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It was very late when Seph finally pulled up in front of Tony's hotel. The night had been filled with laughter, playful banter, and a few too many drinks.
Tony had been in rare form, and Seph had enjoyed watching his friend let loose after the chaos that had unfolded over the past few days.
"You sure you're good?" Seph asked, leaning out the driver's window as Tony stumbled out, half-smiling, half-drunk.
"Good? Pfft." Tony waved a dismissive hand, his grin lopsided. "I'm Tony Stark. I'm always good."
Seph shook his head, chuckling softly. "Alright, alright. Go get some sleep, genius. You're gonna need it."
"You're like my mom sometimes, you know that?" Tony teased, wagging a finger as he tried and failed to walk straight.
"Yeah, but unlike your mom, I won't clean up after you," Seph smirked. "Night, Stark."
"Night, Seph."
As Tony disappeared into the hotel, Seph's playful grin faded. "Time to head home…"
Before heading to his apartment, Seph pulled out his phone and dialed Pepper's number. The line rang twice before her warm, familiar voice filled his ears.
"Hey, stranger." Her voice was soft, and Seph could hear the exhaustion laced beneath her playful tone.
"Hey, beautiful." Seph's smile returned almost instantly, his tone dropping to something softer, more intimate. "Long day?"
"You have no idea." Pepper sighed softly, but her smile was evident in her voice. "Dealing with Tony's mess is giving me premature gray hairs."
Seph chuckled. "Want me to handle it? I could make everything… disappear."
"Tempting," She mused, her voice laced with amusement. "But no. You might create an even bigger mess."
"Ah, haha..." Seph smiled embarrassingly. He tried to change the subject. "Hey, don't say that. You know I'd do anything for you."
"Hmm…" Pepper's tone grew softer. "Anything?"
"Absolutely."
"Then tell me…" She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Are you coming home tonight?"
Seph's heart did a little flip. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."
"I miss you." Her admission was barely audible, but it was enough to make Seph's chest tighten.
"I miss you too, Pepper." His voice was warm, filled with unspoken promises. "So… are you?"
"Mmm… I wish," she murmured regretfully. "I've got an early board meeting tomorrow. I'll be home late."
Seph sighed softly, but he understood. "Alright. But don't work too hard. I'll be here… waiting."
"I know," Pepper said softly. "Goodnight, Seph."
"Goodnight, babe... and tell Hela, I said hi."
As the call ended, Seph's smile lingered for a moment longer. But just as he was about to head inside, a soft, sultry voice drifted from the shadows.
"Going in alone tonight?"
Seph paused mid-step, his senses immediately on high alert. His gaze shifted to the side, where Natalia Romanoff emerged from the darkness like a predator stepping into the moonlight.
She was wearing a long, sleek coat that hugged her curves perfectly. But it was the subtle glimpse of the lingerie beneath that made Seph's brow arch.
'Lace Stockings... I can already smell danger.'
Beauty trap…
The words echoed in his mind, but instead of alarm, Seph felt amused.
"Really?" Seph murmured, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Natalia leaned casually against the wall, her posture lazy yet calculated.
"What?" She tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Can't a girl drop by unannounced?"
"Like this?" Seph's golden eyes swept over her figure, taking in the tantalizing sight. "In stockings and… what? Victoria's Secret?"
Natalia smirked, her lips curving into a seductive smile. "Maybe I just didn't want to waste time changing."
"Mmm… convenient." Seph chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Aren't you going to invite me in?" Her voice was smooth, sultry, dripping with promises that would drive any man insane.
Seph's grin deepened. He opened the door, motioning for her to enter.
"Ladies first."
"Charming." Natalia giggled softly, her heels clicking lightly as she stepped inside. But as she passed him, Seph caught the slight hesitation in her stride.
As Seph followed her in, he sighed softly, his sharp senses picking up the subtle shift in her demeanor.
"You're trying too hard, Natalia," Seph murmured under his breath, his voice barely loud enough to be heard.
Natalia, who had been maintaining her seductress act flawlessly, paused ever so slightly.
"What do you mean?" Her tone was playful, but Seph could hear the faint edge of uncertainty beneath it.
"You're not used to this." Seph's eyes gleamed with something deeper as he turned to face her, his tone softer now. "And… neither am I."
Natalia's emerald eyes flickered with something vulnerable.
"Seph…" She placed a hand gently on his chest, her fingers tracing lazy circles. "Admitting defeat already?"
Her voice was a whisper, filled with honeyed promises. "I haven't even started."
"Hah." Seph's chuckle was soft, almost affectionate. "If you had been doing this wholeheartedly…"
He leaned in slightly, his breath brushing her skin. "I would've been floored by now."
Natalia's breath hitched. "What are you saying…?"
"I know." Seph's voice was barely above a whisper, his eyes locking onto hers. "Beauty trap, Nat."
Natalia's seductive facade shattered in an instant. Her smile vanished, replaced by something conflicted.
"How did you—"
"I told you," Seph murmured, his smile tinged with sadness. "I've been a mercenary for too long. I've seen every trick in the book."
For a moment, silence stretched between them.
"So… what now?" Natalia's voice was quieter, almost hesitant.
"Now?" Seph's lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "We drink."
Seph motioned toward the couch, signaling Natalia to sit.
"If you're here…" He murmured as he walked toward the fridge. "Might as well make it worth your while."
Natalia sighed softly and took a seat, her body language more guarded now.
"Beer?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that.
"Not just any beer." Seph's grin returned as he pulled out two bottles and popped the caps off effortlessly. "Something… special."
Natalia's brow furrowed as she accepted the bottle. "Special, huh?"
"Try it." Seph tilted his head, a playful gleam in his golden eyes.
She took a tentative sip, her expression neutral at first, then her eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. "What the…?"
"Told you." Seph's smirk was pure satisfaction as he took a swig himself.
Natalia licked her lips, savoring the taste. "This is… incredible. Where did you get this?"
Seph leaned back, his gaze drifting for a moment, a shadow crossing his features. "Let's just say… I have my sources."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity piqued. "You're full of surprises."
"Glad you like it." Seph's voice was softer now, almost thoughtful. "Figured you'd need a drink before… well…"
Natalia's expression shifted, her instincts kicking in. "Before what?"
Seph's playful demeanor faded as he glanced away, something distant and unreadable flickering in his gaze. "Before I tell you who I really am."
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Spoilers for the next three chapters!
Chapter 117: A Ghost's Past Unveiled
Chapter 118: Whisper of Death
Chapter 119: A Hooked Fish
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