Bound by Law (Matt Murdock x Reader)

24. Time is a Fragile Thing

The day was over, but as poets say, the night is still young. And full of surprises.

Following the last night's ruined plans, the Russians decided to talk to the big guy themselves, instead of poorly cooperating through his puppets like Wesley. And this turned out to be their worst decision yet.

Fisk shyly looks at Vanessa, and Wesley from the far corner table feels as if someone was twisting his insides. His boss, looking like a weak puppy, begging for attention, was something he had never expected to witness, yet a thing he always suspected to happen. Wesley's been sitting there, spinning a half empty cup of coffee in his hands for a good 40 minutes, from time to time checking up on Fisk. Not his most serious mission so far. Of course, he was used to spending his free time like this, alone with his thoughts, but unfortunately, no thoughts came to his mind now.

Vanessa smiles again, charming Fisk over and over again, until he stumbles on his words once more, "Are you sure about dessert? They have an incredible Zuppa Inglese." He looks down for a second, painfully aware of Wesley's intense stare across the restaurant.

Vanessa slightly furrows her eyebrows, "Don't children have that at birthday parties?" Both chuckle at the same time, and Vanessa studies the sudden wave of seriousness that washes over Fisk.

"Yes. When I was a kid, I loved it. Probably loved it a bit too much." He looks slightly down and Vanessa understands the clue.

"Well, now I have to know what it tastes like. You wanna split one?" She says so nonchalantly, perfectly aware that Fisk was under her spell like a madman.

"Yes." Fisk immediately gestures for a waiter, making Wesley to look up from his cup, "We'll have a Zuppa."

"Chocolate was always my downfall. Milk chocolate, not the dark stuff they say is better for you." Vanessa smiles slyly, secretly pulling her blouse down, so her cleavage would be more visible.

"I can order something else." Fisk answers, following the movement of the blouse.

"No, no, it's good to try new things. Get out of the comfort zone." Vanessa protests almost immediately, intently waiting for Fisk's reaction.

"Yes, we get caught up in what we're doing...who we think we are." He finally answers, lifting his eyes to meet Vanessa's, and immediately gets embarrassed.

"So...who are you, Wilson?" Vanessa leans forward on the table, messing her hair.

"Tonight, I'm just a man... enjoying the company of a captivating woman."

Vanessa doesn't get to ask another question when in behind her, Wesley quickly shoots up from his seat, trying to hold off an angry Anatoly on the stairs of the entrance. "I told you, he's indisposed-" Wesley gets pushed away slightly, but manages to keep his balance.

Half of the people in the restaurant stand up, all men dressed in costumes, and stand around Vanessa and Fisk's table. The other half stare at the scene, hoping that the worst won't happen.

"Sir, I need to speak with you." Anatoly makes his way towards Fisk, when two men stop him.

Vanessa looks around, feeling overwhelmed and confused, "What is this?"

Fisk grimaces, holding inside another anger episode. "We need to go... now. I'm sorry."

Anatoly continues talking, "I want to tell you, my brother and I, we gratefully accept-"

Fisk makes his way towards the exit, where Wesley was watching the scene unfold, and guides Vanessa outside, "Wesley will take care of you." He tells Anatoly, without turning back to look at the man, and quickly whispers to Wesley, "Put him in a car."