Broken

Broken: Chapter 7

"Hey, gorgeous," Bucky called as he came in.

I rolled my eyes but didn't look away from the console as I entered new data about our last session. "We talked about this, Bucky. It's not proper for you to call me by pet names. Des or Destiny is fine."

"I know." Even though I couldn't see him, I could hear him as he walked toward me. "Can we talk?"

"Sure." I finally turned around to find him standing only a few inches from me. Plastering on a fake smile, I asked, "What's up?"

He looked directly into my eyes. "Are we okay?"

"Of course." I forged shock at his question. "Why?"

He shrugged. "Since Steve and Sam left you've been distant. I just wanted to make sure I didn't mess up somehow. I know I came on a little strong at the lake. I just... I think you're amazing, Des, and I wanted you to know."

"And I appreciate you feel that way. I really do. But I don't want you to confuse trusting me with attraction. I'm only here to help you." I forced another smile. "We're friends, but that's it. That's all our relationship can ever be."

When he nodded, I returned to my work, but my mind was so far from what I was doing. I regretted having to put so much distance between us, but after my conversation with Steve, I knew it was the right decision. Bucky and I were too damaged to even consider relationships with anyone, let alone each other. He had physical and emotional scars only another person who'd been through hell could understand. Bringing those two histories together could end either very badly or in perfect harmony. Life experience had taught me that it was more likely the former than the latter.

Besides, he was super-hot and I was not. Once he was confident enough to put himself out there, he'd have his pick of any woman he wanted. Someone like me would be a friend at best and, at worst, just forgotten.

Lost in my thoughts, I jumped when I felt his hand on my shoulder.

"That first night," he began, his voice barely a whisper. "When I choked you and you told me it was because you touched me, I didn't panic because of what I'd done. I was scared I'd blown my chance to get close to you."

"Bucky," I started.

"And every time I left, it wasn't because of the memories. It was because when I had you holding me, I wanted to kiss you. I was mad because I didn't. That's what I was gonna do in the lake. What I wanna do right now."

I turned around, determined to end this conversation and dispel any more nonsense once and for all. I couldn't let him believe we'd ever have anything other than close friendship. It just wasn't possible, and we couldn't entertain the idea it was.

However, when I opened my mouth, he pressed his lips roughly to mine. The weight of his kiss was startling but nowhere near unappealing. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck to draw him deeper. In response, he pulled me to my feet and pressed me against him. The heat from his body radiated through our clothes, awakening the desire I'd fought so hard to avoid. I moved my hand from his neck to stroke his rough cheek, causing him to groan into my mouth. The rumbling vibration sent a shudder through me that shook me from the inside out.

"You taste better than I imagined." He said when he finally pulled back. Still, he rested his forehead against mine as he smiled. "I can't wait to do it again."

"This isn't right," I protested weakly, still clinging to him. "I don't want to confuse you."

His smile only widened. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life, doll."

As he kissed me a second time, he leaned closer until I was almost sitting on top of the console. The tip of his tongue tapped against my lower lips, politely asking for entrance. When I parted them, it snaked inside and aggressively stroked mine. I whimpered at the sensation, causing him to dive deeper inside. His hand slid from my waist up to my back before pulling me flush against his body. Because of the height difference and the loose-fitting military trousers he wore, I could feel his desire building until it was firmly pressed against my stomach. The sudden realization of what might happen brought me to my senses somewhat and I started to pull away.