| Part XIV |
Alex was sitting cross-legged on the edge of the bed in 'Taker�s room as he sat on the floor in front of her. They were going over his schedule and she was playing with his hair, a habit from the time they�d spent together before. �You have the Memorial�s children�s handicap hospital on the 16th and a autograph session on the 17th.� Alex stated, parting his hair in sections. �Okay. I love that kid�s hospital. The kids aren�t afraid of me.� He laughed lightly. �Those kids are always happy. How can anyone be happy in a hospital?� �Taker asked, trying to turn his head. �What are you doing to me?� She tugged his hair lightly to make him turn back around. �Nothing.� She replied wickedly. �I don�t like when you say �nothing� like that, little girl.� �Those kids are special and I don�t just mean physically or mentally.� Alex started, avoiding his question. �They can make anyone feel better. The Down�s kids are especially sweet; they are always so loveable.� As they continued to go over his schedule and current angles being played out, Alex braided his hair. About halfway through Kane and Storm joined them. �Hey, Paul was looking for you.� Storm stated. �Oh, I told him I would be in here.� Alex stated, shrugging. ~He said he�d try here next. Kane answered. �Ouch, ouch, my foot�s asleep.� Alex unfolded her leg so that it draped off the side of the bed. After a minute, unable to resist, 'Taker started tickling her. As Alex climbed up the bed struggling to get away from him, Paul walked in the door. Alex was lying across 'Taker�s unmade bed, trying to catch her breath. �Hey, honey. What�s up?� she asked breathless from laughing. �If you�re almost done, we need to go.� Alex looked at her watch to see that they had plenty of time. Paul shrugged and plucked Alex from the bed and put her over his shoulder. �Hey!� She exclaimed. �I guess we�re leaving. I�ll see you guys later.� She called to Storm, lifting her head slightly to be able to see. ~~*~~ When they entered the building Alex saw Jim motion toward her. �Hey, I�ll just be a minute.� She told Paul. She kissed his cheek, �I�ll meet you in your dressing room.� When she walked over to Jim she grinned. �Okay, I don�t have to be empathic to know you�re nervous about something.� She commented. Jim smiled and handed her a box. When Alex opened it she grinned wildly. �Oh, My! It�s gorgeous!� She whispered excitedly. Inside the box was a garnet and sapphire ring. They were side by side and surrounded by small diamonds. �Is this a . . .?� Alex asked excitedly. �It�s an anniversary ring.� Jim answered. �I know she likes sapphires, and garnets are her birthstone, but I wanted a woman�s opinion on the setting.� Alex smiled and hugged him. �It�s gorgeous, she�s going to love it.� When Alex saw the look of relief on his face she laughed lightly. �Relax.� she emphasized, squeezing his hand. �You guys are so great together. I know few couples who find your kind of happiness.� She hugged Jim again and said she�d see him later. Alex wandered around backstage on her way to Paul�s dressing room. She ran into the Hardy Boyz; �Hey!� she said surprised. �How are you feeling Matt?� she asked, touching his bruised cheek lightly. She knew that he had been out of action for a few weeks with the injury. �Still hurts like hell, but it should be fine in a couple of weeks.� Matt answered smiling. �They said I could get back in the ring though.� �Good, I�m glad. It�s kind of odd to not see you out there.� Alex replied, turning to Jeff, jokingly poking his chest. �But you�ve been doing great in singles.� �Yeah, I�ve been doing okay.� He answered poking her arm in return. �But I miss my bro.� After looking at Alex for a second, they both grinned, and turned their poking on to Matt. After a few more minutes, Terri walked up. �Hi, Alex honey. I need my guys, we�re up for a promo.� As she continued walking to Paul�s dressing room 'Taker fell in step beside her. He put his hand on her shoulder and walked with her. At the door, she squeezed his hand said she and Paul would catch up with everyone later. When she walked in the dressing room, she saw Paul sitting in a chair deep in thought. She walked over to stand next to him, and kissed him. He looked up and smiled. �You okay?� She asked, �You look worried? Or mad?� He reached up and touched her face; she leaned into his hand and closed her eyes. She loved how he touched her. She ran her fingers though his hair. He pulled her close and kissed her throat. He kept his head there as he responded, �You know I love you.� He mumbled into her throat. She smiled, put her hand under his chin to raise his head so he could meet her eyes. �Yes, I do.� However, before she could get an answer to her question, the backstage manager poked his head in to tell Paul it was time for his match. As he left Alex felt confusion and anger coming from him, but couldn�t figure out why. ~~*~~ Everyone was leaving and on the way out to the cars when the show was over, when they ran into a group of fans that had waited the long hours for the stars to emerge from the arena. Alex, LaShana, Storm and IceWolf stood back while the guys signed what seemed like countless autographs and even posed for a few pictures. Alex noticed one woman in particular was flirting quite heavily with Paul. Alex pasted on a smile and tried to not let it get to her. After a few minutes, she turned her back to the group; she noticed both LaShana and Storm were watching her. �Are you okay?� Storm asked. �Fine.� she gritted. Storm smiled knowingly. �You know it�s kind of like a hurricane, you do everything you can think of to prepare yourself, but when it happens, it hits hard.� Alex compared, rolling her eyes. "I told myself that I would be able to handle this. But right now I want to go over there, smack her and drag him away with me.� Alex laughed. After a minute she turned back around to see Paul look up at her. She caught his eye and as he smiled, she blew him a kiss and gave the woman a pointed look. After a few more minutes the autographs had been signed and pictures taken, they continued to the car. She and Paul had ridden over together; as he opened the car door to let Alex in, the woman reappeared. �Here�s my number, give me a call next time you�re in town.� She said quickly, her voice low in her throat. Alex just smiled slightly at Paul but said nothing as she got in the car and closed the door. Paul walked around and got in the car. As he turned the key, he put the piece of paper in the ashtray. �I didn�t ask for her number.� He stated. �I know that.� Alex replied calmly, she shifted in her seat. As they drove to the hotel in silence, Alex took one of Paul�s hands off the steering wheel and held it tightly. When they got back to the hotel she told Paul she would be by later. As Paul watched her walk down the hall he started to ask her a question then thought again. Alex knew she wasn�t mad at Paul but she wanted a minute to think. As she sat on the patio in the dark, looking at the skyline, she didn�t hear 'Taker come in. �Little girl, what are you doing?" He asked quietly. �Nothing.� She answered, not looking at him. He pulled a chair to sit next to her. �What�s wrong?� He asked. �Nothing, I�m fine.� She answered again, hoping her voice didn't snap. He took her chin and made her look at him. He stared at her face for a few minutes. She placed her hand over his and interlocked fingers. �You know I hate when you do that.� She stated smirking, but with no heat in her voice, as she squeezed his hand. �I can�t keep anything from you.� �I�ll tell you my secret. Your eyes are a window. You wear your emotions there.� She rolled her eyes and shifted her position to be able to face him, putting her legs under her. �I�m just thinking.� She said. �What about? About the parking lot?� He guessed. �Sort of. I know it�s as much a part of your careers as taking bumps. I thought I could deal with it.� She started. �Actually, I think I handled it very well.� �What aren�t you saying, little girl?� He prodded. Alex paused, to think of the words, �That on one hand it feels kind of good to be with someone who other women want. Does that sound vain?� She asked. �No.� he chuckled softly, �Human nature. And on the other?� When she sat quietly, not ready to answer, 'Taker squeezed her hand. �It�s kind of stupid.� She whispered. �No, it isn�t.� He responded, encouraging her. �That all these stupid thoughts go though my head that I know are unreasonable, but I can't help thinking them. I SWORE to myself I would not let this interfere with our relationship, but I can�t help it.� She rambled. �Slow down. What specifically is troubling you?� 'Taker asked. �What if he thinks one of those women is more interesting? Or more beautiful? Or . . � She rambled again. 'Taker opened his mouth to respond. �And before you start, I know I�m being stupid. I know he loves me. But I can�t stop that stupid little voice in the back of my head.� She said exasperatedly. She turned to look at 'Taker. �Well, aren�t you going to tell me I�m being stupid?� she asked. �Why? You�re having this conversation all by yourself.� He answered, smiling at her. �I came in here because I could feel you were upset; not to ease your mind.� 'Taker explained. �It�s not my place. It�s his.� �I came in here alone because I didn�t want to sound like some hysterically jealous ranting girlfriend.� she explained laughing at herself. �Little girl,� taking both her hands, �out of control jealously can be ugly. But what you�re feeling is normal, it means you care about someone.� 'Taker assured her. �Why didn�t you react this way when women threw themselves at me?� he asked, sounding hurt. Alex smiled because she knew he was trying to lighten her mood. �Because I don�t love you.� She answered plainly. Seeing the look on his face she laughed. She rose in the chair to her knees, pulled him close, and kissed him lightly. �Confession;� she whispered, �I did get jealous sometimes.� She admitted, smiling wickedly. �Until it finally dawned on me that I didn�t love you that way. I do love you. And I don�t know what I would do without you, Kane or the girls.� She stood and hugged him. �I need to go talk to him.� As she got up she saw a look in 'Taker�s eyes. �What�s wrong?� she asked. �Nothing.� He answered, shaking his head. She looked at him, as she sat back down she was trying to decipher the feelings that were coming from him. �Don�t try that with me. You�re worried about something. Or scared?� she asked, surprised at the emotion, �What is it?� �I�m worried you�re rushing into this.� He answered. �I thought you liked Paul?� �It�s not him. I�m worried about you. You�re a grown woman and I trust your judgment on most things, but you are innocent.� He explained. �No I�m not.� She protested. �This is your first serious relationship and yes, you are innocent.� He insisted. Alex rolled her eyes, �Good grief.� she groaned, slightly flustered. �Does it always come down to that?� Shaking his head he took her hand again. �No, little girl. It comes down to your heart. I�m worried that you�ll make bad choices.� He explained. �I think you know what will happen if he hurts you.� 'Taker stated dangerously. Alex blushed, and sighed, �This is still so weird sometimes.� She murmured. �What?� he asked confused. �I know being a friend or being part of a family means being there for someone, but it still surprises me when I�m the object of that concern. Sometimes I forget that you, or Kane or any of the others take any of the �brides� emotions to heart. That it hurts you just as much as it does us.� She squeezed his hand, �It means SO much to me that all of you care, but it�s still a very strange sensation to get used to.� �You learn to live with it. The other ladies have.� He smirked. Alex laughed lightly as she answered him. �I know I can�t stop you from worrying about me. But I have to ask you to trust me; that I know what I�m doing. I have been taking this seriously and moving really slow. Also, Paul�s been incredibly patient with me. I know the mistakes of moving too fast. No.� she continued when he started to interrupt. �Not from direct personal experience, but from observation. I promise to be careful. That�s as much as I can promise you.� 'Taker leaned forward and kissed her forehead. �Fine. But don�t expect me to like it.� ~~*~~ While Alex walked down the hall she smiled. She knew she could talk to Paul and explain why she needed a few minutes to herself so that she didn�t end up sounding hysterically paranoid. As she turned the corner she saw the woman from the parking lot walking from the opposite end of the hall. Alex realized that by not making a scene in the parking she had done so for Paul�s sake. However, she had denied herself the satisfaction of getting in the woman�s face. Alex grinned wickedly at the opportunity laid before her now. The woman had reached Paul�s door before her. Alex didn�t bother to ask herself how she�d gotten Paul�s room number. She knew from traveling with 'Taker that they always managed somehow. The woman had not spotted Alex as she was adjusting what there was of her outfit before knocking. �Can�t you tell when you�ve been turned down?� Alex asked when she reached the door, surprising her. Alex leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. The woman turned to the sound of Alex�s voice. �You again? You mean to tell me he�s with you?� She asked incredulously. �He can have this� tossing her hair, �what would he want with a fat bitch like you?� she asked sneering. Alex smirked, �Well you got the bitch part right, honey.� Leaning closer, so she was only inches from the woman�s face. �But you have NO idea!� she whispered dangerously, her eyes narrowing. Alex leaned back, �As for the other thing.� Alex ran her hand down her body to rest low on her hips. �Maybe,� she said shrugging, �but everything here,� she spread her hands before the woman, �is the original.� With her hand on her hip, Alex continued. �No assembly required.� Gesturing at the woman�s obvious enhancements. The woman�s face contorted with anger and as she wound up to respond Alex continued. �Since you obviously don�t have the intelligence to know that he�s NOT interested in you. Let me spell it out for you and I�ll use small words. You hung on him in the parking lot and he ignored you. You gave him your number and he threw it way. Take the hint. Show an ounce of self respect and leave.� Alex paused to look at the woman coldly, the grinned wickedly. �Another thing you don�t seem to have,� she said reaching into her pocket �is this. It�s MY man�s room key.� Waving it slightly before inserting it in the lock and opening the door slightly. �Now I suggest you run along back to your street corner, before I call security.� As Alex finished her sentence, the door opened widely. �Hey?� Paul replied. Looking between Alex and the woman, �What�s going on?� he asked. �Nothing.� Alex stated, then turned to run her hands up his arms, and reached up to put them around his neck. Paul bent down to kiss her and lifted her off the ground. He backed up to bring Alex inside while still holding her. The woman in the hall finally found her voice, and started to speak. �Well . . . .� was as far as she got before Alex�s hand flailed out to slam the door. ~~*~~ �Did anyone ever tell you, you have really good timing?� Alex asked him, grinning madly. They were standing in the middle of the room; Paul was still holding her. As he put her down gently, �I was listening to you for a few minutes. I didn�t know you had a vicious streak.� He stated admiringly. �More accurately described as being a bitch. I don�t like getting angry. My temper is very ugly, that was nothing.� She said lightly, waving her hand. �I wanted to come and explain. I didn�t mean to be so cold on the way back and I�m not mad.� She started. �But watching women like her throw themselves at you brings out that �bitch� in me.� �Now you know how I feel.� He replied quietly. �What?� she asked confused. �I saw you backstage.� �So?� she replied. �And I�ve also seen you with Kane and 'Taker.� Paul continued. �What are you talking about?� Alex asked, now totally lost. �I�ve seen you with the guys. You�re always hugging them, or touching them. Dotson and IceWolf are practically engaged, and you flirt with him.� He growled. Alex plopped down on the bed; the irony of the situation made her want to laugh. �So you�re saying I�m flirting and hanging on to every guy from the talent to the head of security?� she asked him. �You know I�m friends with the ring crew too. Do you want to include them in on this little tirade you seem to be on?� She asked looking at him. �You know what I�m talking about?!� He growled again. �Obviously, I don�t.� growling back at him. �Start by telling me what you think you saw backstage.� She challenged. �I saw you talking to Dotson. I saw him show you something and you hugged him.� �So?! He showed me the ring he�s planning on giving Icey for their anniversary. I hugged him because he�s my friend. I�m affectionate; you know that.� �What about Matt and Jeff?� Paul continued, �You barely know them. I saw you caress Matt�s face.� �Did you following me around backstage or something?� she asked, then not waiting for an answer. �Okay. One, I touched Matt�s face and asked how he was feeling. You do remember he�s out with an injury? Two, you're not with me 24/7 as much as I think we�d both like, so you don�t know all my friends.� She stated heatedly. �I don�t like being in this position of defending my personality to you.� she commented. �Maybe I don�t know all of your friends and maybe I misunderstood what took place backstage. But I�ve watched you with 'Taker and Kane even before we got together. With Kane, I guess I understand you�re a bride. But 'Taker,� he continued, shaking his head, �the way he looks at you and the way he touches you. There�s no mistaking that kind of intimacy.� He paused thinking for minute. �Were you guys lovers?� For some reason the question made her want to laugh. Unfortunately, it was an impulse she couldn�t control. As she fell back on the bed, she giggled. When she tried to sit up again she was full out laughing. �I�m so glad you find this amusing.� He observed sarcastically. �You�re jealous.� She stated when she stopped laughing. �Surely you can see the irony here.� �Answer the question.� He demanded. �No. �Taker and I are not, nor were we ever lovers.� She answered emphatically. �He is my friend, he is my BEST friend.� She started. �He helped me through some weird times. And until we got together the person closest to me.� She paused sighing. �I didn�t realize you were jealous. Why didn�t you say something?� She asked him imploringly. �Why didn�t you?� He countered. �Because mine is unreasonable. Mine is mostly in my head. I probably am too affectionate for my own good; it�s gotten me in trouble before. But I told you once before I�d never cheat on you.� �I guess in my head I knew that. But I don�t like watching you with other guys. . .� he started. �Anymore than I like watching women throwing themselves at you!� She exclaimed. �I�m not interested in any of those women! I�m in love with you.� He growled. Paul sat down in a chair, slumping slightly. Alex got off the bed and crossed to him. She straddled his lap and sat on his knees. Paul sat up slightly and leaned in to kiss her. �I love you.� He said again, �I love your smile, I love how your hair always falls in your face. I love how you get flustered when I kiss you in public.� He kissed her again and caught her tongue. Alex heard herself sigh when she felt his tongue turning circles with hers. �And I love how you taste.� He smiled. �I guess I knew that.� She whispered, �Well not all that. And I don�t get flustered when you kiss me.� She said defensively, punching him lightly. �Yes, you do. Your face gets all red and you don�t know what to do with your hands.� He smiled wickedly. �I like it. I like that I can fluster you. Like I�m doing now.� Smiling wickedly he kissed her again. Alex fell forward and put her forehead in his chest. Paul slid his hands up her legs and wrapped them around her waist. When she sat back up, "That�s why I didn�t come straight here when we got back. I didn�t want to come in here ranting about how jealous I am or I get.� Alex drew a shaky breath, �'Taker and I were never lovers, not just because he�s my friend. But because I�ve never had one.� She stated quietly. Paul looked at her for a minute not quite understanding. When he did he sat up so quickly Alex almost fell off his lap. �Don�t look at me like that.� She pleaded. �Like what?� �Like I have three heads, I feel weird enough as it is.� She stated, getting to her feet. He caught her hands before she moved away. �You have nothing to be ashamed of.� He started seriously. �But that�s not why I�m looking at you. I�m sorry for accusing you of sleeping with 'Taker.� Grinning wickedly, he continued, �I�m also trying to figure out how you got this far in life without someone wanting to jump you.� Alex flushed madly as he chuckled softly. �Why did you decided to tell me now?� he then asked seriously. She pulled her hands away and turned to sit on the bed. �I thought it was something you should know.� She said quietly. Paul came and sat next to her; he lifted her off the bed as she if she were made of glass. �Is that why you don�t stay with me some nights?� He asked softly. Alex nodded. �Have I pressured you?� he asked. �No.� taking his face in her hands, �Never.� She insisted. �I just wasn�t sure, and it wasn�t fair to myself, or to you, to be in that um, position.� She smiled at her choice of words. She put her arm around Paul�s neck, and with her other hand she touched his cheek. �THIS is how you caress someone�s face.� She whispered. Alex used her fingertips to trace little circles on his cheek; then slowly ran her nails across his lips, as he tried to nip her fingers. Alex rose slightly, turned and straddled his lap. With both her hands she ran her fingers through his hair. As she crossed her wrist behind his head, she leaned in to kiss him. Paul�s hands traveled up her thighs, past her waist and up her back. When he did, he pulled her closer to him to where her knees were resting on the bed. His hands continued up her back, and when they reached her face, he held her in his hands. As they kissed long and hard, Alex heard herself sigh again. He placed his forehead against hers. �If you�re going to your room tonight, you�d better go now.� he rumbled. �I don�t want to.� She answered, softly. Paul lifted his head and looked at her. Alex ran her hands down his chest, and when her hands were resting in the middle, she pushed him slightly. As they were both falling onto the bed, Paul pulled them both back up. �You don�t have to do this?� he insisted. She cocked her head to one side, �Are you telling me �no�?� she questioned. �No, I just want you to be sure.� He answered. She pushed him again to fall onto the bed, she braced her hands one on each side of his head, and ordered, �Shut up and kiss me.� �I�m going to want to do more than kiss you.� He warned, his hands moving inside her shirt. �Then show me.� She replied huskily. ~~*~~ Lying against Paul�s chest, on his arm when she woke up the next morning, Alex realized she was smiling. Alex turned around to look at him only to discover he was still sleeping. She placed her head against his chest. As she lay there thinking about the night before, she listened to his heart beating. After a few minutes she felt him stir. She tilted her head back to look at him. �Hey you.� She whispered. He wrapped his hand around her neck and pulled her close to kiss her. �Hey.� He whispered back. �You okay?� he asked concerned. She put her face in his neck. �Yeah, I�m good." She laughed huskily, �I�m real good.� Paul stroked her arm; �You think so, huh?� She leaned back and touched his face. He lowered his head to kiss her as he leaned to roll onto her. �No, No.� she giggled. Between kisses, �We� Her cheek. �have to� her mouth. �get up.� her forehead. �They�ll� her eyes. �be looking� her other cheek, �for� her neck. �us soon.� She giggled again trying to push him away. �No, I think we�ll just stay here.� He mumbled into her neck. He moved one hand to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer; with the other, he stroked her hip. Alex decided she didn�t want to get up after all. ~~*~~ A couple hours later, Alex told Paul she would meet him downstairs, that she needed to go back to her room and pack her things. �Next time, only one room.� He grinned wickedly. �With a bigger bed.� She added smiling back. When she returned to her room, she quickly showered and changed her clothes. After she packed her things and was walking toward the elevator, she ran into IceWolf, Storm, and LaShana. �There you are! We�ve been looking for you.� LaShana exclaimed. �I called your room this morning. Storm stated. *Wasn�t there. was Alex�s only reply. She was afraid to use her voice; that the glee would be too evident. �No way, Hun. You don�t get out of that one that easy. IceWolf protested. *Why were you looking for me? Alex asked LaShana, hoping to distract them. �Uh-uh, I want to know just as badly as they do.� LaShana laughed. �Were you with Paul?� Storm prompted. *Why are you always looking for me in the morning? You�re worse than my mother; you know that. Alex observed. She turned to continue down the hall toward the elevator and pushed the button. �She�s avoiding the question, so that must be it.� IceWolf concluded, following closely behind her. �Maybe. . .� LaShana teased, arching her brow, leaving the obvious unsaid. �That would explain why she�s got that silly grin on her face.� Storm continued teasing Alex. Just then the elevator door opened and Alex got on. She turned around and silently looked at all three of them. �Maybe.� She replied slyly, her lips curving slightly. As the ladies got on the elevator, they all hugged her at the same time. �Okay, okay.� playfully swatting them away. �Jeez.� Alex commented, becoming flustered. �You�d think I�d landed on the moon or something.� They all laughed together. Storm looked at Alex seriously, and whispered so only she could hear �It is a big deal and it�s really good to see you so happy.� ~~*~~ While the girls were on the elevator Paul met Jim, 'Taker, Kane and Steve downstairs. �Have a little trouble waking up this morning?� Kane asked. �Nope. Alex and I have been up for hours.� Paul replied, not quite sure what their reaction would be. 'Taker and Kane both drawing the correct conclusion simply nodded. �Only one thing. If you hurt her, you will answer to me.� 'Taker growled dangerously. �And me.� Kane added. *'Taker! Kane! Alex exclaimed, walking up with the rest of the ladies. *That wasn�t necessary, was it? As LaShana came to stand next to him, Steve took her hand and informed Paul; �You get used to their meddling after a while.� �Only thing is, they�re dead serious.� Jim added, putting his arms around IceWolf. �Price you pay for dating one of their brides.� Alex looked at Storm, *Okay, why did that just sound as if we�re part of a harem? She asked wryly. Storm grinned and rolled her eyes; -It�s their �caveman� instinct. They can�t help themselves. Alex groaned as she saw IceWolf and LaShana nod in agreement. Before 'Taker could answer Alex. Paul answered him. �I would never hurt Alex. I would think you knew that already.� Alex stood next to him and as she laid her head against Paul he put his arm around her. ~Do you love him, little girl? 'Taker asked her. Alex suddenly realized that, despite all their talks about Paul, and all his �brotherly� advise, 'Taker had never asked her that before. *With all my heart. She replied simply. Kane and 'Taker both having heard her answer and felt her heart, nodded their approval. �We need to get going.� Dotson interjected. �You never told me why you were looking for me?" Alex reminded LaShana. �Oh! To show you Icey�s ring.� She answered. IceWolf held out her hand for the rest of the guys and Alex to see. While the men complimented Jim on his taste in jewelry, Alex stood next to IceWolf. �I hope Paul and I will always be as happy as you guys.� Alex told her. �If he keeps making you smile like that, you�re well on your way.� Icey answered wickedly. �Icey!� Alex exclaimed blushing madly. |