The Rose and Dagger

And the Sky falls

The niece of the most notorious mobster since Al Capone sat in his guest bed room. Steve shook his head.
Bucky's emotions didn't betray his expression, but Steve knew the anxiety was there. Kingpin had been a thorn in their side for a while.
The Rogers family made their way to the top running rum during the prohibition; then gambling, guns and women. When Steve took over he made sure the family stayed out of drugs and leaned into "protection services." They called him the goodie two shoes of crime; keeping up his golden boy persona from his military days. He invested wisely and people knew you'd get a fair deal.
Fisk dealt in every black market back alley bad shady deal you could imagine. Steve wasn't sure what to make of the girl before him.
Rain began to fiddle with her damaged glasses, "I... I ran away 3 years ago. Uncle wanted me to marry someone to cement an alliance, but the man was a monster. I refused."
Rain paused remembering the night she followed Henry "The Butcher" Jones to get pictures of him to show her uncle, "I followed him one night to find proof... I can never unsee... He picked up a prostitute and..."
Rain began to shake and then felt 2 strong hand embrace hers. Steve and Bucky each took a hand in theirs. Steve wiped a tear away gently from her bruised cheek, "When you're ready..."
She swallowed, "After I told my uncle I wouldn't marry him he shrugged and said I'd learn to love him; then I showed him the pictures. I don't think he was even aware of the monster the man had become. The next day the man was found dead."
Rain looked from Steve to Bucky, "I didn't run because my uncle killed the man. I ran because who knew where he'd try to marry me off next. He liked to say "Rainy only the very best pawns become queen." I didn't want to be a player in his game."
Rain watched as Steve stood and reached for a folded shirt he'd first brought in, "Go ahead and change into this and try to get some rest... We'll figure out the best course of action tomorrow."
Rain went to object, but Bucky stopped her, "Look staying here tonight is just the safer option."
Rain sighed, "Thanks... I'm sorry."
Both men gave her an understanding smile.
🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🗡🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
They left the room to let her change and rest.
In Steve's office Bucky poured a drink, "Well what do you want to do?"
Steve scrubbed his hand over his face, "I don't know. I mean we can't keep her here."
Bucky raised an eye brow are his friend.
Steve sighed, "She's not a lost puppy we can adopt."
Bucky sat his glass down, "I know, but we can't just let her go. Fisk will scoop her up before she can think twice."
Steve leaned against the wall, "Let's see if these guys know why he wants her home."
Bucky finished his drink, "Did you see how she handled herself? Man... Who would have thought that kitten had claws."
Steve smirked, "Yeah... She's something else alright."
Bucky put his hand on his friend's shoulder, "Admit it you'd like to keep her."
Steve heaved a sigh, "Trouble is I don't think she'll let us."
Bucky leaned in close, "Good thing we don't take no for answer."
Steve grinned.