Chapter 1

Darla sat on her bunk, trying to concentrate on her breathing. Everything was fine. Everything was fine. Everything was fine. A deep breath in and a deep breath out. Her eyes were closed, and she tried her best to imagine that she was somewhere far away. Not in this hellhole. Her privacy hadn't been violated in every possible way. Her whole body hadn't been examined without her consent.

They had wanted to make sure that she was perfectly healthy. Right now, she was praying that she wouldn't be. Then they would kill her. She didn't want to die, but was the alternative any better? They would still kill her eventually; she was sure of it. HYDRA didn't leave any witnesses. She wondered would her death mean anything to her father, or would he be the one to pull the trigger.

He was loyal to HYDRA and only to HYDRA. She was nothing more than a tool to him. She had been an idiot for thinking that he would care about her. Idiot… Her eyes flew open as she suddenly heard the metal door opening. Her father was standing in the doorway smiling warmly. She hated his smile. It was nothing more than a mask.

"My dear," he greeted her. "I have wonderful news."

"Oh?" she murmured and cautiously stood up as he approached her.

He was still smiling as he cupped her cheeks.

"You are perfect," he announced and wrapped his arms around her. "I couldn't be prouder of you."

Her whole body tensed, but she forced herself to tap his back. It didn't matter how much she hated him; he was the only "friend" she had here. Angering him was a terrible idea, as she had already learned. He maybe looked like a harmless science nerd with his glasses and warm smile, but nothing could have been further from the truth. He was much more dangerous than any of the soldiers here. A stone-cold psychopath.

"The project will begin today," he continued as he pulled away.

She swallowed.

"Today?"

"Yes," he confirmed smiling. "I want you to get ready."

"Sure," she murmured.

Get ready? How the hell was she supposed to get ready for something like that?

"I already gave the Winter Soldier his orders, he is waiting for you."

"Where?" she asked, although she didn't really want to know the answer. Would it happen in the lab in front of everyone? The thought made her sick to her stomach.

"In his sleeping quarters," her father replied. "And no need to worry, there won't be any cameras. Some of my colleagues thought that we should observe, but I didn't agree." He paused and tapped her shoulder. "I wanted to give you privacy."

She was so angry that she wanted to strangle him. He wanted to give her privacy while she would be forced to have sex with a brainwashed assassin. Someone really needed to give him the father of the year award. Yet she had to admit that he had done her a favor. Things could have been worse, at least now her humiliation wouldn't be public.

"Thank you, father," she said, forcing a smile on her face. She couldn't afford angering him, she needed to remember that.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," he replied. "What wouldn't I do for my princess."

Asshole. He was enjoying this; she was sure of it. Sadistic bastard. She kept the smile on her face as she kissed his cheek.

"I'll be ready soon."

"Take your time," he assured. "We are in no hurry."

Go to hell.

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Her smile vanished as soon as she was alone. She wanted to scream, but she didn't make a sound. Getting ready… How? Well, at least she didn't have to worry about her appearance. She had no makeup in her bathroom and the only clothes she had in the closet were identical pairs of grey sweatpants and white t-shirts. Not that the Winter Soldier would probably care about any of that. He only followed orders, she doubted that her appearance would make any difference to him. She felt nauseous and barely made it to the bathroom before throwing up. Get a grip dammit. Pull yourself together. She could do this. She had to.