- There is nothing natural about these things! – Sharon walked through the door of her Paris apartment, barefoot, cursing her assignment for the first time. Agent Sharon Carter was tough and fearless woman, she didn't mind the task at hand, but those damn shoes were uncomfortable and made her feet hurt all night. Sharon reminisced the time when she was just an analyst with SHIELD, but after the events in Washington and the fall of SHIELD, Sharon found herself working for the CIA. The Agency trusted her not only with sensitive data, but with real missions too. It was just her third assignment yet, but Sharon was impeccable as an operative. There was no one better for this job, not only because Sharon had crucial knowledge on the target, but because she was the target's type - beautiful, smart and sexy young girl; living alone in one of the most romantic cities in the world. She was the perfect bait and he was falling for her faster than anticipated.

Sharon locked the door, took off her coat and hung it, still focused on her feet; the massage did do anything for the dull, pulsing pain, but there was nothing more to be done. –Maybe a long relaxing bath, not only to help with the blood circulation in her feet, but also to wash the feel of Anatoly off of her… - Poor mister Volkov, his empire is falling apart before his eyes and he doesn't even know it yet! – Sharon couldn't help but to smile at the thought that soon Anatoly Volkov and his pack of dogs were going to be exposed to the world and put behind bars; and not the fancy ones, that money can buy, but behind the ones the Agency used; stranded on some distant and unknown part of the world… she had no sympathy for him or for anyone that worked with him. 600 $ for a pair! No wonder man don't get us, I don't get us! 600 $... Even though Sharon hated the damn shoes, she had to admit to herself she looked very well in them… Her first instinct was to throw them out the window, but they were too darn cute…

She crossed the little hallway, separating the front door from the living room. Her apartment was small, but very elegant and practical. The living room and the kitchen were joined, the furnishing was exactly what you would expect of Paris; somehow classy, but at the same time vibrant and modern. Everything was in warm bright colors, allowing the natural light to play on the surfaces. The only two things she didn't like were the fridge and stove with their black colors, as if they carved a dark whole in that pure, almost sterile environment.

Even though it was after ten, Sharon didn't bother to turn the light on when she got to the kitchen counter; she couldn't disturb the beautiful view of the glowing Eifel Tower with the artificial gold light of her kitchen chandelier. The apartment was perfectly situated, making the Tower the first thing she sees in the morning and the last thing before she goes to bed. She took a tall wine glass from the cabinet above her; poured from the bottle pinot grigio she already had open last night; she tried to enjoy the rich fruity taste of the wine, before engaging the stranger sitting quietly in the shadows…

- I am not sure what the etiquette with intruders is? Do I offer them a glass of wine or do I call the police? Sharon turned around ready to meet the stranger's gaze. For the first time in many years Sharon felt nervous and exited at the same time, not sure why… she was never like the regular people; she was always in control of her emotions, but for some reason not when he was around.

Steve took few steps forward, letting the light from the street to truly reveal his presence. Even in the darkness Sharon could see the magnificently strong and fit body of Captain America.

- Neighbor! – Steve didn't know how to act in the presence of Sharon Carter. They spent seven mounts living door to door, but her "betrayal" really caught him off guard. Cap was known for his honesty and the fact that Fury had him under surveillance for such long time didn't help him when it came to her. After all she not only lied to him, about who she really was, but she was a Carter after all and he had a history with her family. But there something Steve didn't want to admit to himself, not just yet at least.

- Where did Captain America learn to break in to other people's apartments? Sharon tried to remain calm and serious, but the idea of Steve Rogers breaking in made her break in to an almost unnoticeable smile. She thanked her decision to leave the apartment dark.

- New Jersey; before the war. Steve was still choosing the shadows instead of the light.

- Fascinating! It was the only proper response Sharon could think off to his calm and somewhat cheerful answer.

Sharon walked around the counter, closing the distance between them. She gently leaned back on the cold marble surface and took another generous sip from the wine. - Well, captain Rogers, now that we established that even superheroes have some dark habits, will you tell me what are you doing here in the middle of the night?

Steve was still mostly concealed by the darkness of the corner he chose to wait for her return. – You and have share a common acquaintance. Anatoly Volkov!

- Do we? I don't see any connection between you and him that would require your presence. Volkov, sadly to say, it just another spoiled rich kid, that gotten himself caught with the wrong people. Sharon knew exactly who Volkov was, but her main responsibility was to gain enough information about Rogers's intentions, before revealing anything of importance.

- What I didn't know is that the CIA would use a highly trained and never the less very dangerous operative to apprehend just another rich kid gone bad? Why don't we drop the act for a moment here, shall we? Steve didn't expect Carter to be of much assistance, but she was the only one closed enough to Volkov that could help him.

- Captain Rogers, I am not sure that understand your interest in mister Volkov, and quite frankly I don't care … Sharon forced herself to lie, but it was always harder with him. – but, even if I had any additional information you of all people should know that disclosing anything to an outsider is not only forbidden, but also potentially deadly. So excuse the lack of help you came to seek here.

- Look, we both know that you're lying and I understand that, but how do you think I knew about Volkov in the first place. I still have enough powerful friends to provide me with information. Steve was clearly speaking of Fury, who, aside from his closest friends and colleagues, for the rest of the world was dead and gone.

- Maybe, you should use them to gather more information, because this is all I know about him and this is all you will get from me. Now, if you excuse me, it was a long evening and I need to take a shower. Sharon turned and left the empty glass in the sink. She didn't even realize when Steve crossed the room; now standing not more than 3 feet from her, casually leaning against her sofa. His proximity startled her. All the training in the world wouldn't have been enough for her to know how to keep her composure around him!

- I read the intel on your boyfriend. I've seen pictures of his last girlfriend. I've seen how he treats his women, especially women that look like you… The absence of light striped them both of the change to observe the other, the way the other would react, their facial expressions, but somehow none of them had the "courage" to turn the light on. There, in the darkness, they felt comfortable with each other, still not fully trusting the other, but at least it was some beginning.

- I find your concern about my wellbeing admirable and charming, but you forget that I can handle myself… You should worry about them, not me! Even though Sharon was saying the truth and she was quite confidant in her skills and training, she knew what he was talking about. The last woman in Anatoly's life ended up dead; drugged and beaten, then thrown in Seine to cover the real perpetrator. Her case was declared robbery and homicide, but she knew that Volkov had her murdered. – I am not just some random girl; I know how to take care of myself!

- I hope so!

- Captain, I have to admit that the conversation is quite entertaining, but I would really want to have some rest! I believe you can find the way out! Sharon was growing impatient from the discussion. She tried to walk past him, but he managed to grabbed her arm above the elbow and stop her from leaving.

- We are not finished yet, miss Carter! It was the first time he had the courage to call her by her name and it felt good; for both of them.

Sharon did appreciate the effort, but she was irritated enough and she wasn't willing to let her feelings for him to get the better of her. She tried to pull away from him, but his grip was to strong even for her; gentle, but firm.

- It's agent Carter, captain Rogers, and I would appreciate if you let go of my arm! Sharon awarded him whit very insisting look. Steve needed no light to guess that she was getting anxious and angry.

He let her arm and allowed her to take few steps back - I am sorry, but we really need to talk about Volkov! Think of it as a favor.

Sharon got to the light switch and almost didn't make a hole in the wall when she pressed it. The living room lid up for the first time that night. It didn't take long for Steve to regret the light. Sharon Carter was too much for him tonight. She wasn't the woman he remembered from his last meeting in front of Pierce's office. She had changed.

Sharon wasted 3 hours prepping for her date with Anatoly. She couldn't decide between the short black laced cocktail dress, that was generously revealing her décolletage or the gold silk one that not only was way to fit to her body and left nothing to the imagination, but the thigh high slit was also too much for her. But she knew what Anatoly would like to see, so she chose the long one.

Steve didn't fail to notice Sharon's dress. She looked beyond beautiful; her hair was longer than he remembered, darker, with blond highlights framing her face; loosed and wavy, making her look like a goddess among people. Even though the fabric was complementing her body, Steve didn't like the idea of her wearing this with Anatoly around. For some reason knowing that Anatoly had seen her in that dress made him angry. Honestly, for a moment, Steve forgot why he was there.

Sharon had some moment to admire him too. Navy blue t-shirt under black leather jacket and dark jeans; Captain America looked well in everything. His body was radiating strength and masculinity. His presence was compelling and exiting, not that Sharon had anything against it.

- Ok, I am not sure what your problem or obsession with Volkov is, but I think is better for you to leave… IMIDIATLY!

- I see that you keep him happy, considering you dress! The Agency definitely chose well…

- Captain Rogers, I am not in the mood for your unnecessary comments… I would ask you one more time, nicely… then I would feel compelled to make you leave! Sharon didn't know how sure she was about that, but it was worth the try. The empty treat made Steve smirk a little.

- All I am trying is too convince you to help me with something, nothing more. I know that the Agency has a strict policy on sharing intel about its targets, but Volkov is more that what meets the eye; he is more dangerous than the random people your employer focuses on… Steve took a deep breath before continuing. – I really need your help; you are my last option!

- Should feel flattered or … what? Maybe if you had used the proper channels… Sharon paused to make sure that the next thing is well implied – and not break in to my apartment, I could have helped you! You should REALLY think about this before the next time you choose committing a crime to get what you want! Now, please, I think we have exhausted the issue… Sharon made a gesture with her arm, hopping to navigate Steve to the front door.

- About that; how did you made me?

- What?

- I get that you knew there was someone in here, but how did you know it was me? I am curious!

Sharon couldn't understand if he was joking or not. She never knew that Captain America could be such pain in the ass; he was just like a little kid, teasing her and frankly he was driving her insane.

Steve was there to get information, no matter what, but he never expected to act like this around anyone. There was something about her he couldn't just let pass by him. He never knew how to behave with today's women. They were either too formal with him or way too forthcoming for his taste. His friendship with Natasha definitely broadened his knowledge on women, but still, he had over 70 years of gap to close, before even considering serious relationship with someone.

- It is obvious that you are not dropping this, right?

- Nope!

Sharon had to give it to him. She just shook her head with annoyance and walked past him, going for her bedroom.

Steve didn't miss even a second of the way her body moved, the way the dress moved with her… her hair gently falling over her shoulders and not to forget the naked back that made her even more seductive and alluring to everyone with interest in her.

She swiftly turned, pushing her hair behind her left ear and placed her hands on the double door, separating the bedroom from the other rooms… She locked her eyes with Steve's… her gorgeous brown eyes met his deep blue eyes across the room, proving to herself that he didn't have control over her; the much needed control.

- He is really working with them, isn't he; with HYDRA? This is why you need information on him?

Steve only nodded in response; Sharon was as smart as he thought of her. If it wasn't completely inappropriate he would have awarded with a gentle smile; for a second he hesitated, but chose to remain professional as long as possible. Seeing her in that dress took much of his strength away.

Sharon mumbled something to her took couple of deep breaths and faced him again.

- I usually wake up around 7. The bakery across the street opens at 6 am; they have the best croissants with butter and caramel cappuccino in the city! If you still need to know about Volkov, you would have to by me a breakfast!

- 7 it is then!

- Oh, dear God, have mercy on my soul! Sharon was just about to close the doors, before Steve said something that made her like him even more.

- You know, you still haven't told me how you made me out? It is really annoying not to know! It's bugging me!

- Girl gotta keep her secrets! For advantage! But if you behave, I might tell you. SOMEDAY! The last part sounded way too provocative for both of them, but somehow it didn't bother either of them. Steve felt exited to the opportunity of someday with Sharon; she even blushed a little. These two were playing very dangerous game; the one with many falling victims before them.

- I am looking forward to that! Cap's smile was discouraging her and Sharon had no choice but to cut the night short.

- Now, if you may! I believe it won't offend you, but you can find the exit on your own! It's the one you broke in through, so… Good night!

For the first time Sharon saw the smile she LOVED. The one she saw in the hallway 6 mounts ago, the warm and inviting smile.

- Captain Rogers!

- Neighbor!

That was the last thing they said to each other that night.