I'm Paige

Bucky never told you that the glass walls are one-way glass. He’d never let anyone look at his wife. You’re his, and only his. No one can even look your way without him getting angry.

“Cheesy bastard.”

“Guilty…”

Five years earlier, …

Ruthless and cold-hearted. These were the two words people usually used to describe the man your father wanted you to marry. It was a bond forged long before you were born.

There was no denying your father or the family business. Not if you wanted to carry the legacy into the future. Being the heir of one of the most powerful families in the mob wasn’t easy. You were loved, spoiled, and protected, but your lifestyle came with a price.

“He’s not that bad,” your father tried to coax you into agreeing to the arrangement. He was a violent and powerful man, but a caring father. “Barnes is a smart businessman to the public, and a ruthless leader in the shadows. If you are part of his world, he’ll go to great lengths to protect you. Barnes wouldn’t dare to hurt you.”

You nodded, unsure if your father tried to convince you or himself. “I’m not going to back down. Barnes is a strong ally, and he will be a great partner.”

“Good,” your father said, placing his hand on your shoulder when James Buchanan Barnes entered the restaurant, he bought only to meet up with you and your father. He wasn’t the most romantic man, but he wanted you to feel safe and to protect you from any prying eye.

James curtly greeted your father, holding out his hand. He was not the kind of man who offered his hand to anyone. Your future husband did it out of respect for your father and the bond your families shared.

“Mr. Y/L/N, a pleasure to meet you,” he said to your father, but his eyes were on you the whole time. “I made sure we have privacy to discuss the matters of our union.”

“Mr. Barnes,” your father replied before officially introducing you to Mr. Barnes. “This is my daughter, Y/N.”

“Please call me James, or” He looked at you when he said, “Bucky. I prefer Bucky.”

“Mr. Barnes,” you replied with a smirk. James Barnes was the kind of man who got what he wanted the easy way, or by force. You didn’t want him to win you over easily, either. If he wanted to become your husband, he’d work for it.

Bucky mirrored your smirk, his eyebrows slightly raised. He was surprised and pleased to see that you weren’t a meek and obedient woman.

“You raised your daughter well,” he said, his voice rougher now. “I love to win a woman over.”

“Do your worst,” you shot back with a wink. “I like to give a man a run for his money.”

“Of course you do,” Bucky said as he pulled a chair for you. “Please have a seat. We should discuss our wedding arrangements.”

Bucky and your father talked about business, your wedding, and the unbreakable bond your families had forged years back.

For most of the night, Bucky was talking to your father, but his eyes never left you for longer than a few seconds. He was searching for cracks in your façade but couldn’t find any.

You were eloquent, polite, but with fire in your eyes. “What do you want to drink, miss?” the waiter asked, catching your attention. You were busy studying the menu and avoiding eye contact with Bucky.

“Can I have a martini glass, milk, and cookies?” The waiter blinked a few times. He tried to make sense out of your order when Bucky simply snorted.

“You heard the lady. She wants milk and cookies served in a martini glass.” Bucky struggled to keep a straight face. He was about to chuckle when you kicked his shin under the table. His eyes darkened for a second, but he kept his composure. “She sure needs something sweet after spending the evening listening to our boring conversation.”

“Milk and cookies,” the waiter repeated Bucky’s order, “on their way, Sir. Anything else?”

“You should ask my fiancée,” Bucky made sure everyone at the restaurant knew you were the one in charge tonight. “Whatever her heart desires, she’ll get.”

Your heart fluttered for a second, but you knew better than to easily fall for a man like James Buchanan Barnes.

If he wanted to win you over, he had to try harder…

Part 2