En Route (Peter Parker X Reader)
PART 7
Summary: Peter Parker is aboard the Argo III, the world’s biggest passenger ship. He was sent by Tony Stark to strike a deal with Silver Sable, a wealthy businesswoman. But Stark’s deal will have to wait, as Peter has set his eyes on something- or someone - else.
“Mr. Parker.”
The voice was unmistakably commanding and cold. Peter stiffened and turned around slowly, his eyes widening as he saw Silver Sable standing at the end of the hallway. Her platinum hair caught the warm light of the corridor, and her eyes held a piercing intensity that seemed to pin him in place.
“Oh, Miss Sablinova,” Peter said, trying to straighten himself up and wipe the nervous look off his face.
She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering as she studied him. Peter couldn’t tell if she was amused or annoyed. “Quite the interesting time to be wandering the ship.”
“I was just—uh, getting some air,” Peter stammered, trying to regain his composure. He felt uncomfortably warm in his casual clothes, especially with Silver Sable looking at him like she could see right through him.
“Well,” Silver Sable said, a slight smirk curling on her lips, “since you’re here, Mr. Parker, I think it’s time we had a conversation about business.” She glanced briefly at the closed door of (Y/N)’s room and then back at Peter. “Unless, of course, you have other priorities.”
Peter’s cheeks flushed, and he felt a jolt of panic. Did she know? How could she know? He shook his head quickly. “No, no. I’m ready. Let’s talk business.”
“Good,” she replied curtly. She turned on her heel and gestured for Peter to follow her down the hallway. He swallowed hard and quickly fell into step behind her, trying to shake off the lingering heat in his face.
They walked in silence until they reached a quieter section of the ship, a private lounge overlooking the vast ocean. Silver Sable stopped by the window and gazed out, her expression unreadable.
“Mr. Stark sent you here to strike a deal on his behalf,” she began without preamble. “But it seems that Mr. Stark’s trust in your abilities may have been misplaced.”
Peter felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He wanted to protest, to defend himself, but something in Silver Sable’s tone told him to stay quiet and listen.
“You see,” she continued, “my organization had nothing to do with the loss of Stark Industries’ shipments. That was the result of opportunistic criminals trying to disrupt our operations. But regardless of whose fault it was, I’m here to offer a solution.”
She turned to face him, her eyes sharp. “In exchange for your company’s latest technological developments, we are willing to replace the missing shipments and ensure the security of all future deliveries.”
Peter blinked, trying to keep up. “You want our tech?” he asked, suddenly feeling a lot more out of his depth than he already did. “But Stark Industries—”
“Mr. Stark’s technology is already of great interest to certain parties,” Silver Sable interrupted, her voice smooth but firm. “This would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Your company gets its shipments, and we receive exclusive access to select advancements.”
Peter opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. This wasn’t the straightforward deal Tony had briefed him on. Silver Sable was adding a new twist, and he didn’t know how to play this. But she was waiting for an answer, her eyes narrowing slightly as the silence stretched on.
“I—I’m not authorized to make that call,” Peter admitted, trying to sound more professional. “But I can pass this along to Mr. Stark and—”
“Mr. Parker,” she interrupted, her voice cold and cutting. “You are here as Mr. Stark’s representative. I need a decision, and I need it soon.”
Peter felt his pulse quicken. “I understand, but I still need to clear this with him.”
Silver Sable’s lips pressed into a thin line, and Peter braced himself for a harsh rebuke. But instead, she nodded once, sharply.
“Very well,” she said. “Contact him. Tell him what I have proposed, and make it clear that time is of the essence. I will only wait so long for his response.”
Peter let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “I’ll—um—get on that right away.”
“See that you do,” she replied. She turned back to the window, signaling that the conversation was over. “And, Mr. Parker,” she added without turning around, “if you’re going to represent Stark Industries, you may want to present yourself with a bit more… composure.”
Peter felt his face heat up again, realizing that she probably noticed his earlier state of disarray. He muttered an awkward “Yes, ma’am” before backing away and making a quick exit. As he walked briskly back toward his room, his mind was a storm of emotions—embarrassment, relief, and a newfound sense of urgency.
He needed to call Tony. Now.
As he dialed the number, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the dark window. For a moment, it seemed like there was a shadowy figure standing behind him in the glass—a trick of the light, maybe, or just his tired mind playing tricks.
He turned quickly, but the room was empty. Peter’s heart hammered in his chest as he stared into the shadows, half-expecting someone to step out.
Nothing. Just his overactive imagination. Or was it?
Peter shook off the chill creeping up his spine and focused on the call. He needed to get Tony up to speed on Silver Sable’s proposal and the unsettling vibe of this ship.