Rebirth (Completed)

Forbidden Love

The sunlight rays swept through the window and landed on Serena's face, her eyes opened and she smiled when she felt her lover's strong arms wrapped around her small waist.

She sighed happily and turned over to face him, but instead of Loki there lying in the bed next to her was Steve. Gasping in shock, she tried to free herself from the Soldier's embrace which woke him up.

"Good morning," he muttered sleepily, "trying to escape from me?"

Serena squeaked in protest when she felt his hand touch her in an uncomfortable way and she shudder in fear. 'Where was Loki? Why is Steve here? Please say I am dreaming.'

In her mind she was in a state of panic. She didn't understand what was happening and it frightened her when Steve kissed her tenderly.

"Don't be afraid, love," Steve murmured against her neck, "I would never harm you."

Fear overtook her whole mind that she began to violently tremble as Steve slowly started pulling off her nightgown. She was already crying and pleading for him to stop, but he silenced her with a passionate kiss.

Serena's eyes snapped opened and she launched herself upward in a sitting position. "NO!" she screamed in fear, her eyes alight with fire.

Suddenly strong arms wrapped themselves around her and she relaxed when she heard Loki's voice. "Easy, love, it was only a dream," he whispered soothingly as he kissed her head.

She sighed and lean back into his embrace, slightly trembling from the after effects of the dream that was still tormenting her mind and cried into his chest. Loki's hand rubbed her back in circles and it brought a calming effect.

They cuddled together until the birds began to sing their morning songs and the sun started to rise. Eventually Serena fell back into sleep feeling safe in her husband's arms while listening to his sweet words of love.

Steve woke with sweat dripping down his forehead. The dream of being with Serena felt so real and it confused him to why he would dream of taking advantage on her like that. He wasn't the aggressive type that would force himself on an innocent woman, a married woman to be precise. Oh why must fate be so cruel?

It makes him angry to this day that Loki, the one who almost destroyed New York, was able to claim Serena as his and then married the girl. Steve sighed and pushed back the covers off his soaking wet body, he definitely needed a shower.

He slowly made his way to the bathroom and allows the cold water to numb his pain and to clear his thoughts of the beautiful girl who had captured his heart and no matter how hard he pleaded the memory of her refuses to let it go.

No one would understand the pain that he must suffer daily as he silently watches Serena with the trickster kiss, hold hands and even just cuddle on the sofa together in front of the warm fire on the coldest of mornings.

How he long to hold her in the same manner and run his fingers through her soft golden hair that reminds him of the sun.

He shook himself free of those torturous thoughts and turned off the shower which literally numbed his whole body. Wrapping a towel around his waist he steps out and opens the door of the bathroom only to see a blushing Serena who happened to be walking by.

He felt his own face burn red as he watched her quickly hurry in the opposite direction to where he was headed. Lowering his head he swiftly made his way back to his bedroom and shuts the door a little harder than he meant to. His heart was racing and he groans in anguish before quickly getting dress for the day.

Shocked and slightly horrified at the sight of Steve in a towel did a number to Serena nerves and feelings especially after that dream. 'Oh why did I dream about him? I am a married woman and it's not right to lust after another man.'

She hoped that by the time she reached the living room where the others were that her face would no longer be beat red. Her heart was going crazy with backflips that she had to place a hand on the wall to steady herself before her knees gave out on her.

Tears formed in her eyes when she realized that she also had feelings for Steve, the man who was her guardian angel when she needed protection and or safety. 'What is wrong with me? Why do I love another when I have my prince.'

Her love for Steve was forbidden which made it all the more dangerous and exciting. She mentally slapped herself, 'get a grip girl!'

Forcing back the tears, she strolled towards the dining room but she suddenly bumped into someone and the force knocked her down to the floor.

"Oh Serena," Steve's voice apologized, "Please forgive me. I wasn't watching where I was going."

Big muscular arms helped her back on her feet and she froze like a deer trapped in headlights when she made eye contact with those beautiful sea blue eyes.

No matter how hard she tried she couldn't force herself to move and she realized she is in a dangerous situation especially when Steve's concern face broke into a handsome smile. Before she could stop herself, Serena swooned and Steve caught her in his strong arms.