Christine Vargas was one vial away from becoming a Flag Smasher until Baron Zemo crushed her chances, only to offer her the world instead...his world.
True love comes at a dangerous price, but it's one she's willing to pay if it means another day wi...
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Squealing with delight, Christine ran and leapt onto the massive bed, turning to fall flat on her back in the middle of the cloud soft duvet. She laughed as it puffed up all around her, the curling halo of her hair spreading out across the wall of pillows.
Zemo looked on affectionately as he slipped the bell boy a little extra for his efforts and quickly headed for the bar.
"I mean... is this even real!" She shouted in a way that reminded him of her youthful zest for life. It was something he'd nearly forgotten how to feel until he met her.
He went straight for the bar and poured bourbon into a heavy rocks glass at the mirrored wall and watched her sit up, smiling at him from the bed. There was a silent understanding that passed between them, a moment of agreement that today was meant to be enjoyed. Yes they'd left Vienna and Sokovia with a good lead that would advance their mission in the pursuit of the serum, but they could take one day, just one...
Christine pulled herself from the bed taking long lazy steps to the open French doors, she went out onto the balcony. Inhaling deeply she took in the view of the most stunning beach she'd ever seen. It was the sort of equatorial paradise you'd find posted by instagram influencers and celebrities, but never actually experience.
This wasn't social media, this was life. Her wonderfully ridiculous life.
They'd been to Italy after Ibiza which she demanded they return to as soon as it was safe and then came Vienna, Sokovia and now this.
Christine sighed. I live this life with such ease, as though it's always been mine, she thought shaking her head remembering that not so long ago she was sharing bagged charity lunches with friends in dirty camps.
Leaning into the breeze, letting the ocean winds toss her hair and cool her skin, she knew better than to forget about the days that made her tough enough to appreciate the ones that made her soft.
Zemo's arms around her waist gave Christine a small start but she quickly relaxed in his hold, standing straight to lean back and rest her head on his chest, feeling a deep sense of contentment flow through her body on this peaceful afternoon.
"Things are quiet now, but they will not stay that way. You understand?" He asked gently and she nodded looking out at the sprawling sky. "There will be repercussions for what happened in Vienna but our work is not finished." He held her with one arm, the other hand raising the drink to his lips. She heard the clink of ice as he drank—sighing with the good burn of top shelf liquor— and then his arm was around her again. "But not yet." He smiled holding her just a bit tighter. "Until then, this is your playground." His words were very soft in her ear, his exhale warm along her neck. She sank into the way Zemo's voice deepened when offering a luxury few could afford. He so enjoyed giving her everything he could and it was intoxicating to be this spoiled— so perfectly kept— that she nearly forgot to care about anything other than being his. Nearly.
