𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃| 𝐒. 𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 |

ten

Almost two days later, Steve returns from Romania with Sam, feeling dejected that they couldn't find Bucky. The frustration and disappointment weigh heavily on him, but his thoughts soon turn to Milana. He regrets the way he spoke to her before leaving and knows he needs to apologize.

Steve searches the compound for her, but Milana is nowhere to be found. Eventually, he heads to the gym, hoping to clear his head. As he approaches, he hears the sounds of fists striking a punching bag with relentless force. Peeking inside, he sees Milana pounding the bag aggressively, her movements fuelled by raw emotion. Each punch is enhanced by her powers, sending the bag swinging violently. With a final, powerful strike, the bag flies off its chain, crashing to the floor.

 Breathing heavily, Milana uses the break to catch her breath, wiping sweat from her forehead. When she turns, she notices Steve standing at the door. Her expression hardens, and she scoffs, trying to walk past him.

"Milana, wait," Steve says, reaching out to hold her wrist gently. "Please, I need to talk to you."

She stops, but doesn't look at him, her body tense. "What is it, Steve?" she asks, her voice cold.

"I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you before I left," he begins, his tone sincere. "I was wrong. I was just so worried and caught up in the moment. I wanted to protect you, but I went about it all wrong."

Milana turns to face him, her eyes still filled with hurt. "Steve, I'm not a little girl. I can handle myself, you even said it yourself."

"I know," Steve admits, his grip on her wrist tightening slightly. " I just know what Bucky's capable of, and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt by him. Now you're hurt by me, and I regret what I said. I was out of line. You deserve better than that."

Milana's expression softens slightly, and she lets out a small sigh. "It really hurt, you know. I thought you believed in me."

Steve steps closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "I do believe in you, Lana. More than you know. And I'm sorry I made you feel otherwise."

A small smile tugs at the corners of Milana's lips, and Steve's heart races at the sight. That smile, after days of worry and regret, ignites something deep within him. He can't help but notice how beautiful she looks, even now, with her hair slightly dishevelled and sweat glistening on her skin. The tension between them is palpable, electric.

"Thank you, Steve," she says softly, her voice a balm to his troubled soul.

Without thinking, driven by an overwhelming urge, Steve reaches up and cups her face in his hands. His eyes search hers for a moment before he leans in and kisses her. The kiss starts gentle, an apology and a promise, but it quickly deepens. Milana responds with equal fervour, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulls him closer.

Steve's hands move to her waist, gripping tightly as their kiss intensifies. The raw emotion and unresolved tension between them fuel the fire, making the air around them seem to sizzle. Milana presses herself against him, feeling his heartbeat quicken in response to her touch.

The intensity of their connection grows, and they both lose themselves in the moment. Steve lifts her effortlessly, placing her on a nearby bench as he continues to kiss her, his hands exploring the contours of her body. Milana's fingers trail down his back, pulling him even closer, wanting to feel every inch of him against her.

Their breathing becomes ragged, their movements more urgent. Steve's lips leave a trail of kisses down her neck, eliciting a soft moan from Milana. The sound drives him wild, and he returns to her lips, kissing her with a passion that leaves them both breathless.