The Child of Winter ~ Book 1

16. Success & Everlasting Promises

~ Merry Christmas, Readers! Hope you enjoy this newest chapter and I can't wait to see your comments! ~

Several years after the successful surgery to remove the programming from Steven's mind, the young man had reached his twenty-first year and was currently being bribed by Tony Stark to sing a ridiculous song that had no appeal to him in the slightest.

He'd grown into quite a handsome young man by now, with all the charm and wit that Bucky had at that age and then some. Many young women were always flocking to him, desperate for his attention at the many dinner parties Stark held. His voice, richer and fuller than ever, stated sharply, "I'm not going to sing that song, Stark! There's no way!"

"What song?" Peggy inquired as she stepped into the main living room, overhearing the argument from her room, and embraced Steven's muscular torso from behind.

She was now twenty years old and looked stunning with her startling eyes, gentle blonde hair, and her elegant figure. Guys would on occasion try their luck with her; however, it took a single glare from Steven to have them scattering like the roaches they were in his eyes.

Steven's chest rumbled as he chuckled, "He wants me to sing a ridiculous song that has no class whatsoever!"

Peggy slowly took a seat beside her boyfriend of several years now and raised a well-groomed eyebrow, "Are you really that old-fashioned still, Steven?"

A dazzling smile from him had her smiling right back as he shrugged, "I just like the classics, not all these new curse-filled things people call music nowadays." Steven truly was taking after his father, Bucky. His metal fingers tapped a soft rhythm on the granite countertop, "I like feeling the rhythm deep in my bones, hearing someone's true voice painting a beautiful picture in my mind... Don't you?"

She nodded slowly, "I only truly enjoy those types of songs when you sing them. You have the best voice."

Steven huffed softly, embarrassed by Peggy's praise, "I'm not the best at singing, Peggy... I'm better with pencils and paper, to be honest."

Boy, was that ever true! Steven had easily gotten into an art college and was currently the youngest student on record to win the annual art charity contest the college hosted! He had entered several drawings, a painting, with some photos to fill out his entry and the judges had fawned over them for hours. He'd won a handsome amount of money for earning first place and had generously donated his artwork to the local library. The photographs got into a magazine that included an article dedicated to getting to know him a little bit more and a professional photographer had also approached Steven about being a model and the young man excelled at the job! He looked stunning in each shoot he starred in and young girls would instantly begin fawning over him for an autograph whenever he stepped outside the tower! Steven Grant Barnes was headed for greatness in this big world and Peggy was truly amazed by his progress, making great strides of her own while he made his.

She had been accepted into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s training academy and has risen quickly through the ranks like her mother, Sharon, had before her. Peggy's relations with the Avengers and Steven had helped her somewhat with her rise to the top, but most of it had been her own hard work. She'd spent many nights curled against a dozing Steven with her nose in S.H.I.E.L.D. files and had trained until she literally couldn't move the next day! The daughter of Captain America was well on her way as well to being a successful leader of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s many undercover agents.

Tony played another raunchy song suggestion for Steven, "How about this one?"

"Nope." Steven then checked his watch and slowly stood, "I have some business to take care of before this evening, so if you'll excuse me." He gave Peggy a gentle kiss before snatching his ebony dress coat off the back of his chair and heading to the elevators.