The Light in my Darkness

Chapter 11

The car was on its way to your apartment and you were nestled into Clint's side with his arm around your shoulders before he spoke. "What happened with Rumlow?"

You tensed and sucked in a breath. "I'd rather not discuss it, if it's all the same to you."

"Normally I'd give you that, but not when you wince under my touch. Did he hurt you?" Clint's voice was cold steel.

You turned your head further into his chest. "He grabbed my arm to get my attention that's all."

His thumb rubbed the bare skin on your arm. "If that's all, why won't you look at me? Talk to me."

You shifted your position so you could look up at him. "It was just another shitty fight in a long line of them. I don't want to talk about him anymore. Please."

He sighed. "Fine. For now." He pressed a kiss to your forehead and you laid on his shoulder again. "Thank you for tonight. You were a life saver."

"That's a bit dramatic don't you think?" You chuckled.

He huffed a laugh. "No. Today was a long day. I was exhausted before I got to the damn party. You stepped up and took over the social part and I just sailed along with you. I can't tell you what a relief that was. Never mind Fury talking to me about that proposal I sent over months ago. I figured he'd chucked it in the trash ages ago."

"Nick never throws anything away. It's sad really. If Maria hadn't brought him into the digital age, he'd probably be buried under mounds of paperwork." Suddenly feeling fatigued yourself, you wrapped your arms around him and nestled into his chest as you yawned.

"Go to sleep, beautiful. I'll wake you when we get there."

You nodded but didn't go to sleep. Instead you just stayed silent and enjoyed the feeling of being held. You should have told Clint about the fight with your father, but the truth was you were embarrassed. His behavior had long ago ceased to surprise you, but that didn't mean you were okay with it. He expected obedience and when you didn't fall in line, he got pissed.

Realizing you were nearing your apartment, you sat up. Clint glanced over and gave you that cockeyed smile of his. "I thought you were sleeping."

"Just resting."

He nodded and you couldn't help but note how exhausted he was. His lids were heavy and shadows marred the skin beneath his eyes.

When you arrived at your place, he climbed out of the car and helped you out. You hugged him, resting against his chest. Sucking in a deep breath you gathered your courage. You took a step back but took his hands in yours. "Stay with me."

His brows shot up and his tongue darted out to lick his lips. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

He just watched you without saying anything.

You took a step toward the door, tugging him after you. "Come on, Clint. It will be fine. You're exhausted and have a half hour before you're home. You don't work tomorrow. Just stay here and let me take care of you."

He released your hands and turned back to the car. You couldn't help the little knot of disappointment that formed in your chest. He didn't even say goodbye.

"I'll let you know when I need you. Sleep in," you heard Clint say just before he shut the door to the car. He grabbed one of your hands in his and smiled at you. "Well, let's go, beautiful."

You pulled him along behind you and onto the elevator. He leaned against the wall and it was evident he was staying awake by willpower alone at this point. You stretched to place a kiss on his cheek. He looked at you in surprise. "What was that for?"

You shrugged and stepped out as the elevator arrived on your floor. You pulled your keys out of your bag as you walked down the hall. "You can have the bed. I don't mind sleeping on the couch. It's your apartment really anyway." You weren't even really paying attention to what you were saying. It was just nervous rambling.

"Woah," he said and turned you away from where you were unlocking the door.

You stared in surprise.

"You stay in the bed with me or I call Scott right now to come back and get me. Non-negotiable," he ordered.

You nodded. "Okay." Once you'd let the two of you into the apartment, you noticed he was taking in the change in the apartment now that the furniture had been delivered. You gave him a little shove in the direction of the bedroom. "You are barely staying upright. You can look tomorrow."

He chuckled. "Yes, dear." As soon as he entered the bedroom, he started undressing.

You turned your back to him and focused on taking off the beautiful jewelry he'd given you. You resisted the urge to thank him again. The earrings came off easy enough but you were having trouble with the clasp of the necklace. Warm hands brushed yours aside.

"Let me."

You found yourself holding your breath as his fingers brushed against your neck. Finally, the clasp came undone and he pulled the necklace from your neck, holding it in front of you. He was pressed far closer to your back than necessary and you couldn't help but lean into him. His head dropped down and he pressed a gentle kiss along the curve of your neck. Your breath shuddered as you sucked in much needed air and tilted your head to the side to give him better access. Another kiss followed the first and his hands ran across your belly to pull you more firmly against him.

Your hands rested on his briefly before you gave them a squeeze. "Could you unzip me so I can change?"

"Of course." He stepped back and slid the zipper down.

You kept one hand pressed to your chest to keep the dress in place and moved to your closet. You hung up the dress, well aware of Clint's gaze on your back. You grabbed one of your oversized t-shirts and slid it on before heading into the bathroom. By the time your returned from taking care of your hair and brushing your teeth, he was asleep.

You watched him for a moment with a smile on your face. He looked so peaceful, relaxed and you were glad you could give him a bit of that. You'd meant what you'd said earlier when you told him you wanted to take care of him. Someone should. You hadn't been able to get what Wanda had told you about Laura out of your head. Did he really think no one could love him without the money being involved? Just the thought broke your heart because you were certain you were more than half in love with him already.

You sighed and flipped off the light before crawling in beside him. You snuggled against his side and he immediately shifted position to pull you into his arms so you could lay your head on his chest. "Goodnight, sweetheart," he muttered sleepily and kissed your head.

"Goodnight, Clint." You matched your breathing to his and followed him into sleep moments later.