Cold rage seeped down James’ spine as his steel blue eyes stared down at the papers in front of him. The words were undoubtedly true, the pictures, the birth certificates, the tax and voter records- all true. However, the truth hurt. The truths was a nasty, sour taste, sliding down the back of his throat.

James Barnes had never been the soft type. He was the formidable leader of a prominent crime family, people didn’t cross him. People didn’t lie to him. He was dangerous and he was vicious, ruthless; cold. No smart person would dare cross him.

So why did you?

It was as clear as day here on the papers: you were the younger sibling of a high profile FBI agent who was actively trying to take him down. That was certainly no coincidence. There was no way you weren’t just a spy.

A spy he’d let into his life. Into his heart.

The thought left him nauseated.

He loved you, oh he did. James cherished you, he spoiled you, he adored you, doted on you… everything. You were his world.

And he was learning his world had been a lie.

A fucking lie.

Every morning spent together, every night spent entangled with one another, every day spent adoring you… a lie. On one hand, he wanted to punish you, to hurt you, to lock you away and keep his business safe. To silence you. On the other, he felt sick to his core at the thought of causing you harm. He nearly shuddered at the idea of you hurting by his hand.

He could never hurt you.

Physically, at least. He could tear you apart other ways, though. Ways that could get him even, ways that-

His thoughts were interrupted by his office door clicking open.

And there you stood in the doorway, radiant as always, smiling at him sheepishly as you held up a cup of water.

“I didn’t want to bother you, but you’ve not been down to eat or drink once, and-“

The words came out of his mouth and cut you off before he could stop them.

“I know your brother is an agent for the FBI. I know you’re here to spy on me,” he blurted, tone cold.

You didn’t move.

“Thought I’d never find out? You’re delusional. You’re a delusional, lying bitch,” he growled, feeling rage bubble up in his chest, “Do you know who I am? What I could do to you?”