Sweet and Sour

Chapter 2 - No big deal

Warning: References to being followed without consent/stalking

*

Later as you lock up and walk home, you couldn't help but replay the events of the day in your head once more.

Wanda had loudly squealed once they'd gone, not only was terrifying mob boss James 'Bucky' Barnes in your bakery but you had stood up to him! Told him off, even!! And he'd TIPPED you a hundred dollar bill for it. What a badass! She'd jumped on the phone to her boyfriend Vis to recount (and maybe embellish) the entire shocking tale.

But you didn't feel like a badass. You felt scared, surprised by your boldness. What were you thinking?? Talking to a mob boss like that? You always got carried away when people riled you up, your big mouth getting you in trouble. It had been a problem your whole life, starting from when you'd stand up to bullies twice your size in the playground as a kid, often getting knocked on your ass in the process.

You'd held the money up to the light thinking it was a forgery, but Wanda reminded you that Barnes wasn't living on the breadline. Rumour has it he lived in a fancy townhouse with gates so high you couldn't see over them. He must be worth millions.

You insisted on splitting the money with Wanda but she had point blank refused, demanding that you keep every penny as you earned it by sticking up for her. You'd begrudgingly agreed after she eventually wore you down, but made a mental note to use at least part of it to buy a gift for her.

The money burned a hole in your pocket as you walked home. It felt like dirty money, as if accepting it had somehow welcomed Barnes and his world into the bakery. Yes he'd spent money on baked goods too, but it wasn't the same thing as a cash tip. Hush money essentially, after one of his goons had hassled your staff.

You didn't particularly want mobsters in the bakery, either. You hoped they weren't going to make a habit of it. You didn't want them scaring the other customers, or making veiled threats like his little protection gag. This was the first time you had ever hoped a customer didn't like your baking...

But still. It was definitely a bit excitement for a Tuesday afternoon wasn't it?

It was.

And there was something about Mr. Barnes.

You'd felt a thrill rip through you as you stared him down, going toe to toe with him. You'd never admit it to Wanda, Hell you could barely admit it to yourself...but when he'd glared at you there had been a tingle between your thighs, in spite of your fear.

You sighed deeply, shaking that train of thought off as you began to walk faster.

And there, across the street but unseen by you, a black SUV slowly crawled in your direction.

**

Bucky was pleasantly surprised by how good the cakes were at Pepper's Bakery, sneaking the last chunk of blondie into his mouth as he absent-mindedly glanced over some paperwork.

His attention was captivated by the spirited Baker who had stood up to him earlier. He'd thought you were cute when he'd walked in, dressed in overalls with a tiny smudge of flour on your chin. You'd smiled at them warmly when they'd arrived, treating them all sweetly rather than quivering in fear like so many others do. He liked your smile, he was drawn to the sparkle in your eyes. You weren't his 'usual type' by any means, but he was interested in you all the same.

He couldn't resist teasing you, his childish go-to when it came to women he was attracted to. He didn't like to appear vulnerable even for a moment in any scenario - and that included flirting with girls if there was a chance they could reject him. So he stuck with teasing and baiting, the perfect way to have a bit of fun without showing his hand. He only allowed himself to flirt properly when the girl was already eating out of the palm of his hand. Besides, he always enjoyed a bit of back and forth. Getting women riled up and angry at him. It was a type of foreplay for him.

But you held your own, not entertaining the idea of him getting the upper hand in any way. You gave as good as you got it, shutting him down, and that had impressed him.

He was only teasing you about protection. He wouldn't do that. Besides, he was courting Stark as a potential partner and he didn't need a business degree to know that threatening Stark's wife's employees was likely to put a dampener on their deal.

And then you'd told off Thor, standing up for your colleague like a proud mama bear. You weren't frightened of any of them.

At first he thought you didn't know who he was. Maybe that's why you weren't afraid to speak up. But you did. You knew full well. But you didn't care who he was, you had no patience for Thor's antics and made that very clear.

You had told him you expected respect in your establishment, and that you had only been respectful to them. You were right, that was reasonable. It was your turf. You been good to them. Bucky understood the importance of respect. Thor needed to be reined in, often running his mouth with women at the worst possible times. Bucky had even intervened before. He was impressed that someone else had stepped in. That you had stepped in.

He'd arranged a few of his men to keep an eye on you. Nothing sinister. Just see what your routine looked like. Learn a bit more about you. He already knew your full name of course. Your age. Your address. He had told Steve to get all that the moment they'd left the bakery. It's no big deal. He just likes to know as much as he can about the people he deals with. He's an important man after all, he can't be caught off guard.