Chapter 4
"Mr. Stark, collaborating with us will only benefit your business. Hammer Industries is handling weapon distribution to many third-world countries. If we join forces, we could conquer the world," Justin Hammer said.
Tony Stark was in a meeting he didn’t want to attend.
"Hammer, if I wanted to, I could buy your whole company and take over the world. I'm being merciful by not doing that," Tony scoffed.
"Mr. Stark, I really need your help. Hammer Industries is in debt. If you help me now, I’ll give you 50% of the profits," Hammer pleaded.
"I’ll give you a proposition. Stark Industries will take over Hammer Industries, and I’ll pay you a generous salary," Tony offered.
"But..." Hammer started.
"Hammer, if you refuse, I’ll do everything in my power to shut your business down. If you agree, you’ll live a luxurious life from now on," Tony said with a smirk.
Hammer was furious and disappointed, but he had no other option.
"I accept the offer," Hammer said through gritted teeth.
"Alright, that's sorted then," Tony said, standing up.
"Also, Hammer, I’m throwing a fancy gala to celebrate this. You should come," Tony added in a mocking tone before leaving the meeting room.
Pepper followed him.
"Tony, you’ve made one more enemy," Pepper said.
"Making enemies is fun, Pep. You need someone to challenge you in life to keep working hard," Tony chuckled.
"But they’ll be waiting for an opportunity to take you down," Pepper warned.
"That’s the fun part," Tony laughed.
Pepper shook her head, exasperated. Tony had been her childhood friend. He used to be such a nice kid. But when his parents died and he took over Stark Industries, everything changed. He changed. Pepper never imagined Tony could become as ruthless as he was now. The world had been unfair to him, but Pepper didn’t think that was an excuse to punish everyone else for it.
Pepper still held out hope that she could bring back the sweet friend she once knew, but she didn’t know how to reach him.
It was the night of the fancy gala. Tony wore an expensive suit and could sense all the omegas and betas trying to get his attention. But for some reason, none of them interested him tonight. Normally, he’d pick the prettiest one in the room and enjoy the night, but this time, nobody enticed him.
"Mr. Stark, may I get you a drink?" an omega asked with a seductive smile, leaning toward him.
She was the hottest one in the room, no doubt.
"Yes, you may," Tony said, grabbing her waist.
The girl handed him a glass, and he drank it. As usual, Tony made out with her and brought her to his bedroom. She did her best to please him, but Tony wasn’t feeling anything. All he could think about were Stephen’s lips, his innocent yet striking look, and the way he moaned whenever Tony touched him.
"Stephen," Tony moaned when he climaxed.
"Who’s Stephen?" the girl asked, catching her breath.
"It’s none of your business, slut. Get out now. Pepper will give you your payment," Tony said coldly.
"Of course. It’s always about money. But who would’ve thought the unattached Stark had a special someone," she sneered before leaving.
Stephen wasn’t his special someone. He was just one of the many playthings Tony had for the past week. Tony didn’t care about him.
He stood up and went to find Rhodey.
"Rhodey, I want you to keep an eye on Stephen. Update me on what he’s doing and where he’s going," Tony ordered.
"Boss, I’m speaking as a friend, not as your bodyguard. Why are you so obsessed with this boy?" Rhodey asked.
"I’m not obsessed with him. Stop saying that!" Tony snapped.
"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to shout," Tony said, calming down a bit.
Rhodey was surprised. Tony never apologized anymore. They had been friends, but after Tony became CEO and Rhodey his bodyguard, their friendship grew distant. Tony didn’t even call him Rhodey anymore—until now.
"I’ll keep an eye on him," Rhodey agreed.
"Thanks," Tony said.
Rhodey gave Tony a surprised look but didn’t say anything.
A week later.
"Stephen, how were your exams?" Nic asked.
"They went well, Nic," Stephen said with a smile, genuinely happy with how he performed.
"I knew you’d do great," Nic said, leaning in to kiss Stephen.
Stephen stayed still, and Nic pulled away, disappointed.
"Steph, I don’t know what’s going on, but you’ve been acting different. Did I do something wrong?" Nic asked.
"No, you didn’t do anything wrong. Nic, I need to tell you something," Stephen said nervously.
"What is it?" Nic asked, moving closer.
"I... I’ve been—" Stephen started, but Christine interrupted.
"Stephen, the exams went well, didn’t they?" Christine said as she hugged him.
"Yes, they did," Stephen replied.
"Nic, we need to celebrate. Let’s party!" Christine exclaimed.
"Sure, I’ll arrange it. Let me call my friends," Nic said, walking away to make arrangements.
"Steph, what were you going to say?" Christine asked after Nic left.
"I need to tell him," Stephen said, looking anxious.
"No, you shouldn’t. Steph, wait until this is all over. We’ll tell him later. He’ll understand," Christine said.
"But what if he doesn’t? What if he hates me for not telling him sooner?" Stephen asked.
"He won’t. He loves you. Just wait a little longer. Act normal for now. Stark shouldn’t come between you two. Enjoy the party. Everything will be alright," Christine reassured him.
Stephen nodded, though still unsure.
Later, at the pub, Stephen, Christine, Nic, and Nic’s friends were celebrating. Stephen and Christine were chatting at a distance while Nic watched them.
"So, Nic, are you two going to seal the deal tonight?" one of Nic’s friends asked, slapping him on the back.
"I’m planning to, but I’m not sure if Stephen’s ready," Nic admitted.
"Of course, he is! You’ve been dating for three months now, right?" his friend said.
"Yeah, I think it’s time," Nic said with a smile.
"Go for it, man!" his friends cheered.
Nic walked over to Stephen.
"Hey, Stephen," he called.
"Yes, Nic?" Stephen replied.
"Do you want to dance with me?" Nic asked.
Stephen felt flustered.
"Of course, he’ll dance with you. I’ll leave you two alone," Christine said, smirking as she walked away.
Nic took Stephen’s hand and led him to the dance floor. Other couples were dancing too. Nic pulled Stephen close, one hand on his neck and the other groping his backside.
Stephen realized what was happening—Nic wanted him. But Stephen wasn’t sure if he was ready.
Nic leaned in and kissed him. Stephen could taste the liquor on Nic’s tongue. The kiss grew messy, and Stephen pulled away, but Nic started kissing his neck.
"Nic, please stop," Stephen said, pushing him away slightly.
"Steph, I’ve been waiting for this for three months. I want you, baby," Nic said.
Stephen wanted to be with his boyfriend. He wanted to enjoy being intimate without money being involved.
"Okay," Stephen whispered.
"Thank you, baby. Let’s go to my place," Nic said.
Stephen nodded, and Nic took him home.
The moment they arrived, Nic started kissing him and undressing him.
Stephen had hoped he could finally enjoy this with someone he cared about, but all he could think about was Stark. He felt nothing for his boyfriend, yet he couldn’t stop thinking about the man who had used him, the man who is a creepy mob boss who raped him.
What a pathetic mess I am, Stephen thought.
When Nic was finished, he pulled away and smiled.
"How was it, baby?" Nic asked.
Stephen felt his eyes welling up with tears.
"Hey, are you okay?" Nic asked, worried.
"I’m sorry," Stephen said, hugging him tightly.
"Why are you apologizing?" Nic asked, confused.
But Stephen didn’t answer. He just cried into Nic’s shoulder as Nic tried to comfort him.
Stephen eventually fell asleep, exhausted.