Marvel: The Devil’s Reign

The bar was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and expensive cologne. Logically speaking, there was no way a dozen highly trained SHIELD agents could have misheard something all at once. Yet, as if struck by an unseen force, they all lowered their heads, their previous arrogance snuffed out like a candle in the wind.

After tonight, at least one of them would need to visit the infirmary for a full sensory check.

JM sat lazily at the table, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. His sharp gaze landed on Steve Rogers, who stood tense beside him, hands curled into fists.

"Is there any water?" JM asked, his voice smooth, controlled.

Natasha, seated nearby, hesitated before sliding an unopened bottle toward him.

"Here."

JM took it with a slow nod, twisting off the cap with one hand while the other gripped the back of a trembling agent's neck, yanking him upright.

"Open up."

Before the man could react, the bottle was shoved into his mouth, forcing him to swallow.

"Hmm—!"

Steve's eyes widened. His body instinctively moved, but something about JM's unshakable presence kept him rooted to the spot.

The water spilled, dripping down the agent's chin and into his collar. He coughed violently, finally managing to push JM away, spitting out the excess liquid.

JM smirked, tossing the half-empty bottle into the trash. "Better now?"

The agent wiped his mouth, glaring. "What the hell was that for?"

JM tilted his head, feigning innocence. "You said you weren't feeling well. I thought a little cleanse would help."

The room was silent.

A little cleanse? The force JM had used could've sent someone flying across the room.

Steve clenched his jaw. "You didn't have to be so rough."

JM turned his gaze to him, unreadable. Then, he let out a soft chuckle. "Oh? Are you going to scream at me again, Captain?"

Steve stiffened.

JM leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Because last time you did, I distinctly remember you enjoying it."

A flicker of something—annoyance, embarrassment, maybe even something darker—flashed in Steve's blue eyes. He exhaled sharply, looking away.

Natasha, arms crossed, observed the exchange with thinly veiled amusement. "Alright, enough theatrics. We've all had a long night."

JM stood, adjusting his black gloves. "Right. And I believe it's time for him—" his eyes flickered to Steve "—to go home."

Steve's shoulders tensed. "I don't need your help."

JM smiled. "That's cute." Before Steve could protest, a firm arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him effortlessly toward the exit.

"Let go," Steve gritted out, struggling, but JM's grip was unyielding.

"Not happening."

Natasha sighed, watching them go. "What's their deal?"

Clint, sipping his drink, shrugged. "It's a long story."

"Then make it short."

Clint smirked. "Let's just say... Steve Rogers met his match."

—

Outside the Bar.

The cold night air hit Steve's flushed skin. He shoved at JM's arm, but the man barely budged.

"Where's your place?" JM asked, signaling for a taxi.

Steve hesitated. "I can get there myself."

JM arched a brow. "That wasn't an answer."

Silence.

JM sighed. "Fine. We'll go to my place."

Steve's eyes widened. "Wait—"

Before he could protest, JM had already given the driver an address.

The ride was quiet. Steve stared out the window, arms crossed. JM watched him from the corner of his eye, amusement dancing in his expression.

A soft chime interrupted the silence.

JM answered the phone. "Yes?"

A voice on the other end spoke quickly, concern evident. "Are you skipping out on the mission briefing for another one of your games?"

JM's gaze flickered to Steve. His lips curled into a slow, knowing smile.

"No," he said smoothly. "Just taking care of something important."

Steve glanced at him, brows furrowing.

JM hung up, then turned his attention back to his captive guest.

"You look tense," he murmured.

Steve shot him a glare. "And whose fault is that?"

JM smirked. "Oh, Captain. If you really want me to take responsibility…" His fingers traced the edge of Steve's wrist.

Steve yanked his hand away, heart pounding. "You're insufferable."

JM chuckled, his voice low and teasing.

"You haven't seen anything yet."

—

End of Chapter 2