionaire join his lover as she casually leaned against the bar counter, nursing the glass of whiskey she ordered.

"I don't mean to suddenly spring this on you," he began, "But green is not your best color, babe." She rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her drink and deciding to end the silent treatment with a snarky remark.

"Really? Coming from the man who loves declaring," she whispered, mindful of the people around them. "How much seeing me in only my over-sized dark green knit sweater 'gets him going'."

"You seem tense?" Tony brushed off her biting words with annoying ease. If she didn't know better, she'd say he was getting a sick kick out of all this. But one real look in his gaze showed how miserable he truly was; matching her own no doubt. A price to pay being the stubborn creatures they were..The white flag wouldn't be waved until one of them went mad and caved in or some other source forced them to do so. "Want a massage? I'll have Natalie make an appointment while we're here."

Hayes turned fully to face him with a snide smile. "Actually, that would be lovely! Make sure she gets one with the finest male masseuse on hand, please."

Stark smiled back. "Heh, you just love playing with fire, don't ya?" She leaned forward, so their faces were agonizingly close. Allowing the sensation of their rushed breaths to caress against each other skin. The older man swallowed and tried not to let his eyes linger down to her soft mouth that he constantly yearned for.

Her tongue flicked out, wetting those pretty lips of hers before speaking in a salacious tone. "You would know."

Now, it was Hayes' turn at playing dirty as she figuratively stoked the flames of his lust. Their gaze remained heatedly locked at each other until none other than Justin Hammer broke their rising sexual tension, having noticing Tony standing nearby. The geniuses gave a low groan in unison. They may be angry with each other, but their mutual hate for the failing arms dealer would be enough to bring them momentarily together.

"Hey, pal." the other man greeted, unfortunately joining the two. "Looks like you're not the only rich guy here with a fancy car." And as if the already trying situation couldn't get worse, he was joined by Stark's last known one-night stand with a personal vendetta against him and Tegan's 'thorn in her side', journalist Christine Everhart.

"You know Christine Everhart from Vanity Fair. You guys know each other?"

"Yes, roughly." answered Tony, causing his lover's eyes to roll. Justin, much to her utter joy, turned the attention on Tegan as well.

"Btw, big story." he pointed at her, making her squirm inside. "One of the new CEOs of Stark Industries. Congratulations."

"I know!" Christine said with such false glee, it made the other woman sick with annoyance. "My editor will kill me if I don't grab a quote from you and Ms. Potts for our Powerful Women issue."

"She's actually doing a big spread on me for Vanity Fair." Hammer interjected nonchalantly, "I thought I'd throw her a bone, you know." Tegan's wickedness returned full force then. The opportunity to subtly bring up the journalist's dirty laundry too good to pass up.

The female genius noted in a deadpanned voice, "Right..She did quite the spread on Tony last year. It was very impressive from what I heard." Once she saw the fake smile drop from Everhart's face, she decided to excuse her. "Well, let me go find Pepper, so we came give you those quotes you need."

Once again, she left Stark behind, ignoring his soft plead not to leave him alone with them. Another punishment for his silly payback. By the time she found Potts across the room seated at one of the reserved tables, Hayes felt incredibly exhausted from everything that occurred in less than thirty minutes. She dropped unladylike in a chair beside her friend and audibly sighed.

"That seemed like a fun conversation just now." the former assistant grimaced, having seen the interaction with Justin and Christine from afar.

"You have no idea." Tegan threw back the rest of her drink, hissing as the liquor burn down her throat. A momentary distraction from the tiredness now making her sluggish. How she wanted nothing more than to be back at home, down in the basement working on either the suits or her car while enjoying the company of Jarvis and Dum-E.

"And Tony if he wasn't being an arse." she frowned, glaring into her empty glass. A smug grin formed on pale pink lips then. "It was especially fun when I mentioned the fun Tony and Miss Everhart previously had together."

Blue eyes widen with astonishment. "You didn't?"

"Oh, I most certainly did!" They snickered like mischievous little kids and ordered more drinks for themselves. At least, they had each other while dealing with unfavorable people and Stark's shenanigans.

BLOOD TOXICITY: 53%

Damn. That wasn't good. Not good at fucking all. No matter how much chlorophyll he drank to counteract, the deadly symptoms persisted. Even faster now, it seemed. It had only been a couple days ago, that it was at twenty-four percent.

His future seemed even more bleak now without a possible solution.

For it wouldn't be long now before he could barely function because of the illness. Helpless, as his poisonous blood corroded his internal organs and brilliant mind until he died a slow painful death. His friends..his lover..having to suffer before and after he was gone.

Tony squeezed his eyes shut as the image of Tegan's crying devastated face flashed across his mind. He promised he wouldn't leave her again. That she wouldn't have to go through the pain of losing him so soon.

Yes, he knew he should tell her and end their petty feud..but he couldn't. While the possibility of them working could help find a solution faster, it was still too much of a fifty-fifty chance for him to risk. The genius didn't want to witness the young woman's hopes become so high, only to later crash violently to the ground.

He sighed heavily, peering at his weary face in the restroom's mirror.

So, what was he gonna do now?

"I was just about to tell him that ten percent was far too much, when he flew backwards like he was shot out of a cannon into a wall!" Tegan happily retold the infamous thruster story as she entertained Elon Musk and other guests that gather around her table. Thanks to Pepper's company and two more glasses of whiskey, she was once again in a good mood. Not even noticing Stark's sudden disappearance..

About to ramble into yet another funny and embarrassing story, Everhart suddenly appeared from the small crowd with a slight sly smirk. "It seems Mr. Stark is quite the adrenaline junkie then."

The younger woman narrowed her eyes. "I don't know about that—"

"Are you sure?" She then pointed to one of the flat screens showing the race. "Because driving the very race car he's sponsoring seems like he is."

"What?!" exclaimed Potts and Hayes, turning to see. Sure enough, there was a suited up Tony down in the pit stop. What are earth was he doing?! Sure, he owned several fast cars, but competitive racing wasn't his day job. He was playboy billionaire philanthropist, not a damn professional race car driver!

While the female genius promised bodily harm towards Stark aloud and Pepper hurriedly called over Natalie in hopes of getting some answers, the race had officially began..with none other than Ivan lurking among the crew, waiting for the right moment to reveal himself and his deadly invention.

And, once and for all, finally bring an end to the rotten Stark legacy.

Lovely's Thank You Section

[Readers who favorite]

kathxx, kimmi9x, jazmineberrocal, TriggerShotX, jessjones, Ionian, WolfAssassin369, Lady Luna Hale, Em-x. everlasting, miki-pan, JohnnyStormsGirl, Melissa Cullen since 1994, Shar82204, Snipe Hunter 98, Kingdom Hearts Slayer, Honeybunny0114, leandra. quek, julia. skocz1, Dimplez010, Viciate, PrincessMagic, & Lord-Disick

[Readers who follow]

Mika927, krishachheda, love-twilight-fanfics, SlayerBunny, ohchoa, MiharuTousaka, jazmineberrocal, ReadingFairy1202, avonluxfeu, Little. Didith, LadyLuna0424, kindlekix, Taylorthedevil, An Kenzie, lady candace, smoonchester, MPDreamer82, paddyfoot92, Kuroppoi, Kitsune, VigilxThroughxThexNight, ChezaTakehashii, cheesepuffs46, Judy85, Counting Sinful Stars, XoXoHarryPotterGirl, cnyonghwa, Dove Salvatore 21051, SilverWolf1992, SweetieCherrie, blackNdeadly, Neredia, MissGeeky, Vamp-Girl27, samdeanfan, DeltaSigmaTheta, Ghostbuster30, briibriih, Carly noemy, Frydraca, Sarr, Untilweburnout, HoneyLemonCake16, xxDreamWalkerxx, sabrintb, & pickuplinesfromhell

[Readers who did both]

SerrafinaDrake, gwenwesley, LuckySock, MoonRei22, Pratyusha123456789, kimikokimono, grace4735x, HPTWVD202, aby14a, lozzer16, IdaRose89, WeWereBorn-ToShipVICTUURI, JRWolfDactyl0223, dysfunctionality, madstar95, Theresa5155, xTalkNerdyToMe, Barbie on Crutches, RavenSparrow, StrongerThanILook0616, xXThatRandomKidXx, TallAfroMidget, JediGemini, MiisSexyBaby, zuzz, Lulu Olufemi, chodofaggins, Bruna Santos 30, Honeybunny0114, leandra. quek, Valeria Martins, RedPlanetGalaxy, Maximum Hope Power, zwadloe, amandacarr1991, Liv724, Roseroserosexxx, AquaRoseWaters, & MasterSpecter

*Remember to either review, fave, & alert*

(Check my profile for the music playlist for The Infinity Heart series, updates, & more)