Chapter 3
You lead Steve up the steps of your townhouse, it was odd yet comforting to have his protective presence just behind you. “Make yourself at home.” You said with a light laugh as you stepped inside.
“Why thank you. And who’s this!” Steve seemed to break his strong, silent persona for a second as your cat Bentley rubbed up on his ankles, purring softly.
This brought a big smile to your face, it was nice to see this huge man so enamored over a cat. “His name is Bentley, and he really likes you.” You replied, leaning down to pet Bentley with Steve. “You don’t strike me as a pet person.” You said honestly and looked over at him. The two of you were crouched in front of the front door, showering Bentley with lots of attention.
“Oh, I love cats. And I like you too, Bentley.” He cooed as he pet Bentley, the two of you laughed. However, your breath hitched in your throat as Steve’s hand passed over yours, you had to admit that the feeling made you feel those warm fuzzies that everyone was talking about.
“Sorry.” Steve mumbled and cleared his throat, he stood upright as you did and flattened his shirt with his hands. “Uh, I’m going to scan the area to make sure no one is here, alright?” He asked, placing a hand on the gun on his hip as he started walking down the hall.
You sighed softly and nodded, This whole arrangement is going to be the death of me, you thought to yourself. You were confused about the feelings that have been arriving the past couple of days being around Steve, and you were sure they were just going to increase.
You sat down in your living room as you heard Steve wander around your home, checking for any potential intruders. You pulled out your laptop and continued to look at the information about Alexander Pierce and his losers from before. You were determined to prove that he was behind the threats on your family, and to stop him before things went too far.
A text from Dale distracted you from your research, “You’re not going to like this” it read with a link attached. Just as you opened it, Steve walked into the room and stood by the window.
“Everything is clear.” Steve reported and looked down at you, his brows furrowed with concern.
You looked at the sleazy news report of you with Steve pictured outside your townhouse, something about a mysterious young man entering your home with you, full of assumptions. However, the comments of the article were worse, more threatening than what you’re used to. You were visibly upset, chewing your thumbnail as you read through them.
Steve noticed your concentrated face and moved to sit next to you on the couch, “Are you alright?” he asked, peeking over at your laptop screen. He let out a sigh and shook his head. “You really shouldn’t indulge in that stuff.” He stated.
“I didn’t believe things would get this bad, but it just keeps getting worse.” You confessed, voice shaky as you glanced over to him. “And now with this, the creeps in the comments know where I live!” You exclaimed, pointing to the photo of the two of you outside your house.
“Hey, hey now. Don’t you worry, doll. That’s why I am here, alright? No one is going to get to you when I’m here.” He said softly and placed a hand over yours, squeezing it lightly.
Tears prickled your eyes, but you let out a quiet giggle, Doll?, you thought to yourself, almost giddy. For a brief moment you forget everything that was going on at the moment, with Steve’s hand on yours, intentionally this time. “Thank you, I’m sorry, gosh it’s just been a long election.” You joked and wiped your cheeks.
“You don’t have to apologize, just know that I am here to help- to protect you from those online freaks.” He said, looking at you with such sincerity it frightened you.
The two of you barely realized how close you were now sitting, with a light chuckle you slowly pulled yourself back, and he did the same. “So, uh, what do you know about Alexander Pierce?” you asked, attempting to change the subject.
Steve rolled his neck, “Well, I’m pretty sure a lot of what I know- you’re not supposed to.” He said and grinned, and damn did he look devilishly handsome.
“Ah, right, Secret Service or whatever.” You joked and rolled your eyes. “What can you tell me then?” You asked again.
“He’s worse than Donald Trump and has access to far more technological and financial resources than Trump did, which is scary. He has a close circle of supporters who would do almost anything for him, all this does not equal anything good.” He said and sighed, looking over at you.
“All stuff I already know, unfortunately.” You said and dragged your hands down your face.
“For tonight, stop stressing about things that are out of your control.” Steve said, almost like it was an order. He stood up and extended his hand out for you to get up too.
You looked at him puzzled, but took his hand, standing up with him. He searched around for your bedroom, and led you there. “It’s late, your place is secure, so you get some rest.” He seemingly ordered again with a ghost of a smile on his lips.
A part of you hoped he would come in with you, fantasizing about touching him, maybe kissing him even. You halted those thoughts immediately and nodded towards Steve, an obvious blush covering your cheeks, “Okay okay, you’re right. Thank you again…” You said and smiled.
“I’ll be just down the hall, holler if you need me.” He replied and grinned, turning to walk back down the living room.
You settled into bed, however you felt restless, a million thoughts about the election, Pierce and then Steve running through your brain. At this point, rest seemed impossible.