The redhead stared at the ceiling, deeply lost in the thoughts that lead her nowhere. As much as she wanted to go back to bed and sleep until she would not wake up anymore, he snapped her out of the unconsciousness when middle of the night his arms wrapping themselves around her tighter just to pull her closer against the chest of their owner. That was the moment she realized where she was and her brain began to progress what happened in the last couple of days. Damn, after she managed to open her eyes, she could not control her eyelashes anymore. They demanded her to stay awake, making her even more miserable than she already was.

When he asked her if she was mad at him Chealsea knew she told him the truth – she was not angry at him, rather at herself. He was Captain America and she did not notice a thing which could have pretend her from falling for him. The Captain America – a fucking superhero – asked her out, saved her once in a shop robbery, and even kissed her. He was the same man who inhaled her scent every time he shifted in the bed and also protected the population of Earth against the army of aliens when they attacked New York.

Oh, she felt incredible stupid. He introduced her to his co-workers – as he told her, they were his friends -, he did live in the Avengers Tower, but his apartment was as empty as if he had never really been there before. Of course you stupid girl, she scolded herself, he went on dangerous missions and if he had any free time…

…he spent it with you.

She heard Steve heaving a deep breath beside her, a noise which stopped her heart for a brief moment of shock. He was awake, or was going to be soon.

"I can hear the wheels turning in your brain," he suddenly spoke up, his voice startled Chealsea so much – even if she was ready for it -, she almost fell off the bed. However, he held her strong enough to pretend this. She slowly looked up, the way he watched her created a lump in her throat. His lips curled up, however, it was not a real smile. "Sorry."

She swallowed. "It's… It's okay, I guess."

His blue orbs saw through her awkward act, but he did not mention it. "I'm feeling better."

"I'm glad," she whispered barely audible, her voice was still sounded a bit too hoarse for her taste. "Because even if both of us would like to avoid this conversation, you have to explain me a lot."

"I know."

"You should sleep a bit, though," she pointed out. "You don't look fine. Barbara told me you should rest for at least a few days. Since I'm not planning to leave for more than a couple of hours, I think we will have time for talking later."

"I'm resting," he assured her calmly and cleared his throat. "You said I have a lot to explain. I have to and since you've spent hours thinking, I guess we need to have this conversation now. Okay?"

The redhead nodded slightly. "Okay. Let's start with why you didn't tell me. I know I already asked this, but I… the answer you gave me doesn't make sense to me."

He entwined their hands, relieved she did not pull hers away. "Look, in my life it's complicated to find someone who understands who you truly are. From the moment I first saw you I knew you are different than any other woman I have ever met. I opened to you as I slowly get to know you, even wanted to tell you, but as I watched you recovering after the robbery, I couldn't risk this thing between us. I blamed myself every day because I couldn't tell you. I did not want to lose you, I don't. It already happened to me once, I lost Sharon, and I just… you just…"

"I…what?"

"The way I felt for her is nothing compared to what I feel for you. You'd be stupid not to notice I have a crush on you." He pressed his lips hard together, a move which unconsciously made her bit her lower lip. Temptation rose within her as his words finally reached her, adding that her free hand was resting on his chest. His heartbeat was steady, tickling her palm. "It's already stronger than any other feelings I have ever experienced. I was afraid you wouldn't understand, because as much as I try to ignore this, I'm dangerous..."

"You aren't dangerous. The things you do are dangerous."

He locked his jaw, his whole body tensed. She hit a sensitive spot. "Whatever. A girl like you doesn't deserve the lifestyle I have."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Why do you have to make me say this?" Steve leaned closer, his nose brushed hers. It was hard not to look at her mouth. "You are perfect in every way possible. I'm sick whenever you are not near me, just because I can't see you. You are my weakness and trust me; sometimes it's not a good thing and you deserve better. I don't say I could let you go without me suffering, but I would accept you need peace."

She wrinkled her nose. "I'm old enough to decide what I can handle and what I cannot. Don't ever try to decide for me."

"Let's face it, I'm Captain America." He cupped her cheeks, immediately missing the contact with her hand although her right one was still on his chest. He forced her to look at him. "I have enemies."

"I don't care," she said fiercely, surprising him. "Yes, I'm still shocked and I'm terrified of hearing the truth. I hate I was so dumb not to notice what you were trying to say, but I've never regretted letting you kiss me. Even with your secrets which I was aware you were keeping, it was real to me."

"You know my age."

"You are twenty-five years old. I doubt seventy years of sleeping can be called as a life. "

Steve pulled away, furrowing his bows. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"Doing what?"

"I didn't expect you to be this nice to me, especially understanding me…"

"Why? Do you really think this low of me?" Steve was about to protest when he realized Chealsea was only joking. He shook his head, allowing her to grab his hand again. "I forgive you. Despite of this you have to prove me you are worthy of my trust."

The blonde man watched her for a couple of seconds, wondering if he was dreaming. How a woman like Chealsea Roth could gave him a second choice? He never deserved her. "I…"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't say anything."

"Dammit." Without hesitation or warning her, his lips found hers in the darkness that had fallen into the room. The kiss itself was more passionately than he thought he could ever kiss a woman; Chealsea melted into it, slightly parting her mouth to let his tongue meet her one. Nothing tasted better than the redhead, the way her covered breasts were pressed against his bare chest made his insides stir. He stepped into a new world which Chealsea opened in front him, definitely heavenly. She buried her fingers into his hair, whimpering when he broke the kiss. It took him a few minutes to catch his breath, but it soon disappeared again as the woman in front of him licked her lips. "Whoa."

"Whoa indeed," she agreed.

She raised an eyebrow at him and since he did not understand why, he gave her a questioning look. "What?"

"Never thought you can be this passionate." She shrugged. "Liked it, though."

He smirked. "You did?"

She breathed the word. "Yes."

"I'll take you to the second date soon," he promised, whispering sweet words into her ear. A shiver ran down her spine.

"You should rest," the redhead teased him, "we can talk about dating later, Casanova."

"Do you like dancing?

"I can't dance," she grimaced, earning a wide grin. "Why?"

"Because me neither." He kissed her forehead. "Sleep."

"Sleep," Chealsea agreed, her head soon find good resting place on his chest. She listened to his heartbeat until it finally helped her fell asleep again.

He brushed a strand out of her face, smiling at how lucky he was to have her by his side. Everything was fine.


A rather angry woman voice woke him that morning. "They are asleep; I must ask you to leave."

"I'd like to see him."

"Come back later. He's not alone."

"Don't tell me that slut is with him!"

"Miss Carter," he heard Bobbi saying. Chealsea sighed into his neck when he started to stroke her back to wake her, but as the door opened and the blonde haired woman entered the room, he wished she could sleep through the drama. "Miss Carter!"

"Steve," Sharon cried. "Steve!"

Damn it!


Ooops!