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Rain pounded off the road outside, and the Atlantic roared its displeasure, foaming and discontent.
Somehow, it was one of the most blissful days Tony Stark had spent in the vibrant and scenic town of North Berwick-Scotland since he left everything behind and ordered his pilot to fly to the other side of the world.
Who would have thought that Obi was the mastermind who had been vying for his birthright all these years?
Nevertheless, Tony didn’t have the time—or the crayons—to explain what happened the night Obadiah Stane tumbled into the main generator of Stark Industries and went into flames.
It wasn’t that Phil Coulson didn’t fabricate a cover-up story that would make J.K Rowling envious, however, reporters were…well, reporters.
They were appallingly nosy, the lot of them. As expected, they wouldn’t let go of the unsolvable puzzle.
As if he didn’t have a shitton of problems to take care of, mainly making sure that his Arc Reactor; his precious baby, wouldn't fall into the wrong hands.
Honestly, Tony was certain that had Louie Armstrong heard his story decades ago, he would have never released ‘What A Wonderful World’.
His life sucked big time.
He wasn’t a drama queen, but every man needed a little reprieve once in a while, even the great Anthony Howard Stark.
Tony surveyed his reflection in the mirror one last time and snorted. “I thought I was the architect of my life. Unfortunately, the blueprints are messy, written in Mandarin and waterlogged beyond all recognition.”
“I can help you with Mandarin, Sir. I’m not sure about water, though,” JARVIS offered politely.
“Aren’t you a sweetheart this morning, buddy?” he gave a bark of laughter and adjusted his micro earbuds making sure no one noticed them.
Even though he fled everything and everyone, JARVIS was special.
“What are your plans for today, Sir? Would you fancy a trip to the Scottish Seabird Centre? Or maybe, you can enjoy a promenade along East Beach? It provides a stunning view of the surrounding islands,” JARVIS prompted crisply.
Tony raised a brow, running a hand over his freshly trimmed beard. “I must have been imagining things. For a second, I thought you were the most intelligent AI considering I was the one who created you,” he huffed. “Buddy, there are more important things to do in North Berwick than taking a stroll under the rain.”
“Is pursuing Miss Potter, again, one of the options?” Ever so innocently, JARVIS wondered.
Tony smirked. Every cloud had a silver lining, indeed.
“I’d pinch your cheeks, buddy, you are so bloody cute. Unfortunately, I didn’t consider the need for that when I invented you. But know that I applaud your keen, unsubstantial eyes. You’d put seasoned FBI spies to shame.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Sir. I aim to please.”
Wasn’t his firstborn a darling?
“For the record, Miss Potter is in the adjoining bookstore waving off what seems to be another potential suitor," JARVIS said.
Tony’s eyes rounded with surprise. He reached up to scratch his cheek, an involuntary gesture he did whenever he was nervous or frustrated.
The sound of fingernails against the bristles of his beard was overly loud in the quiet room.
“We can’t have that, can we now?” he threw his shoulders back. His lips curled at the corner in what seemed to be his perpetual teasing way. “Those losers who won’t stop pestering her are the reason God created the middle finger. Luckily, I’m here to save the day.”
“Are you sure about that?” JARVIS said slowly. “Miss Potter is—”
“JARVIS, don’t be the AI version of period cramps. Oh, and don’t forget, I can always shut you up forever. Of course, she’s interested. I’ll make her see reason soon.”
Without waiting another moment, he unlocked the door of his room and took the stairs two at a time.
He met Helaina Potter the day he landed in this remote Scottish town two weeks ago.
At the time, he was angry, tired and overly…exhausted.
It was a good change when no one seemed to recognize him. He had coveted that anonymity and the lightness it brought for years.
As soon he landed in Edinburgh, he kicked his pilot off and swore bodily harm if he were to divulge his whereabouts.
He drove the car he rented for twenty-five miles trying to get the lay of the land until he reached this harbor town.
As drove past the quaint Scottish cottages and turned with the bend in the road, the water appeared on the horizon before his eyes.
It was when he reached The Marauders Den and he understood that he made a sound decision when he chose to take flight for once and…regroup.
The place was heaven-sent. There was something about the general aura that called to him.
The owner, however, was an angel. A stubborn angel he so wanted to get close to.
Tony sighed and threw the receptionist a teasing smile as he put his sunglasses on and headed for the main entrance.
Luna—a fitting name for the quirky blonde with zany humour, gave him thumbs up and mouthed a ‘good luck’.
“Thank you, Little Miss Sunshine,” his grin widened.
After the door was closed, it didn’t take him long to reach the bookstore nearby.
According to his—not so little—research, it belonged to Helaina Potter, too.
It seemed that the enchanting hotel owner was a Lady of the British peerage.
He had noticed the way some customers—wearing weird, apparently not trendy clothes—bowed, kissed her hand almost reverently and treated her with utmost respect.
Those customers were few.
Tony couldn’t shake off the feeling that The Marauders Den was an extremely exclusive hotel to which only select few could get access.
He encountered foreigners from the four corners of the globe seeking asylum and the security the place offered.
There were those and….the devoted customers, who seemed at times like close friends. Mainly, the group of exceedingly loud redheads.
‘’The Bookworm’s Haven is open,” JARVIS chirped. “A Historian going by the name of Hermione Granger runs the building. She’s Miss Potter’s closest friend.”
“Even better,” he muttered under his breath. “I hope she’s another Little Miss Sunshine.”
“According to my research, that’s doubtful, Sir.”
Was that a snort?
Tony waved his annoying AI off and drew to a stumbled halt at the sight of the large bookstore.
“Holy Hell, I want the architect’s number, like yesterday.”
The building had the shape of an open book floating over a…cauldron.
It was painted red with bronze and gold hues.
The stonework was original and defied most laws of physics.
It could give Isaac Newton a serious headache trying to figure out how it was still standing.
He headed for the door and a woman with bushy brown hair appeared behind the pane of glass.
She smiled and the door—as if by magic—swung open.
“Welcome to the Bookworm’s Haven, I’m Hermione Granger, the bookstore’s director,” She greeted him with an obvious English accent.
“Enchanté, Miss Granger,” he took her offered hand. “I have to say, I congratulate you for finding such a gifted architect.”
“You can’t expect less from Lord Charlus Potter. He made the design himself. His wife, the late Lady Dorea Black Potter was quite fond of cauldrons and books. This was his first courting gift to her,” she threw him an amused smile as they halted in the middle of the reception area.
He gazed around, his eyes absorbing every detail.
In front of the counter were little trays filled with tourist trinkets to buy, such as tiny cauldrons, broomsticks, witches' hats…
There was a theme there and a story he couldn’t wait to unravel.
Huge shelves were overflowing with displays of different books, each shelf had a golden sign on the top with a category on it: romance, crime, poetry, etc.
Behind the shelves were window seats for readers to relax.
On the left, were a small, lit fireplace and two ornate, old-fashioned armchairs set up on either side of it.
“I’m afraid that the second floor is off-limits,” Miss Granger said, drawing his gaze back to her. “I’m sure you can find whatever you want in our vast collection. If you don’t, I can help.”
He blinked rapidly, thinking he misheard her. “I beg your pardon?”
“Please, enjoy your stay here. I’ll be at the counter,” the director nodded and her warm dark brown eyes wandered over his face, her expression seeming to waver between amusement and excitement.
As soon as she left, his gaze went to the stairs.
“Don’t think about it.” He felt a tug on his hand and looked down to see a small kid.
His face was strangely familiar with the thick dark hair and the twinkling green eyes.
The kid grinned at him, a flash of white teeth before he added. “Aunt Hermione doesn’t allow Mu…people to go up there. Mama won’t like it, either.”
Tony harrumphed at that. “Aren’t you a little bossy, champ? Where is your Mum?”
“She’s over there,” He pointed at the other side of the room, “going over ledgers. She detests the task but she has to take care of our family business.”
Tony lowered to his haunches in front of the kid, laying a hand over his small shoulder. “You’re acting like a little man, I like you kiddo. What’s your name?”
“I’m Teddy Lupin Potter,” Teddy straightened his back.
Tony’s eyebrows raised. “Potter?”
Mischief was evident in those twinkling eyes, and suddenly Teddy grinned again.
And it was wicked. It was the kind of grin that belonged on a playboy, not a kid of seven or eight.
“Yes. I’ve been in London visiting Grandma. I came back two days ago. I’ve seen you in the hotel. You’ve been looking at Mama all the time.”
Oh boy. This kid was illegal.
“I’m not sure I’ve noticed you, Teddy. I’m Tony by the way, Tony Stark.”
A huff of laughter fell from the kid’s lips. “I know.”
Flabbergasted, Tony shook his head. “You are an interesting tiny fellow.” And he was making him feel like a klutz. Even the imp had noticed his open attraction to Helaina Potter.
“Kids are observant,” JARVIS provided. “Never underestimate them, Sir.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “Come, let me take you back to your Mama.”
Teddy nodded and clutched his hand.
“You hear that? It's the sound of me not caring.” Tony almost lost his balance when he heard the sharp rebuke.
“But, Helaina…”
“Cormac, please leave. This is a lose-lose situation for me. I’m losing my valuable time and any semblance of compassion I have left. I have no interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with you. Moreover, I’ve seen the way you’ve been treating Teddy whenever you thought I wasn’t looking.” Helaina Potter narrowed her eyes on the towering blond. “I treated you like a friend and tried to forget about your past unsavory behaviour—”
“Helaina!” Cormac—or whatever the hell his name was growled. “That kid is not yours. You are too young to manage all your business and rise a war orphan. Why would you throw your life away as if it—“
Tony winced when Helaina Potter’s hand left a dent on Dumb’s cheek.
Seriously…
He could eat a bowl of alphabet soup and pop out a smarter statement than what Cormac said.
He felt the moment Teddy stiffened.
“Buddy,” he whispered. ”Look at me. That assho—I mean, as stupid as fuc—fart…individual is nothing. His words mean nothing.”
“But…” Teddy bit his lower lip.
“No buts, champ. Come, let’s give your Mama a hand. I know a thing or two about dealing with assho—cocky…individuals.” His gentle voice seemed to console the dejected kiddo.
Tony didn’t usually throw himself out in front of cars to save little puppies, however, he couldn’t stand the look in Teddy’s eyes.
A tight ache in his chest flared when he remembered his childhood.
Pulling Teddy behind his back, he stepped next to Helaina. “Who ate your bowl of sunshine this morning, thundercloud? You’re bothering this kiddo and I don’t like it.”
“Teddy?” Helaina gasped and reached for the kid. He gave her a faint smile and took her offered hand without letting go of his.
“Who are you? This is none of your business,” Mr tall and dumb snapped.
“Is part two of your argument coming out soon or is that it?” Tony moved toward him, his expression eager.
The prick had no idea what he was dealing with.
He was Tony Stark but he was Iron Man, most of the time.
“You don’t know what you’re throwing yourself at!” Blondie thundered.
“No,” Tony’s hand went instinctively around Teddy’s shoulder when he took a step back. “You don’t know who you are dealing with. But it’s alright. Everyone makes mistakes, your parents for one.”
Teddy giggled.
Tony’s eyes widened when the most dulcet sound came from Helaina’s mouth. Her chuckle had a slightly disbelieving tone to it, like she couldn’t understand herself at that moment.
Her gaze returned to his and his breath caught at the raw emotion in them. Her voice was hard when she demanded. “Heir Cormac Mclaggen. I, Lady Helaina Potter-Black declare a Blood Feud with your family. So Mote Be it.”
Tony didn’t have a fricking clue about the meaning behind the words. However, they sounded ominous.
Blood drained from Blondie’s face and he looked on the verge of fainting.
“Leave my property. Now.”
It would be a lie to say he wasn’t pleased when Cormac seemed to have exhausted his entire vocabulary and dragged his feet toward the door. Seriously, his ass must be pretty jealous of all the shit that came out of his mouth.
“He’s gone!” Teddy buried his face in his T-shirt.
“May both sides of his pillow be forever warm,” he teased, running his hands through the champ’s soft hair.
“Thank you,” Helaina cleared her throat. “You didn’t have to do that.”
There was so much emotion in her gorgeous eyes. Gratitude, awe, yes, but something more. Something beyond even tenderness and affection, and it made his chest feel full.
Too full. Almost painfully so.
It was raw and he didn’t need JARVIS to know that only a few could make this woman vulnerable.
He faced her, deciding to be forthright. "A corpse is a better company than Mr Cormac. Fortunately, I have another option for you, Miss Potter.”
Her eyes flared with surprise, then her lips twitched. “Is that so, Mr Stark?”
“Absolutely. I can give you and Teddy a very good time if you allow me.”
He chuckled when she huffed. “You’ve been stalking me, for days.”
“I've been admiring you," he shrugged.
Teddy guffawed. “He’s funny. I like him.”
“See? Even Teddy noticed. I’m a very lovable man, just give me a chance.”
Helaina shook her head at the wicked, boyish smile of his. “Really? Then, I wonder…”
She tapped her chin with a blood-red nail. “Would you like to join me and Teddy for dinner tonight? I know the right place.”
Those eyes studied his face and he was sure he was never as charmed in his life.
“Sir, you astonished me,” JARVIS sounded bemused.
Boldly, Tony brought her hand to his lips for a lingering kiss. He winked down at Teddy when he giggled.
“It’s a date, Helaina.”