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hunzzzzz · 3 months

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Fight for you - chapter 2 : Fighting myself

Kendall Roy x original female lead

Themes : slow-burn / enemies to lovers

The morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow across my cluttered desk as I stepped into my office. My heart was pounding in my chest. I had been dreading coming in, the lump in my throat was drying out my lungs. After the previous night's humiliation, I had spent all night drafting up my resignation letter, just incase. I had to play it smart and be two steps ahead of Kendall Roy. He was known for being ruthless, I had heard a recent rumour that he shutdown an entire business, Vaulter. After convincing all the employees to not unionise, and promising them he would save the company. All for what? Just to fire them all on the spot. He did that without a care in the world, what would happen to all those people? Left stranded, betrayed, how would they get by? To think that they trusted him. I felt like a fool, opening up to someone so cruel and heartless. My stomach churned at the thought of everything I had told him. My mind was racing, scrambling, trying to weigh out my options. What if he uses it against me? I wouldn't put it past him.

I loathed that man with all my heart. I hated his entire existence, he strided around the building with such entitlement. His entire persona exerted “I’m fucking rich and I get what I want.” He wouldn't know what hard work was even if it crept up behind him and bit him in the ass. He had everything handed to him in life. Money; his position at the company; his status; his team of yes men that followed him around, endorsing all the bullshit spewing out of his mouth. He had his own head shoved so far up his own ass, to even try to comprehend that nobody in this entire building, all 43 floors, from the doorman to his own father— nobody respects him. His own cockiness mistaking him into believing that he’s in on the joke, but when in fact— he is the joke.

I paced around my office, trying to practise the speech I would give as I was handing my notice to Lisa, my department head. “Lisa, I appreciate the guidance you have provided me during my time here at Waystar and Royco. You have been a wonderful mentor, taking me under your wing….”. I muttered to myself. My neck snapping towards the door every time I heard someone walking past, to say I was on edge was an understatement.

My office phone rang blaring through my thoughts, I hastily picked it up with trembling hands. “Harper, my office, 2 minutes,” crackled through the line. With a sense of determination burning bright within me, I made my way to her office, each step heavy with the weight of uncertainty. Straightening my skirt over to smooth out any creases, attempting to dry my palms which were profusely sweating. It's okay, I'm okay with this, change is good. Jobs are temporary, I’ll find another job. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation that lay ahead. Whatever Lisa wanted to discuss, I was prepared to face it head-on.

As her office came into view I could see someone sat across from her, through the glass walls. But I didn't have time to be nosy, there were more pressing issues at hand, like losing my job. I gave a weak knock, and stumbled in as she ushered me in with a motion of her hand. “Listen Lisa before you even say anything, can i please just explain-” I began rambling before being cut off by a familiar voice.

“Uh- maybe let's start with a hello, how are you first?” My eyes darted to the man sitting across from Lisa, a smug smile playing at the corners of his lips. My stomach dropped at the sight of him, resentment bubbling up inside me like a tempest ready to unleash its fury. I prepared to accept my fate. Kendall Roy had definitely come in here to complain to Lisa about my incompetence, or how I spent company time on the roof smoking. Or maybe he told her I'm mentally unstable and need to be terminated immediately. There is no telling what this man is capable of, he practically owns the company. “This ones eager, huh Lisa.” He chuckled, raising his eyebrows.

“Yes that she is,” Lisa beamed back at Kendall, unaware of the turmoil going on in my mind. “Harper, this is Mr. Roy, as you know. Mr. Roy, this is Harper Allison, one of my best.” Lisa said, gesturing towards Kendall with a forced smile, meaning she wanted me to shake his hand. Working with Lisa over the years had made us telepathic, on many silent ques. I pursed my lips, trying to express to her, that I would rather slam my hand in a car door than shake this man's hand. She furrowed her eyebrows, not understanding, her soft eyes turning into a glare.

I forced a polite smile, my eyes locking with Kendall's for the briefest of moments. But beneath the surface, a storm raged, a silent battle of wills that threatened to consume us both. “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Roy.” I forced out, through gritted teeth, sticking out a limp hand.

“The pleasure is all mine, Ms Aly.” His face morphing into a sinister grin, clasping my hand in a firm handshake. Is he trying to be funny? What the fuck is his angle, why did he show up here, if not to fire me? What business does he have showing up to the ninth floor on a random Thursday. I’m pretty certain it's his first time here too, he’s too busy to care about the marketing of our upcoming projects.

“Harper take a seat,” Lisa said, motioning towards the empty sear beside Kendall. I hesitated for a moment, my gaze flickering between Lisa and Kendall, before reluctantly obeying her command. “Mr Roy wants to discuss some things with us about your project.” I had learned from a young age to always expect the worst possible outcome in every situation, and just to my luck life always gives me the worst.

Kendall leaned back in his chair, his eyes burning into the side of my head. “Yeah- sure so look I love what you guys are doing here. I do- I really do. Great stuff all around.” He explained. “And you know with the upcoming release of Avengers: Reunite, I just wanted to check in. You know, I got a special place in my heart for this franchise. It's my baby.” I didn’t believe a single word coming from his mouth, this was some kind of sick power play, to try and control me; possibly even blackmail? “So just keep me in the loop with all upcoming marketing strategies or press. I fucking want this movie to do numbers” He wrapped up his bullshit speech dripping with false sincerity

“That’s absolutely no problem, Harper is running point on that, it's her baby too.” Lisa responded jokingly. “She can brief you on it. She's been putting in a lot of work, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.”

“Yea no for sure. I'll help you raise it.” He chuckled, turning to look at me once again, eyes gleaming. But I kept my eyes set on Lisa shooting daggers. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of whatever reaction he was expecting from me. “In fact, I have 30 now, we could uh-chat, yeah?” He asked, as if I had a choice in the matter. I could feel steam coming out of my ears as I gripped the handle of the chair, fingers turning white.

“Yes of course.” I nodded, my jaw clenched tight as I struggled to maintain my composure. Counting to 10 in my head to stop myself from, saying something that might actually get me fired, for good this time.

After wrapping up with Lisa, Kendall took it upon himself to follow me to my office for the “briefing”. I swiftly got up and began power walking, Kendall trailed behind me, his presence felt like an oppressive weight, suffocating me.

“So where's your office,” he asked. I could sense his arrogance, his entitlement, as if he owned the very air we breathed. His words dripped with condescension, as he casually stuffed his hands in his pockets, a stark contrast to my tense posture. He gawked, looking around the new environment, clearly never having stepped foot on a floor so beneath him. He was used to his throne on the 43rd floor, overlooking the rest of us peasants. I continued pacing ahead ignoring him, sharply turning into my office, attempting to slam the door shut in his face.

“This is no way to treat the COO of the company that signs your checks.” He huffed, firmly planting his foot in the door as I desperately tried to close the gap. I leaned forward putting all my body weight on the tip of my toes, but his strength was unbeatable against mine. The force of his push sent me sprawling to the ground, my pride wounded. His intrusion was like a slap in the face, a reminder of his power over me.

“Oh shit- you good?” He stood crouched over me, quickly closing the door to avoid anyone seeing the situation at hand. As I lay sprawled on the floor, my heels had thrown me off my balance. How did I keep embarrassing myself in front of him? The universe was against me, my karma was due. I lay there limp for a second, disorientated, processing what had just happened. Until his hand reached down to try and pry me off the floor.

I smacked his hands away, his attempts to help me up only fueled my fury, his touch like a brand on my skin. I recoiled from his grasp, my muscles tensing. “Hands off me, creep.” I growled sitting upright, ignoring the sharp pain radiating through my spine like lightning. Disregarding his concerned eyes, I pushed myself up all too quickly, and immediately regretted it as my legs almost gave out. His hands sprung to my waist to steady me, sending tingles through my spine. Maybe it was the fall or maybe it was just how close he was standing to me. I could feel his minty breath with a slight tinge of tobacco, my eyelids momentarily fluttering shut as breathed him in. My eyes drifted down to his pouty lips, as they began to move. Shit was he speaking? All I could hear was the ringing in my ears. I'm almost certain that I had a concussion, because I don't remember him looking this good before. Beneath the mask of rage, a strange sensation stirred within me, a fluttering of nerves that I refused to acknowledge before.

“Hey- hey, you okay?” he was now frantically waving a hand in front of me, as his other hand stayed firm on my waist holding me up. As I snapped back into reality, leaving behind my forbidden thoughts. I realised I was slightly leaning against him, compensating for the lack of support from my wobbly legs. I broke away from him and registering his words.

“Are you fucking seriously asking me if I’m okay, after you slammed me into the ground.” I snapped at him, instantly feeling bad as I saw his eyes downcast with guilt, a pang of sympathy tugged in me.

“Okay- okay fucking sorry. I didn't mean for it to happen.” He tried to reason, as he held his hands up in surrender. “Genuinely- I just didn’t know you were that fucking weak.” He looked up meeting my gaze with a slight smirk, and that reawakened my forgotten rage in my hazy state.

“Fuck you, I’m reporting you to HR for assaulting me.” I seethed sitting on the edge of my desk, quietly wincing as the pain in my back ramped up from stiffness all the way to searing, blinding agony faster than I could blink.

His smug smirk dropped as he promptly made his way over to the desk. “Uh- are you okay? Do you, want me to get a fucking doctor- 5 minutes. I can have one here in 5 minutes. I can call-” his eyes flashed with worry as he reached out to grab my shoulders and assess the damage he had done.

I quickly raised a hand, to halter him, not wanting his intoxicating touch on me. I couldn't stand to be near him, I was too weak to fight off his radiant aura. “I’m fine,” I responded, with a tight lipped smile. His hands dropped to his sides, I almost felt bad again, how does he have this effect on me? “Can we just get this briefing over with.” I motioned him to sit. He slumped down in the seat in front of me. His knees brushing against mine, the annoyingly soft fabric of his dress pants making every hair on my body dance.

He sat staring at me, finally quiet for once, so I started again. “Okay, so we're working closely with the cast for the international press tour. We have 15 confirmed European countries so far but I'm still waiting on confirmation from Paris…” I continued explaining the months of work and planning I had relentlessly done, when I noticed he wasn't even paying attention, eyes focused down on the desk. “You know if you don't even care, then why are you here, wasting my time?” I sighed exasperated, slamming my hand down on the desk. His lack of interest stung, a reminder of my insignificance in his eyes. His mind was clearly elsewhere, I felt a pang of hurt, with every dismissive glance.

“Jesus- can I not fucking think?” He snapped back, eyes immediately softening, flashing with regret for being so harsh. “No- fuck, i'm listening - I am- I promise.” He quickly recovered, leaning forward, bringing a hand to my knee, giving a gentle squeeze. “I’m just sorry for fucking everything. I’m sorry you fell. Please tell me if you’re hurt.” His sudden shift in demeanour caught me off guard, his apology felt genuine.

“What- are you really that scared of HR, is that what this is about?” I teased, crossing my legs, letting his hand fall from my knee. “I can't blame you, you should be. You are gonna get cancelled.” His brows raised as he fought back a smile. “I can see the headlines already. Mister COO assaults innocent staff member, it has a nice ring to it.” I mocked looking into the distance

“Mr COO?” He scrunched his nose, physically cringing at the name. “Please call me Kendall. And also yeah definitely, go right ahead and do that”. He played along. “And I'll let HR know that you were up on the roof, which by the way I know you don't have clearance for.” His mouth quipped into a devious smile.

“Oh, you know I don't have clearance, is that so? Look at you doing your research. Wow, you really are living up to your creep status.” I laughed breaking into a small smile, as his cheeks began to heat up, avoiding my gaze. “If you must know, I found the access card discarded on the floor. So finders keepers.”

“Yeah uh-huh and stealing my blazer, so essentially company theft- and not to mention the- uh fucking emotional breakdown.” He joked trying to recover from the embarrassment of being caught out.

My smile dropped as my heart sank. His words cut like a knife in my already bruised back. There it was, I was waiting for him to throw that right back in my face. Reminding me who he truly was, and the power he held. His words were a painful reminder of my vulnerability, a wound still raw and bleeding. “Fuck you.” I pushed myself off the desk and went to storm out of my own office, not being able to stay another second in his presence. I wasn't even angry, it was my own fault for opening up my closet of sorrows to him. Reaching for the door handle, I felt his grip on my wrist, bringing me to a stop. “You’re a fucking dick, I opened up to you and I shouldn’t have. That's on me for thinking someone like you, could actually be trusted.” I snarled, shaking my head, keeping my back to him, as my eyes burned, fighting back tears.

“Harper I was fucking joking ” He sounded confused of course he was confused. Not understanding the fear he had instilled in me, the fear that I was powerless in front of him. He had me in the palm of his hand. I scoffed and went to reach for the door again, struggling to break free from his grip. He pulled me back, forcing me to turn around, coming face to face with his scowl. “And- just what the fuck is that supposed to even mean, someone like me?” He reiterated. “You dont fucking know me, you already made up your mind when you realized who I was. How is that fair?”

“I know who you are, because I know men like you, who will do anything to bring women down. So go ahead, go to HR, tell them I’m a mess. I expect nothing less from you.” I said, trying to sound firm, but he couldn't ignore the slight shakiness to my words. “Don't stand there and act like you're some nice guy. I won't be made a fool of, not again.” I managed to get out, and he finally dropped my wrist, backing up a bit, the gravity of my words feeling like a slap in the face. He looked to the ground momentarily.

“I would never do that,” he said quietly after a moment, his gaze meeting mine. “You have my word Harper.”

“Oh yes- great that’s so reassuring. Thank you so much, you're so kind Kendall.” I smiled sarcastically, clasping my hands together in gratitude. “It’s insulting how stupid you think I am.” My fake smile dropped, “As if, you won't hold that over me any chance you get.”

“What- what can I even fucking say to make you believe me? You have my fucking word is that not enough for you?.” His brows knitted together as I shook my head no. “If I go back on my word- fucking I dont know, go to fucking HR and tell them I assaulted you. Go to the press, I don’t fucking know.” He exclaimed as he raked a hand through his perfectly sleeked back hair, messing it up in the process. “Tell twitter, I don't care.” There was a vulnerability in his gaze, a glimpse of the person beneath the facade of power and authority, reaching out in silent reassurance. It was a fleeting moment, but in that instant, I could see beyond the mask of confidence and arrogance, catching a glimpse of something deeper within him.

“Okay.” I finally responded, after a minute of silence.

“Okay?” He looked at me, eyes wide, shocked that his rambling had somehow convinced me.

“I actually hope you go back on your word Kendall, so I can unleash hell on twitter.”

After Kendall and I both called a ceasefire, we sat down again to go over the press tour, which didn't last longer than 10 minutes before he had to leave.

“Duty calls.” He sighed checking the messages on his phone, as it was vibrating non-stop. “Talk later? When are you going for lunch?” He asked, glancing at his wrist watch which cost more than my entire year's salary, maybe even 2 years.

“Uhm- I usually work during my lunch, to ease the workload for the evening.” I carefully measured my response, masking the unease that stirred within me at the thought of lunch with Kendall. Choosing my words deliberately, not revealing the true reason behind my reluctance. Technically I didn't lie about easing the workload, but my mind was preoccupied with the financial strain that indulging in such an outing would entail.

The idea of dining at an expensive restaurant with Kendall, a man of wealth and privilege, felt like an insurmountable barrier. My financial reality clashed sharply with his world of opulence and extravagance. I couldn't fathom the thought of struggling to afford a meal that would barely dent his pocket.

But deep down, there was a part of me that yearned for the opportunity to step into Kendall's world, if only for a moment. But that desire quickly quashed, deciding to maintain my distance, refusing to let him chip away at the walls I had built up so high. I won’t allow myself to be swayed by fleeting desires. I was determined to remain grounded in reality.

“What? No, you have to take a lunch break. Is that even legal? I'm reporting that to HR.” I couldn't help but crack a small smile at his attempt at humour, although I caught the flicker of defeat in his eyes.

“Give me your number.” He demanded as he shoved his phone in my face.

“I don't know, it seems rather unprofessional.” I batted my eyelashes at him, pretending to be deep in thought.

“For work obviously.” He rolled his eyes. “Fine I'll get it from Lisa then.” He looked at me triumphantly, knowing he had won.

“Okay fine.” I snatched his phone, fingers brushing against his. I decided to give him my number not wanting to deal with Lisa giving out to me for being rude to the COO. I saved my name as Harper Marketing and PR 9th floor.

He chuckled as he read over it. “Thank you for the specifics.”

“Just in case you forget.” I shrugged.

“Trust me Harper Aly, you are anything but forgettable.” As he uttered those words, a genuine warmth spread across his features, softening the lines of his face into a tender expression.

“Oh- don't forget your blazer.” I motioned towards the coat rack, where his blazer hung from the previous night.

“Keep it.” As he exited the room, he cast one final glance back at me, there was a silent promise in that gaze, a reassurance that he had given me his word. And with that he disappeared out the door.

As I sat at my desk, attempting to focus on my work while munching on a sad-looking salad, the events of the morning replayed in my mind like a broken record. The encounter with Kendall had left me feeling unsettled, a strange mix of frustration and curiosity swirling within me like a whirlpool. But I had no time to dwell on it, as my workload demanded my full attention.

Just as I was about to dive back into my spreadsheets, there was a knock on the door. I glanced up, wondering who could possibly be interrupting my solitary lunchtime misery.

"Yes? Come in," I called out.

The door swung open, revealing an impeccably dressed woman, “Hi, I’m Jess, Kendall’s assistant.” She was holding a tray laden with Starbucks drinks and a small care package. My jaw practically hit the floor at the sight of it all.

"Uh, hi Jess," I greeted her awkwardly, unsure of what to make of this unexpected delivery.

"Hey Harper," she chirped, her smile bright. “Kendall wanted me to bring these to you. He wasn't sure what you liked, so he got you a few options." She gestured to the assortment of drinks on the tray, each one more elaborate than the last.

I stared at the tray, amused at Kendall's attempt to cater to my coffee preference. Leave it to him to go overboard with the Starbucks orders.

"Oh, uh, thanks," I stammered, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the gesture. "Tell Kendall I appreciate it."

Jess nodded, setting the tray down on my desk before handing me the care package. "He also wanted you to have this," she said, her tone softening. "Ibuprofen and a heat pad for your back. He felt really bad about what happened earlier."

I blinked in surprise, feeling a twinge of guilt for being so harsh with Kendall earlier. His concern for my well-being was unexpectedly touching.

"Tell him I said thank you," I replied, offering Jess a small smile. "And, uh, sorry for snapping at him earlier."

Jess waved off my apology with a dismissive gesture. "No worries, Harper. Kendall can be a handful sometimes, but he means well."

With that, she bid me farewell and left me alone once again. It was a strange turn of events, to say the least, but I couldn't deny the warmth that spread through me at the thought of Kendall's gesture.

As I sipped on one of the Starbucks concoctions — iced oat shaken espresso my personal favourite - Maybe there was more to him than what met the eye, a hidden depth beneath his cocky exterior.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen reading No caller ID, my heart skipping a beat. I had a slight suspicion as to who it could be.

"Hello?" I answered tentatively, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"Hey there, Harper," Kendall's voice came through the line, smooth and confident as ever. "Enjoying your Starbucks?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his casual demeanour. "Yeah, thanks, for the caffeine overload," I replied, taking another sip of my drink. "I'll be buzzing for hours."

He laughed, the sound rich and full-bodied. "Glad to hear it. So, what are you up to?"

"Just drowning in spreadsheets," I replied with a dramatic sigh, eyeing the piles of papers scattered across my desk. "The glamorous life of a marketing exec, you know."

"I feel you," he said sympathetically. "I've been buried in meetings all day. Corporate life, am I right?"

"Tell me about it," I agreed, feeling at ease speaking with Kendall despite our rocky history. "But hey, at least we have Starbucks to get us through it."

"True that," he replied, his tone light and playful. I felt comfortable talking to him, feeling the day's stress fading away. What am I doing? Allowing myself to be swept away by his chatter, grinning from ear to ear like an idiot. This is my boss, not my friend, realising I needed to set some boundaries.

“I thought you wanted my number for work related issues,” I quickly cut in before the conversation could go any further. “So if there's nothing else, I really have to get back to it.”

“Oh- yeah no- yeah same. I’ve got back to back meetings. So uh- i won't keep you any longer.” his voice was flat and with that he hung up. A wave of guilt overcame me, glancing at the care package he had sent me. Letting out a frustrated sigh, I slumped back in my chair, the internal battle consuming me.

As the clock struck 7, signalling the appointed time, I made my way onto the roof, my steps hesitant yet determined. The weight of Kendall's blazer draped over my shoulders. I pulled it closer, a subconscious yearning for his presence. Fidgeting with my lighter, I hesitated for a moment. Should I go? Would Kendall be there? But I needed to escape the day's tension, this rooftop was my sanctuary, the only outlet for my chaotic mind.

As I stepped out onto the roof, my eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of Kendall's familiar silhouette. And there he was, standing with his back to me, facing the skyline, with his phone pressed to his ear. His posture was tense, his shoulders squared.

I paused in my tracks, not wanting to intrude on his phone call but was unable to tear myself away. His voice was raised in frustration, echoeing across the rooftop, drawing me in despite my best efforts to remain detached.

“I have fucking earned it.” I flinched hearing him suddenly yell out. “Have I not proven myself to you time and time again.” As he spoke, his movements grew more agitated, his hands trembling slightly as he loosened the tie from around his neck. “I gave up 5 fucking years of my life in Shanghai- all for what? To be put in the backseat?” Each word was punctuated by a sharp intake of breath. He let out a strangled sob, before sharply turning and throwing his phone across the roof. As the phone whizzed past me, missing my head by an inch. I stood there frozen, my heart pounding in my chest. His anger was like a tempest, fierce and unrelenting, but as suddenly as it had erupted, it seemed to subside, leaving behind a shattered stillness.

"Harper," Kendall's voice trembled, filled with remorse as he took in the aftermath of his outburst. He stepped towards me, his shoulders slumped, the weight of his actions heavy upon him.

I couldn't bring myself to move, still reeling from the shock of the moment. But as he drew closer, his eyes pleading for forgiveness, I found myself softening, the edges of my fear beginning to fray.

"I-I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to... I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"Kendall, what's going on?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly as I tried to keep my composure.

"Everything's falling apart, Harper," his words dripped with bitterness. "I've poured my heart and soul into this company, sacrificed so much, and for what? To be constantly overlooked, to have my hard work dismissed like it means nothing?"

My heart ached for him as I watched him wrestle with his demons. I moved closer, reaching out a tentative hand to touch his arm, hoping to offer some small comfort, offering him a cigarette which he graciously accepted.

He shook his head, taking a drag, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. "I'm tired of being treated like a child," he muttered, his voice thick with frustration. "I've worked tirelessly for this, I fucking get here in the morning when it’s dark, and leave at night when it’s dark. It's a fucking joke."

I nodded sympathetically, feeling the weight of his disappointment pressing down on me. "I'm so sorry Kendall. But maybe this is just a setback, not the end of the road. You’re dedicated and resilient. You'll find a way to prove them wrong."

“Maybe my dad’s right, maybe I am just a fuck up-”

“Kendall, if I believed every horrible thing my parents said to me, I wouldn’t be standing here today in front of you. What your dad says about you doesn’t define you.” I reasoned, annoyed that he even thought that about himself, he was anything but a fuckup. “Don’t let his darkness eclipse over you, you are the sun.”

“I’m the sun?” He looked at me deep in thought. “I don’t know about that, the sun hasn’t been out for a while, it’s just heavy, grey clouds, ready for a downpour.” He reflected on my analogy with his own. “Some days I just want to get up and leave this life behind. Leave him behind. Pack my bags, get on the first flight out of here and never look back. There’s nothing left for me here.” He sighed and my heart ached for him because deep down, he was just like me, so fucking broken. “What’s the point in even trying anymore.”

“And just give up? Just like that?” He shrugged, looking away from me, shifting on his feet. “Kendall, you have to fight for what you want in this life. Fight till your dying breath. If you want something, and I mean really want something, you have to try.” I reasoned with him. “And if you fall, you have get back up and try again. Repeat the cycle. Try and fail but don't fail to try.”

He just nodded, looking up at the sky, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. To see him so raw, touched something deep inside me. "Thank you, Harper," he murmured. "Thank you, for believing in me." After putting out the cigarette butt in the ashtray, he turned to look at me hesitantly. “Hey listen- are you okay, really? Again im so sorry- fuck.” He brought his hands to my cheeks, cupping them gently, more worried about me, than his phone that lay shattered in a million pieces. “I can't stop hurting you. Even though it's the last thing I want to do.” His eyes desperately searched mine.

I put a hand over his to reassure him. “I’m okay Kendall.” I let his hands linger for a moment, enjoying the warmth. “But my list for HR just keeps getting longer and longer.” I teased, not being able to stay serious any longer under his gaze. “Keep this up and you're looking at a million dollar lawsuit.”

He dropped his hands down, shoving them into his pockets. “Yea well, if you weren't such fucking stalker, creeping up behind me, it could’ve been avoided.”

“I learned from the best” I nudged him, wriggling my eyebrows with a manic smile.

“I like the new look by the way.” He smirked, noticing that I was wearing his blazer.

“Oh this old thing, I stole it from some junkie on the street.”

“Oh yea? Who knew junkies could afford crack, let alone Prada?”

“Can I ask you a question?” He asked abruptly his demeanour serious now. “And can you please be honest.” I nodded in response, anxiety pooling in my chest, wondering what was going to come out of his mouth next. “Why do you hate me so much?”

I stood there, locking eyes with him, feeling the weight of the tension hanging between us like a heavy fog. My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, swirling faster than I could grasp onto any one thought. In just 24 hours, my feelings had been tossed and turned like a ship in a storm.

This morning, I despised Kendall. I recoiled from his touch, pushing him away with every fibre of my being. Keeping him at arm's length was second nature to me, a defence mechanism honed over months of keeping people out. I had perfected the art of the icy exterior, refusing to let anyone see what was lurking beneath the surface.

But Kendall was different. He refused to be deterred by my walls, chipping away at them with every smile, every gentle touch. Despite my best efforts to push him away, I found myself drawn to him like a moth to a flame. His warmth, his laughter—it was like a drug, intoxicating me, leaving me craving more.

And now, as I stood before him, I felt the pull of his gaze like a physical force, drawing me in despite my better judgement. I blinked back at him, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of it all. How could I despise him one moment and yearn for him the next?

“Like did I do something to upset you because I genuinely had a good time last night. I enjoyed your company. So please help me understand.” His brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes, usually bright, now held a hint of sadness. The corners of his lips turned downward in a gentle frown.

His admission caught me off guard. Despite my attempts to push him away, he had enjoyed our time together. A flicker of doubt crept into my mind. Had I let my past insecurities cloud my judgement and push away someone who genuinely cared? The realisation hit me like a ton of bricks. Maybe I had been too quick to assume the worst about him. Maybe, just maybe, he was different. Maybe he deserved a chance. But pride, that stubborn beast, reared its head, urging me to maintain my defenses, to keep him at arm's length. Yet, beneath the layers of doubt and fear, a small voice whispered, urging me to let him in, to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“I don’t hate you.” I whispered, finding the ground more interesting than his burning gaze. “I mean- not anymore. I think.”

“Not anymore?” He took in a sharp breath. “So you did hate me?” He sounded so defeated. “I don’t blame you, if I was you I’d hate me too.”

“No, Kendall, it’s not what you think.” I attempted to justify the harsh truth. “I never hated you. Shit- I don’t know- I think just hated who I thought you were.”

“Uh-huh. Okay just forget I even asked.”

“No-fuck- I mean no Kendall I’m sorry, but I didn’t know you then. I mean I still barely know you now. So it doesn’t even matter what I think.” I stumbled over my words, trying to explain myself without bringing him down anymore than he already was.

“It matters to me.”

“Why?” I couldn’t fathom how my opinion affected him in any way, shape or form. He was in the public eye, being talked about in every tabloid 24/7, his rap sheet longer than the list of tasks I had yet to finish this evening. I was a nobody in his world.

“Because- because you’re different Harper. You speak your mind, unapologetically. You challenge me, in a way that nobody else dares to. You make me want to be good. To be better.” His sweet words dripping down into my soul like honey, making me feel gooey inside.

“I don’t even know what to say.” I breathed replaying his words in my head. “You barely even know me Kendall.”

“So then let me get to know you Harper, the real you.” His eyes continuing to burn at the side of my head. “I want to know you. I want to know the name of the stuffed animal that you keep on your bed. I want to hear about what your local crackhead did last night. Fucking- your favourite Starbucks drink; your childhood dog’s name— I’m infatuated by you. I want to fucking know everything, if you’ll let me.”

With a sigh, I met Kendall's gaze, searching for words. "I...I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've just...I've been hurt before, you know? And I guess I'm afraid of getting hurt again."

His expression softened, a look of understanding dawning in his eyes. "I understand," he said softly, reaching out to gently grasp my hand. "But I promise, I'm not him. And if you'll let me, I'd like to prove it to you."

His words were like a lifeline, offering me hope in the midst of my uncertainty. And as I looked into his eyes, I knew that I couldn't turn away from the chance for something real, something worth fighting for. With a hesitant smile, I nodded, silently accepting his offer.

He stepped forward, closing the distance between us. His movement was slow, deliberate, as if he was crossing a fragile threshold, tiptoeing into the uncharted territory of my guarded heart. And then, his lips met mine in a soft, gentle kiss that sent shockwaves rippling through my entire being. It was as if time stood still in that moment, city beneath us fading into insignificance as I melted into him.

His touch was tender, reverent, as if he were trying to convey all the words he couldn't find in that simple gesture. I could feel the gentle his gentle lips coaxing me to surrender to the overwhelming tide of emotions crashing over me.

As he finally pulled away, breathless and trembling, I knew in that instant that I had found something worth fighting for, something worth risking it all for. In Kendall's arms, I found solace from the ghosts of my past, and in his kiss.

“You told me to fight for what I want. So I did.” He smiled against my lips. I tried to turn away from him, feeling my cheeks heat up but his hands remained steady on my waist, anchoring me to him as he pressed his forehead against mine. “So you don't run away this time," he murmured. The warmth of his touch seeping into my skin, chasing away the lingering tendrils of doubt that threatened to cloud my mind.

"I'll stay this time.”

#kendall roy x oc #succession #kendall roy #angst #enemies to lovers #boss #ceo #roman roy #logan roy #shiv roy #slow burn #🎀#Kendall Roy fanfiction #billionaire #fluff #fight for you

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thesugarclubs-blog · 1 year

Text

Midnight - AU Bucky Barnes x OC

warnings: enemies to lovers, frat boy Bucky, arguing, smut - 18+

word count: 11.2k

WP: https://www.wattpad.com/1301263156-midnight-lola

Masterlist

“You’re going to have to loosen up a bit,” Kate grinned behind her glass, “no one likes a stuffy boss.”

Lola rolled her eyes, busing herself with the charcuterie board she spent way too much time trying to perfect.

“Lucky for us, I’m nobody’s boss.”

Her friend huffed, “quit being dramatic. You’re still in charge, just not…”

“Please,” Lola interrupted, “do not say it. out. loud.”

The last eight hours had been the most humiliating hours of her life.

She paced her office. Wearing a track into the dark gray carpet. You’ve got this. You’re going to be great. You’ve earned this. Lola kept repeating over and over in her head. CEO was a big title and right now, her name was the front-runner for the spot.

Lola jumped at the sound of a knock on her office door, followed by Kate’s head poking through the crack, “You ready? Everyone is gathering in the pit.”

She sucked in a breath, smoothing down the maroon sweater dress she picked out for this moment, “It’s normal to wanna puke right?”

Kate laughed, bringing a smile to her own face, “You’ll be fine,” she paused, her eyes tracking Lola’s body, “but don’t puke on that dress, I want to borrow it next week.” Tossing her a wink, she linked her arm with Lola's, pulling her from the office.

They made their way to the pit. A collection of cubicles at the bottom of a grand staircase led to the most prestigious offices. That were big enough to live in. It was her time for one of them.

“Alright, everyone! Thank you so much for joining us this morning.” Stephen Strange smiled at the sea of employees in front of him as he stood front and center on the staircase, “As you all may have heard, it’s time for me to relinquish control of this ship.”

Lola’s eyes fell onto the one man who with one look dug under her skin. His smug smile was firm under the sharp cheekbones and stubble. The navy blue suit he wore was pressed and strained against the hidden muscles of his biceps and forearms. The shiny metal of his left hand complimented the blue.

“Why is he up there?” Kate’s hushed voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She shrugged. Maybe he was getting fired in front of the entire company. That would be a sight.

“This person has truly proved and earned their way in taking care of this company, so without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to your new CEO,”

“Holy shit,” Kate muttered, Lola’s eyes dragging to her friend and colleague. Her brows knitted together in confusion.

“Wh–”

“James Barnes!”

The applause erupted around her as her heart thumped in her chest. Her brain took a moment to catch up and as it did, she spun back toward the two men. Crystal blue eyes bore into her, the same smug grin she wanted to smack off of his stubbled face plastered like horrible graffiti against his toned skin.

“You’ve gotta be fu–”

“Uhh.. hello?” Kate’s hand waved in front of her face, “Earth to Lola, you’re doing that thing again.” She said sipping her drink once more, “your eyes are all glossy and you’re staring off into space.”

“Well can you blame me?” Lola snapped, instantly regretting the outburst as she saw the hurt flash across her friend’s face. “Sorry,” she winced.

“Look, I know it hurts but you gotta put your game face on,” Kate reassured with a gentle hand on her arm. “Everyone’s been looking forward to your party for weeks and there’s no way you’re gonna give that asshole Barnes the satisfaction of knowing he’s got to you.”

Kate walked around the island with another glass of wine in her hand.

“Get this down, lighten up, and enjoy the night!”

Lola smiled tightly and nodded, but when Kate wasn’t looking she switched out her drink for sparkling water, putting it in a glass with a few ice cubes and a lime wedge. There was no way she was letting her guard down tonight, especially not in front of that snake.

As they joined the rest of their coworkers who were enjoying their time, surrounded by music, eating finger foods, and drinking their troubles away. In her peripheral vision, she saw the bane of her existence at the bar smugly boasting about his new position.

"Kate, I don't think I can do this." She breathed in her best friend's ear while clutching her hand for dear life.

"Yes, you can. Be the badass I know you are." Kate squeezed her friend's hand, before wandering into the crowd to mingle with their coworkers.

Lola took a deep breath, and cleared her throat, as she plastered a smile onto her face and followed suit. Greeting her guests, and enjoying the company around her. Bucky Barnes was only one person, and he was not ruining this for her. Her company's New Years' party was the staple of the year and it was her favorite night. Despite that man taking attention to himself, Lola knew it would die down once the actual stress of the job got to him, something she also knew he couldn't handle. That fact alone made a smirk cross her lips as she sauntered to the living room and over to the group of men.

"Hello, gentlemen! Enjoying yourselves?" She asked, taking a sip from her glass.

"Came over to congratulate me, did ya, Anderson?" Bucky smirked.

Sucking in a deep breath, Lola turned her gaze to meet his, "I believe I greeted gentlemen Barnes, and last time I checked you don't fall under that category."

A muffle of snickers came from the other men as Sam clapped Bucky on the shoulder, "she's got you there," he laughed.

Bucky grunted and drained his glass of champagne. Lola brought in the good stuff, even if she wasn’t drinking tonight, she wanted everyone else to enjoy it, maybe rave about her party for a good few weeks into January, preferably around Barnes — just to really get on his nerves with the constant mention of it.

“Careful, or that’ll go straight to your head.”

“What’s it to you, Lo-la?” Bucky replied, tongue clicking against his teeth as he sounds out her name, a little patronizingly but she wouldn’t expect anything less from him. “I’m celebrating.”

Lola’s eyes narrowed, arms crossed in front of her. “Mmm yes, we’re all celebrating, that’s why we’re here.”

Bucky fake gasped and brought his hand to his chest. “You mean you did all this for me?! Aw shucks, you shouldn’t have.”

She couldn't keep the snarl off of her face. He infuriated her. Less experience, and less time at the company... he only got promoted because he was a fucking man.

"I'm surprised you're here. I'm actually shocked that your ego fit through the doorway."

Bucky leaned forward, still wearing that shit-eating grin of his.

"I didn't know you could be funny. You're usually such a stuck-up bitch at work."

"Only to you, Barnes."

"That's sir to you, darlin'," he purred as his eyes lit up.

She glared at him, her heart pounding. Lola could almost see red. She wanted to grab his champagne glass and toss the drink in his face. Instead, she looked down at her claw-like fingernails, painted dark red, and clicked her tongue.

"If it's your New Year's wish to be castrated tonight, all you had to do was ask. Because if you call me that again, you'll be using your balls as ice cubes." She reached up and smacked him on the arm as hard as she could. He flinched a little and she grinned. "Have a great, night, James."

A chorus of oh’s and gasps came from the men and women who had just witnessed the interaction. Lola stormed into the kitchen, Kate and Yelena following right behind.

“Do you WANT to lose your job, Lola??” Kate screamed at her as soon as the door shut.

“It’s not like he didn’t deserve it.” Yelena pointed out as she popped an olive from her martini in her mouth. “I’m glad you stood up for yourself Lola”

Lola took a deep breath and looked at the spread of food that she had gotten ready for the big event. She let out a big sigh.

“I just don’t understand how this happened. I’ve worked here longer and have had bigger accounts. Why did Mr. Strange choose frat boy Barnes over me” Lola said cutting some cheese.

Kate could only shrug in response; she had asked Mr. Strange the same thing, and the only thing he had to offer was a sort of explanation that was more sugar coated than the sugar cookie she had in her hand.

“It just sucks you know? Because we all know nothing is going to get done now. Barnes cares more about who he’s going to bring home next than the company.” Lola ranted, waving a rolled up slice of turkey around before she brought it to her painted lips.

“Well you aren’t wrong there,” Kate pointed out, scoffing as she sipped her champagne.

“He’s not gonna have much fun tonight then,” Yelena observed. “Every woman here has either had him or hates him unless Francine from HR fancies a second round. I saw her eyeing his ass on the way in.”

“Ewww,” Kate shuddered.

“What?!” Protested Yelena, holding up her hands in defense. “He might be a dipshit but he’s still got a cute butt.”

The three friends eyed each other and then burst out laughing.

"Cute butt or not," she started but the static sound of a mic interrupted her. They'd gotten the karaoke machine out already and the crowd hollered in happy cheers as Lola and her two friends peeked through the door at the people gathering around. Barnes caught her eyes, a wicked gleam in his own icy ones.

"Fucking Barnes better keep it in his pants if he wants to keep that position," she angrily muttered the rest of her thought, eyeing him with disgust.

The three girls emerged from the kitchen as Lola narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms over her chest. The chaos from the boys didn't usually start until much later on in the night, and the way he was looking at her made Lola's stomach turn. This wasn't going to be good.

"Everyone! Attention please" Bucky tapped the mic and kept his eyes fixed on her. "I would like to take a moment to dedicate this song to our lovely hostess - give her a round of applause everyone!"

The room clapped and Lola pressed her lips into a thin line, nodding once at the people in the room as a thank you. The anxiety grew heavier in her chest.

As if on queue, Copacabana rang through the speakers of the karaoke machine. Lola's head snapped back to stare at the new CEO as rage flared within her.

"Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl..." He sang off-key, as Sam and Steve joined him, throwing their arms over his shoulders and swaying to the tune. Keys of laughter and hollers bounced around the room but the noise seemed to fade out as Lola almost bit through her cheek. "With yellow feathers in her hair.."

Yelena's hand on her arm pulled her from her trance, and she shook her head. "It's not worth it..." She whispered.

Lola couldn’t move even if she wanted to. Frozen to the spot with a fiery gaze set hard on Bucky she may as well have had plumes of angry, red smoke billowing from her ears.

It should baffle her, how anyone would think this was the way to behave as a newly appointed CEO, openly mocking another employee. And at her own party?

Fuck this, she thought.

And before either Kate or Yelena could stop her, her feet carried her across the room.

Lola yanked the mic out of Bucky’s hands, glaring daggers at him. He smirked at her and she whipped around, bringing the mic up to her lips.

“At the Copa, Copacabana…” she sang to roars of approval from the audience. She kept going, literally stealing the spotlight from Bucky, turning to smirk at him when he looked at her.

Sam howled with laughter while she continued to sing the rest of the song to thunderous applause. As the music faded out and she bowed, Bucky grasped her wrist gently. She yanked it out of his grip and he grinned.

“Didn’t know you could sing either.”

“Well, you were butchering it, and it has my name on it. Just like that promotion.” She shoved the microphone against his chest.

“You know I could fire you, right?” He growled.

She grinned.

“Then who would you get to do all your work for you?”

With that, she hopped off the stage, leaving Bucky in the dust as her co-workers chuckled and patted her on the back.

Barnes skulked back to his corner with Sam and Steve as Scott and Wanda began their duet of Islands in the Stream. His eyes never left Lola’s direction as she made her victory lap around the room.

Lola made small talk with her team, all while nursing her glass of water. She was finally starting to relax when a choir of frat boy whoops and hollers came from the other side of her apartment.

“WHO’S READY FOR A SHOT?!” Barnes yelled as he stood on top of a barstool, losing his balance and almost tumbling to the floor.

Lola groaned and almost facepalmed as she watched the newly appointed CEO make an absolute fool of himself. Did he have no dignity?

Whoops and hollers filled the room as most of the men all but trampled each other to the bar.

“There is no way this is happening! Kate, have you seen Mr. Strange? He has got to be seeing this!” She yelled over the music, frustrated with the whole evening. The lack of professionalism was astonishing.

“Lola! Where’s your shot glasses?” Sam yelled, bounding up to her from across the room.

“I don’t think that’s the best…” she began but was interrupted.

“Top left cabinet in the kitchen,” Yelena grinned, grabbing Sam’s hand to help him retrieve them.

“‘Lena!” Lola said betrayal painted across her face.

“What?! I like shots OK?!” Her friend held her hands up innocently, pulling Sam off to the kitchen with a giggle.

"Well, I hope you're ready to drink your weight in alcohol then because I'm not drinking." Lola hissed at her friend, pouting as she and Sam got the shot glasses neatly stacked over each other and walked back to the bar.

Yelena cackled as she followed Sam, almost dropping the glass in her hands in her enthusiasm to turn to Lola.

"Don't worry! I'll drink for both of us!" Yelena shouted before downing her first shot of the night and Lola bit her lip to smother a laugh while shaking her head at the blonde's antics.

Lola let out a breathy chuckle and shook her head as she topped off her water, and added a lime wedge for decoration. At least if Yelena could keep the boys occupied and enjoy herself, maybe this night wouldn't be so bad after all.

She turned her attention back to the counter, started cleaning up a few food packages that were scattered from set up, and took a moment to take a deep breath. While this party was her favorite time of year, having a second of peace was exactly what her nerves needed after the karaoke fiasco. The shutting of her kitchen door brought her back to the present and she jumped as her gaze snapped up.

"Jesus..." She muttered, breathing out and turning back to the counter.

A deep chuckle left his lips as grabbed a lime from the counter and tossed it in the air, catching it with ease. "Nope, just me" Bucky smirked.

"What do you want?" Lola spoke through gritted teeth.

"Salt..." He grinned.

Lola bit the inside of her cheek, and opened the cupboard next to her head, grabbing the salt and shoving it out to him. "Please don't destroy my house like you're about to destroy the company. Some of us actually have things we care about," she smirked.

Bucky swiped his tongue along his bottom lip as he eyed her, taking the salt from her fingers. "You know, you'd be much prettier if you smiled more" He snipped before backing out of the kitchen.

“Maybe I’d be smiling more if you weren’t such a jackass,” Lola mumbled to herself, cleaning the last of the trash and rejoining the party.

She stood observing the room for a moment, sipping at her water. Thor and Bruce were murdering Don’t Stop Me Now, being cheered on by a couple of colleagues waiting for their go at karaoke, Kate was huddled with Scott and Clint amid an in-depth conversation and at the center of it all, was Bucky Barnes, licking salt off Yelena’s cheek.

If Lola noticed his tongue and the sheer size of it against her friend’s cheek, she pushed the thought from her mind with a shudder and instead watched on as Bucky tipped back the shot, shoved a wedge of lime between his teeth and passed it from his mouth to Sharon’s. And then, as if he knew Lola was watching, he dared to wink at her.

She fumed, hands clenched into fists at her side, mentally telling herself that punching a wall in her own apartment was not a good idea. Lola turned her back on Bucky, determined to do anything but look at that face for another second. She could still hear him though, cheering on Yelena.

“Hey Lola, you did great with the song,” Sam said as he came up to her, and the sounds from behind her abruptly stopped as she replied.

“Thanks, Sam, couldn’t let you boys have everything,” she said, half joking, and he winced.

"Hey, I'm... I'm really sorry that Barnes got that promotion over you."

"Yeah, well, not as sorry as he's gonna be if he keeps pushing my-" she stopped herself. She couldn't say too much. Sam, Bucky, and Steve were tight. It was how Bucky got the job in the first place. "Sorry. Thank you, Sam. I appreciate the kind words."

"You know, for what it's worth, I think you were more qualified than Buck anyway. By miles."

The comment made her smile for the first time in what felt like hours. She swallowed the lump in her throat, but her eyes remained dry by sheer force of will and spite. She was powered by it tonight. She nodded and whispered a soft thank you as Sam patted her on the back and headed toward the bar.

"Hey, Lola!" Bucky called. "C'mere!"

Venom filled her veins at the sound of his voice. A snarl erupted from the depths of her throat like lava and her head slowly turned, flashing Bucky the most murderous stare she could muster, a stare that was only reserved for him. But all he did was smile right back at her. Smug bastard, she thought.

"Can I help you, James?" She ground out the words as though her back teeth were chiseling her rage into a verbal blade.

Bucky raised a shot glass.

"A peace offering! Come on!"

As rage burned in her chest, she mustered the most sickeningly sweet smile she could manage, all while keeping her gaze poisonous and laser focused on him. Homicide was okay sometimes, right?

"Unlike you, I left my college days behind me. But thank you so very much for the offer."

“Were you a stone-cold bitch in college too or is that part of your career development plan? Because if it’s the latter it’s not really working out for you, is it?” Barnes threw back, flashing another sparkling grin as he passed off the shot glass to Simon from finance.

“I’m going to fucking-“

“Nope. Nuh-uh. You’re gonna stay right here and cool off a little,” said Sam, stopping her with a gentle hand around her bicep and a shake of his head.

“He’s my friend and even I know he’s not worth losing your job over.”

“I’m not convinced,” Lola snarled through gritted teeth.

She saw Sam trying to hold his laughter in as he pulled her gently to the side and stood directly in her eye line of sight to block the view of his infuriating friend from her as she tried to rein in her rage.

She felt her eyes get hot and her face flushed as she thought about how unfair it was how things turned out; she was there first, she worked more and she worked ten times harder than he ever did and all she got was the proverbial pat on the back while the frat boy got promoted.

"Just get him to back the hell off, okay?! Or I'm kicking him out!" Lola seethed while Sam nodded to try to appease her. Meanwhile, there were more hollers and she saw him flip two bottles in the air before pouring a line of ten shot glasses at once.

fucking show off!

"It's my party. My house." Lola said with finality before turning away from Sam and towards the balcony.

"Lola..." She heard him call after her, as she stepped out to get some fresh air.

This was exactly what she didn't want. Bucky Barnes ruining the best night of the year. It was typical of him though. Making everything about himself, and getting by on charm and good looks. God, she hated him and everything he stood for. How could someone like that even begin to run a whole company? How could Strange ever think this was a good idea? Maybe she should start sprucing up her resume. The company would be toast within the month.

"Where'd you scamper off to, Lola-Bunny?" His deep voice came from behind her.

Lola groaned, and spun around, placing her hands on her hips. "What do you want now? Am I not allowed to have one second of peace away from you and your cohort of supporters?"

"Look, I don't know what you think I did..."

"Nothing Barnes! You did nothing! You do nothing. And that's just the problem." Lola snipped, rage bubbling in her chest. "Just go back to your mindless followers, and leave me the hell alone" She pushed past him and headed back inside, plastering another soft smile onto her face as she joined a group of her coworkers.

“You okay?” Kate asked, catching Lola’s arm and pulling her close, seeing right through her perfected fake smile. “Yep. I am not gonna let that stupid, air-headed bastard ruin my own party. Calling me fucking cutesy nicknames and—“ “And you’re doing a great job of it!” Kate beamed with all the conviction she could and was not the least bit subtle with it. “Hey, wanna dance with me? Loosen up a bit?”

Lola sighed, she might as well try to enjoy herself. Midnight was nearing closer and with every brooding glance she caught from Bucky, she couldn’t wish the year over quickly enough.

“Yeah alright,” she muttered, and let Kate drag her into the small crowd dancing in the open space. Kate held Lola’s hands, moving her arms back and forth until she cracked a smile.

“There we go!” Kate yelled, releasing Lola as she began dancing on her own. She let herself get lost in the music, the beats thumping through her and amping her up.

A hand on her wrist spun her around, pulling her into a broad chest. “Ugh! Leave me alone Barnes!” she said, pushing at him. "Lola, please--"

"Let me go," she commanded.

He stepped back as her eyes met his. Kate grasped her wrist and tugged at it. But it was the look in Bucky's eyes that made her feel a storm of anger and guilt that began to swirl quickly. He bit his lip and then turned on his heel.

"Was that your apology, Barnes?" She called over the music, "because you suck at it."

"Lola," Kate warned. "Chill out. You're treading on thin ice."

He stopped in his tracks and slowly turned his head, the icy glare that she shot at him earlier was coming back to haunt her, and for the first time, she was afraid. Her heart pounded against her ribs so hard that she could almost feel them cracking.

"Why don't you take Kate's advice, Lola?" His tone was cold and measured. "There's a reason people talk shit about you behind your back."

That was the needle that broke the camel's back.

“Fuck you, Barnes. At least I didn’t get where I am by schmoozing the boss and sleeping with any person with a vagina.” Lola spat, Kate stared wide-eyed as Bucky stood with an unreadable expression on his face.

“You know what, since everyone likes you so much more than me, you finish out my party at my house. Happy New Year “Boss”.” Lola let the sarcasm flow through her words as she threw her hands up and began to storm out of the living room, pushing through the crowd to get to the hallway that lead to her bedroom.

Anger and hurt brewed in her belly but she was resolved to not spill any tears for the fucker who had ruined her whole year in less than twelve hours.

Closing the door behind her and leaning against it Lola let out a big breath. She had let her anger get the better of her and she knew she was going to have to do a lot of apologizing, but that could wait until tomorrow. Suddenly there was a knock on her door. Kate or Yelena must have followed her.

She opened the door and came face to face with the one person she really did not want to talk to.

"What are you doing here, Barnes? Haven't you done enough damage ?" Lola asked as she let her eyes wander over Bucky's face. Those blue eyes of his encountered hers with a soft smirk on his lips he opened his mouth to speak.

"Look, Lola," an apologetic sigh left his lips.

"This can go two ways. We can try and work together and somewhat get along or we can keep up whatever this." Bucky's eyes softened as he waited for her to say something.

“You talk like there’s an actual conversation to be had,” Lola scoffed. “There isn’t.”

She moved to close the door on him but it wouldn’t budge. Glancing down her anger blazed as she saw his foot blocking her from shutting him out.

“I hope that’s a fucking joke Barnes because I will chop it the fuck off if you don’t remove it right now!” She seethed.

"Why won't you hear me out?!" He exclaimed pushing the door further open making her take a step away from him as boiling anger rolled off both of them in stifling waves.

"What is there to hear?!" Lola fired back as he came closer to her, invading her personal space and baring his teeth in anger while her voice pitched higher with every word.

"You did nothing to deserve this! NOTHING! It should have been me but nooo, you men are always afraid of women being in charge." She spat out in his face, the words thrown like venom toward him.

"And you have the balls to come into my house and make fun of me?! How is that fair? Huh?" Lola shook her head before taking a step back from him so she could breathe, her lungs suddenly deprived of oxygen, "am I supposed to just welcome the insults? Is that what you want me to hear?" She questioned mockingly before she turned her back to him hoping he would take the hint and leave her be.

Bucky huffed and took a step back, hurt flashing in his eyes at her words, but Lola didn't care. Maybe it was better to just get this out in the open. He could have fired her three times that night, but for some reason, he still seemed to want to have this conversation. So she was going to have it.

Lola took his arm and pulled him further into the room as she moved to shut the door completely. It was obvious that everyone knew how angry she was, but she didn't want to embarrass herself any more than she already had in front of everyone she worked with.

Spinning on her heel, and crossing her arms over her chest, Lola ran her tongue over her bottom lip and stared at the man in front of her. "Fine. You want me to hear you out. Speak."

Bucky ran his hand through his hair and shrugged his shoulders, "I'm sorry I got the promotion over you. Believe it or not, I was just as shocked as you are"

"Doubtful" She grumbled.

"Lola, I was just trying to have fun tonight, I didn't want to hurt you with any of this" He sighed.

She couldn't stop the eye roll or the sigh as it left her chest. "I'm glad bugging me, and embarrassing me is fun for you"

“Lola, it’s not—“ Bucky cut himself off and the downright sad puppy look in his eyes almost made Lola want to listen. Almost.

“It’s not what, Barnes? You’re acting like you’re still in fucking college, drinking like you’re graced with the ability to wake up feeling peachy keen unlike the rest of us. Like your God’s gift to the earth.”

“I’m not drunk, Lola. I haven’t… I’m not drinking. And I really am sorry that you weren’t promoted, what— tell me what you want me to do to make up for it and I’ll do it. I hate seeing you so upset over this.”

Lola eyed him incredulously, studying him. As her eyes fell to his chest, she realized she’d gone back to clutching his shirt in her anger and she pulled away as if she’d been burned.

“What do you mean you’re not drinking? I saw you. The champagne, the shots…”

“It was water,” Bucky admitted sheepishly. “I swapped everything I drank, I do actually like to keep my wits about me.”

Lola eyed him suspiciously. “Uh huh so… you didn’t know about the promotion and you’re not drinking. Anything else would you like to lie about?”

Something shifted in Bucky’s eyes, sending a shiver up Lola’s spine. He moved with purpose and backed her into the room more, her hand went behind her to give her a little space between her back and the wall.

“The playboy is just an act. I’m actually very selective with my bedroom partners.” Barnes had pulled himself to his full weight, looking down on Lola, the words filling the small gap he had left between them.

“Somehow I find that difficult to believe Mr. Barnes” Lola spoke fixing her gaze with his, trying her best to keep her breathing steady. He smirked at her his eyes flickering down over her body and slowly lifting back up.

Something intense was burning in his eyes and it made her breath catch in her throat.

"Believe it or not, Lola. I'm not the villain."

"Well, you aren't Prince Charming either." Lola bit out.

No matter how angry she was something was pulling her to him and she didn't like that one bit.

"You've made that very clear." His voice dropped to a husky tone that fueled the fire in her belly. Originally from the rage in her chest but now forming into something that sent a chill down her spine.

Bucky took a step closer to her, forcing the gap between her and the wall to close forcing her to press a hand to his chest. Her fingers curled against what she could only describe as marble under his suit. His cologne swarmed around her, the scent of coffee and cinnamon filled her nostrils making her dizzy.

"What can I do to make things right between us Lola?" He asked in an almost whisper, pulling her back to reality.

Shaking her head, she met his eyes, "There's nothing you can do to make things right, Barnes." Lola admitted, exhausted from fighting with him.

His tongue flicked over his bottom lip, tracking along the plush pink feature as he glanced up at the wall behind her. Bucky narrowed his eyes for a brief moment as if he was contemplating his next move only making her that much more curious.

"Hmm," he hummed, crystal blue eyes tracking down to her own again, "will you at least let me try?"

She flicked her eyes downwards as she curled her finger around a button on his shirt, working it open just enough for her to press one sharp, manicured finger into the hard expanse of his chest.

“What you’re gonna do…” she purred, shoving her nail into him. “Is back,” she gave him another shove, “the fuck,” shove, “off,” shove.

“And get the hell away from me. I don’t know what kinda charm you think you have Barnes, but it’s gonna take far more than one flicker of those baby blues and a swipe of that tongue across those oh-so-pink lips of yours for me to forget what a complete ass you really are.” She scoffed.

“Try harder.”

He'd only moved a little bit away from her. She could try with all her might but Lola was smaller in size compared to the broad wall of muscles that was James Barnes.

Even if she felt like she could breathe again with the distance between them, his expression turning smug was enough to make her stomach drop as his lips lifted in an arrogant smirk.

"So you've thought about my eyes long enough to say they're a baby blue shade?" He questioned, voice dropping an octave lower to mess with her head as he gave her the best puppy dog eyes he could muster.

"Would you forgive me if I were to beg you with these eyes?"

Lola tried to swallow past the lump forming in her throat, the thought of him begging doing wonders to her ego but she didn't dare utter a response. Wary of how this could be another cruel joke he's playing on her.

He took a step closer, dropping his face lower to catch her eyes.

"Maybe I can earn your forgiveness with my lips?"

Lola's bottom lip found a home between her teeth as she watched him carefully. Of course, this would be his response. Trying to charm her and get her into bed. So what if it was working? He was going to have to work a whole hell of a lot harder than just batting his eyes and licking his perfectly plump lips. Her back found the wall behind her as Bucky continued to move slowly towards her, placing his large metal hand on the wall beside her head.

Her eyebrow raised in response, and she clicked her tongue, "You really think I'd make it that easy for you?" She scoffed, as the corner of her lips turned upwards. "Try again, sweetheart"

A deep chuckle escaped Bucky's chest, as he nodded once. He took a deep breath, and sank to his knees in front of Lola, "Tell me what you want..." He smirked up at her through his lashes. "What you need from me, to make you forgive me"

She tried not to think about how good he looked on the floor. This big, brooding, dumb man on his knees for her. Looking up at her like she hung the stars in the sky.

“Get up, Barnes.”

A large hand clamped around her ankle, the warm one, all long fingers and rough skin wrapped around her like he’d done it a million times before. She gasped as Bucky lifted her foot, her dress rucking up as his other hand meandered lazily up her calf.

“Bucky…”

“Don’t make me beg, sweetheart.” He dipped his head, pressing a kiss to her shin and Lola’s stomach swooped at the feel of his lips. Softer than they should be, more tender than Bucky should be capable of being.

“Don’t push it, Bucky. You’re on thin ice and I don’t—“

The words died on her lips as Bucky’s tongue runs over her skin. Warm and wet and— fuck, he’s infuriatingly talented at the art of persuasion.

“Please,” he whispered, lips against her skin, fingers smoothing up and down the bottom of her foot, trailing up her leg to rest behind her knee.

“Please…” he whispered again, pressing his forehead to her shin. “I- just…Please,” he begged, and tilted his head back, eyes wide and shimmering.

Lola felt some of her strong walls crumble. “Fine. You want forgiveness? You’d better hope your lips are up to the task,” she glowered down at him and he started to rise. “Uh uh, down boy. I’m getting used to you on your knees, it’s a much better look than the asshole-fratboy one.”

Bucky just barely flushed before looking down but Lola saw and grinned. “Nope, eyes on me Barnes.”

He gazed up at her, his eyes were nearly glossy with tears and black with lust.

"Yes, ma'am."

The comment caught her completely off guard and she teetered in her heels, pressing her palms against the wall until she felt like she might fall through it. Bucky smirked, that cocky asshole returning for just a second. His hands slid up and down her legs and she clenched her teeth, trying to make it seem like she wasn't enjoying it but the swarm of butterflies in her stomach was beginning to betray her. So was the deep crimson flush on her face. He tilted his head.

"You look a little unsteady. Can I help you with that?"

She held back a hiss, swallowing it along with the strange mixture of anger, bitterness, and desire that was blooming in her chest. His eyes had yet to leave hers. He was taking this seriously. Really fucking seriously. He dipped his head and bowed down, only tearing his eyes away for a moment as he kissed the toe of her heel, and then up and down one ankle. And then the other. He glanced back up.

"Can I take these off of you, Lola?" The words melted off of his tongue like warm honey and her throat clenched. She moved her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Bucky grinned. "I need to hear you say yes."

"Yes." The word lept from her lips before she could stop it.

She lifted her foot and watched with her breath caught in her chest as he delicately slid one heel off before pressing his lips to the inside arch. Her heart pounded and she felt dizzy as he placed it back down and repeated the same action. Bucky stared up at her, his tongue dragging across his bottom lip.

"I'm yours tonight," he rumbled. "Let me make it right."

Lola let out a heavy breath and looked down at the man kneeling in front of her… the man that was now her boss. She reached down and gripped his chin with her hand and lifted it up just a little so she could better see his face and his eyes.

“I don’t know Barnes… that’s a pretty tall order are you sure you’re up to the task?” She asked dragging her thumb across his bottom lip.

A low groan slipped out of his lips and she held him by his chin, watching his eyes reel from pleasure.

"I don't know sweetheart," he breathed against her thigh, "tell me how to be good for you." He groaned, dragging his teeth along the soft skin, forcing her eyes closed as her head dropped against the wall.

This man was going to be the death of her. "Jesus,"

Cool metal slid up her other thigh, slowly pushing the fabric of her dress. "Words, Lola, I need words."

She glared down at him tangling her fingers into his thick chestnut hair, "and I need you to do less talking and undress me," A wicked grin spread across her lips, "slowly."

Bucky's eyes lit up, gnawing on his lip to hide his own smile, "as you wish."

Lola watched as Bucky’s gaze tracked up her body, contemplating as if he couldn’t quite decide which part of her to reveal first.

“I know I said slowly, but we haven’t got all night.”

“I’m just trying to do right by you, sweetheart. Want to please you, be good for you, Lola. Want you to fall apart… there’s a dance with these things and as far as I’m concerned, time doesn’t exist in here.” The words were soft, as soft as the palm making its way around the back of her thigh and settling on her ass.

“Dress first,” Lola stated as Bucky eagerly hooked his thumb into the band of her panties, “you can earn the rest.”

He slowly let his thumb fall away, fingers instead going to the hem of her dress and traveling up to the tie at her waist, slowly pulling and unknotting it. It fell open, falling off her shoulder and revealing her lacy black bra and matching panties. Bucky groaned low in the back of his throat, eyes roving over her as she dropped the dress, letting it fall to the floor behind her.

“Please sweetheart, can I stand?” Bucky asked and Lola nodded once, Bucky clambering to his feet and reaching for her but stopping when she placed a hand on his chest.

“Now you,” she smirked, fingers already tugging at the buttons of his shirt, undoing them and pushing the material off his broad shoulders, eyeing them appreciatively.

She left the shirt around his elbows, pulling at his belt and yanking open his pants, letting them fall to the floor by her dress. “Now you can come here,” she said wiggling a finger at him as she backed up into the wall, leaning against it and grinning as he followed obediently.

"You follow directions well, Barnes," she whispered. "What changed?"

"You."

He kicked his pants to the side, leaving him only in a pair of dark blue briefs. His cock pressed against the fabric, almost painfully. Bucky leaned in to kiss her, but she pressed her finger to his lips and shook her head, clicking her tongue. She could see the disappointment in his eyes, the desire burning in them. His mouth was so painfully close to hers. All she had to do was say yes, but she liked the idea of him begging for it. For her.

"You have to earn that, sweetheart," she whispered. He groaned, his knees buckling. "I like it when you beg."

"Please, Lola?" He breathed, his voice cracking. "Please, it's all I've been thinking about. You're so fucking beautiful."

She didn't expect this. Lola opened her mouth to speak as Bucky cupped her face in his hands.

"Well, it is almost midnight." His eyes widened and she smiled. "Show me what you've got, Barnes."

His mouth crashed against hers and instantly, the kiss became fiery and desperate. Their lips glided against one another and Bucky's tongue dove into her mouth. She whimpered. Fuck, he was a really good kisser. She was almost disappointed that he was this good at it. It meant she'd have to compliment him later. Maybe. The two of them began to whimper and his body pressed against hers as he pulled back and pressed his forehead against hers.

"I've been such a shithead to you. I'm sorry."

Her stomach dropped, but she kept her resolve.

"Then make it up to me."

“Yes ma’am,” Bucky said as his hands ran all over her body.

Keeping perfect eye contact he slipped back down to his knees. Slowly, he started kissing up Lola’s calf.

Lola moaned softly, the noise slipping from her lips before she could stop it. His lips felt amazing against her skin, lighting tiny fires as they trailed up and down her legs and as much as she didn't want him to stop, she gently pulled her leg from his grasp.

Bending over, pushing her breasts up as she cupped his face, "I think a little more groveling is in store for you Mr. Barnes." Gently she pressed her lips to his, taking his bottom lip between her teeth and tugging.

The whine that fell from his lips hit straight to her core, a smile forming on her face as she stood, turning and walking towards her bed swaying her hips.

Hearing him shuffle behind her, Lola looked over her shoulder, tsking him mid-stand, "Uh-uh. Down boy."

Bucky smirked and dropped to his knees again as she spun and sat down on the edge of her bed, her legs effortlessly falling apart as she planted her palms behind her and leaned back. Her eyes tracked over his muscles, the deep cut v of his abs, the way his chest heaved with heavy breaths. He was stupidly attractive, she couldn't deny that and here he was, begging for her.

"Crawl to me," she said breathlessly, unable to contain the lust coursing through her.

She was enjoying this, watching the way he reacted to her requests, expecting any moment for him to say no and either take what he wanted anyway or leave her high and dry.

But to her surprise, he obliged. Staring up at her with darkened eyes and a glimmer of naive eagerness, Bucky began to crawl. He was teasing with it though, slow and seductive, making her toes curl with the very thought of what was to come.

When he stopped before her, he sat back on his heels, waiting. And Lola smirked, lifting her foot so her sole pressed to his firm chest.

“Good boy,” she purred, and Bucky beamed at the praise.

Lola slowly let her foot come off his chest, setting it down so that her legs were spread apart, giving Bucky a view that made him gulp and whine.

“Lola please,” he gasped, eyes flicking between her eyes and between her legs. “Lemme show you how sorry I am, wanna make you feel good, baby.”

She smirked at his desperation, enjoying his begging but deciding to finally give in.

“Fine, but you’re gonna have to really show me some moves, impress me, Bucky,” she said, and Bucky moaned before leaning forwards and pressing his lips to her knee, slowly going up her legs.

Bucky kissed every inch of her thighs, getting closer steadily but taking his time like he was savoring her. He finally reached between her legs, breathing deeply as he pressed a kiss to her panty-covered pussy.

She gasped as he ran his nose along her cunt and she heard him chuckle.

"What's so funny, sugar?" She asked.

He looked up, his eyes glittering. He looked like he was ready to fall apart.

"You're wet."

She smirked. She would give this one to him. Just once.

"It helps to watch my boss on his knees for me, crawling toward me, begging to fuck me... it's kind of a power trip." The words came out hardened and a little cold as he nipped at her thighs and nuzzled at her dripping cunt. Those blue eyes continued to burn into her.

All of that unresolved anger was still inside of her, but Bucky didn't seem to care. She gently grasped his hair and pulled his head back. He let out a little sob and she couldn't deny that there was something about seeing him so pathetic that made her even wetter.

"I'll be a good boy for you, Lola. I promise."

She swallowed a moan, still not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he was the thing that was making her skin burn. Instead, she wordlessly pulled him toward her cunt and groaned the second he began to suck her clit through the fabric. His fingers dug into her thighs as he moaned into her pussy. Lola began to roll her hips against his mouth, her hand still wound in his hair. He was teasing, and she loved every second of it.

Finally, she pulled his head back and he grinned.

"Can I rip your panties off of you?"

“Only if you buy me new ones” Lola smirks as she scraps his scalp a little more.

“I’ll buy you a hundred pairs sweetheart,” Bucky said as he rips the flimsy lace.

Lola groaned as the cold sensation hit her wet pussy and Bucky began to suck a bruise on her thigh.

Bucky moved to push her legs farther apart as he placed a teasing kiss on clit. Lola sucked in a deep breath, as the anger bubbled once more. He was being a tease, but she had also told him to impress her. It was a hard line to walk between needing him to just make her cum and wanting to see if he actually had it in him.

"Mmm Bucky..." She growled, bucking her hips softly to meet his lips.

A deep chuckle left his chest, the vibration sending a shiver through her spine.

"Don't worry sweetheart, I've got you" He whispered, licking a strip through her wet folds, circling his tongue around her clit before taking it between his lips and sucking. "Just lay back, and let me do this for you... I need to earn your forgiveness remember?"

She could feel him smirking into her pussy, and her breath caught in her throat. This cocky motherfucker. But as soon as she felt his tongue on her skin, she didn't care. Pleasure was clouding her mind in the best possible way.

Her arms gave out as he suddenly plunged his tongue into her, pussy clenching hard around it. Lola gasped and her hips lifted, pressing into his mouth as he began fucking his tongue in and out of her.

“Bucky, fuck,” she murmured and he groaned, sucking at her cunt before going up to her clit, slipping two fingers inside her. A high pitched keen fell from her lips as Bucky crooked his fingers and pressed against her spot.

She could feel him grin and he started sliding his fingers out, but she reached down and grabbed his wrist. “Don’t you fucking dare stop,” she growled, and Bucky whimpered, thrusting his fingers back into her and rubbing quickly.

He crooked his fingers and pushed them against her G-spot. Lola whined, her legs wrapping around him as she pulled him closer.

"Fuck!" She moaned.

He wrapped his lips around her clit and sucked hard as he fucked her with his fingers. She hated to give him credit, but he was fucking good at this. Bucky flattened his tongue and dragged it along her clit as he kept up the pace. Lola kept her hand fisted in his hair. The more she tugged on it, the louder he groaned. She was so sure that people could hear her. The bathroom was just down the hall. But part of her didn't care. Bucky fucking owed this to her.

"Come for me?" He begged through muffled moans. "Please, Lola."

Those words were all she needed. As Bucky pumped his fingers faster and began to suck her clit again, Lola felt the fire of her orgasm start in her core and move slowly to the very tips of her fingers and toes. “Oh fuck, Bucky” she whimpered.

A disgruntled moan escaped her chest as pleasure overtook her senses, coming hard and fast. She rocked her hips against his hands, slowly as she came down from her orgasm, letting a sigh leave her lips. Okay, so maybe he did know exactly what to do, but she was not giving him her forgiveness that easily. There was much more work to be done, and he still had to prove that he was up for the task.

Bringing up a hand, she brushed her hair away from her sticky forehead, as she breathed out a shaky breath and sat back up on her elbows. "Alright cowboy, you're good with your mouth, I'll give you that," she smirked, and swiped her tongue along her bottom lip. "Show me what else you can do."

A sound that was a mix of a growl and a chuckle came from deep in Bucky's chest, as he stood up and placed his hands on either side of her, leaning in close. "Yes ma'am" He whispered once more, causing Lola to scoot herself backward.

"Boxers off, and get over here," She raised her eyebrow at him.

She'd never seen someone take off a piece of clothing so fast, his hard cock slapping against his abdomen. Lola swallowed the lump in her throat at the sight, and the corners of her lips turned upwards. "Good to know you have the equipment. Now let's see how well you use it"

Bucky whimpered again as Lola reached forward, grasping his dick and stroking it a few times.

“Come here,” she murmured, and Bucky stepped forwards, Lola guiding him to her entrance before stopping. “Wait, we need a condom,” she said, pushing him back and rolling over on the bed, pulling one out of her nightstand drawer.

Lola turned back to Bucky, and he took the condom without complaint, opening it quickly and rolling it down his shaft.

“Much better,” Lola said and laid back on the bed, spreading her legs again. “Come and get me, sweetheart.”

Bucky groaned as settled between her legs, he pressed his tip against her, pushing in slowly, Lola nearly bit through her lip at the stretch - intense but perfect.

His mouth crashed against hers as she wrapped her legs around his waist, taking him as deep as she could until he bottomed out with a soft grunt.

"Fuck," he murmured. "You feel so good. I fucking dreamed about this."

"Dreamed about fucking your employee? That's an HR violation."

He pulled away and growled. Lola gripped his chin. They were sharing short, sharp breaths, both of them trying their best to remain stoic.

"Don't get an attitude with me now, Barnes."

He smirked and pulled his cock almost all the way out of her before slowly pushing it back in, making her eyes roll back. A jolt of pleasure shot down to her toes, making them curl and she whimpered. Bucky chuckled.

"How's that for attitude?"

"God, you're such an asshole," she whispered before claiming his mouth with hers once more.

“If you want to see an asshole, I can get up right now and walk back into the party.” Bucky teased as he pulled out his impressive length until only the tip was left at Lola’s entrance.

Lola bucked her hips into his, her wet pussy pulling him back into her. Bucky let out a low groan and his head fell forward. “I think we both know you won’t, baby”.

The nickname sent a feral feeling through Bucky. His eyes shot up to meet Lola’s and he whimpered, “Fuck, that sounded so good coming from you.”

His lips captured Lola’s in a fiery, passionate kiss; his hips snapping hard into her hitting her G-spot over and over again.

The sounds of their moans filled the room around them, the distant thumping of the music egging on his rhythms. Lola didn't care though, he was driving her wild with every thrust.

She pulled back from his lips, her eyes meeting his and feeling a flicker of emotion she hadn't felt in god knows how long. It sucked her in the longer she stared at him, but the memories of how much of a dick he had been over the last year started to flood back. Something between anger and hate brewed in her chest as a growl left her throat at the sight of him smiling down at her as if something had changed.

Her hands found his chest, pushing him to the side and rolling them over with all of her strength. She expected Bucky to fight her, take control, and stay planted above her but to her surprise, he easily fell back into the mattress, eyes bright and beaming.

"Getting a little cocky are we?" He grinned.

With flushed cheeks and tiny beads of sweat dotting his forehead she began to ride him, digging her nails into his chest and rolling her hips, "You aren't in control tonight," she leaned down, brushing her lips against his and slowing her hips down to barely a roll but taking him fully within her. Lola watched as his own eyes rolled back before pressing her lips to his and swallowing the groan he let out.

"I never am with you," he whispered against her lips and in between breaths.

Lola breathed a laugh, and sat up, placing her hands firmly back on his thighs, as a grin spread across her lips. "And don't you ever forget that"

She began to roll her hips, picking the pace back up, her head falling back as deep moans came from both of them. Bucky's hands found a home on her waist, digging his fingers into her skin. The coolness of his metal fingers combated the fire under her skin.

"Fuck sweetheart, you take me so well" He grunted, bucking his hips up to meet hers.

The burning fire in her belly reignited at his praise, but there was no fucking way she was granting him that satisfaction. He still had work to do. Voices chattering echoed through the apartment, as people started to gather in her living room for the countdown, but she couldn't care less about what was going on. This was all that mattered. Making James Barnes whine and writhe underneath her. Having him in her command.

Lola leaned back down and placed her hand gently on his throat as her eyes bore into his, "Just shut up, and fuck me" She growled, pulling a groan from his lips.

Bucky made a noise between a whimper and a gasp, high and airy, as he pressed up into her hand. “Lola, god.”

Lola laughed and lifted her hand pressing it back on his chest. “Goddess,” she grinned, nails digging into and scratching them down, leaving red lines. Bucky hissed and his hands gripped her hips tightly, fucking up into her.

“Fuck!” Lola gasped, raising up and dropping back down onto him, pushing them both closer to orgasm.

"I'm so fucking close," Bucky gasped.

Her hand slid up his chest and wrapped around his throat, squeezing the sides. She smiled, slowing down on purpose just to make him squirm.

"You don't come without my permission."

His eyes rolled back and he bit his lip.

"Fuuuuck, Lola. Don't do this to me!"

She began to roll her hips slowly, back and forth, moaning louder and louder as her clit found the perfect amount of friction. Her eyes fluttered closed and she whimpered, the cool air and Bucky's metal hand soothing her scorched skin. He cupped her breasts and rolled her nipples between his thumb and forefinger and Lola whimpered, causing him to laugh.

"You like that, don't you, angel?"

She hated the fact that his voice sent a warm tingle up her spine when just twenty minutes ago, it made her want to throw up.

"I think I should have gagged you, Barnes," she groaned.

“Mmm, but then you wouldn’t be able to hear the praise that makes that pussy throb for me. Don’t think I didn’t notice Lola” Bucky pushed his hips up, giving him a new angle to push even deeper.

Lola moaned and gripped his chest until she was afraid she’d draw blood. Her brain couldn’t catch up in time to have a witty comeback, so Bucky spoke again.

“Fuck Lola. You feel so fuckin’ good around my cock. Take what you want. Use me like I know you want to.” His metal hand had drifted to Lola’s throat, gripping lightly.

“Oh god,” Lola whined as her own hand met Buckys at her neck. “I can’t fuckin’ stand you Barnes, but you feel so fuckin’ good filling me up. Now be a good boy and shut up.” Lola had removed his hand from her neck and guided it to her swollen bud, then brought her hand back to the spot on his chest, picking up speed with her hips as she went.

"Only if you sing for me darlin'," he moaned, tugging her against his lips for a crushing kiss as her orgasm wracked over her body. Stars appeared behind her vision as she moaned against his mouth, her words reduced down to gibberish as her hips rolled and he continued to slide against the one spot that made her legs clench together, and tingles soared to her toes.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck," Bucky breathed, his grip tightening every so slightly as he thrust up into her chasing his own orgasm and quickly tossing her off the edge into another one of her own.

Lola wrapped her hand around his wrist, letting him have control for the slightest of seconds over her airway. The smug grin on his face returned for just a moment before his head slammed back into the pillow and came with a groan so sinful that her body began to shake with another orgasm.

The two of them let the pleasure wash over them, as Lola's hips slowed, rocking them through their orgasms. The anger and hatred subsided for only a moment in the heat of passion, causing Lola to close her eyes and look up to the ceiling with a sigh.

"Fuck Lola..." Bucky whispered from under her, soothing his hands over her frame gently. "You are incredible"

Turning her gaze back to him, a smirk crossed her lips, "I know" She stated, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Don't let this go to your head, but you weren't so bad yourself"

"Oh really?" He grinned.

Lola groaned, and rolled off to the side, pulling a blanket over her body, "I regretted it the instant I said it"

"I'm kidding, sweetheart..." He chuckled, reaching over to brush a piece of hair behind her ear. "That means a lot coming from you"

She cleared her throat, and looked over to meet his soft blue stare, "This doesn't make us even... I'm still mad"

"I wouldn't expect anything less... But I did mean it when I said I would do anything to earn forgiveness from you" He answered softly.

Lola sighed, seeing his sincerity but not being swayed. “Maybe, but I don’t know what’s going to be enough.”

Bucky frowned, but reached for her hand, taking it in his when she didn’t immediately pull away. “I don’t care how long it takes, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Lola sighed, dropping her hand softly, running her thumb over the dimple in his chin, "no more Lola Bunny jokes," her eyes flickered up to his.

A boyish smile fell over his lips, "Deal."

Doubt swirled in her stomach as she studied him. As much as she wanted to hate him and be angry with him, which to be fair she still was, this just... helped. She saw something else in him and it made her curious.

Bucky tangled their fingers, measuring his hand against her own, "I can feel you doubting this," he whispered softly, his eyes still glued to their hands.

"Of course I am," she breathed, "this is the most we've gotten along all year and I'm still mad at you."

"This isn't a Disney movie, Lola," he finally flicked his gaze to match hers, "I don't plan on turning into a pumpkin at midnight or a frog,"

"You were alread--"

"Don't say it," he groaned, closing his eyes and hiding a grin.

Lola laughed, as he shook his head at her.

He paused again, the smile slowly falling from his lips "I'm just sayin' I want us to get along."

Sucking in a deep breath, Lola nodded slowly, "I'd like that.." She answered back quietly. Her gaze drifted to the door, as she bit her bottom lip and looked back to Bucky.

"Yeah, I know.." He chuckled, giving her hand a small squeeze before reluctantly letting it go.

The two of them rolled themselves out of Lola's bed, and slowly gathered back up their clothing, getting dressed and making themselves look as if nothing had happened. But something did happen, and Lola was sure her guests had heard. This was going to be an adjustment for both of them. Would they fall back into old habits when they got back out to their coworkers? Or would Bucky actually be a man of his word? Only time would answer that, but for right now, all Lola cared about was the man in her bedroom. This moment and the silent promise they made to each other.

"5.... 4...." The numbers echoed from her living room as the new year edged closer and closer.

She took a deep breath, and spun on her heel, walking up to Bucky as he did up the buttons on his dress shirt.

"Bucky..." Lola whispered.

"2... 1... HAPPY NEW YEAR"

Lola took Bucky's face in her hands and found his lips with hers. Her arms slid around his neck, and she felt him wrap his around her waist, pulling their bodies close together once more. It was the first new year's kiss she'd had in a long time that actually meant something to her deep down. This one last moment, just the two of them before their lives got complicated with the reality of the two of them.

"Happy New Year..." Bucky whispered, as he broke the kiss and placed his forehead against hers. He replaced his forehead with his lips before moving back to look at her.

She nodded once, softly smiling up at him as she breathed out a sigh. "You ready?"

"Yeah..." He mumbled in response, racking his eyes over her features once more. Bucky reached up and cupped her cheek, running his thumb gently over her skin. "You forgot to put yellow feathers in your hair..."

"Bucky!" Lola smacked his chest and moved away from him. "You are unbelievable"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, sweetheart, last one! I promise!" He laughed, grabbing her waist back and kissing her cheek.

Lola shook her head, as she opened the bedroom door and the two of them made their way back out to the party. She went and found Kate and Yelena talking to come coworkers, her two friends instantly whispering and asking if she was okay, while Bucky made his way back to the boys huddled around the bar. His usual spot for this party, every year.

"Damn it! I owe Steve 10 bucks," Sam whined over the crowd. "I was sure she'd killed you"

Steve's laughter boomed as he clapped Sam on the shoulder. Bucky just shook his head, and glanced over, catching Lola's eyes with a soft smile. She bit the inside of her cheek, and turned her gaze back to her friends, ignoring the swarm of butterflies that had erupted in her stomach at the sight of his smile.

It was going to be a good year. Lola could feel it.

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hrtbreakanniversary · 2 years

Text

fine line | tom holland [1]

summary: the all put together mr. holland is quick to fall after 5 simple words.

ms. y/l/n just wants a vacation.

pairing: ceo!tom holland x secretary!reader

word count: 5.7k

warnings: descriptions of sexual intercourse, 18+, profanity, nothing much

ONE. LIGHTS UP

All the lights couldn't put out the dark Running through my heart Lights up and they know who you are Know who you are Do you know who you are?

Luminescence lights filled the room. The features of the couple unseen as they moved around the silk sheet covered bed. Slithering himself between the tan legs of the female, pleasure shooting through his body as she screamed with each thrust as a male stood behind him, his lips attached to the bare skin of his shoulder, running his hands up and down his toned abs.

Chills running down his body when the male ran his finger down between his crevices of his bottom, inching closer to the spot that ensued an inch to be touched. A loud smack ran the room causing the both of them to let out a soft laugh at the tease.

The male's attention returned back to the female below him as she swiveled her hips.

Only prompting him to grab the hair of the woman in front of him, pounding into her faster as all of their moans filled the room.

"Fuck, are you close?" The girl didn't answer, resulting in her hair getting pulled back,"Answer me, are you coming?"

The other male's weight moved from behind to in front of the woman. Her response muffled by the sudden intrusion in her mouth.

"Speak louder, baby."

"I'm - I - I'm com-"

"Coming!", She replied back to her roommate who alerted that their takeout had arrived.

Urgent fingers ran along the mousepad of the MacBook, her eyes reading over and over again the email of rejecton. Hoping that she was reading it incorrectly. But by the fifth time, she accepted that this was reality.

All she wanted was one thing.

A stupid vacation.

"Asshole!" She exclaimed with her mouth as she repeatedly slammed her hand against the marble counter of her small desk. A meow interrupted her mid slap. "I know, Channing Furtum. No loud noises after 10 or else Mr.Hong is going to file another complaint." She sighed at the cat that perched itself comfortably on one of her wooden shelves.

"Please do not tell you're talking to that feline again."

"Tuwaine, aren't you from London as well? Convince him with your British to British brain connection."

"I don't think that's how it works and that man doesn't even spare me a glance. And the one time he did, I almost pissed my pants. His ass is watching my every move, I feel."

"TMI." Y/N scoffed into the speaker of the phone, scratching the scalp out of her head from frustration.

Her phone dinged for the 100th time as her family group chat had rose from the dead due to current events. One of her family members had just recently had a child and everyone is trying to book a flight to Bakersfield, California to see the shriveled up version of her cousin, Maurice.

She had nothing against babies but she doesn't understand how one can find a newborn baby so cute.

But her main priority was for her Ma Ma's birthday. She hasn't seen her grandma in such a long time since she's moved to New York.

It wasn't just the group chat but her parents asking her if one of the many itineraries sent were one of hers. But according to the email that writes in the first few lines:

The employee is unable to take requested days off due to responsibilities and duties requested by Mr. Tom Holland.

There's a clear chance it's not.

Another scream escaped from her throat, shooting up from her seat as her feet stomped against her floor.

A response in return was the thump of what she figured was the top of a broomstick. She couldn't hear exactly what the elderly man was saying but from the harshness of his tone, it wasn't anything too nice.

"You realize I'm still on the phone right?"

"Why aren't you in mourning with me?"

"Because this isn't the first time. He always says no. The number of PTOs you have can last you at least a year."

Memories flooded in from when she first started working when she was on a date with somebody that she had met on one of those online dating apps and had received an urgent text from Tom. Worried that some kind of project was behind or there was a missing file, she had rushed to work.

Her high heels digging into the back of her ankle, scurrying against the title floors to get to the large office at the end of the room. Her date was not impressed at all.

Even though she didn't read a single line of the agreement she signed, she remembered him clearly highlighting a part of it that told her to be quick on her feet to help him when he calls in case it was a life or death situation.

The glass door was already partially open when she used full force to open it, only to find him put all together with a stress ball in his hand. A poster on the side falling face down. His eyes fluttering closed as if he were already slipping into REM, Tom leaned back in his chair," I couldn't get the staple out of the wall."

Either way, that date wasn't meant to be. She didn't feel anything good coming out of man who pours out a mountain of salt on his pasta.

"I'll take that year anytime. Maybe find a new job while I'm at it."

"Not when Tommy doesn't know how to wipe his own ass."

"For somebody that's afraid of him, you sure talk about his ass a lot."

"For somebody that's not afraid of him, you sure never stand up to him."

As much as she preaches finding a new job, it's hard to find one without having much experience anywhere except for retail. When she was in a low, Tom had given her the job despite not having any qualifications that were listed in the job description. Then again, all you need to know is basic human skills and patience to babysit. Even easier when the one you are babysitting is an adult.

So she couldn't quit even if she wanted to.

Herr boss's satisfaction is her satisfaction despite the constant pounding in her head that occurred each time she hears his voice.

As Tuwaine rambled on and on about this bar he had stopped by last night, her calendar filled with events from both her and her roommate glared at her. This weekend had nothing booked! I mean she could always just leave tomorrow night and arrive there on Saturday then leave for a whole day of flights on Sunday.

Mid sentence, the story cut off as the call was paused and intercepted by another. Side stepping back to where her phone was placed, she wasn't surprised by the contact name that appeared.

Not even a name was shown but a little devil emoji in it's place.

She pressed the end and accept, planning to explain Tuwaine later because the ordeal was going to be the usual. Something that Tom needed help with that a simple task that a 7 year old could do or something that wasn't too grand.

In a hushed tone, "Wingguard Mansion." Her home screen reappearing.

The second floor consisted of several long tables with different groups attending to their robots. One had an arm that was able to extend itself and another was being controlled to pass around snacks to other words.

Y/N stood with Tuwaine, who was apart of the coding team. Under her eyes, bags and her hair barely being brushed through or fixed. A simple ponytail to keep her hair up and out of the way.

"You're telling me when you walked in there, the girl's mouth was covered in blood and then the other guy looked like he was on his period."

Taking a long drag out of one of the coffees in her hand, she nodded before gagging at the bitter taste.

"So she bit the bloke's dick off?" Laughter filled the cube. "And where was the boss?"

"He had me talking to the police while he slept." Tuwaine shook his head in disbelief as Y/N continued," You know how hard it was to explain to them what happened?"

According to the girl, she felt so good that she accidentally clenched her teeth forgetting that there was something in her mouth. It was completely traumatizing just because the guy would be screaming in pain with every step he took. The situation would've been funny at the time to Y/N if she didn't have to stay out till 3 am and then take the subway which made her get home at 4 on the dot. Her phone ringing her ear at 7 am so he could tell her to get his coffee with two sugars for the "long night" he had.

"So while you're working, he's fucking around." Tuwaine finished off the rest of his muffin," I don't know how you do it."

Y/N shrugged before a whistle sung through the office as one of the employees came running with a panicked look on his face..In a hushed tone, he spoke," It's here."

As he rushed by, he sideswepped one of the cups of Y/N's hand, making it spill into a trashcan that was thankfully right below her. With no time to use such foul words to call out the worker, she just wiped her hand on the inside of her black cotton coat.

The elevators door opened again and the click of shoes began to come down the hallway. Y/N herself took the initiate to make her way towards the man while all of the workers tried make themselves look busy. She even saw one person erasing a sentence and retyping it over and over again.

Tom walked with his eyes, stuck to his phone. And swiftly, Y/N handed his coffee to him and walked side by side to him," Morning, boss. You have a conference call in 30 minutes."

They entered his large office that looked out to a beautiful view of New York. Each time Y/N got a moment of her own in this office, she would watch the clouds float by and the new faces that came everyday into time square. To some, the view was bore but to her, it was everything. Even if she encountered a weird sight every so often.

"Yes, about the new launch of the voice controlled drones. I know."

"Staff meeting at 10."

"Did you call that one guy? The one with receding hairline."

"Yeah, Junie? Called her and told her if he doesn't bring in the blueprints, he won't be getting the sponsor. Also your immigration lawyer called. She said that's imperative that you-"

"Cancel the call, push the meeting to tomorrow, and keep the lawyer on the sheets." Tom flipped through some folders on his desk," Get a hold of PR, Osterfield's wants to do a collaboration."

"Harrison Osterfield? Nicely done."

Tom finally looked up from the things in his hands,"Ms. Y/L/N, do you think our company is not good on its own? Do you have inappropriate feelings for our client? That can cause potential trouble."

"N-No, I just like what they put out there."

"If I want your opinion, I will ask for it."

"But you..." Voice trailing off when he answered his ringing phone. Business call or not, it was clear he had the last word.

Used to it all, Y/N refrained from rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Taking one of the folders instead to keep her mind somewhere else than the plan that was forming in her head to take one of those phone numbers off the bulletin board and ask them to do voodoo.

"By the way, who is Luke and why does he want me to call him?"

Her eyes widened. Luke is the cute barista from the coffee chop near her apartment and partially one of the reasons she wasn't late. He flirted more than he needed to in order to earn tip but she would have never guessed he was bold or serious enough to write the visible heart and his phone number on the cup.

"Well, that was my cup."

"And I'm drinking your coffee why?"

"Because your coffee spilled."

He read the label, "So you drink dark roasted coffee with two sugars?"

"Yeah, I like my coffee as dark as my soul," She grinned at her joke but was met with a straight face, two blinks of the eye translating to an absurd insult, "I mean I couldn't possibly order two coffees for you in case one spilled. That would be incredibly pathetic, I know."

Blink. Blink. Blink.

"Good morning to you, Mr. Holland." She closed his door without another word.

Hands crunched together, the whites on his knuckles showing.

Unprepared slides. Blueprints uncompleted. Body language showing the presenter was clearly unprofessional in matters of how he spoke. "Get this shit out of my face." The phone flew across the room, the wheels of his chair scratching against the floor as he held his face in his hand in anger.

Y/N knew to give the man space before he blew up on her, rushing to her own desk and picking up the now cracked phone. The second she saw his figure stalking towards the door, she opened up a forum with an alert written in the all caps: "THE WITCH IS ON HIS BROOM.". Commotion of workers pulling their things back together were white noise when Y/N quickened her pace to follow Tom.

It was a quick turn into a room that held the room of their chief operating officer, Bob. The door slammed open, the handle hitting the side of the wall. Bob looked up from his activities with his confusion in his eyes when Tom decided to silently take a seat. "This is leather? Shell cordovan?"

The tension in the air so thick, Y/N struggling to breathe.

Bob enthusiastically began to explain his collection he had at home, Tom placing his hands on his hips when he stood up from the spot. Clearly uninterested in the topic, his mocking laugher as he stepped closer to the middle aged man.

"Bob, I'm letting you go." Bob could only stare in shock, words unable to come out of his mouth," I asked you to do one simple thing and you may have costed us a investor. So... you're fired. Now I will give you two months to find another job before you tell everyone you resigned, OK?"

None another word was spoken before Tom walked out first with Y/N following close behind, her eyes closed in on the clearly upset figure," What's his twenty?"

"He's moving. He has crazy eyes."

Hell was about to break lose. Moving off to the side as Bob kicked over a trashcan in his way.

" You selfish son of a bitch! You can't fire me. You don't see what you're doing here? Some spoiled rich kid thinks he could fire me."

Oh no, Bob. Y/N clasped her hand together, Tom tucking both of his hands into the pockets of his slack, leaning with his head slightly back. Nonchalant to all, seemingly unbothered. But Y/N knew what he was doing. He was taunting.

Bob stepped closer, "I tried to let it go. Dom passing on his legacy to some kid knowing full well he should've gave to me. So I've been here much longer than you have for you to fire me. You don't get to do that. So I know you feel threatened by me because I'm 10 times more qualified than you are."

"Are you quite done?"

Bob's eyes flicked over to Y/N and back to Tom before returning back to Y/N," And you treat all of us like slaves when I haven't seen you lift a single finger. If you had given me time to prepare instead having your little whore here last minute tell me about the project. And you know what? I feel sorry for you. Because you know what you're gonna have on your deathbed? Nothing and no one."

"I didn't fire you because I feel threatened. No." Tom stood over the man who was only a centimeter shorter than him but Bob was cowering where he stood despite his outburst," I fired you because you're a lazy, entitled, incompetent and you spend more time perving on the woman here than in your office. I've received several reports about several employees claiming how uncomfortable you make them feel and even now, you dare disrespect Ms. Y/L/N. If you say another word, Tuwaine is gonna have you thrown on your ass onto the sidewalk. Another word and you're going out of here with an armed escort. Y/N will film with her camera and will put it on that little video app with a little montage of all the complaints I have on you. What is it called again?"

"You know my name?" Y/N heard Tuwaine ask. She shushed him before quipping up, "Tiktok, sir.".

"Exactly. Is that what you want?" Tom turned around and motioned with a swift point of his thumb," Get him out of here."

Y/N could feel Tom's stare on her, Bob long forgotten as his presence disappeared from the hallway despite his desperate screams of letting him go. "How long ago did you tell him about the report?"

"Last week when you told me."

"I first told you about this three weeks ago."

"No, you told me last week."

Y/N was met with a hard stare, almost as if it could pierce through her skill. Tom made a beeline back to his office, the door closing behind him. While he remained calm throughout, it felt like a slap in her face. She wouldn't be surprised if she went in there and found his floor full of clutter from him swiping his desk

There were so many deadlines and emails that she has always managed to keep up and be responsible of. She was sure she would've been knowing of another deadline that Tom had put out.

She was done. She was dead. The monitor of her computer beeping like a hospital signaling a heart rate going flat. After checking her email, she had seen the following headline about the project he was working on. And indeed, it was dated last month and three weeks back.

"Come on, you even do his laundry. There's no way he's firing you." A girl tried to make her make feel better but returned to her own work when Y/N hid her face into the palms of her hands.

Her eyes wavered over to the still shut door. The only time it opened was twice when she saw two people walk into the room and come back out after 10 minutes within the last hour and a half.

"Yeah, maybe." Definitely way. He would've had her doing every single thing but there hasn't been a single page to her phone or anything. She was definitely fired and there's no doubt about it. The door finally opened, Tom's popping out. She didn't need to hear anything as he instead beckoned her with a wave of his hand.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped and shut the door behind her," I apologize extremely for my mistake. There has just been so many things and I know that I should've kept up with it but it was so much."

"So stupid."

"Well, that's a bit harsh."

"Damn bigots."

"I mean what I did wasn't that bad. I did a person to get fired... but that was way overdue for Bob."

"I mean my name is on the building! I'm a citizen here!"

Hold on a second...

"I'm beginning to think we're not talking about the same thing."

"They're going to deport me. Because of last night's fiasco. Apparently there's a thing where I can't get anything on my criminal record as the application is being developed. I didn't bite the guy's dick off and that's not even a crime. Hell, it was committed on American soil by an American!"

"Can't you work on the job from there? You've taken plenty of business trips."

"Yeah from inside the country. Plus they refused to do that. They're planning to have Bob take over because he has the most experience. I just fired the man."

"Wait, so does this mean I'm not fired?"

"Oh no, you are fired." Tom sat down on the edge of his desk with his hands clasped in his lap. No sympathy as Y/N's face fell.

"Sir, I apologize again for the mishap but understand that there were a lot of things I had to keep control of.

"While I've always wanted to let go of Bob, you are also at fault and lost us an investor. If you were anyone else, I would've fired you on the spot. I gave it a lot of thinking and it still comes out to the same result. Pack your things starting next week. I still need you for tomorrows' event."

"I was actually planning to go to Grandma's."

"And risk not get your last paycheck? Which guessing how much it'd be, it seems like a lot. I can always just use that money for the fund-"

'I'll be there, no worries."

"Until then, I need to find out a way to convince them to let me stay. There's no way in hell I'm giving up the company for a year to that perv."

"I mean you could get married. I've heard about that scheme before."

"Does it look like there's anybody I'm going to marry?" Tom tapped his temple with his index finger, "Cmon, Y/N, think."

"I mean you don't have to love them" Y/N shrugged, " I mean it's not like it's hard for you to find a person to marry. You had no struggle last night with the-"

"Let's not talk about last night."

In awe, she looked around the wide and big room. Controlled drones flew around the air conditioned arena. Spider like robots walked across the floor by people who were using their brain power to make it work.

"Mr. Holland, this is amazing. This is all Oster's Power?"

While she was fascinated by everything, the slicked back hair was beginning to curl out of it's form as Tom was having an essential life crisis. Many would think he was composed but he was quite literally freaking out at the moment. His breathing going heavier as more and more people crowded the large hall. What the hell was he doing to do? He's going to be deported in two weeks and he's trying to settle a large collaboration with a bigger company. If the company gets handed over to Bob and the merge doesn't go well, Holland will burn and burn.

Is this karma? Had he done something wrong?

Speak of the devil.

In all his pride and glory, Harrison Osterfield walked with two guards in front of them. When they reached the two, the guards separated and allowed the handsome man to step forward and a slender brunette woman appeared aside him.

"Pleasure to meet you in the skin, Holland." His soft accent beating the harsh headlines that blog articles spoke of about his strict attitude," And this must be Ms. Y/L/N."

When she saw her ex boss not even raising his hand to shake Harrison's, she took over and held out hers for the sake of the awkwardness that filled the air," Thank you for inviting us. It's a wonderful business that you own."

Harrison nodded, his attention now fully on Tom who stared into the air. The woman smiled one full of straight teeth, therefore proving to Y/N that she was as perfect as she thought it was. "I'm Gracie James, Harrison's fiancé." Her ring finger coming into view as she showed off the big diamond," Just recently this week." moved forward to grasp Y/N's hand to warm it with hers," And you are? Are you two together? Do you work with him? Oh my! Are you two?" Her eyes moving side to side, insinuating a suggestive matter. Well... what was she to Tom now? She didn't necessarily work with him anymore.... she wasn't technically wasn't his friend... While her mind wondered, she looked around the room and saw Tom was still in La La Land with Harrison struggling to keep up a conversation with him. With her right arm out of the view, Y/N nudged his hard side and disrupted whatever trance that he was trapped in," Right. You go and enjoy your evening. I'll see you tonight for the press. If you would excuse me."

Tom disappeared into the large group of people, Y/N pivoting onto feet to race after him before she was held back by a large hand. Harrison smiling down at her as she returned to her former posture of standing up straight with her hands clasped together in front of her, "Sorry, I'm in a bit of a rush to go check on him. He may just be nervous. I can take any questions if you'd like."

"Actually, it's a question for you."

"Me?"

One of his securities reached into one of their coats to pull out a rectangle paper to pass it Harrison to then pass to Y/N. A business card. "Saw how fascinated you look by everything." Clicking the side of the card, "I know you want to remain loyal but know that I have a job opening for our QA section."

Harrison went on and on about the opening. How you don't need to know much about the technology, it's mostly computer and packaging that needs to done. The pay being around the same range as what she was making now, maybe even a few more. While she wanted to stay focused on what he had to say, a constant buzz in her purse distracting her.

"Just give it a thought, alright? Tom is a good man but I could always use someone as bright as you here." Harrison raised his hand up to lay it on his shoulder," Make sure to try the cheddar biscuits, they just melt in your mouth."

"For sure. Thank you again."

Watching Harrison disappear into the crowd of people, Y/N was already hot on her toes. Advancing in direction that Tom had walked in, scrolling through the multiple messages that he sent that repeatedly told her to come but no directions to where he went. But seeing the long line of males lined up at the one person bathroom. she figured she knew where he was.

Prepping herself, she faked the best smile she could at the people in line as she cut to the front to knock on the door. "Mr-" The door swinging open, slamming against the wall before a hand grasped her wrist and pulled her in. Hair a mess, breathes coming out in a dry heaves. "Fuck, are you okay?" Tom slid and sat down on the tiled floor, hair constantly pushed back by his shaking hands. "How'd you even know that it would be me?"

"Anyone can tell the difference with that annoying voice you have."

"Okay, you're a little bit more mean than you usually are."

Tom's head peeked up from behind his knees, eyebrows knitted together in stress,” What the hell am I going to do? I'm going to be on a plane in two days back to London and convincing Harrison Osterfield to partner with my company in a week. They completely overlap and I can’t do it if I’m on the other side of the world!”

The ring from the light and the click of Y/N’s heels clicked and she didn't even stop to think about her actions. Now she was the floor with him, her hand coming up to rest against his knee. His glare bringing it back down to her lap.

"There's not a lot of good traits about you."

"Excuse me?"

"But what can I say is that you're manipulative. In a good way."

"In what way is that ever possibly good?"

"Okay here's the thing. I know when you're lying."

"How is this helping?"

"And for some reason, no one else can see through your bullshitting and somehow you always end up getting what you want. I always wondered and then I walked into your meeting that one time. That's when I heard it. You sway people with your words. What's the difference in this?"

"I'm getting deported."

"Just think of it as that one time you lied your way out of getting that parking ticket even though the sidewalk was clearly red and told you that it was red because you told the police officer you were colorblind then proceeded to bribe him even though it was your fault that lady accidentally hit your car."

"You make me sound like a bad person."

"Well... I can name off a few more-"

"Enough of that." He stood up randomly, "I'm fine now, okay? No more, I don't need to hear it." That wasn't even the worse of it, Y/N thought to herself, shaking her head to herself. With no warning, the weight she had put on him to hold her up making her lose her balance and her body stumble onto the dirty floor. Barely gathering herself before Tom opened the door and allowed the other men into the bathroom who only looked at her with a questioning look as they stepped over her frame.

More and more, she was starting to care less about being unemployed tomorrow morning.

Reporters gathered into another hall, Y/N stepping to the side near the tables.

Harrison was right. The cheese did in fact melt in her mouths. Gathering a couple onto her plate with some crackers, she settled down besides a reporter who was already staring at her through the rims of his glasses that were falling down the bridge of his nose.

She returned back a look of disgust. He was one of the men that just looked at her instead of helping her up like a decent human being so he could stare all she wanted. Choosing to sit a few seats down from him instead of the open one besides him, she figured he could get a taste of his own bad attitude of people not wanting to sit next to him... if he even notices.

The room began to darken as people came out from behind the curtains, all walking like robots up to the podium. Guess working with them so much slowly conditions you into one.

As the topic went into something she didn't really understand, she took another bite of one of the lighter color cheeses. And was immediately in shock.

It tasted so much like mashed potatoes, she could faint. She began to shove more and more in her mouth, not getting enough of the combo of crunch of the cracker and smoothness of cheese.

The euphoric moment paused when she heard the familiar voice but this time, he didn't sound as stoic as he usually sounded. His sentences coming out in cut up pieces.

"What do you have to say, Mr. Holland?"

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that please?"

The man with the glasses. What were his intentions?

"There's been rumors that'd you'll be returning to London, is that true? In the middle of the season, is that correct? Are you not worried of not hitting your next mark?"

Under the bright light, Y/N could see Tom beginning to sweat profusely. His hands fidgeting through one another with the table. Harrison on the end of the table playing with the skin of his lip which made the jittery feeling in his stomach explode. Her cover blowing up piece by piece.

Cmon... just as she thought that, she locked eyes with him as if he heard her. "Manipulate." She mouthed.

"And why would I be going back to London?"

"There's been word spreading that you're planning to go back to London, a report detailing that you were going to be deported. Say, whatever did you do to get deported?"

"Well I can ensure you that I'm not getting deported and I will not be returning back to London."

"But it says right in the the papers that the defendant has breached his contract and will have return back to London to finish his VISA."

"These claims do not make sense as I am engaged to my loving girlfriend."

Oh so now he uses the marriage tactic. Wonder where he got that from. Y/N shook her head and popped another cheese into her mouth like it was a piece of popcorn and she was watching a movie in the theaters.

"And who is this girlfriend of yours, if you don't mind me asking?"

Tom paused, unable to think of a fake name. It was too on the spot. His eyes wavered over the large crowd of reporters, their bodies leaning forward as they waited for the big reveal of the CEO who was thought to be the wanted and unattainable bachelor. Their pencils and fingers ready to write or type in the name of the mystery girl.

"Are you... by any chance, lying?"

"No." Tom quickly denied the claim. Y/N raked through her mind any name she could think. Trying her best to think of what that one girl's name was from the night before. Maybe she could offer a large sum of money to her in exchange for lying for only a couple of weeks. What the hell was she doing? She doesn't even work for him anymore. She didn't need to come up with these solutions for him. This was his mess, he fixes it.

"Her name is..." Y/N's breath hitched when her eyes locked with Tom's. The desperation in his eyes, almost pleading. Like he was asking for permission, his pen swaying side to side like a pendulum. The only beings in the room being them.

For all the times he's made her miss a date. For all the times he's stressed her out to the point of her hair falling out.

Does he truly deserve this easy way out?

But she couldn't help but nod, securing the deal. Tom turning back to the reporter," Her name is Y/N Y/L/N."

a/n: thank you for tooning in! also excuse the cringe company names lol. pls let me know how it is going, i've been iffy about my writing lately hehe.

TAGLIST: @bakusbabygirl @seasonswinter

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