Hard to Love (Bucky Barnes fanfic)

Chapter 18

The fifty minute flight to our destination felt like it lasted for hours. With the cameras and audio recording, I'm sure he assumed I was being quiet because of them. We sat in silence only talking when it involved the control panel or flight pattern, not even looking at one another. At least I didn't look at him. I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. It was hard enough sitting next to him. He might've peered at me once or twice but I didn't notice

I kept having an internal battle with myself. Saying I shouldn't be jealous and listing every reason why. But the other part of me wanted to angry cry and say fuck the rule

The radio on our jet crackled a bit before a womens voice rang through, breaking the silence. "Quinjet 314-C please confirm that is you entering our air zone." I lean forward, pressing the button to respond before Bucky could

"Confirm, this is quinjet 314-C. Agent Barnes and Hayes requesting clearance to land." I release the button. Nat and Tony taught me how to handle these interactions, thankfully I remembered it all even though my mind was a whirlwind

"Request granted. We'll see you shortly." The voice crackles through before clicking off

Bucky landed us, with little help from me, and turned off the engines once we were in a secure hangar. I stand to get my bag as the back hatch opens, revealing a sleek black Mercedes Benz and a handful of SHIELD agents standing guard. Bucky steps towards me as I unbuckle my suitcase

"You alright?" His brows furrowed together in concern

I don't meet his gaze, I couldn't without wanting to cry. "Yeah, just nervous." I turn and exit the jet, leaving him to grab his things

I know I shouldn't be acting like this. I know. I have absolutely no right to be angry with him let alone jealous. He didn't do anything wrong. I guess I'm just more pissed off at that agent. She reminded me that Bucky and I can't have anything together. We aren't an item. We can't be. He's allowed to see and do whoever he wants. And I can't stop that. But that doesn't change the fact that it still hurts. We shouldn't have let things progress the way they have been to begin with

I nod a greeting to the surrounding security agents as the driver takes my suitcase, putting it in the trunk. As I get in the back seat, Bucky emerges from the jet, a blank expression on his face. Again, the driver takes his bag and puts it in the trunk with mine

The drive to the hotel was quiet besides the faint music from the radio. As we pulled up to our hotel, Bucky handed me the fake wedding ring. He was already wearing his. I hadn't even noticed he slipped it on. Let alone the activated watch as well

Alright, time to act as a happy couple

I slip the ring on as our driver opens the door for me. I thank him as I step out onto the almost empty sidewalk. Only a few people walking by, heading home from their night jobs most likely. I look up at the monstrous building in front of me

The building was an off white color, lined with blooming bushes and fancy looking foliage leading to the front doors. Small marble statues here and there. The exterior reminded me of a very luxurious casino. Tall and equally wide. You could see the large crystal chandelier in the lobby through the rounded glass window above the entryway. Two bellboys came out and grabbed our luggage from the trunk of our car, following us as we enter the lobby

The lobby was very modern. Polished marble floors, white walls with golden accent pieces. A large indoor fireplace on one side of the room surrounded by lush black chairs with the receptionist desk directly across from it all. Across from the doors and large lobby was two sets of stairs leading to the left and right wings of the building. An elevator between them