Trapped in her own Web

Epilogue

This update is super early because this is my last day of the holidays and my goal was to get this finished by the end of summer.

Natasha lay on a deck chair reading the Da Vinci Code. James was sitting on the sand building a sand castle. She affectionately ruffled his hair and he looked at her with a smile. She watched as he rose and gently put the book down before grabbing her hand and lifting her up. He pulled her towards the sea and she laughed. She scooped up a handful of sand and flung it in his hair. He stopped, shocked.

She broke free of his grip and sprinted towards the sea, laughing as she heard him follow. He wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her in the air. His momentum made them go crashing into sea and Natasha sat up in the shallows. "James! Look at my hair! You know what salt does to it!" He just laughed, until she tackled him into the deeper part and then they were both playing around. Ducking under and pulling the other one, jumping on top of each other. Finally they just relaxed and floated serenely. That was when James noticed how far out from shore they'd come.

"Hey Talia, I think we should probably swim back to shore." She nodded.
"You're not bleeding are you?" She asked. He did a quick assessment.
"No, why?"
"It's shark breeding season around this time of year."
"Oh," James suddenly started swimming a little faster and Natasha joined him, laughing.

When they got back to the beach Natasha wrapped her towel around her and then used James's to try and wring out her hair. "Hey, is that my towel?"
"Yep."
"So why've you got it?"
"Because you are the most caring boyfriend in the whole world and decided that it was ok."
"Husband now." She smiled at him and pulled him in for a kiss.

A cough from behind interrupted them. One of the bell boys from the hotel that owned the beach was standing there awkwardly. "Miss Nadia Beaumont?"
"Mrs, actually."
"My apologies, there's a message for you up at the desk."
"Thank you." The boy left and Natasha pulled away from James. "Don't worry, I'll meet you back at our room." He nodded and kissed the top of her head.

Later that night found Natasha standing on the balcony with a glass of champagne. She took in the beautiful mix of urban and rural. It was a style that seemed to work everywhere but America. She was particularly fond of the southern Mediterranean style. The clutter of crooked square apartments overflowing with plants of all kinds, the distinct smell of a spicy aroma wafting around the markets and the tangy sea breeze drifting through the narrow streets. It was a peaceful chaotic mess that blended perfectly.

The sun dipped below the horizon and Natasha watched as dimly glowing lights flickered to life. Chatter became more playful and less business like, the people moving more to the centre of the city. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Natasha registered the shower stopping. For now though, she was caught up in the tranquility of Malta.

She set the glass down on the small table besides her as strong arms wrapped around her waist. She felt James's broad chest behind her and his chin resting on top of her head. They both took in the city below them before James nuzzled her neck and inhaled her scent. She sighed serenely before gasping as he bit down. She felt him smirking at her reaction. Well two could play at that game. She turned around to face him and pressed against his chiselled torso. Her fingers traced the curve of his muscles before dipping down, just below the edge of his towel. He jumped slightly and she laughed.

"I forgot how good you were at this."
"At what?"
"Seducing."
"And you'd know all about that wouldn't you."
"Before I met you I was considered the ladies man of Brooklyn, it was a reputation I made sure to live up to."
"Of course, how could I forget about the handsome sergeant Barnes."
"You'd know all about handsome wouldn't you doll." He lowered his voice playfully.
"Of course, I work with Steve and Thor on a regular basis." He jolted back, affronted. His expression was one of indigence.
"How you wound me baby girl."
"One more Brooklyn boy name and I swear I'll-"
"You'll do what exactly?"
"I guess you'll find out." She whispered into his ear, her tone moving from playful to low and husky. He shivered slightly.

"You know they say the best bit about the honeymoon is the wedding night." He pulled her closer.
"I think you made me forget, the details are hazy."
"Then allow me to enlighten you, see if we can jog a few memories." She pulled him into the kiss and he lost the towel quickly. She hooked her foot around the door and slammed it shut as they stumbled from the balcony. They didn't even make it to the bedroom before he nailed her to the counter and began passionately leaving bruises on her skin as she returned the favour.

It was early morning by the time they'd finished and Bucky was completely passed out. Natasha made sure his breathing was deep and even before expertly untangling herself from his arms and slipping from beneath the sheets. She dressed quickly and grabbed the bag she'd packed earlier that day. She looked forlornly at the sleeping figure of James before pressing a gentle kiss to his temple. She'd made sure to tire him out so that he wouldn't be able to follow her.

"I, I love you." Her words were barely audible and left a pleasant feeling in her heart, unfortunately she had to push away that feeling and move on. The door clicked shut and Natasha silently padded down the hall. She checked out at reception before handing the night guard a note to deliver to James (or Joshua as they knew him) in the morning. The staff were polite and respectful and didn't ask any questions or try to pry, Natasha thanked them for it. She took a cab to the airport and booked a flight to who knows where. She didn't care, she just had to get away.

Winter had come but, like all seasons, it had to move on. So that's what Natasha was doing, moving on. She was going some place where winter wouldn't find her.

Love is for children, and Natasha was no child.

A/N So it's finished. That's it. I'm thinking of doing a sequel, not sure though so I'd appreciate feedback in the comments. :)
Thanks to everyone who's managed to stick with me this far. Thanks to the silent supporters, the commenters and the voters. A few honourable mentions include; anonymous00022, carinablare231, SswolfsS, WinterWidow4Life  & theredroomwidow
It's the end of the line for now ;)

~🍂smallbutscary