Yes, Mr. Barnes. // Bucky Barnes X Reader

FOUR

You couldn't help but let your mind wander while you sat in the conference room with James and Steve. Their client, Stark Industries, was being represented by Tony Starks' Vice President, Peter Parker. He was young to be working so high up in the company, but was obviously smart enough to create a case against another company.

You scribbled down notes as you sat next to Steve. Your legs were crossed in your chair as you barely listened to conversation and wrote mindlessly on your notepad.

Your mind continued to wander about when James leaned over your desk. The way he cocked his head and spoke to you as his inferior; It reminded you of him. You weren't sure if it was the stature, or the way he seemed so confident; so filled with power.

It took you ten minutes to calm down after the encounter. You managed to figure out a way to go around the triggers of him, but this one snuck up on you. You sighed softly to yourself as you continued to blindly listen to the case that Mr. Parker was creating. You'd already found some flaws.

You struggled to keep your focus when James spoke, clear and direct with his client. "Some of this is irrelevant to your case, Mr. Parker."

"Yes, Mr. Barnes, I know, but I think it's better if you know all the facts." Peter fumbled, in his seat, grasping his hands tightly together in his lap.

"I have all the information I need here," James lifted up the file before letting his arm fall harshly back on the table, causing it to slam slightly.

You flinched slightly at the sound. Sure, it wasn't the same as a hand slamming, nor were the actions behind them the same, but the effect was still. Steve noticed, and he glanced over at you. You shook your head, continuing to write. He gave you a soft nod, turning his attention back to the meeting.

-

SEPT. 2019

You shot up from your bed, hearing your husband stumble through the door. He groaned as he nearly fell onto the coffee table. You scrambled to your feet, throwing a blanket over yourself.

"Elaine?!" Aldrich yelled out for you as you opened the door. He looked over at you, tears in his eyes. "You've been here the whole time?"

"Yes, I've been in the bedroom." You muttered, staying near the door frame. He was obviously drunk. "I came home, and you weren't here. I had to stay late at the shop." You explained. "I tried to call you but—"

"You didn't try to call me." He spat, walking over to you. You took a deep breath, waiting for an impact.

"I did, but your phone must've died. It kept going to voicemail." You continued your explanation, trying to calm him. "I'm here." You reached out to him, cupping his face in your hands.

He smiled softly, letting you touch him. He grabbed your forearms, keeping your hands where they were. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to get so upset." He turned his head slightly, kissing your palm. "I got home, and you weren't here. I went looking for you, and then I had a little too much to drink." Aldrich admitted sadly as he looked at you. His eyes were hooded, and you could tell he was upset with himself for thinking you would leave him so easily.

You smiled at him, wanting to remember this moment, even if he was drunk. "It's okay. Let's get you to bed, yeah?" You tried to pull him with you back to the bedroom.

He slammed his hand against the wall, startling you. "No." He muttered. "I just need you." His hands moved down your arms and around your waist, trying to pull you toward him.

You planted your feet into the ground, trying to get out of his grip. "Let's just go to bed, please." You whined, holding onto his hands that were on your waist.