She walked along the busy street. She neded some air. Lost in her thoughts she didn't notice the man following her. As she walked past the dark alley he made his move. He hurried alongside her and pulled her into the alley. He slammed her into the wall placing a hand over her mouth.
"Glad to see you're still alive." he smiled.
His words sent chills down her spine. What did that mean? Had he mistaken her for someone else?
"Your coopration is much appreciated," he said, "but completely unnecessary." he chuckled letting her know her she was in the trouble.
She tried to remain calm and think of a plan. The man had her pinned tightly to the wall. A noise in the alley directed his attention away from her. She took advantage of the split second and brought her head crashing into the side of his face with all the force she could. He let out a scream of pain but never let her go. As he turned to her she could see the pain fueled his anger. Perhaps her plan had worsened the situation. As he brought a hard smack across her face she knew she had worsened the situation.
"As I said, your cooperation is not necessary." He placed a hand on her throat, "I just have to bring you alive. The condition you are in alive is well, not defined in the terms." he laughed as he began to unbutton her shirt. With her free hand she brought her fist to collide with the side of his head she had already injured then kneed his groin. He seemed more annoyed than hurt. He looked her directly in the eye and ripped open her shirt. His eyes were empty filled with pure anger. She knew this would not end well. She would fight even if that meant her death. Suddenly his grip left her. In the dark of the alley she could not see where he went. Did he get scared and leave?
"That's no way to treat a lady." she heard the words and saw a muscled silhouette picking up what looked to be her injured attacker. He pushed at the muscled man and ran off. The muscled man eemed to hesitate and then began towards her. She prepared herself. He seemed to be rescuing her but she would still be ready. As he came nearer she felt no threat.
"Here ma'am." he said handing her his jacket as he averted his eyes. She became aware that her shirt was wide open exposing her bra. She kept an eye on him as she put on the jacket and zipped it.
"Are you now taking me to whoever wants me alive?" she asked still ready to fight.
"No. I mean I agree with wanting you alive." he looked at her seriously.
"That man was going to," she swallowed hard as she realized the intent of the man. He had meant her harm before turning her over to her potential kidnapper. As the realization hit her she could no longer speak. She would not cry in front of this stranger.
He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "It's ok. You're safe now."
She looked up at him. A tear escaped her eye which angered her. She was not weak. She did not need a muscled rescuer.. But she was thankful for him. "Thank you," she managed to say before looking away. She needed to pull herself together.
"Listen, we need to notify the police and get you checked out at a hospital." he said.
"I'd really prefer not too." she said. "I'm fine. Just a few bruises and scratches. " she said brushing it off.
"Ma'am, I really think-" she cut him off.
"I will be fine." She said stubbornly.
"I have no doubt of that." he smiled. "Well then, why don't you come with me. I have a friend who is a doctor. If you trust me." he said walking to the edge of the alley. He brought his foot down and a round shape popped to his arm. He walked back to her awaiting her answer.
"What was, I mean, is that?" she gestured to the item in his grasp.
"It's my shield." he said. It threw him that she did not know.
"You walk around New York with that?" she asked.
He smiled. "Not always."
She smiled. "Well, as far as trusting you, you did just save my life I am pretty sure." she smiled, "but just one more thing." she said eyeing him. "What is you name?"
He stood in a moment of disbelief and relief. There was a person in New York who did not know who he was. "My name is Steve Rogers."
"Ok, and your friend, the doctor, I will be safe with you guys, right?" she asked to reassure herself.
"Yes. Why? Is someone out to hurt you?" he asked.
"Well, this morning I would've answered no, but now I guess I have to say yes." she said rubbing her throat.
"Let's get you checked out." he said putting a gentle had to her back as they walked from the alley. He took her to his motorbike and gave her a helmet. She could feel his gaze on her. Once she had the helmet strapped on she looked up to him.
His face showed his raw concern, "I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner." he said.
"You didn't know. I didn't know that would happen. But you are very sweet." she smiled. He returned the smile and mounted the bike. She climbed on behind him. He reached back to make sure she was on.
"You might want to wrap your arms around me." he said. She mechanically reached around to hold onto him. She felt strange doing so but as the ride progressed she realized she needed it. Steve did not know that she let her tears fall as she rested her head upon his back. They drove several mikes before entering a parking garage. She did trust him, but would that be enough?