Steve POV

My mind raced and my heart beat rapidly. Fuck! What was I gonna do? I was so close to taking her right then and there. Her lips, her eyes, her nose, everything made me want her in that moment. I tried to control myself because I didn't want to mess it up, but it was so hard. The way she stared up at me while I towered over her was enough to make me weak. The way her chest moved up and down while she tried to catch her breath. The way her eyes moved from my lips and back up, drove me insane. How could one person harness this much power over someone else and not even realize it? We made it into my place but her company didn't last long. She walked out almost as quick as we came in. I couldn't tell if it was because she wanted me just as bad or because I made her uncomfortable. I was so damn out of touch with woman it was ridiculous. All I knew was that I felt this ping of pain in my chest and didn't want her to go, honestly I wanted her to stay with me all day.

I looked out the window and saw her exit the building. She looked frustrated. She ran her fingers through her hair before crossing the street and beginning her journey home. I watched her until I could no longer see her red hair in the crowd.

With nothing else to do, I got showered and threw on some loungewear. I had the urge to draw, so I took my sketchbook off the table and worked on the portrait that I'd been working on her the last two days. Time flew as my pencil brought the image to life. Her hair cascaded down the sides of her face and her eyes found mine. Even in a drawing, I still felt drawn to her. I took extra time on her eyes because they were my favorite part of her. They were green like emeralds and filled with so much love and hurt. I sketched away until she was complete. Natasha was done. I didn't care to color, I didn't find any real joy in it. I got my passion from the rawness that was brought on from a classic number 2 pencil. I smiled at the sight. A picture is worth a thousands words, but Natasha was priceless.

After hours of drawing, I wanted to grab something to eat. Nat told me about her favorite Russian restaurant, so I figured I'd grab something to eat and try it for myself. I changed into a pair of jeans and white tee. I remembered it wasn't too far from her house, but I didn't want to stop by in case I actually did make her feel a little uncomfortable earlier. I wanted to give her space and play it out. In no time, I was parking my car and ordering Kasha and Pirog. I thought I'd get two different meals in case, I didn't like one. I was more of a simple burger and fries kinda guy, but the way Nat talked about her motherlands food, made me want to try it, show her that I'm really interested in her and what she likes.

20 minutes went by and the young woman who took my order, brought me my food.

"Hope you enjoy it.." Her accent thick.

"I hope so too. A friend of mine's referred me. She says it's the best Russian cuisine in New York."

"Really? Who?"

"Natasha" I said hoping the name would ring a bell and of course it did. The young girls face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Oh Tasha. Yea, she comes here all the time. Thank you for letting me know she referred you. Now she gets one on the house."

"Well I'm glad I could help out. See you around." I smile before walking out. The smell was unique. It was rich with seasoning and sauce. I waited until I was home before trying the Pirog first. It was kind of like a Pot Pie. It had filling inside of it and tasted really good. I could see why Nat loved it so much. The flavor had a strong kick to it, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. The Kasha was just as good. I ate it in a matter of 10 minutes. I was stuffed and highly satisfied. I made a note to grab their take out brochure for the next time I was in the mood for something other than Chinese.

With the itis kicking in, I decided to call it a night. I went to bed with a happy stomach and a peaceful sleep.

___________________________________________________

Ring...Ring...Ring

The sound of my cellphone woke me up.

"Captain Rogers." I said half awake.

"Hey Steve. It's Sam. I'm at the precinct. We got a hit on some surveillance tapes from the case with Natasha Romanoff. When you come in, they'll be on your desk." My long-time friend, Sam, said through the phone. He was a 7 year duty cop. He had been in Iraq prior and got out after he found out he and his wife was having a baby. We met shortly after he joined the police force and we've been close ever since.

"Thanks Sam. I'll be there in an hour."

"Alright. See you."

I climbed out of bed and quickly got ready. I didn't feel like wearing my uniform today, so I opted for a button down white tee and black pants. I grabbed my badge and gun and went to work.

"Hey Sam." I spoke as I walked into my office.

"Hey, How you doing man?" He spoke dabbing me up.

"I'm good. Can't complain."

"You look like you've been sleeping better. The medicines been working?"

"Actually, No. I haven't taken it for a few days now." The last couple nights had been so peaceful, I almost forgot that I had a problem. It had been about a week since my last nightmare and I can honestly say I've never been happier.

"So they went away?" Sam was the only one who knew about my little sleeping problem.

"No, I'm trying something else."

"Well what ever it is. Keep doing it. You're looking a lot more rested." I smiled and silently thanked Natasha. Although, she didn't know about my nightmares, I haven't had one since I've started hanging around her. It's like she cured them or they just go away when I spend time with her. It was the darnest thing. It had been two days since I'd seen her and I was fighting every part of me to call her.

"Thanks. Where's the tapes?"  I say getting down to business.

"There on your right." He said pointing to the small discs on my side. I grabbed them and put them into my MacBook. I watched intently as the video played. I could see the men grab Natasha from the back. They drug her to the side and thats all that can be seen. I felt myself get enraged. I slammed my laptop shut and ran my fingers through my hair.

"You alright there?" Sam asked concerned.

"Yea, just a little on edge." I huffed.

"You seem pretty invested in this one."

"Well I've grown pretty close to the victim. She's my friend. I just..I hate to see what happened to her."

"Ohh I see Ok. You know if you check the other disc. It's from another angle but it shows their face. If you look at it and compare the faces to the people we have in the database, we should be able to locate them. " Sam informed me.

"Thank you. I'll do that."  I worked quickly after Sam left. I ran the faces of the men and had a hit. Franco Gerobaldi. He was 33 years old and lived in Bushwick. I grabbed my stuff and took Sam with me to arrest Franco.

We pulled in front of a white, run-down two story house. There he was sitting on a white foldable lawn chair at the squared card table. He smoked a cuban cigar in a black tank top and black sweats.

"Gerobaldi." I called out as Sam and I walked onto his property.

"Yea, what do you pricks want?" He yelled out causing a few of his friends to chuckle. His smug grin staying on his face.

"We have some questions for you." Sam spoke up.

"Look, I didn't see nothing, I didn't do nothing." He replied putting his hands up in defense.

"Well the tape across from Gigi's Liquor store says otherwise. Now stand up and put your hands behind your back." I said grabbing his arm making him rise.

"Yo, I don't know what cha talking about man. I didn't do shit."

"Take it up with you lawyer. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you." I read him his Miranda rights and pushed him in the pack of the cruiser. I glanced once more at his friends, who were no longer smiling.

I got in and made it back to the precinct.

_____________________________________________________________________________

"Franco. Let's make this easy. You are facing 15 years in prison for assault and attempted sexual assault. If you tell us, who the guy was that was with you, we can cut a deal." I said trying to reason with him.

"I'm not telling you shit. You're not gonna make me fold." He said crossing his arms.

"Well I don't plan on it. I just think it's a little sad that your own daughter is going to have to grow up without a daddy because you're too stupid to tell us who else was there." I slammed my hand on the table making him jump. "You really think that this is going to work out in your favor. IT WON'T. Your wife and kid are going to move on without you while you rot in prison and the memories of you fade from their mind. We have you on camera so don't even try to deny it."

Franco was silent. I could tell I had him. There was no way, he would let his daughter grow up without him.

"Alright...the kid's name is Charlie "Chino" Rodini. He's my friend. Lives on 108th street." He was pissed and I could tell, but I didn't care. We had a name and address. This was more than enough. Within two hours, both men were sitting in the precinct handcuffed and waiting for their fate. The good news was that Nat would probably be extremely excited. I called her and waited for her to pick up ,but she didn't. Of course, she was at school since it was Tuesday. I figured I'd just leave a message and wait for her to get back to me.

The day ticked on and finally 7 was here. I was more than ready to go home to my own bed. I was walking out when Sam stoped me.

"What're you doing tonight?" He asked smiling mischievously.

"Nothing why?"

"Come out with me tonight. Have a drink." He said putting his arm around me.

"Nah I don't think so Sam." I said walking towards the exit, letting his arm fall off.

"Come on Steve. Loosen up. It's just one night." Sam pleaded.

"Fine, I'll go." I agreed and in no time we were in front of 120 Bar. It was vibrant but not excessively loud. We walked in and Sam wave to someone. I noticed the brunette woman and dark haired woman with her.

"Sam, what is this?" I asked him kind of annoyed that this was a set-up.

"Steve relax, it's just a few drinks with two gorgeous women." I rolled my eyes but was polite once we arrived at the table.

"Hello ladies. This is my friend Steve. Steve, this is Maria and her friend Kate." He said pointing between the two woman. Soon after, Sam and Maria were engrossed in deep conversation while Kate and I talked and got to know each other. It wasn't bad. She was nice and sweet, seemed smart, but it was getting late.

By the time I checked the clock it was going on 1 a.m. I had to get up for work in the morning so I bid them a goodnight.

"Wait Steve" Kate called out as I was walking through the door.

"Um.. yes?"

"Here. I wanted to give this to you. I had a good time tonight." I looked down at the paper she slid in my hand. It was her number.

"Yea, me too. Thanks." I turned and left, making sure to put the number in my pocket. I made it home by 2 and was sleep by 3. Tonight, was a good night....