She has no past-only shadows. He has no future-only guilt. When Valentina Allegra de Fontaine pulls her out of hiding, she isn't offered a choice. She's drafted. Placed like a blade among broken weapons: the Thunderbolts. Leading them is James Buchanan Barnes-former Winter Soldier, reluctant hero, a man with walls no one's ever broken through. Thrown into a team built on secrets and second chances, she's tasked with more than survival. She's meant to keep an eye on Barnes. Control him, if necessary. But what happens when the only thing she can control is her own downfall? A slow-burn descent into trust, betrayal, and a connection that should never have been possible.

In a world where heroes fall and secrets are more lethal than bullets, former Winter Soldier James "Bucky" Barnes has traded his metal arm for the power of a Congressman's handshake. Once America's nightmare, now he's Washington's golden boy, championing reform while quietly burying a past he's desperate to forget. Enemies to lovers on a deadly dance of covert operations, explosive political intrigue, and alliances more fragile than glass. In the shadows of power-who can you really trust? ___________ authors note: I love plot, teasing and smut's so I will try to combine all of them in this story. Friendly reminder like always - English isn't my first language and I'm dyslexic, so please be kind. Comments keep me motivated <3 [ across various marvel media ] Warning: I do use A.I to scan through spelling mistakes and grammar errors.