And, okay, maybe once you realized the fact that the new business next door was bought by a mobster, you should have just turned a blind eye and minded your own business—literally.

But you’re not built that way.

So you found yourself being a bit of a menace and spoiling initiatives here and there. Staying open later than you’re supposed to to mess up scheduled deliveries or business dealings. Misdirecting vendors and other associates to throw a wrench in plans and timelines.

Scary mobster was actually amused at your antics, but you were pushing back his very meticulously laid plans with all of your shenanigans, and while he didn’t necessarily want to kill you to keep you out of his hair, he had caught on to the fact that his exceptionally loyal and persuasive enforcer seemed to have an eye for you.

So if you weren’t going to play fair, neither would he.

Which is how you find the back entrance of your business filled by a behemoth of a bearded man who’s wider than the door frame and is effectively blocking you from skedaddling out back to foil yet another late night shady dealing.

You open your mouth to tell him that he shouldn’t be here and to get out, but he actually speaks before you, his voice a sharp, gravelly command as he points to your desk chair and orders you to, “Sit.”

You scoff, straightening to your not very impressive at all height—especially compared to his—and it’s your hands clenching into fists at your sides that has his eyebrow quirking in a way that makes you think he’s amused but would never outright show it.

Your lips part to tell him where he can shove his command, but in the blink of an eye, Ari’s towering right over you. He’s even more gigantic up close, and you have to crane your head back to see his face. His eyes are dark and glittering in a way that has all of your hair standing on end.

When he touches a thick, rough finger to your lips and murmurs for you to, “Hush,” all you can do is stare at him with wide eyes and a throbbing cunt as his watchful gaze dances along your face.

His eyes take their time surveying the rest of you, too, lingering on certain areas that have a hyperaware heat flooding your face.

When his gaze finally lifts to realign with yours, there’s the shadow of something in his eyes that has you shivering hard and taking a step back even as your nipples pebble and ache.

“On second thought,” his voice is all grit and gravel, and before your mind can comprehend what’s happening, he’s drops down onto the small worn, sofa in your office before yanking you down into his lap.

“Hey!” You squawk, flailing as you try to scurry away from him, but he bands a thick, muscular arm around your middle and effortlessly holds you in place, flush against him and all of his big, stupid muscles.

“And yet still you’ve been brazenly stirring up all kinds of nonsense to be a thorn in his side.”

There was just a hint of admiration in Ari’s voice, and for some reason, that seemed scarier than if he was angry.

“This is my business,” you quavered. “My baby, he can’t just… just come in here and do this.”

“He can,” Ari rebutted, nuzzling against your warm cheek. “He already has.”

Your vision blurred with the hot burn of tears, but before you could let your devastation consume you, Ari was speaking again, softly, right against the shell of your ear.

“So many fear my boss, and he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with, but me? I’m the one who gets my hands dirty, who makes all of his problems and annoyances go away.”

For perhaps the first time since all of this had started, it hit you like a bolt of lightening—who you were dealing with, who you were so stupidly drawing the attention of.

Who you were making an enemy of.

That realization had a whimper of fear spilling past your lips, because for all your determination and sassiness, you didn’t want to go away, permanently.

“Shh shh shh,” Ari cooed, his hand on your belly giving a gentle pet before it slowly started to descend.

You gasped sharply as his touch slid between your thighs, as he cupped your cunt through your jeans and panties as his teeth caught your earlobe and gave a warning nip.

Tim glanced at Celina, “Boot, don’t you have paperwork to complete?”

Celina grinned. She clasped her hands behind her back and swayed, pleased with herself. “Actually, it’s all done and lodged.”

Tim internally groaned at her efficiency. Without leverage, he returned his focus on Nolan. “It’s unacceptable.”

Nolan pursed his lips and nodded. “Perhaps, although do you think that maybe you’re just feeling a little jealous?”

Tim’s muscles tensed. “Tim Bradford doesn’t do jealous.”

He marched off with a need to vent. Tim found Angela and Nyla observing an interrogation.

“I need your opinion about - what the hell is this? What’s Y/n doing in there?” He demanded, eyes staring at the occupants on the other side of the glass - you and the flirty arrest.

Nyla was unfazed with his tone and general anger. She gestured to the glass panel for viewing and shrugged. “Their job.” She stated.

Angela grabbed her drink from the table and sipped it, equally amused with the interrogation on display. “And doing one hell of it without drooling.”

“Preach.” Nyla hummed.

Tim clicked his tongue at their lack of concern but joined in nonetheless to observe. “He’s not even that handsome.”

“Spoken like a jealous fiancé.” Angela smirked.

Mickey, the arms dealer, was smiling at you. His eyes raked you from top to bottom with a wicked delight. “You’re something else.”

Setting the papers onto the desk, you quirked a brow, “Believe me, I know.”

Mickey’s eyes flashed to the ring on your finger. “Does your significant other know that you’re in here with me?”

You held in a scoff. This guy didn’t hold a candle to Tim but you were ready to play the game if his cockiness led to a confession. “Does he need to be worried?” You inquired.

Mickey leaned back in his seat. “If he was smart, I think he should be very worried.”

You opened your mouth to reply when the interrogation room door burst open. Mickey jumped back, caught by surprise with the sheer anger roiling off the new officer.

Closing your eyes at Tim’s behaviour, you merely pinched the bridge of your nose. “Sergeant Bradford.”

Tim glared at the crook. “The fiancé.” He defined.

You managed to look up and see Angela and Nyla by the door trying to hold in their laughter. They were far too amused.

Mickey’s attitude shifted from concern to impressed as he took in Tim. “Oh, I can see what the fuss is about.”

Tim ignored him and looked at you. One glance was all it took to say ‘this session is over’. Taking a stand, you handed the questioning to Nyla and Angela before following Tim out.

If there was one thing that was going to happen in the next ten minutes, it was Tim getting an earful about jealousy in the workplace.

mean!soldier boy who doesn’t let you do a thing in the bedroom. makes you his personal pillow princess, fucktoy, who he can do anything with. you want to cum? well, you better ask for permission. if he spits or cums in your mouth, you’re also not allowed to swallow unless he says so

mean!soldier boy who manhandles you like it’s second nature, with that increased strength of his he can fuck you however he wants. can lift you in his arms and rail you in the middle of the room whilst standing. bends your body to his will, has you in any position that he wants; what you want doesn’t matter, he’ll get you off any way he wishes

mean!soldier boy who gets pissed if you shave. he makes it abundantly clear how he likes your body - specifically down there. he won’t touch you until it grows back, ‘like it’s supposed to be’. he’ll throw out all your razors if he has to, just so that he has you exactly how he wants, no matter how angry you might get. eventually, as always, you’ll give in

mean!soldier boy who loves leaving marks on you. like you’re his property. like a stamp that tells anyone who glances your way to not even attempt to sway your desires not like it’d work anyways. he wants people to see them, at your throat, jaw, even your thighs especially if you wear a skirt or a pair of shorts. almost like he’s wanting people to look

mean!soldier boy who loves to see you beg and cry for him. who smushes your face in his big hand whilst he’s fucking you, getting off on the wet glaze in your eyes, running down your face. he smirks as you plead for him, nails clawing at his arms. wanting to cum, needing more of him somehow

mean!soldier boy who gropes and smacks your ass as he walks by, teasing you until you become desperate. doesn’t matter who’s around, he’ll do it regardless. he’s humored when you get embarrassed, and it only ends with you becoming needy for him

mean!soldier boy who laughs at the idea of you being in charge in the bedroom 👀 humiliates you if you ever bring the idea up. and even if you don’t, he’ll randomly mention it whilst he’s inside of you. laugh about it, knowing that you’d never try to overpower him even if you physically couldn’t because it’d be a pathetic attempt. he’d love to see you try though, just so he could laugh about it

So, he went and braced himself for impact.

He sat at a table and nursed a beer, his glasses perched low on his nose and feeling a little overdressed in his blazer. The lighting wasn’t too great, but at least he was able to see the guys. No one else looked his way.

They hardly ever did even when he wasn’t trying to fade into the background.

He was just in the middle of discussing the way sound carried in enclosed spaces when someone bumped his shoulder. Cold liquid splashed over his knuckles from his glass. He heard a scoff behind him.

“Oh. Sorry,” he blurted out automatically, even though it wasn’t his fault.

He looked behind him and saw the sneering girl who bumped into him. She looked him up and down like she was trying to figure out why he was in her orbit. It was a look that made him feel much smaller than his size.

“Wow.” Her lips curled in a mocking smile. “I knew this bar had gone downhill lately, but I didn’t think they let geeks in.”

Head flooded Bucky’s cheeks as her surrounding friends giggled. He fumbled for a napkin, his hand suddenly too big and clumsy. A weak laugh escaped because that was what he did sometimes when he didn't know what else to do.

“I, uh, I prefer nerd instead of geek,” he tried to joke, something to distract him from the ringing in his ears.

“How about ‘loser’ instead? I mean, if the glasses fit…” she retorted.

The girls laughed louder as his face burned brighter. Sam and Steve didn’t and he knew they were two seconds away from saying something. His best friends didn’t like bullies in any size or form.

“I’m…”

He wasn’t a loser just because he wore glasses and was passionate about things like science. He’d say he was conventionally attractive, his physical attributes at least passing enough that some would admire him if they looked hard enough. The most important thing was that he was a good man. A loving man. But he swallowed hard, the words stuck in his throat instead of defending himself.

Why did he bother to come out tonight?

“Hey.”

A voice cut through the noise in his mind. Calm. Clear. Confident.

Bucky looked up and, for half a second, his brain simply stalled.

A few heads turned as you walked toward his table with your head held high. He couldn’t help but stare since you were one of the most beautiful people he has ever laid eyes on. Even with the bad lighting in the place you burned so bright, like a lone star in the sky.

“Sorry I’m late,” you said to him.

Bucky looked around to see if you were talking to someone else. The lie sounded so sincere and convincing that he believed for a second you really were there to meet him. He wished you were.

You winked at him, subtly urging him to play along. “It’s okay,” he replied, his voice soft.

You stood close, not invading his space when you stopped but enough that he felt your warmth. Your presence made the small group of girls wordlessly move back, and his throat went dry. You glanced at his damp hand and sleeve, your eyes softening when they moved back to his face.

Was he dreaming?

“Is there a problem?” you asked, giving the mean girls a glare that made them squirm.

He didn’t spare them a glance, too busy paying attention to you. “No.” His voice cracked. “I’m fine.”

You smiled, something small and warm, and you leaned in just enough that only he could hear you over the noise. “May I kiss you?”

His heart slammed against his ribs. “What?” he asked in a whisper, convinced that he misheard you.

“May I kiss you?” you repeated gently, your smile widening. “It’s okay if you don’t want to.”

He pulled back and searched your face for the punchline. He waited for the cruel smirk or mocking laugh. There wasn’t any.

“You’re… Wait, you’re serious?” he asked incredulously.

You tilted your head and moved closer, like you two were sharing a secret. “Completely.”

He heard the girls mutter something between them, but he blocked it out. Why would someone like you want to kiss him? And did he have anything to lose since his dignity had already taken a hit tonight?

“Yeah.” His voice didn’t break this time. “Yeah, you may.”

Your hand came up to brush his jaw, his pulse going wild when you closed the gap. You didn’t rush, giving him a chance to stop you or pull away. He wouldn’t dare.

Your lips brushed his and his knees nearly gave out.

God.

The world around him narrowed to the feel of your mouths together, closeness and warmth wrapping around him. The kiss was slow, grounding, and somehow intimate in a setting that was anything but. You kissed him like you knew exactly what you were doing and exactly what it was doing to him. It felt like he was being kissed by someone who wanted to kiss him.

The bar felt oddly quiet when you pulled back, your eyes half-lidded and his lips tingling. Sam made a sound, but he didn’t acknowledge it. He couldn’t stop looking at you, his unexpected heroine.

Your thumb brushed his lower lip and he shivered. Did the kiss get to you, too? Did your heart swell? Was there crackling under your skin?

You turned to the girl who bumped him and your smile sharpened just a touch.

“Next time, watch where you’re going,” you said smoothly, your eyes flicking to Bucky’s damp sleeve. “And apologize to my boyfriend.”

Bucky just about short-circuited.

Boyfriend.

The girl’s mouth fell open, her friends suddenly finding the drinks in their hands very interesting. Bucky wondered if you were telling her to apologize for the spilled beer or her rude words. Maybe it was both. Either way, you raised an eyebrow and waited for the apology.

“Sorry,” the girl mumbled, like it pained her to do so, before she stomped off with her group trailing behind her.

You turned back to Bucky, your expression soft again. “I’m sorry, too,” you told him, surprising him. “I saw what happened and I couldn’t ignore it.”

“Don’t be sorry.” His stomach did a funny flip as he smiled gently. He couldn’t remember the last time someone gave him butterflies or stood up for him outside of his friends. “I appreciate it.”

“And you’re okay?” you asked, your brows furrowing.

He nodded, still stunned and his mind buzzing over you calling him your boyfriend, even if it was just to help him. Did you ever do that for another guy? “Yeah, I think so.”

“I’m glad,” you said, giving a shocked Sam and Steve a nod when you turned to walk away.

Bucky’s eyes widened and he felt a rush of bravery or foolishness wash over him, reaching out and lightly catching your wrist. You didn’t pull away. That was a good sign.

“Don’t go,” he practically begged, his ears burning as he cleared his throat. “I just…” He pushed his glasses up. “May I buy you a drink?” he asked, holding his breath.

Anything to keep you from walking away.

You glanced down at his hand and back up, your eyes bright. “I was hoping you’d ask.”

He exhaled, in slight disbelief that you agreed. He dared to look at the guys, both of them now sporting grins and he was sure he’d hear about it later. “You two mind if I-”

“Go,” Sam urged in a whisper and Steve nodded in approval.

You looped your arm with Bucky’s and he felt tingles down to his toes. “Thanks for letting me steal him away.”

And as Bucky went to the bar with you, feeling more confident than he had in days, he knew with a thrill that you’d just stolen his heart, too.

So, do we like him? Do we want more? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

And no one expected you to perform.

The kids were yawning and blinking slowly as the adults cleaned up, a few slumped in their chairs with frosting smeared around their mouths. Their parents teased you gently that it had to be a sugar crash. You helped Gracie pack up some dishes while Bucky offered to escort Gigi back to her trailer. She didn’t go without giving your hand a small squeeze.

“Embrace that you’re blooming,” she reminded you, her smile kind and eyes full of quiet wisdom. “And welcome again to the neighborhood.”

“Thanks, Gigi. I hope you have a good night,” you said, shivering just a little. You should’ve brought a cardigan.

Bucky slipped his jacket off immediately when the breeze picked up to drape it over your shoulders. His hands rested there briefly, that familiar jolt of current running through your body when he touched you. It felt so warm and smelled like him, and you couldn’t help but try to wrap it around you.

“Can’t have my girl catching a cold,” he rumbled, his hands moving down your arms. 

“Your girl, huh?” you asked, the words coming out a little more breathless than you intended.

“I did promise you and Gigi I’d earn you, right?” he asked, winking and taking Gigi’s arm again. “You mind waiting for me while I walk her back?”

“I’ll wait right here.”

You watched Bucky lead Gigi away, her smaller frame tucked against his side. A smile touched your lips and you pulled his jacket a bit tighter around you. He truly was a gentleman beneath his flirty, tough exterior.

Gracie followed your gaze and nudged your shoulder. “You know he’s already planning your wedding in his head, right?”

You nearly lost your footing when you turned to look at her. “What?”

“Kidding. Or am I?” She laughed at your expression. “He’s been waiting for someone like you to show up.”

You found yourself smiling again. Someone like you. It felt nice.

“I don’t know why I’m surprised to hear you say that,” you said, handing her the empty dish she reached for. “He said he already told his sister and best friend that he met his future wife.”

Those words felt unnatural rolling off your tongue. 

“So he told Becca and Steve about you, huh?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Should’ve known with those stars in his eyes.”

Your cheeks felt warm against the chill in the air. “You keep saying that.”

“‘Cause it’s true,” she said, glancing over your shoulder as footsteps approached. “Pretending to be a gentleman by giving her your jacket?”

You turned, your heart picking up when Bucky stepped closer with his hands in his pockets. His eyes found you immediately, his expression softening. His gaze flickered briefly to the jacket around your shoulders before returning to your face, your breath catching.

There was something like pride in his eyes now.

At least, you thought it was pride.

“I am a gentleman,” he teased Gracie, raising an eyebrow when she smirked. “What?”

“Oh, nothing. Just take care of her.” She leaned in to give you a hug. Not a fake air kiss like you received in the past with old friends. “We’ll hang out soon, okay?” 

You barely had a chance to nod when Tucker appeared out of nowhere and wrapped an arm around her waist. Your heart turned over when she leaned against him. They were a sweet couple. A natural fit.

And the way he looked at her with so much adoration and warmth…

Bucky seemed to look at you that way, too.

“Babe!” She giggled when he tried to pull her away.

“Hey. I’ve had to share you all day,” he joked, glancing at Bucky. “Back me up here, Barnes.”

Bucky snorted. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Tucker dragged Gracie away before she could chime in, her laughter trailing behind her. The energy from the potluck lingered in the air before settling into something soft and quiet as you and Bucky stared at each other. You would’ve been content to stand there with him all night.

Maybe even dance with him under the stars.

He finally nodded toward your trailer and grabbed the empty dessert carriers for you. “C’mon, Sweet Cheeks. Let’s get you home before you decide you’re keeping my jacket.”

“Maybe I am,” you teased, making a show of snuggling into it. “You did give it to me.”

His gaze drifted over you slowly before he licked his lips for good measure. “Looks better on you anyway.”

You glanced at your feet and smiled before you fell in step beside him. It was a short distance to the trailers, and you wished it could’ve been longer. You weren’t ready for it to end, but he had already spent a good portion of his day with you.

The last thing you wanted was to be clingy.

“First neighborhood potluck,” he said after a moment. “How did you like it?”

You looked out of the corner of your eye. He was watching you instead of looking ahead. Would you ever get used to him asking questions and genuinely caring? 

“Once my nerves calmed? I loved it,” you replied honestly. “It’s nice to be around genuine people and feel like I belong.”

There was a lingering bit of sadness that you didn’t experience that kind of warmth with your family and friends, but the smiles and laughter outweighed it. 

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” His shoulder brushed yours gently. “And everyone loved you, just like I said.”

You bit your tongue so you wouldn’t deny it, but you shook your head anyway. “You mean they loved my treats,” you said quietly. 

“Darlin’, Gracie is already making plans with you and Gigi is probably going to make you a blanket starting tomorrow. You're the official dessert queen now, and everyone loved you,” he said, his shoulder nudging yours again like he couldn’t stop himself. “How could they not?”

Your heart fluttered a little at the quiet certainty in his voice. Him calling you “darlin’” was swoon worthy, too. It wasn’t fair. 

“I appreciate hearing that.”

You caught the small smirk on his face. “But I still love you the most.”

Butterflies filled your stomach. “I know you do.”

You turned to face Bucky once you reached your trailer. He stood close enough that you caught the way the porch light caught the blue in his eyes. You were certain you never held eye contact with anyone as long as you did with him. 

“Thanks for walking me back,” you said. 

His gaze dropped briefly to your mouth and you held your breath. 

Was he going to kiss you?

The spell broke when he cleared his throat and took a half step back. You exhaled. You must’ve misread the moment. 

“Thanks for letting me,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “You… got plans tomorrow?”

“I was going to go into town,” you replied, tilting your head. “Why?”

“Let me show you around,” he offered, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I did say I could be your tour guide.”

“You still want to show me around?” you asked. 

“Yeah. There’s a diner with the best pancakes you’ll ever have,” he said, rubbing his stomach. “And a bookstore not too far from there.”

“I could use a new book,” you mused. 

“Maybe I can show you my shop? Steve may give me a hard time about coming in on my weekend off, but it’s worth it,” he said, his eyes hopeful. “And the bakery, too. I know you wanted to check that out.”

You smiled. He wanted to spend more time with you. He wanted to show you his shop where you might possibly meet Steve. And he was going to take you to the bakery. 

How could you turn him down?

“I’d really like that.”

His smile widened, his eyes warm. “Then I’ll pick you up at 10.”

“Picking me up?” You raised an eyebrow. “Your trailer is just a few feet away.”

“Told you. I’m a gentleman,” he said, stepping back a little more. “But I wouldn’t mind if you did a twirl for me since you’re still wearing my jacket.”

You shook your head at the shameless grin on his face. “Fine,” you sighed, stepping back and doing a slow twirl. 

He placed a hand on his chest and groaned, the sound deep. “Jesus fucking wept, Sweet Cheeks. Your dress and my jacket? Wet dream come true.”

You giggled to hide how much his words continued to get to you. Not just the outrageous flirting, but his assurance and sweetness and everything else. If you ever had a bad day going forward or felt self-conscious, you could remember the things he told you and how he looked at you like you were someone worth sticking around for.

“Well, take a picture because it’ll-” You cut yourself off when he took out his phone. “Wait, are you seriously going to take a picture?”

“Oh, yeah. Say, ‘Sweet Cheeks’,” he teased.

You laughed again, ducking your head. “It’s dark. There’s no way you’ll get a good photo anyway.”

“Oh, yeah?” He smirked, turning the screen toward you. “Looks good to me.”

He managed to snap a photo just before your head went down. The porch light shined over you, giving your body a small glow. And your smile was open and carefree.

Beautiful.

“It’s not a bad photo,” you conceded. 

He glanced at the screen, smiling softly before he slipped his phone back into his pocket. “I think it’s perfect,” he said quietly. 

“Or maybe you just take really good photos,” you said, reluctantly slipping his jacket from your shoulders. “Trade?” you asked, nodding to the empty dessert carrier. 

He glanced at your outstretched hand before he shook his head. “Keep it for now.”

Your eyes widened, your fingers tightening on the fabric. “Are you sure?”

“Looks better on you, and I’ve got others,” he said, something warm settling in his gaze. “‘Also it gives me an excuse to see you again when I want it back.”

Your heart stuttered. “If you insist,” you said, slipping the jacket back on.

“I do,” he said, only handing the carrier over once you unlocked the door. 

He looked like he didn’t want to leave. 

You didn’t want him to go either. 

You lingered in the doorway, neither of you moving right away. The warmth of the day stayed wrapped around you like his jacket, and you wanted to bask in it. You owed it to yourself.

There was comfort in knowing you weren’t so alone anymore.

And Bucky…

There was comfort in knowing he was there.

“I’ll be here at 10,” he reminded you. 

You nodded. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Sweet dreams, Sweet Cheeks.”

“Sweet dreams, Bucky,” you whispered. “And say hi to Alpine for me.”

“I will,” he promised, staying rooted to the spot until you went inside. 

You leaned against the door once you shut it and exhaled slowly, your heart still racing. You were itching to go after him, but you were proud of yourself for staying put. Self-control was a necessity.

Besides, you were going to see him tomorrow. He was taking you to breakfast and around town. It was basically a day date.

Right?

You sighed, trying not to think about how much you were really looking forward to it. He had already spent so much time with you between the fire pit and potluck. He called you his girl and said he wanted to earn you.

“I got out of a relationship not too long ago. I don’t need a man,” you whispered, like you had to give yourself a reason for behaving. 

You didn’t need a man. You didn’t want just any man either. Not after everything.

You wanted Bucky Barnes.

I know this update was a little short, but the day date will be lots of fun. We may even see Steve! Love and thanks for reading! ❤️