Guarded Heart

The day after that luncheon, Y/N was in the barn office when she received a text from an unknown number-

*Good morning Doll, hope you slept well.

She grinned, thinking about last nite and this morning with Thor. His skill in bed was godlike. She shook her head and replied to the text

*Who is this and how did you get my number?

The response

*This is Bucky

She furrowed her brow

*Who the hell is Bucky?

*Sorry, James but you can call me either one.

I thought we should get together, I have a ring for you and we should at least start planning the engagement party. It's expected.

She sighed

*I suppose you're right. How about brunch on Sunday? Leave her behind

Bucky shook his head, Nat wasn't gonna like this.

*sure, I know a great place. I'll pick you up at 10?

*11 would be better, I'll be at the barn from 5-10. Unless you don't care if i shower.

Bucky got distracted for a moment thinking of her in the shower. Nat really isn't gonna like this, he was already fantasizing about Y/N, even last nite when he was with Nat. There was just something about her.

*11 is fine, please shower it's a nice restaurant and I have a reputation to maintain.

*Only for you, Jamie. I'll see you Sunday.

Jamie? What was she thinking, it just came out and she hit send before she could catch herself. She shook her head, no little pet names, she was not falling in love with this guy, this was business. So what if he was drop dead gorgeous with those blue eyes she could drown in and plush pink lips she wanted to kiss.

Nope, nope, nope...not doing this. Falling in love was out of the question and he already had someone. Just business. And maybe a little lust.

Jamie? Bucky wondered. Where did that come from? He shrugged, he's been called worse by women. It's kind of cute. Nat would hate that too, he hoped their relationship was strong enough to bear this marriage but he had his doubts.

Nat came out of the bathroom hair still dripping, wrapped in a towel "What are you grinning about moya lyubov(my love)?"

Bucky jumped, he was so wrapped up in his thoughts, wondering how Y/N would sound moaning 'Jamie' while he was deep inside her, that he didn't hear Nat.

He shook his head and grabbed Nat to help with the results of his fantasizing "Just thinking of you, baby. We have to be quick, almost time to meet dad for breakfast."

Nat smiled and dropped her towel.

30 minutes later they hurried out of his place to meet his father for breakfast at his parents townhouse.

When they arrived George Barnes walked out to the car with a big grin on his face. "I hear that lunch went well. Y/N is quite the beauty, son. She has been raised in the life and is a very strong woman from all I have heard. I think this will be a good match, yes?"

Bucky nodded, "I think so." And smiled. "I'm taking her for brunch on Sunday so I'll need the ring. We are going to plan our engagement party.

Nat scowled but kept quiet.

George ignored Nat, like he usually did. He couldn't understand why his oldest son picked her for his right hand when his adopted brother, Steve, would have made more sense. He had let it go but had hopes that Y/N would be a better match for his son and help him get over this silly rebellion with Nat.

"Of course, son, your mother has the ring.

Let's go inside before your mother comes out and yells at both of us."

They went up the steps into the house and headed for the kitchen where Bucky's mom, Winnifred or Winnie, was making breakfast.

Bucky walked up behind her and kissed her cheek "Ma, you don't have to make a big breakfast time I come over. You could get a cook and take some stress off of yourself. Or we could go out for breakfast."

Winnie turned around and hugged her son "Don't be silly. Cooking relaxes me and I have to make sure you get a healthy meal once in awhile."

She finished the French toast she was making and handed him a plate "Here, take this to the table. You need to sit down and tell me about this girl."

When they entered the dining room she saw Nat sitting at the table and tensed "Natasha" Nat nodded

Winnie also hoped her son would get over whatever he had with Nat. She just wasn't good for her son. Their partying was legendary and he needed to grow up.

Winnie waited until everyone sat down and started eating before she spoke up again "So. Tell me about this girl, Y/N, right? Her reputation is horse crazy, charity queen. If she's not with her horses she's heading up fundraisers for mostly children and animal charities. I met her once but it was brief, she's lovely and very well spoken although a bit snarky at times.

What do you think?"

Bucky smiled thinking of Y/N "She was more than a bit snarky but it was more casual than when you met her. She's beautiful and was sweet but doesn't seem to be one that puts up with others bullshit. She's strong, for sure. The troubles she had awhile back would have brought that out. I think she was probably more woman than Zemo could handle, honestly."

Winnie smiled, she saw the look on his face, her son was smitten even if he didn't realize it yet. She also saw the look on Nats face, brow drawn, teeth clenched. Good, let her stew. Winnie never trusted Nat, something wasn't right with the way she just showed up a few years ago and bewitched him, for lack of a better term.

"She sounds like quite a woman. I'm looking forward to meeting her."

Bucky nodded "You'll meet her at the Christmas party since it's coming up soon. Can I get the ring? We have a brunch date on Sunday and figured we might as well get things rolling."

"Of course. I'll get it for you after we eat.

Why don't you announce your engagement at the party? Or if you want to get everyone's attention you could propose there."

Once they finished eating and cleared the table, Winnie left them to their business.

George asked his son "How did your talk with her father go?

Bucky nodded "It went pretty well. He was a bit greedy but I was able to help him see his errors. Both families stand to increase our profits with the plans we discussed. Once he's gone, his territories will merge with ours. We'll be the most powerful family in the state."

George nodded and smiled "I knew you were ready for this.

What about her? Did she have any demands?"

"A few but they weren't unreasonable. The main points were that her horses come first and don't flaunt any other women and make a fool of her. She's pretty involved in the community and multiple charities so I get that. Most of the rich, charity women are bored housewives and will latch onto any potential gossip. We don't need any of that drama anyhow so at least I know she's careful about that." Bucky explained.

"I need to find a house with horse facilities, before the wedding and she wants a sizable allowance but nothing we can't handle."

George nodded "I've heard worse demands. That Dolores-"

Bucky cut him off "I know dad, that's one of the many reasons I'm not marrying her."

"But you did think about it. That girl must be a demon in the sack to cloud your mind like she did." George glanced at Nat, who was practically steaming at the talk of Bucky with other women.

Bucky laughed "Obviously not good enough to keep me enthralled."

Nat stood up abruptly "Excuse me" she gritted out and stomped away.

George shook his head "I see Natasha isn't taking all this very well. Maybe you should reconsider her as your right hand before you marry Y/N. She might cause trouble and besides you know Steve would be a better choice. Hell even Sam would-"

Bucky snapped "Damnit dad could we not go through this for the millionth time? Nat's my right hand and that's that." He calmed down and then forced out "I love her" Bucky wasn't sure who he was trying to convince his father or himself but he wasn't feeling it today.

George laughed "That's not very convincing but I'll let it go for now. You just keep an eye on her and don't let her hurt Y/N."

When Nat returned they went on to go over business and the agreements Bucky made with Y/N's father.

Once they were done Bucky went to say goodbye to his mother. He kissed her on the cheek and she gave him the ring. It was his great-grandmothers, brought from Ireland when she emigrated at the turn of the last century. It featured a 1 carat pear cut emerald and had a trinity knot design with a number of smaller diamonds. Simple and tasteful but showy enough for a mafia princess.

Bucky smiled, imagining his soon to be fiance sporting his family heirloom. It would look lovely on her. He shook his head.

"Thanks Ma. I'll see you tomorrow"

When they got in the car, Nat refused to speak to him "C'mon, Natty. You know I love you. This has to happen.

She snapped at him "Yeah but you don't have to enjoy it so fucking much. And you told me you never fucked Dot but that was more bullshit wasn't it?

Bucky squirmed a bit "It was only a couple of times, she was getting suspicious. She wanted to have you killed, I had no choice. Besides she was awful and I'm still with you. Y/N is different, she's not expecting a fairy tale.

"But you're still gonna fuck her. Talking to your dad you sounded like you really like her.

Bucky shrugged "She's nice enough." He grabbed Nats hand "Look baby, I know this sucks but I'm not going to let myself be miserable over it. You should try to make some peace with it because I'm not gonna let you make me miserable either

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday morning, Y/N was up at 5am like always and raced to the barn to feed her horses. In addition to Destry a black Irish Hunter she had her first horse, Dylan a grey Welsh pony, Daisy a palomino thoroughbred mare, Lulu a dapple grey Warmblood and Stinky a paint who was barely taller than a pony and Destry's bff. She refused to sell her horses when she moved up to a higher class, she loved them all as the only friends she could really trust.

Once everyone was fed she went to the guest house and kicked off her boots. Thor was awake and the smell of coffee filled the house. She found him facing the coffee maker and snuck up behind him.

"Hey handsome, you come here often?" She asked in a sultry voice as she wrapped her arms around his bare torso.

Thor turned around and lifted her up onto the counter. Rubbing at her clothed core he smirked "Mmmm, yes. I cum here all the time. Does my sweet pussy need to be fed?"

She nodded and grabbed him by the back of the neck to bring him closer to kiss her "Always. I always need you, Thor." She moaned softly as their lips met and rubbed his clothed cock.

He groaned "My greedy girl. It's barely been 8 hours." As he pulled her shirt off and unhooked her bra.

She leaned back to pull her bra off "You always seem to be able to rise to the occasion. I think you're just as needy as I am so stop teasing" then leaned back into grip his now erect cock. She pushed his sweats down with her feet until he sprang free already red and leaking.

Thor moaned loudly "With a vixen like you how could I not be needy." He tapped her leg, waited for her to lift her hips then ripped her sweats and panties down her legs. Thor pulled her to the edge of the counter and rubbed his throbbing cock against her dripping pussy, coating himself in her slick.

"You ready baby?" She nodded eagerly then threw her head back and moaned as he slowly slid into her heat. "Fuck baby, I don't know how you can still be so fucking tight when you take my cock twice a day. Or more. So good."

She was already gone by the time he was fully sheathed in her, immersed in his scent and the feel of his body against her, his cock filling her so perfectly. He pulled out to the tip and pushed back in, taking long, slow, deep strokes...hitting all the right spots in her. She wrapped her legs around his back to keep him close and ran her fingers through his hair then pulled it making him grunt. He started moving faster and rubbing her swollen clit with his thumb, making her mewl in pleasure.

"You have bewitched me, little one. So fucking good. I can feel your pussy squeezing me, are you going to cum already. I need to feel you come and drench my cock."

Thor's dirty talk pushed her over the edge and he growled when he felt her gushing around him. It was too much and after a few more thrusts he filled her.

Y/N looked up at Thor and smiled sweetly. "Coffee is awesome but this is definitely the best part of waking up." She pouted "I wish I could wake up next to you."

Thor kissed her "I know my sweet but your father would never accept our relationship. I'm just the stable manager, not fit to be with a princess such as yourself. I'm sure your fiance will take good care of you. Maybe you'll even fall in love." He pulled out and grabbed a towel to clean her up.

Y/N laughed "Now that's funny. Love is for children and Hallmark movies. Besides he has a girlfriend but she's sterile. I don't think she likes me very much" she grinned mischievously as she got off of the counter.

"Come on, let's get started. I have to finish by 10, he's picking me up for brunch at 11 and I told him I'd shower first."

Just before 10 Y/N left after giving Thor a blow job in the tack room and went back to the main house to get ready for brunch. She put on a demure dress and warm boots, keeping her hair and make-up simple. She had just finished putting her earrings in when she heard the doorbell ring. With one last look in the mirror she headed downstairs to find James chatting with her mother.

"There she is, you look lovely dear" her mother smiled "You kids enjoy your date."

Bucky offered his arm "Shall we?"

"Of course, Jamie" she blurted out before she realized what she was doing "Sorry, I don't know where that came from."

Bucky smiled "Don't be, I like it. No ones ever called me Jamie."

Bucky was a perfect gentleman making sure to open the door for her and when they arrived at the restaurant he guided her to the table with his hand on her lower back.

They sat down and ordered, making small talk while they waited for their food.

"My mother tells me you are very involved with a number of charities, animals and kids seem to be your passion."

She nodded "Yes, they are the only truly innocent in this world and don't deserve any of the horrors dumped upon them. I can't seem to muster up much enthusiasm for any other causes.

I've been training pretty heavily the last few months so haven't been able to do any charity work. That probably won't change much for awhile but I'll be sure to make the time for wedding stuff."

The food came and they kept up the conversation as they both picked at their food.

Bucky smiled "I'll have to come watch you ride sometime"

She shook her head "That's not necessary, I'm sure you're a  busy man."

"I am but that doesn't mean I won't make time for you. Even if we aren't in love we will be stuck with each other." He winked. "I'd rather be friends and keep things amicable. Plus there will be plenty of occasions where we will need to appear together and have some clue about each other.

Not to mention when we do have kids I don't want them to grow up in a cold house. They will deserve to have a loving home."

Y/N smiled softly at him, if they had met under different circumstances, before Zemo and without her father breathing down her neck, maybe they could have had something real but her father's insistence that she marry soured the whole thing.  Her stomach dropped thinking of having kids with him and she felt that tingle in her core at the idea of making those kids with him.

She cleared her throat "Did you grow up in a loving home? I didn't think that was common in this life."

He nodded "Yeah, my folks are great. I mean, Dad had to be hard sometimes but he always made sure we knew we were loved and my mom, she's incredible."

She looked surprised "We? You have siblings?"

"A younger sister, Rebecca. You'll meet her at the Christmas party. She goes to school in Boston but is coming home for the break. And an adopted brother, Steve has been my closest friend since grade school so when his parents were both killed in a car accident, mine took him in. He'll be at the party too.

You're an only child? Your mother seems very caring...."

She grimaced "Mom is, she was an accomplished equestrian as well but when she married my father, well she ended up giving it up to be the kind of wife he wanted. She rides with me occasionally and helps when I have challenges. My father is complicated, his dad was a cold man, all business and his mother passed when he was young so he never had that warmth. He loves me in his own way and taught me how to be strong, made sure I understood and was prepared for what was expected of me but has never been loving. He expects me to give up my Olympic dreams and be a perfect mob wife. I hope you realize that's not happening."

Bucky chuckled "I worked that out on my own." He paused "That sounds like a rough way to grow up."

She shrugged "I've met girls from other families who had it worse. At least he didn't beat me into submission and he's always tolerated, meaning paid for, my horses so I always have friends in the barn."

He took her hand "I don't expect you to give up something that is obviously so important to you. Wouldn't want to take you away from your friends. Maybe I can make friends with them too." He smiled hopefully.

She squeezed his hand "Anything's possible."

Bucky laughed. The sound made her feel warm. "So what do you do for fun? What kind of hobbies do you have or is fucking angry redheads all you have the time for" she smirked

Bucky choked "Damn doll, you learn that bluntness from your father? Lets not talk about her.

I work on my bikes."

"Wow, sexy mobster and biker? I'm surprised you dont have a line of women following you around. What kind of bike?"

He grinned "It's a Harley road king but I have an old Indian that I'm fixing up. I don't have much spare time so its slow going. You like bikes?"

She smiled "Yeah, I have a little enduro that I putt around on. Nothing like a Harley. You'll have to take me for a ride." The thought of sitting behind him on a bike, pushed up against his back, brought that warmth back.

Bucky noticed she seemed a little flustered and rubbed her hand. "Would you excuse me for a moment?"

"Of course"

Y/N tried to finish her food but the butterflies in her stomach prevented her from swallowing any more.

Bucky returned with a smile on his face but instead of sitting down he bent down on one knee next to her. He pulled a beautiful ring out of his pocket and took her hand "Y/N Y/L/N would you do me the honor of joining me in an arranged marriage to further our families businesses?"

Y/N laughed and Bucky promised himself he would do everything he could to make her laugh like that every day "Yes, Jamie. I will arranged marriage you" he slid the ring onto her ring finger and sat back in his seat as the waitress brought the champagne he requested and a number of the other patrons applauded.

Across the restaurant a woman sitting by herself in an obvious blonde wig and huge sunglasses broke the glass she was holding, threw some bills on the table and stormed out but Bucky and Y/N were completely oblivious.