Fated Marks

Hayley’s POV-

“You did this to me! Now it’s your turn.”

Suddenly the fire got closer and closer until my skin was burning.

I opened my eyes and it was still dark meaning it was still the middle of the night. I noticed that there was something tied around my waist and that my pillow was moving. I heard soft snores and breathing sounds that weren’t coming from me.

Slowly I moved my hand to my waist and realized it was someone’s arm. The instant I touched them they moved away and hummed before their breathing evened out again.

I slowly moved off of who I now realized was Clint and slowly crawled out of bed without waking up Natasha. I walked out of the room and went out to the terrace. The silence was soothing in a way. I unlocked my phone and opened the message I had gotten earlier and found another one I hadn’t seen.

Four Months left, clock’s ticking. Find her or the next bullet goes in you head.

I gulped. If I had anything left in my stomach I probably would be throwing up right now. I scrolled up and saw the photo again.

Karim Nassar was a horrible person. He sold people off like cattle and for parts. He sold weapons to mercenaries and governments alike. He helped Hadrian sell me off to the Triad and he was associated with the ten rings. He was a monster and the world was better off with him gone. Yet here I was sitting on the terrace crying over a photo of his dead body.

“Hayley?” I heard Bruce say. I quickly wiped the tears off my face and shut the phone off.

“Sorry I should go.” I said.

“Hey, it’s alright. I’ll give you space.” Bruce said turning around.

“Am I bad a person?” I asked already knowing the answer. Bruce stopped and turned around.

“Hayley…” Bruce started.

“I killed a guy. I didn’t pull the trigger but I pointed that sociopath right to him and now his blood is on my hands and…” I started sobbing.

“Hayley, What do you always tell me when I start doubting myself or the other guy?” Bruce asked.

“I don’t think that really applies here.” I cried as Bruce sat next to me.

“Everyone has a bad or dark side and is capable of doing wrong. We’re human we make mistakes.” Bruce said.

“Most people don’t help plot the assassination of another person.” I said as my voice cracked. “Growing up I used to tell my mom and my brother how wrong everything we did was and I spent years after trying to be better but I’m not better. The first time things go to hell I either run or pull a stunt like this. I turned into my mom. I’m a monster.” I cried.

“Hayley I didn’t know your mom but from what you’ve told me she did what she did for her own selfish reasons. You did it to save Rebekah. Maybe the way you did it was… questionable but it wasn’t something you did without thinking a lot about it and clearly you still are.” He said looking at the phone in my hand. Bruce slowly took the phone out of my hand and put it on the coffee table. “You’re not a monster Hayley.”

“How can you say that?” I said tearing up.

“Because you feel guilty.” Bruce said. At that, I moved over and hugged him hiding my face in his chest. Bruce gently put his arms around me as I cried. “Sh, It gets easier. Maybe not right now but someday.”

Eventually I cried myself to sleep wishing that when I woke up tomorrow this would all be a nightmare. Yeah that wasn’t going to happen but it doesn’t cost anything to dream.

Third Person’s POV- The Next Morning

Clint groaned before moving to his side to reach out for his soulmate. When he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him he felt her jab an elbow into his gut.

“AH!” He yelped out.

“Clint?” Natasha sleepily.

“Nat?” Clint said sitting up with a groan. “Thought you were Hayley.”

“Your arm was too heavy to be Hayley’s. Is she in the bathroom?” Natasha asked.

“No… Door’s open.” Clint said. At that they both jumped out of bed and ran out of the room.

“Wow, where’s the fire? Where’s Hayley?” Tony asked.

“She isn’t in her room.” Clint said.

“What?” Steve said as he walked into the kitchen.

“You don’t think she…” Tony started.

“What? You think she ran away?” Steve said.

“Well all things considered Spangles you did tear her a new one yesterday.” Tony said grabbing his phone.

“Where’s Bruce?” Natasha asked.

“Probably still asleep.” Clint said.

“No I heard him get up earlier.” Steve said.

“Security camera’s didn’t see them leaving the property.” Tony said. “Huh,”

“What?” Natasha said.

“Check the terrace.” Tony said.

Clint and Steve ran out of the villa to the terrace. They found Bruce and Hayley asleep in each other’s arms.

“Should we…” Steve asked.

“Give them a few more minutes.” Clint said with a smile before heading back inside.

“I made a mess of things didn’t I?” Steve asked.

“You were a bit harsh, then again she did drop a big one on us.” Clint said.

“How could she… Why didn’t she come to us?” Steve said frustrated.

“I’ve been asking myself that for months. Hayley isn’t a spy but she was practically raised like one. Lying was a part of surviving and even then it wasn’t always enough. Kol was right, it doesn’t matter how bad we try and make her feel, it’s still nothing compared to what she’s doing to herself. Sound like someone you know?” Clint asked giving him a look.

“What do you mean?” Steve asked.

“You’re a soldier Cap. You were trained to believe that everything you did was for a greater good. The Nazis were the bad guys and the Allies were the good guys. Things were simpler back then but the world’s changed and you have a lot to learn. It isn’t just black and white there’s a lot of grey areas.” Clint said.

“So you’re telling me this is okay now?” Steve asked.

“I’m saying desperate times call for desperate measures. Doing the right thing isn’t always the right thing for the situation.” Clint said before leaving Steve with his thoughts.

Hayley’s POV-

I felt the light hit my face, making me groan.

“Mh.” I heard Bruce groan. “Morning.”

“Too bright.” I said. “Did we stay out the whole night?”

“Looks like it.” He said. I moved off of Bruce and sat up. I grabbed my phone to check the time.

“Crap, I have to start getting ready.” I said. “And I need an ice pack.”

“Are you hurt?” Bruce asked.

“I kind of slept on my wrist.” I said.

“Sorry.” Bruce said shyly.

“Don’t be, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten more than a few hours of peaceful sleep. Thank you.” I said before leaning over to kiss him.

“I know you probably don’t want to hear this but maybe it might be time to talk to someone about this.” Bruce said.

“My therapist is in New York and I don’t think a random therapist will take the news of me plotting someone’s assassination too well.” I said. “I’ll deal with it.”

“I’m not that type of doctor but if you need to you can call me anytime to talk about this.” Bruce said.

“I might take you up on that offer.” I said giving him one last hug before heading inside.

Everyone was sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee.

“Morning sunshine.” Tony said.

“Still hate that name.” I said before walking to my room.

“Hayley.” Steve said stopping me in my tracks. “Can we talk?”

“I have to get ready.” I said before walking into my room. As much as I deserved everything Steve was going to throw in my face, I’d rather not ruin Pepper’s wedding photos with my red puffy eyes. I hopped in the shower for about two minutes before I started freaking out and got out. Natasha and Clint were sitting on my bed when I got out.

“Hi?” I said confused.

“Hey.” Clint said giving me a small smile.

“Shouldn’t you two be getting ready?” I asked.

“We’re used to getting ready in under two minutes, we have time.” Natasha said.

“That’s cool.” I said going to pull out my dress from the closet. This was it, this was when they ended things. I wonder what happens to the bond if that happens. I guess I’ll still feel them I just won’t see them…

I heard one of them get off the bed and come up behind me. I turned around and saw Natasha standing there. Next thing I know she’s hugging me. Natasha isn’t really big on hugging so this was a big surprise. I stood there awkwardly for a minute.

“You’re supposed to hug back.” Natasha said.

“Oh…” I said before hugging back.

“You did what you had to Hayley, it’s okay.” Natasha said. So much for not crying.

“I killed a guy Nat.” I said.

“The guy also happened to be on SHIELD’s radar and a mass murderer along a long list of other stuff. You did what you thought was right hales.” Clint said. “I know it doesn’t feel like it right now but it will get better.”

“This is going to come back and bite me in the ass one day.” I said.

“I doubt it, you did your research and if it does we’ll deal with it together.” Natasha said giving me a kiss before letting me go so Clint could hug me.

“Do you hate me?” I asked tearing up.

Clint let go of me and out his hands on either side of my face. “There is nothing you or anyone can do to make me stop loving you baby. You’re stuck with me remember? Good and bad.” He said kissing me before pulling me into a hug.

I really didn’t deserve them.

“Uh, sorry to interrupt your moment but Natasha and Hayley need to be ready in like an hour and I know how long it takes Hayley to pull herself together.” Will said.

“Only cause you hog the bathroom.” I said pulling away from Clint.

“Your dresses.” Will said. “This one’s first.”

“The thing’s I do for friends.” I muttered.

“It’s not pink its…. Okay it’s pinkish but not exactly pink.” He said.

“Up or down?” I asked.

“Uh… Up.” Will said.

“Got it.” I said starting to get ready.

“What are you two just standing around for, go get ready.” Will said ushering them out.

I ended up with a intricate up do that would leave my hair wavy when I let it down for the reception.

I slipped on the ‘not that’ pink bridesmaid dress and was glad it covered up the boot but at the same time made me worry I might trip over it since I wasn’t wearing heels and was dragging a bit.

“Damn, you look good in anything.” Will said. “Have you lost weight?”

“I think you’re seeing things.” I said. I probably had considering this entire ordeal had my stomach in knots and I could barely keep anything down.

“Well damn.” Will said.

“Thanks you look pretty hot yourself Josh is going to be drooling over you.” I said and Will suddenly got sad. “What?”

“Nothing just relationship drama.” Will said.

“What’s going on? Did you talk to Josh?” I asked.

“We did but he gave me the same story as always.” Will said. “I don’t know if I can do this Hayley all the secrets and going behind my back.”

“Will just give him a chance okay I’m sure he has his reasons.” I said.

“Of course you’d say that. Seriously Hales even your secrets have secrets. It took you two and a half years for you to even tell me you had a brother.” Will said.

“And you trust me when I say that you’re better off not knowing about it. Give Josh the benefit of the doubt, he has his reasons.” I said as I put on my earrings.

“I hope you’re right.” Will said.

“Of course I’m right. When have I ever steered you wrong?” I said.

“Well there was that one time in Atlantic city…” Will said.

“That one was on Tess who mixes shrooms with weed?” I said.

“Can’t believe she’s trying to be a mom?” Will said.

“They’ll have Liam, they’ll be okay.” I said.

“I think we should have talked them into practicing with a puppy or something first.” Will said as we walked out of my room.

“They’ll figure it out.” I said.

“Wow…” Tony said as he saw me.

“Pretty wow yourself. Tom Ford three piece?” I asked.

“Gucci, figured when in Rome…” Tony started.

“Florence.” Will and I corrected.

“Same country.” Tony said. “Save me a dance?”

“Not this time. Can’t wear dancing shoes with this thing on.” I said lifting the hem of my boot a bit.

“Next time then.” He said kissing my cheek.

“We should get moving. Pre-ceremony photos before all the guests arrive.” Will said. “Natasha!”

“Ready.” Nat said.

“Wow.” I said.

“Flirt later move.” Will said pulling us out of the villa.

As it turns out Pepper’s wedding wasn’t the only wedding going on at the hotel. She got the east wing the other wedding got the west side. All things considered Pepper got the better end since she could take photos with the city in the background. The other side had a vills but I don’t think they minded considering all the room they were going to need for all their guests.

“Maserati, Lambourghini, Aston martin, Bentley… wow these guys are balling.” Will said.

“Not kidding.” I said as we walked to the bridal suite.

“Knock Knock.” Will said.

“Oh you’re here!” Pepper said cheerfully.

“Hey.” We greeted.

“You two look beautiful.” Pepper said.

“Not as great as you do.” We said. It was her wedding she was the star and with the amount of concealer I had to use I was pretty sure I still looked a bit wrecked.

“I’m glad you got here early I could use a hand zipping up my dress.” Pepper said.

“That’s what bridesmaids are for.” Natasha said moving behind Pepper.

After getting ushered outside for photos that seemed to go on and on we were finally paired off with the groomsmen. Daniel’s cousin kept trying to put the moves on me.

“You know what they say about the brides maids and the groomsmen.” He said as we got lined up to walk down the aisle.

“And what would that be.” I said giving him a blank look.

“That they you know end up together on the wedding night.” He said making Natasha laugh.

“I’m going to give you a bit of advice. Next time you try and hit on someone you may want to make sure that their girlfriend isn’t standing right behind you or that said girlfriend isn’t a trained assassin that probably has at least two knives or a gun on them.” I said with a smile.

He slowly turned around to see Nat giving him a deadly smile. He paled a bit before the music started playing and we started walking.

The ceremony went as planned. They did the traditional vows and exchanged rings then were declared Husband and wife. Yay!

After more photos, Nat and I went back to the villa to change for the reception.

I opened the garment bag Will had left for me. It was a navy maxi dress with sheer off shoulder straps and a plunging sweetheart neckline.

“Damn it Will.” I muttered. The dress was gorgeous and definitely showed off my curves but the thigh high slit and the plunging neckline were a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.

“Hayley.” Natasha said knocking at the door.

“Yeah, just taking my hair out of the bun come in.” Natasha said coming in wearing an amazing teal lace gown.

“You’re gorgeous.” She said.

“This is why I shouldn’t let Will pick out my outfits.” I said.

“If you say so.” Natasha said helping me pull out hairpins. When we were finally done we went out to join everywhere for the cocktail reception before the real reception started.

Tony spotted us first and I saw his mouth open about to say something.

“Don’t even think about it.” I said.

“But…” he started.

“No.” I said.

“You look beautiful.” he said quickly so I wouldn’t be able to interrupt him.

“Thank you. And you,” I said turning to Will.

“Damn I have good taste.” Will said with a smirk.

“I thought I said keep it classy and injury friendly?” I said.

“The slit gives you leg room and it shows off your assets nicely.” Will said and I gave him a glare. “Doesn’t she look hot guys?” I turned and they were all just staring at me.

“Nice try.” I said.

“If I go get you a drink will you forgive me?” Will said.

“It’s a start.” I said.

“Bruschetta appetizer?” Will asked.

“Getting warmer.” I said before he ran off.

“You do look beautiful Hayley.” Steve said.

“Thanks…” I said feeling awkward. Just as we were about to head to our table my phone started ringing. I sent it to voicemail and went to enjoy dinner. The phone kept ringing and since I still wasn’t ready to talk to Rebekah I kept sending it to voicemail.

As soon as the dancing started I went to use the ladies room just when my phone started ringing. I sent it to voicemail again. I was walking out of the restroom when two big guys in a suit came up to me.

“Hayley Adams?” One of them said.

“Yes…” I said skeptically.

“For you.” One of them said handing me a phone.

“Hello?” I said confused.

“About bloody time.” Kol said.

“Kol what the hell?” I said.

“So I may have gotten myself into a bit of a snag.” He said.

“Snag?” I asked.

“I got black out drunk last night after your soulmate’s left. Met up with some friends ended up at an underground casino and forgot I lost a couple grand before promising to return and pay them. Suffice it to say the wedding I ended up crashing was of said casino owner’s daughter and now they’re not letting me go.” Kol said.

“What the fuck Kol?!” I whispered harshly.

“It’s not so bad. There’s cake involved so hey let them eat cake.” He said chuckling awkwardly.

“Wrong country dumbass. Okay how much do you need?” I asked.

“Five hundred thousand.” Kol said.

“How do you lose five hundred grand in one night!” I whispered.

“The damages as a result of a might I may have been involved in are included. Look I have the money, it’s in my safe in my flat. The code is my siblings’ first initials from oldest to youngest. Please hurry.” Kol said before the call ended.

I let out an aggravated sigh before handing the phone back to the goon.

“I understand you’re here to collect the money. I’m going to arrange for it to be delivered here but I need to go back in there would you mind waiting at the bar so we don’t make a scene?” I asked.

“We will be watching.” One of them said in accented English.

“Grazie.” I said.

I was going to kill that idiot but first I had to make sure they didn’t kill him. I walked into the ballroom and saw that the dance floor was in full swing. I immediately spotted Will and Josh dancing.

‘Sorry about this Will.’ I thought.

I walked over and tapped Will on the shoulder.

“Hey.” Will said with a smile.

“Hey, mind if I cut in? I think josh might be able to teach me a thing or two.” I said with a smile.

“What about our leg?” Will asked.

“After those two drinks I’m floating on a cloud. You mind.” I said giving him a wink and he caught on.

“Just because it’s you.” Will said before going to sit down.

“Okay so you just…” Josh started.

“Put your arm on my waist and start swaying.” I said and he immediately dropped the smile.

“We have a problem.” I said.

“What problem?” Josh said getting worried. “Is Will…”

“Will has nothing to do with this. Your dumbass boss went out last night and pissed off a certain casino owner who may or may not have mob affiliations and who’s daughter just so happens to be having her wedding reception in the other wing.” I said.

“Oh fuck.” Josh said.

“Oh fuck is right. Apparently Kol owes him five hundred grand and is currently being held ransom next door until someone pays his ransom. See those two guys in black suits at the bar? Spin me out.” I said and he did looking over in that direction.

“Yeah, they’re watching you.” Josh said.

“Exactly. So Here’s what’s going to happen. You planned a trip for you and Will to spend two days in Venice. You left to go set up the last minute details. Understood?” I said.

“But…” Josh started.

“Just the cover, it’s all set up you two leave in the morning. Happy Birthday.” I said. “When this song ends, Tony’s probably going to come over here and cut in. Let him and you’re going to get out and head over to Kol’s apartment for the money. Grab seven hundred grand from the safe. The code word is his siblings’ first initials from oldest to youngest. Get it and text me when you’re back in the lobby. I’ll meet you there.”

“Thanks for the birthday gift.” Josh said.

“What are friends for?” I said as we continued dancing. Just as the song ended Tony came over.

“Mind if I cut in?” Tony said.

“Of course.” Josh said before backing away.

Tony put his hand on my waist and held my other hand.

“Thought your leg wasn’t going to let you dance?” Tony said.

“Side effect of all those drinks Will’s been giving me. I’m on a cloud right now.” I said.

“You are pretty light on your feet.” Tony said.

“Not so bad yourself.” I answered.

“Have I ever mentioned how out of my league you are?” Tony said.

“Where have you been the past two days? All that baggage pulls me way down.” I said.

“Hales…” Tony said.

“Tony.” I said giving him a look.

“What spangles said…” Tony said.

“Was completely true.” I said. “Ends don’t justify the means.”

“That guy was a creep but you already knew that from before all of this.” Tony said making me give him a look. “We paid Kol a visit last night. We saw the files, he wasn’t an innocent guy. Then I realized something; you wouldn’t have just picked a random guy to take the fall. He had to be connected somehow, it had to make sense that he’d put out a hit. Then I saw the flow chart. How did you know him?”

“I didn’t.” I said. “Not directly. I saw him in passing once.”

“When?” Tony asked.

“The day my mom sold me to the Triad. He came to pick me up and shoved me into a dog cage so he could ship me off to them. He was the middle man who brokered the deal.” I said starting to shake. “Never got a name until three weeks ago. Like I said Baggage. I’m damaged goods.”

Tony pulled me closer so we were hugging and my head was resting against his shoulder while we swayed.

“You’re not damaged goods Hales and I don’t have to remind you that when we met I literally had a shrapnel and an electromagnet in my chest. Doesn’t get more damaged than that.” He said.

“I actually thought it was cool that you had your own built in night light.” I said trying to distract him before we both triggered a panic attack.

“Point is we’re all a bit damaged and have baggage, doesn’t change how you feel about us and it doesn’t change how we feel about you.” Tony said.

“I don’t deserve you, any of you.” I said.

“If we all got what we really deserved we’d all be dead by now.” Tony said.

“Don’t kid about that.” I said.

“Then stop trying to convince us to abandon ship.” Tony said.

“Iceberg’s coming.” I said.

“You’re not the Titanic, You’re a fighter.” Tony said. “You’ll get through this. Just you know next time you get kidnapped let us know, we can help and you know I’m good for the ransom.”

“Uh… about that.” I said.

“Oh come on already?” Tony said.

“Uh in about twenty to thirty minutes I’m going to sneak off for a bit. Don’t freak out just uh… I’ll have my phone on me if I’m not back in fifteen or twenty minutes track it’s signal.” I said.

“Hayley…” Tony started but I kissed him.

“It’s handled and this time I promise I won’t break anything. I can’t promise Kol won’t.” I said.

“Kol… he… uh.” Tony groaned. “Please tell me Rebekah’s coming back soon?”

“I’m still working out some issues.” I said as my phone beeped. “How long have we been dancing?”

“Uh judging by the annoyed look on Barton’s face more than the three songs we negotiated for turns.” Tony said not looking the least bit ashamed.

“Well, I have to sneak off now.” I said.

“Fifteen minutes not a second more.” Tony said.

“Promise.” I said giving him one last kiss before pulling away. I worked my way through the crowd and walked over to the lobby. Josh was waiting with a satchel full of cash looking anxious.

“Hey.” I said.

“You want me to stay.” Josh said.

“No go back in, Will’s been anxious. I don’t think they’d let you in anyway.” I said.

“Slap him for me when you see him.” Josh said.

“Trust me I will.” I said taking the bag before nodding at the guys. They stood up and walked over to me.

“Follow us.” One of them said.

We made out way through the lobby and went through the kitchen to make it to one of the private banquet rooms. Sitting at the table was a man smoking a cigar with two armed guards at his side and Kol sitting next to him.

“Ah the beauty to the rescue.” He said in Italian.

“You flatter me sir.” I answered. “I am here for my brother. I have the money he owes you.”

“There’s a lot more here than what he owes.” The guard that took the bag said.

“I was told that you were here to celebrate your daughter’s wedding. I was taught never to show up empty handed especially when one shows up under unpleasant circumstances. The extra money is for the happy couple to have something to build their new lives on.” I said.

“Are you sure this one is your brother?” He asked.

“Yes.” I said giving him a smile.

“Well then you would do well to use your sister’s example as the right way to show up especially when you weren’t invited, next time you won’t be so lucky.” He threatened. “Don’t come into one of my casinos again.”

“Yes thank you sir.” Kol said bowing his head.

“Would you like to stay for a drink, it’s the least we could do considering the trouble you went through?” He said giving me a flirty look.

“I thank you for the offer but I think my brother and I have taken too much advantage of your hospitality especially today of all days.” I said.

“Ah, well if you are ever in Florence you are more than welcome to come to any of my establishments.” He said.

“Thank you, I will remember that next time I am in your city.” I said before we were escorted out. Once we were clear I turned to kol and punched his arm.

“Ow.” He whined. “What was that for?”

“Being a dumbass, come on let’s get some ice on that bump.” I said dragging him to the reception.

“Wow.” Clint said.

“What happened?” Natasha said.

“Someone was being a dumbass.” I said pressing a napkin with ice against Kol’s head.

“Says the one who flirted with a mob boss.” Kol said.

“What?!” Everyone said turning to me.

“You really think he was going to let us out just like that considering you showed up to a family function to hook up with his daughter?” I reminded him. “I thought we talked about keeping a low profile?”

“We did, I went to an underground casino.” He said and I gave him a look. Then his phone beeped. “We need to go.”

“What?” I said.

“Our guy’s back in Romania.” Kol said.

“That’s what you said three weeks ago. All I got was a fortune teller telling me I was almost full circle and something about growing extra heads.” I said.

“Well he just texted saying he’s going to be in Constanta just for tomorrow before he leaves on an extended business trip.” Kol said. “You want me to handle it?”

“Can you handle it?” I said.

“This was a one time thing, it would have worked out on its own. Come on Hales, he likes blondes. Goes mad every time he sees Rebekah calls him, he’ll talk in less than ten minutes.” Kol said as my phone started beeping.

I gave him a look before opening my phone. It wasn’t a text or call, it was an alert from the algorithms keeping tabs on any sightings of Delilah.

“We need to go.” I said.

“We can be in Constanta by midnight.” Kol said.

“We’re not going to Romania we’re going to Berlin.” I said.

“Berlin? What’s in Berlin?” Kol asked.

“Delilah.”