I continued to hold out hope that this party wouldn't get crashed like the last one. The first floor of my apartment was filled with lights, sounds, and bodies in what I thought was the best soirée I'd thrown in years. It was nothing fancy- I'd gone back to wearing cargo pants and a cropped T-shirt- but everyone was drinking and dancing happily. I'd been out dancing but decided to start throwing back shots while waiting for Zemo. He'd left on an errand earlier and hadn't returned.

"The usual, Ley?" I nodded to the bartender and he poured me a double shot of whiskey. I took it back with one gulp, dropped the glass on the counter, and had him fill it up again.

"There's the birthday girl!" I glanced in the direction of the voice and cussed under my breath. I knew better than to think my wishes would come true.

"Rick. I thought you were on the mainland in prison." The American waved his hand dismissively as he snatched up my drink and took it down himself.

"You should know by now that there's no prison that can keep me." He threw his arm around my shoulders and I felt his pistol dig in to my ribs. Great. Just what I didn't want. "Speaking of you and holding," his hand dropped to my waist. "Where's your old man at? He was supposed to pay me for my last job and never did."

I tried to slide out of his hold, but without luck. And I knew better than to press mine with him. "I couldn't tell you because I don't work for him, remember?"

Rick chuckled and pulled me closer to him. "Oh I'm aware. But since he didn't pay me, I have to do something so he knows he can't get away with that bullshit. So why don't we go negotiate a little..something?" He slid his hand under the hem of my shirt but was quickly yanked backwards.

"I'm sorry, but my leibling has been harassed enough for the weekend." Zemo hovered over the man, pistol in hand. I couldn't help but smirk. "Now either you leave willingly or in a body bag- the decision is yours." I took a few steps over to his side and used his shoulder to keep my balance. He glared, hesitating, but stood up and and walked out the door.

I kissed his cheek before grabbing the double shot the bartender refilled for me and throwing it back. "Have I mentioned how much I love you?" I smiled at the baron.

"Ja, but I can make you love me more," he smirked and pulled a golden bottle from inside his jacket. "It took longer than anticipated to find, but I thought Goût de Diamants would be a fitting gift for your geburtstag (birthday)."

I stared, wide-eyed. "Helmut, you didn't have to do that." He sat the bottle on the bar and called for two glasses.

"Think nothing of it." He poured our drinks and raised his glass in toast. "And this isn't even the present I had planned." He winked as our glasses clinked. We drank for a few minutes before telling the bartender to put the champagne on ice. I grabbed Zemo's hand and headed for the middle of the dance floor. Before we could get all the way out, he yanked back on my wrist and I smacked in to his chest. One hand on my hip and one hand cupping my face, he kissed me deeper than he ever had before. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him as close as I could.

Until the song changed.

I smiled as I let go of him and took a couple steps back. "Ich liebe dieses Lied! (I love this song!)" I switched back to my native tongue out of drunken excitement. I jumped up and down to the beat, throwing my hands up with those around me. I met Zemo's gaze and tried to get him to dance with me, but he just smiled, shook his head, and watched.

The alcohol started to hit me when the base dropped.

And so did my realization of how much I wanted Zemo. He was still standing a few feet away, arms crossed and watching me with that same lustful look in his eye he had the day before. I finally decided to do something about it. I smiled and walked back to him. I draped my arms around his neck as I started moving my hips to the music, making sure I was close enough he could feel me move. Our eyes stayed locked on one another as his hands traced my curves. I drug my fingers downward, gently took his hands, and turned so my back was against his chest. Putting his hands forward on my hips, I pushed back and continued to grind against him teasingly. He instantly pulled me closer and put his lips to my ear.

"Are you sure you want to do that, liebling?" His accent was darkened with the scent of alcohol. There was no way he'd gotten that drunk just on the champagne so he'd probably been out drinking before he came back.

I continued to move my hips against his. "Anything for you, mein baron." He dug his fingers in to my hips and I let out a soft exhale.

"Would you like your present now, then?" His breath trailed down my neck and sent a visible shiver up my spine. I felt him smile as he kissed and nipped at my neck. My only response was to bite my lip and arch my back with a whimper.

"Do with me what you'd like, Helmut." I managed to choke out. "Tonight, I am all yours."

"Only tonight? I suppose I must try harder, then." He bit down on to the nape of my neck. I couldn't help but audibly moan and try to keep myself standing. Zemo caught me around my waist. He released his jaw but not his grip. Keeping me barely upright, he managed to maneuver us around the sea of people and to a spare bedroom on the main floor.

*The next chapter will contain smut that can only be read on Wattpad*