Unforgettable

Part 34 - Secrets have a way of coming out

Willow stood there, hands on her hips staring at Steve 'Well go on then Rogers. You have the floor already. Say whatever it is you need to say and then you can do one'

Smirking a lopsided grin at her, he too made himself taller, standing over her 'I just think it's interesting that as soon as Bucky leaves, you decide to get back with your ex'

A gasp came from Nat as she intently watched the two. There was steam practically radiating off the pair of them and she knew it wasn't going to end well... for either of them'

Rolling her eyes, Willow nonchalantly answered 'Firstly.... I don't see how any of this is actually your business and secondly I'm not back with my ex. That's what happens when you listen in to a conversation where you don't have the full story'

Throwing his head back laughing, Steve raised his hands up in the air 'Sorry you're just kissing your ex and doing whatever else with him. You're really getting around now you're single huh?'

They all heard the crack before Steve felt it. Willow cursed as she tenderly held the hand she just hit Steve with 'Fuck you Steve Rogers. It was a couple of kisses ok. Nothing more than that. Do you really think that I would just forget about Bucky and fling myself at any guy who shows interest in me. You're such a judgemental asshole'

That seemed to spur Steve on. Still smarting from the right hook she just gave him, he leaned in further 'I'm the asshole?? Me? Sure Willow just make everyone else out to the bad guy so you can get to play the victim'

'You know what. I'm so sick and tired of all this' she animatedly announced whilst pacing back and forth 'What is it that he did that was so bad. I'd love to know'

'You really want to know' he glared at her 'because if you want me to go there, I will'

Taunting him to see if he would take the bait, she folded her arms giving him the sternest look she had 'Oh yes.... I really want you to go there Rogers'

Not wanting the situation to get out of hand and for Steve to spill everything out of anger, Nat tried to intervene 'Ok you two... I think that's enough for one evening, don't you. Maybe we should all just call it a night. It is late after all'

Without taking his eyes off Willow, Steve continued 'No. I think she deserves to know. Maybe you need to ask lover boy how he came into his money'

Throwing her hands up in frustration, Willow turned her glare back towards him 'Oh no. You started this with your taunting and accusations so no you don't get to drop out of this conversation now. So why don't you tell me how he came into his money'

'By bribing your father Willow. Ok. That's how he got his money. He bribed your father with images and photos he had taken of you in intimate situations. He threatened to release them into the public domain unless your father did everything he asked'

Seeing how hard she was trying not to release the tears pooling in her eyes, Steve softened a bit 'I'm sorry Willow but you were just a pawn in his game'

Willow tried to slow her breathing but she could feel her heart rate accelerating. Would Jeremy really do that to her. Hold images of her that she's never authorised in order to gain financially.

Memories from her time with Jeremy flicking through her mind to see if she could remember any act of betrayal similar to what Steve was highlighting 'No.... No. Why would he do that. It doesn't make any sense

Yelena reached out to stroke Willow's left arm. Trying to stem the panic she knew her friend was currently going through 'Steve you need to stop. This isn't your story to tell. This isn't how Bucky would've wanted her to find out. Let's not do it like this'

Pulling her arm away from Yelena, she turned to her 'What the hell does any of this mean? Why would he do any of what you're saying for money'

Steve knew he shouldn't go any further with this information. He knew he was going against Bucky's wishes but at this point he felt it was cruel not to say anything 'It means he only dated you for money. Because of his need to be powerful and rich, he caused your family to lose everything. Not to mention that he abused and manipulated you. He is pure evil and you need to stay away from him'

Sensing the confusion radiating off her, he pushed a bit more 'In fact don't just take my word for this Willow. Go and find out for yourself. Go home and ask him'

Grabbing her bag from the back of the chair, Willow downed the remainder of her drink before going to leave 'Ladies, I'm sorry but I think we need to cut this night short and as for you' she shouted as she whirled round to be face to face with Steve once more 'I swear to god that if you're lying about any of this or if this is some sick twisted game for you, I will make you wish that you had never come out of the ice'

Steve couldn't remember a time when he had ever seen her this angry but if it meant she finally got the truth, he was willing to swallow down the guilt he was feeling 'I have no reason to lie to you Willow and as much as I hate to be the one to hurt you, this is something that you needed to know'

No longer able to look at him, Willow headed out and off to the distance whilst the three of them watched her leave 'Not cool Rogers. I can't wait to see how you explain this all to Buck'

Worried that he might have pushed her too far, he glanced over at the girls 'She deserved to know. We should've told her long before now and you know it'

As Steve stormed off, Yelena turned to Nat 'Well that was fun to watch. I would love to be a fly on the wall when Bucky finds out'