A Massive Pink Diamond

Sue Storm kept her poker face on as she opened the box. Then her eyes went wide.

It was as big as a walnut. A beautiful, translucent pink. At first, Sue would have taken it for a rose quartz, but it was too brilliant, caught and scattered the light too well. It was a diamond. The largest pink diamond that the Invisible Woman had seen, or even heard of.

"The Heart has been in the von Porkum family for generations," Porkum said quietly. "I would very much appreciate it if you wore it, just for tonight—something to accentuate your beauty."

Sue paused. It was ludicrous, even as a loan for the evening. Still, he was spending millions of euros.

Do it for the children, Sue, she told herself. She offered Porkum a smile.

"Very well. Just for the evening. Help me put it on?"

She lifted the necklace from its box, and discovered it was held on a golden choker, made of small gold rods, each marked with two small pink gems. The gem fit into the hollow of her throat, and she turned around to let him secure the clasp. It was firmly attached, unlikely to fall off, but didn't **** her. The weight of it, however, was surprising. Real gold. Real gems.

"Shall we?" Porkum extended an arm, and Sue slipped hers into the crook of his elbow.

The doors open. They were announced.

"Herr von Porkum, and Miss Susan Storm!"

Sue smiled. It should have been Mrs. She was a married woman, after all. But there were elegant, well-dressed people clapping, and Porkum walked forward at a stately pace toward the dance floor. People came forward. The Invisible Woman tried to keep aware. Any of them could be a Latverian assassin or spy. And yet...

The band started to play. Porkum turned towards her. He bowed low. Formally.

"May I request the pleasure," he said. "Of the first dance?"

"Of course," Sue said. "I'd be delighted."

She could not remember the last time she and Reed had waltzed. They moved across the dance floor, carefully. Not too fast, not to slow. Porkum had immense strength and surprising agility despite his bulk. Sue Storm had invisible forcefields that helped her keep her feet despite the heels. No tripping, no falls.

Porkum's gut brushed her stomach as their hands came together. Around them, other couples began to move. Sue kept her eyes on Porkum, and he on her. A little smile creased his lips, and Sue found her own smile back was genuine.

Sue was enjoying this.