CHAPTER 28

Natasha's POV

I slowly flickered open my eyes, before immediately shutting them at the bright light that reflected back.

"Ah, Ms. Romanoff, you're awake".

"Unforcently" I replied, opening my eyes again, being wary of the light.

The man laughed, "Of course. But you see, we're not going to hurt you".

I finally found the figure lurking in the shadows and frowned, "Why not?".

"Oh, we do not wish for violence at all... We just want your boyfriend".

"He's not my boyfriend" I automatically replied.

The man laughed again, "So you DO know who we're talking about? Perfect. This makes it so much easier".

I mentally cursed myself.

Of course it was a trick question.

What else would it be?

"Yea. I know who you're talking about" I replied quietly, "But you'll never get him. Never again".

"Again?" the Man asked, "No, not again. You see, Ms. Romanoff, we never lost him".

I frowned.

They never... Lost him?

He grinned at my confused expression, "You see, when we first got Mr. Barton, we planted a little... Bomb... In his hip. Just incase anything like this ever happened...".

"... Does the bomb have a timer?" I asked slowly.

"Yes".

"... When will it detonate?" I asked again.

"In... Oh, shall we say... Just over a week? Of course, you'll have to watch him die, you know, as well as the other... Avengers..." He continued, "And the blast WILL kill him. No doubt about that".

It took everything I had not to break free and kill him now.

"Good day, Ms. Romanoff, I hope we never meet again" He finished, and I heard a door open behind me, before shutting close again.

Then silence.

I glanced around for the first time since I'd awoke.

I was sitting down, on a chair, I realised, and I had my hands tied firmly behind my back, in a too-tight rope.

My legs were free, however, and I knew I had some form of knife in my boots.

If only I could just... Reach it... There.