IRON RESOLVE

Pepper Potts had always considered herself something of a feminist.

Not to be too cliché about it, but she would have even gone so far as to describe herself as a strong, independent woman who didn't need a man.

…And yeah, she recognized the contradiction that many would point out if she ever said that out loud.

How could she possibly be a feminist when she worked for a billionaire playboy like Tony Stark? Wasn't he practically contractually obligated to seduce at least one woman before breakfast or risk losing his capitalistic power? And how could she claim to be independent when she was literally paid to support and assist a man whose very existence—according to some—helped perpetuate the patriarchy?

Well, for one, Pepper wouldn't exactly call those people proper feminists either.

And for another, Tony Stark wasn't entirely the man the media made him out to be. Mostly, sure. But not completely.

And for a third—there was a difference between work and romance. Just because she worked for a man didn't mean she needed a man… right?

Except…

For the past week, a small voice in the back of her mind had been nagging at her. If she were a real feminist, wouldn't she have reported Tony for the blatant sexual harassment she'd experienced on the tarmac after his return?

It wasn't hard to silence that voice.

Tony had just come back from three months of captivity and torture. Allowances had to be made.

But was it really an allowance?

Because another part of Pepper—louder, more insistent—was starting to wonder. That voice was harder to ignore. It reminded her, daily, of how much she'd enjoyed that kiss. Of how much she'd melted under his touch. Of the way he had looked at her, like she was the only person in the world he'd fought to come back to.

"God, Pep, I missed you."

Five simple words. But they hadn't left her mind since that day.

The words. The kiss.

Had she invited it somehow? Was she leading Tony on?

Did she… did she have feelings for her boss?

Pepper had tried to ignore it.

She figured if Tony didn't bring it up, then she wouldn't either. It had been a moment of weakness. That's all. Nothing more would come of it.

Except there was one problem with that plan.

For the past week, Tony hadn't had the chance to bring it up.

Because she hadn't seen him.

Not for lack of trying.

She had wanted to visit him sooner. But Obadiah Stane had stepped in, telling her that Tony needed space. And when Tony himself hadn't reached out… well, she'd believed it.

According to Obadiah, Tony was working. Locked in his Malibu lab, translating the ideas he'd mentioned at the press conference into reality. And Pepper had done her job, keeping everyone else at bay while allowing Obadiah to act as the gatekeeper between her and Tony.

She had told herself it was fine. That it made sense. That if Tony wanted to see her, he would call for her.

That conviction had lasted exactly seven days.

Because Pepper Potts was not shy.

And she was tired of pretending she didn't care.

If Tony didn't want to see her, he could at least do her the courtesy of firing her to her face.

That thought burned in her mind as she drove up the long, winding driveway of his Malibu home. Parking, climbing out, she strode toward the front door—half-afraid to try the side entrance, half-expecting her access had been revoked.

But before she could reach it, the front door opened.

And there he was.

Tony looked… surprisingly good.

Handsome as ever. Seemingly healthy, despite everything he'd been through. But there were bags under his eyes—like he hadn't been sleeping.

He smiled at her the same way he had on the tarmac.

"Pep."

She walked forward, intending to brush past him with a brisk Mr. Stark on her lips and an itemized list of things they needed to discuss.

She intended to.

But Tony Stark was not a man who gave anyone the chance to dictate the pace.

He shifted slightly, giving her just enough space to pass—except as she did, his hands came up, gently cradling her face. And then—

His lips were on hers.

Again.

Pepper froze.

A sharp inhale was all the protest she could manage before—before her body betrayed her. Because oh god, she was kissing him back.

A week ago had been one thing.

A week ago, he had just survived hell.

But now?

Now he was choosing to kiss her.

And she—

She wasn't stopping him.

Not as he guided her inside, lips still moving against hers. Not as the door slid shut behind them. Not as her hands lifted to his arms—

Perhaps to push him away.

Except she didn't.

Because the truth—the absolute, undeniable truth—was staring her in the face.

Pepper Potts had a crush on her boss.

She had a crush on her boss.

And suddenly, she realized what a complete idiot she had been.

The media called Tony a womanizer. A playboy. A man who had women throwing themselves at him every night. But never once had he crossed the line with her. Never once had he made her feel uncomfortable, or used his power over her in any way.

Even now, there was no coercion. No threats. No power play.

It was just a kiss.

One she had every opportunity to stop.

But she didn't.

She couldn't.

And when Tony finally—finally—pulled away, Pepper was panting.

"Pep. Pepper."

His voice was serious now. His dark eyes burned into hers.

"I think I've made my intentions pretty damn clear. And so far, you haven't shown any sign that you're uncomfortable with—well, with my affection. That said—"

His grip on her eased, but his gaze held firm.

"Just say the word, and it stops now."

Pepper's breath caught.

"I won't hurt you," he continued. "I refuse to ever, ever hurt you. Tell me no. Tell me to back off, and I swear, the rest of our relationship will be as platonic as possible."

He meant it.

Every word.

She could say no, and he would respect it.

She could put them back in the neat, professional box they had occupied for so many years.

And yet—

Looking into Tony's eyes, Pepper knew.

Knew they could never go back.

Knew that something had changed.

And she—

She wanted this.

More than anything.

So instead of answering, she did the only thing that made sense in this crazy, nonsensical moment.

She threw her arms around his neck—

And kissed him.

Hard.

Tony grunted in surprise—then groaned, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close, deepening the kiss.

There was no hesitation.

No second-guessing.

Only heat.

Only desire.

Only the inevitable, unstoppable force that had been brewing between them for years.

And as their lips clashed, as hands roamed and bodies pressed together, they both knew—

There was no going back.

Only forward.

Straight to the bedroom.

And beyond.