Broken

Broken: Chapter 9

"Shit!" I said as soon as I opened my eyes to see the bright sunshine streaming into my bedroom. "Ruth, what time is it?"

"Ten-Thirty," the AI responded. "But Ms. Hunt-"

"Why didn't you wake me," I demanded, stripped out of my pajamas and getting into the shower.

"As I was saying, I was informed you would be sleeping in," she replied with an unmistakable note of annoyance in her tone.

I didn't even want to ask. "By who?"

"Mr. Barnes. He's currently in the kitchen."

"Shit."

I'd hoped the night before had been a wonderfully erotic dream, but with his scent still on me and Ruth's confirmation, I had to accept that I'd slept with Bucky.

"Shit."

I dressed in a comfortable pair of jeans and a tee-shirt, taking more time than was necessary to delay the confrontation I knew was coming. I wasn't ready to face him yet. I just knew that in the light of day he'd realize what we'd done was a huge mistake. I needed time to steel myself against the impending heartbreak I knew was coming. My plans to go to the capital would've given me a chance to avoid him for a few hours so I could come up with some witty response to keep him from feeling bad, but with him standing in my kitchen there was no avoiding it. I was going to have face last night first thing in the morning.

"Morning, doll," Bucky said happily as he stood over the mini-stove holding a pan of eggs. "Hungry?"

"Always," I joked as I joined him. I quickly busied myself setting out the plates for him and trying to make small talk. "I didn't know you cooked."

He shrugged, that tiny smile I loved seeing dancing in the corner of his lips. "I don't really. Ruth's been helping me."

"My pleasure, Mr. Barnes," she said smugly. "The toast is ready."

"Got it." I slid past him to the toaster oven. "So I talked to Shuri last night. I need to go to the capital to get supplies. She's coming to get me later."

"Sounds fun," he commented as he piled eggs onto each plate. "But I can take you if you want."

"Goat isn't my ideal form of transportation." As I placed the toast on the plate, I felt his arm around my waist. "Bucky?"

He turned me around to face him. His mischievous smile faded only slightly as he kissed me. "I've been waiting all morning to do that."

I blushed. "Thank you, but it's not necessary."

He laughed as we sat down to eat. "It is for me, baby doll."

"I just don't want you to feel obligated to me because of last night." I stared down at the plate in front of me. "You know, you don't have to feel like we're committed or anything. You can be completely honest if you have any regrets about what we did. I completely understand."

"You're cute, Des." He winked as he took a bite of toast and quickly swallowed it. "The only regret I have is not doing it sooner. And I'd regret it if we didn't do it again soon."

I picked at my food, not wanting to offend him but also not wanting to pretend there was something there if there wasn't. "Bucky, you don't have to, you know, pretend you're interested in a relationship or anything. I'm fine if you just wanted this to be a one-time thing."

"Hey." He laid his fork down and reached for my hand. "Come here."

I stood and inched over to him, keeping my eyes downcast so he wouldn't see the tears I forced away. I needed to be strong so he didn't feel guilty if he just wanted a one-night stand.