𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝚇 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜 ✔️

𝙳𝙾𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙲𝚁𝙾𝚂𝚂𝙴𝙳

*1 hour earlier*

"Ugh this is impossible!" Tossing in Steve's bed I push the sheets off me in frustration. For the last 20 minutes I'd stirred awake from my sleep, being unable to get back over. I had this unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach that I just could not shift. Staring at the ceiling all I kept thinking is how I needed to get out of this tower, just for a little while. Looking at the clock I see it's only just gone 3pm. I couldn't risk Rumlows threat being true.

Sighing in defeat I untangle myself fully from the sheets, grabbing Stevie's sweater and throwing on my comfy sweats. Sneaking out of my room I check to make sure the coast is clear, quietly making my way out of the tower.

*
*
*

3:55pm:

Standing at the familiar apartment building I subconsciously hold my breath, before taking the necessary steps inside.

Peering through the closed blinds the hydra agents have been on the lookout for me, making sure I show. "She's here." One of the agents confirms to Rumlow who is becoming even more impatient.

"Send the order."

"But Sir... she made it in time-" Raising his gun, Rumlow shoots twice, the agent falling to the ground.

"Do you have a problem with sending the order?" The other agent shakes his head in fear, leaving the room and complying with his orders.

Getting back up to my old apartment I've come more prepared. I didn't know what Rumlow wanted but I knew no good would come from this so they needed to be taken down. Taking a deep breath it was time for action.

1...2...3

Taking my gun from my holster I boot the door down with one hard kick, gaining access to the apartment agents came from left, right and center instantly attacking. Not even giving them an inch they were all down within seconds.

"Rumlow, show yourself you son of a bitch!" I march through the apartment, anger coursing through my body. I had no idea what he wanted but I was going to find out. Seeing him casually making himself comfortable on the sofa, I cautiously approach, still aiming my gun at him.

Laughing he puts his hands up in defeat, slowly removing his gun from his holster placing it on the coffee table in front of him. "Easy there lil darlin' I'm not going to hurt you."

"Yeah you're right, you're not." Taking my aim off his body I pull the trigger, skimming his ear with my bullet. Watching his face drop to a more serious tone he nods. Not having time to react agent's from behind grab me, restraining me easily. These must be super soldiers.

"Get off me!" I scream, struggling to loosen their grips from around my wrists. Standing from the sofa Rumlow approaches me cautiously, only being inches from me. Continuing the struggle he leans forward, gripping my cheeks hard with one hand, pushing them together slightly whilst steading my head so I am facing him. Trying to avoid eye contact I breath heavily, still trying to release his grip.

"What do you want from me?" I ask, trying to steady my breathing, knowing I need to reserve my energy for when the chance to escape comes.

"We want you back lil darlin', we've missed you."

"I told you not to call me that."

"Oh come on.... It suits you, even as a kid you were always hydra's lil darlin'... Our golden star."

"You know I will escape... I always do." Releasing his hand from my face he gives the other agents the order to release me.

"You're right... that's why we're not going to kidnap you..."

Furrowing my brow I'm trying to understand why they've released me, making it way too easy to just walk out the door.

"I don't understand... If you're not going to kidnap me then what are you going to do with me?"

"We're giving you a choice." Laughing I shake my head turning to walk away.

"Let me guess, you want me to come willingly?"

"Ahh, always such a smart girl." Grinning he takes a few steps towards me, instinctively I back up until my back hits the wall.

"I'd rather die..."

"Well we both know you can't die."

"Well then I'll just be leaving then..."

"What about the avengers? You wouldn't want to see your family get hurt."

"You son of a-" Lunging forward I grab him by the collar, pushing him back across the room until he slams into the wall, crumbling slightly around him from impact.

"You have until sundown to return and we won't harm them... You have my word." Sighing in defeat I release my grip, dropping my head.

"You promise?"

"We only want you."

"Fine. Let me say goodbye at least."

Gesturing towards the door the agents move out of my way, knowing I can freely leave.

"I swear if you do anything, I will hunt you all down one by one!"

"You best get a move on princess... you only have an hour til sundown." Scoffing I walk through the room, grabbing my gun trying to figure out how the hell I'm going to solve this.

"So boss, you think she'll come?"

Reaching to activate his earpiece he says two words. "Do it."

Looping his hands in his belt, Rumlow shows a vicious smile. "Oh I don't think she's going to have much choice, especially since the avengers will be dead."

*
*
*

Heading back to the tower, a flurry of cop cars and fire trucks roared past. "Oh looks like something is going on in Mid Manhattan?"

"Hmmmm... yeah... strange." I comment, feeling a surge of uneasiness wash over me.

Watching as the cars and trucks continue down at speed I see them turn off at the same corner I was due to take to get back to the tower. "Umm excuse me, would you mind putting your foot down a little?"

"Ma'am, I'm going as fast as I can and anyways the traffic is gridlocked." Gesturing in front I can see all the cars building up quickly at the end of the block. The block I needed to be in. A surge of uncertainty came over me and I knew something was wrong.

"I tell you what, here's $20 and this will do me just fine." Without even being able to answer me I was out of the cab and jogging quickly up the rest of the way. Getting to the end of the block I turned quickly and just like that I was frozen in place.

Time frozen around me I look up in horror at the events unfolding in front of my eyes. The tower. The tower was... destroyed.

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a/n: okay so firstly apologises for like not updating in forever! So some of you know I've been in the middle of looking for a new job and having to work my notice at work so things have been hectic and a little stressful!

Soo only 3 more chapters to do until we can officially start 'Til the end of the line' the sequel to this rollercoaster story!

Thank you so much for your patience and to everyone who has followed and is following this story! It means more than you know!

Don't forget to comment & vote 💖

Love you 3000
Lucy xoxo