Chapter 1

Carmella Analise DiMonico walked down the hallways of the arena with a sigh on her lips. Not of frustration, however, but of awe. Yes, she’d been backstage before, but-- never as part of the show. Just getting accepted into Power Plant had been enough for her. But, to actually make it into WCW-- and teamed with some of her best friends-- it was all overwhelming. The halls seemed larger, the people seemed surreal, the whole thing partly ethereal.

“Well, lookie lookie at what I see.”

She turned at the familiar voice. The tall, large brunette stood with four other men, staring at her. He walked over to her before she could speak and threw her over his shoulder. Carmella beat at his back with her small fists, while the others laughed.

“Sean O’Haire, if you don’t fucking put me down right now!”

“What are you gonna do? Tell on me?”

“Mikey!” she screamed. The others laughed again.

“Mike’s not around, sissy,” Shawn Stasiak told her. “We get to do what we want with ya!”

“So not fair!”

She may have grumbled, but inside, she laughed. She’d been in Power Plant with most of these guys. She’d been almost coming in as they were going out, but the few months they were there, the boys had kind of adopted her as their little sister. Of course, they decided that meant not only protecting her, but teasing her as well.

“Poor thing,” Mark Jindrak said with a smirk. “Are you gonna cry?”

“No,” she said. “I’m gonna kick your asses when I get down from here!”

“Ooh! I’m so scared!”

“Reno, you son of a--”

“Whoa!” Chuck Palumbo voiced. “Watch the mouth, girlie.”

“I hate you,” she said, sighing. “I hate you all.” Carmella pouted as Sean passed her off to Mark. “I really really hate-- ack!” She squealed as Mark’s hand landed harshly on her backside. “What are you doing!”

“I heard you were a bad girl at Power Plant. Backtalking Sarge and all--”

“I didn’t! I just-- well-- he said something derogatory and I told him--”

“Vaffanculo?”

“Well-- yeah, but-- he shouldn’t have--”

“So, bad girls need a spanking.”

“No!”
“Let me do it!” Stasiak said, laughing. Mark turned her toward him and his hand fell hard on her. “Bad, bad girl.” He spanked her again. The guys all laughed as Carmella struggled to get free. But, then, another voice was added.

“Why are you guys spankin’ my girl? That’s my job.”

“Mikey! Help me! Please!”

“She cursed out Sarge.”

“Did you do that?” Mike asked her, looking up at her on her perch on Mark’s shoulder.

“He deserved it. He called me names.”

“He’s supposed to. It’s his job.”

“Well-- I didn’t like it.” She sighed and held her arms out to him. “Please?” Mike grinned and pulled her from the high shoulder. Carmella kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Mikey.” Then she turned to the others. “You have precisely five seconds to run. Whoever I catch gets a beat down. 1--”

The guys laughed as her count started. But, when she got to three, they took off running. She watched them go, then turned to Mike. Their relationship started at the Plant. About a month and a half before he’d left. With all of the others, she’d become a little sister of sorts, but with Mike-- that would never be there. There would be nothing there besides a mutual attraction and deeper feelings.

Carmella hugged him excitedly. “I can’t believe I’m actually here! And I get to be with you guys.”

“Yup.” He laughed, stroking his chin. “I got what it takes to get ya ahead, babe.”

“Uh huh,” she said with a laugh. “So, what do I do first Mr. I’m So Important.”

“Well, first--” He pulled her close and kissed her deeply. “--we do that. And then, I take you around for a bit of a meet and greet.”

“Then lead the way, babe.”

Chapter 2

“Okay, dipshits, I’ll catch ya’ll later,” Sean told the others. Mark looked at him and cocked an eyebrow. “What?” Sean asked him.

“I know where you’re headed.”

“And?”

“I don’t get it.”

“What is there not to get?”

“She’s not--”

“Your type,” Chuck finished for him. “She’s so--”

“Smart. Not blonde. Like I said,” Stasiak laughed. “Smart.”

“You can all suck my dick.”

“No, thank you,” Reno told him. “But-- if you’re lucky, she just might do it for ya!”

As Sean walked off, he flipped the double bird. They talked much trash, and it didn’t bother him, really. But, he had to play along. Granted, she wasn’t his type, but-- a guy can’t survive on blonde hair and big tits for life can he? He made it to her makeshift office and stood outside the door. Roughly, he knocked once, and she looked up. “Yo, Red, busy?”

Emmaline Elysia Prescott looked up from her work and couldn’t help the grin that passed over her face. “Kind of,” she said softly, pushing her small wire-rimmed frames up her nose. “I’m working on your little friend’s storyline.”

Sean smiled. “Can I come in?”

“It’s a free country,” she said softly.

He walked in slowly and took a seat across from her. He watched as she shoved a loose piece of hair back up and readjusted her hair clip. She seemed so fidgety and at first, he’d taken it personally. But, he’d watched her from time to time when she didn’t know he was looking. She was always doing something. God forbid a hair fell. It had to go back up. Her glasses, which he found unnecessary, had to be pushed up every few minutes. Just as he thought about it, she did just that.

“You really should try contacts.”

“I like my glasses,” she muttered.

“Yeah, right.” He laughed and Emmaline felt a tingle down her spine. She caught herself staring at his lips as the soft pieces of flesh moved with his laughter and diverted her eyes. Sean cocked his head to the side and grinned. “You can look if you want,” he said, his voice low.

“I wasn’t--” She sighed. “Did you just come here to bug me?”

“Actually-- I came to ask you out to dinner.”

“Sorry, can’t do it,” she said quickly, going back to her writing.

Sean sighed. He was going to have to work for it. He knew she wanted to go, but why she refused was what he was unsure of. He could see the slight dancing of her eyes, specks of gold moving in the light as she thought of the night out with him. “You can’t be that busy,” he told her.

“You have no idea how busy I am.”

“I would if you’d tell me.”

“I’m too busy to tell how busy I am.”

He sighed again. “You’re gonna make it rough on me, aren’t ya?”

“What would be the fun if I gave in so easily?”

He shook his head. “You have a point there.” Sean stood and walked around the desk, standing behind her. He held the back of her chair tightly as he leaned forward, reading over her shoulder. Emmaline turned her head to him and sighed. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Just wanted to see what was in store for Mella. That’s all.”

“Uh huh-- Sure.” She turned back to her computer and saved, then pressed the standby button on her keyboard. “You can just wait until she sees it.”

“Hey. I gotta take care of my little sister.”

Emmaline sat back in her chair and turned it to face him. He didn’t seem too much like the over-protective type. Of course, she hadn’t been with him enough to know exactly what type he was. Was he that overbearing, brute of a man type? The one that always had to be in control and it had to go his way? Or was he the type to just care a little too much for someone close to him?

“What are you thinking so hard about?” he asked her.

“Oh-- nothing. Just that I dont’ know what kind of guy you are. That bugs me.”

“Well--” He leaned down close to her, inches from her face. “If you go out with me tonight, you could find out.”

Emmaline could smell the Altoids as his hot breath blew against her face. That minty sweetness flowed from him and her mind shifted to more devious thoughts. Of being the one to place the strong mint on his tongue. Then kissing him as he sucked it, taking it from his mouth with her tongue, tasting him on the Altoid.

“Whatcha thinkin?” he asked her.

“You don’t wanna know,” she whispered.

He moved in a little closer. “Oh yeah, I do.” She couldn’t help the shiver that flowed through her body. He was too close. Too close for to not touch. She’d held back so long, had kept her reserve and wouldn’t let it go. She’d worked to hard to build it to just let him destroy it. “I really wanna know,” he whispered and she sighed.

“Yeah.”

“Yeah, what?”

“Yeah, I’ll have dinner with you tonight.”

“Good.” He leaned in closer as though he would kiss her and Emmaline sat still. Just millimeters from her lips he stood erect and smiled. “I’ll catch ya after the show, then.” He flashed bright whites at her then walked from the room.

She watched him go and her body shook. How the hell could she keep turning that man down? She didn’t know, but whatever the reason, it seemed to vanish that day. Me and Sean O’Haire, she thought with a sigh. Not a good idea. “Why?” she asked herself aloud. Becasue, you twit, you are NOT supposed to get involved with the talent. Not a good business choice. “Oh-- shut up,” she told her sensical side. Maybe it was time to let that side go. Maybe-- just maybe-- it was time to be whimsical and carefree. She chuckled. “Not likely,” she muttered as she pressed the key to end standby and went back to work.

Chapter 3

“And this here,” Mike was saying, “is Ric Flair. The one and only Nature Boy.”

Flair shook his head, grinning. “Well, hello to you too, Sanders. To what do I owe this beauty?” he asked, looking at Carmella.

“I’m introducing everybody, personally, to the newest Thriller. Meet Carmella DiMonico.” Ric smiled as he took her hand, bringing it gently to his lips. Carmella smiled demurely as the Nature Boy’s lips touched her knuckles. “And how did Sanders end up escorting such a treasure?”

“Because I got this treasure at the Plant,” he said, pulling her away. “And it’s all mine.”

“Mikey,” Carmella said, shyly. She turned her attentions back to Ric and smiled. “I’ve been watching you all my life. It really is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Flair.”

“Please, beauty, call me Ric.”

“Okay-- Ric.”

“So, Ric,” Mike burst in. “Where exactly are you headed?”

“Have to talk to Emmaline. I’m supposed to be meeting Ernest there to talk about his commish gig.”

Mike growled slightly and Carmella let her thumb glide across his back. She knew it angered him to think about his lost storyline, but Mike was a professional and deep down, he knew that there had to be something better coming. At her touch, Mike calmed and sighed. “I still need to take her by there anyway. Do you mind if we walk with you?”

“Me? Mind a beauty around? Never.” He took Carmella’s arm and put it in the crook of his elbow. “Shall we be off?” She smiled and Mike frowned as they walked off towards Emmaline’s office.

Arriving at the door, Mike pulled his girlfriend from the touch and blather of Ric Flair. They followed Ric in and saw Ernest sitting. “It’s about time you got here,” he said.

“I got distracted by glory,” Ric said with a smile.

“Looks like Natch is in rare form,” Mike said with a sarcastic smirk. “Ernest, this is Carmella. The newest Thriller.”

“Can I have her?” he asked with a laugh.

“Not a chance. You keep Miss Jones. I don’t think you could handle our little hell cat here.”

“You don’t know. I could give her a ride for her money.”

“Nah,” Carmella said. “I like my Thriller. He Thrills me.” She smiled at Mike, then turned her head to the quiet woman sitting at the desk. Slowly, she walked over and extended her hand. “Um-- hi. I’m Carmella? You must be Emmaline.”

“Yeah. That’s me.” She took the offered hand and shook it slightly. “So, you’re my new Thriller, huh?”

“Yup! Just as genetically JAKKED and physically packed as my boys.”

Emmaline smiled. “You’ve definitely got the attitude to go with them.” She looked up at Mike. “And don’t you have some work or something to do? Like babysitting? You just let your kids run around like they have nothing better to do.”

Mike laughed. “O’Haire been here?”

“Of course.” She looked to Carmella. “They’re all rather rude, you know.”

“Oh yeah. He already spanked me.”

“Whoa!” Ric said. “I missed a spanking? Where was I?”

“Where were you? Where was I?” Ernest asked, laughing.

“Who knows and who cares.” Mike walked up behind Carmella and hugged her. “I’m the ony one that’s gonna be handin’ out the spankings.”

“And you do it so well,” she said with an evil grin. Carmella turned and kissed his soft lips then looked around. “These people have business to take care of. Why don’t we go and get the others and talk over tonight. I’m still a little nervous.”

“Nothin’ to be nervous about,” he told her. “We’ll keep ya safe.”

“As always.” She smiled then turned. “Emmaline, it was nice meeting you.”

“Same here.”

“Ric? Ernest? I’ll be seeing you around?”

“Definitely,” they said together and she laughed.

“Okay, Mikey, let’s jet.” She let him lead her from the office and down the hall. There was work to be done, after all. While it was all fun and games right then, she knew she’d have to prove herself in the ring. Power Plant was one thing. Live audiences with cameras rolling was something totally different. No room for fuck ups and she had no intention on giving Bischoff any reason at all to fire her.

Chapter 4

The Natural Born Thrillers made their way ringside with smirks. Sanders, Reno, Palumbo, Stasiak, O’Haire, and Jindrak. But, there was one more with them. A woman walked with them, on the arm of Mike Sanders. Her long black hair hung down to her waist, the straightness shining beneath the lights. She wore tight black and white snakeskin pants riding low on her hips. Her flat stomach shined with the same oily sheen as the chests of the Thrillers. Her three-inch heels gave her a little extra height, but she was still dwarfed by the glistening men around her. And her short black tank top, straining against her chest, showed better than anything else just who her men were. In glittery scrawl, it read ‘NBT.’

The men climbed into the ring, Mike coming up last, holding the ropes open for the additional Thriller. Once inside, Mike took her hand and rose her arm, showing her off. Even if the crowd normally booed the Natural Born Thrillers, none of them could deny the beauty in the ring and the jeers turned to cheers. Mike Sanders grinned evilly and held the microphone to his lips. He looked her up and down, then smirked to the crowd. “When you’ve got this-- who needs Ms. Jones?” He smiled as the men in the crowd gave hoots and hollers. “Okay, okay,” he said. “You can all shut up!” They got louder. “Mella--”

Carmella grinned as she took the microphone, running her hand along each chest around her. She ended with her hand on Mike’s arm and flipped her hair over one shoulder. “Ya know,” she said to him. “If we weren’t surrounded by trailer trash, I’d be flattered.” She tilted her head, her hair falling behind her, as the others laughed. “Now, let me tell all you possum eatin’, cousin kissin’, tractor drivin’ pieces of trash somethin’. You are lookin’ at the future of WCW. See, we are--” She moved between Jindrak and O’Haire. “--genetically--” Her hands went down their stomachs. She moved over to Palumbo and Stasiak. “--JAKKED--” Her hands glided across their chests and she went over to Reno. “--and physically--” She stood behind him and let one hand flow down his torso. Finally, Carmella moved back to Mike and knelt before him, her back to him, and grinned. “--packed.”

All of the Thrillers laughed as Mike bent over, kissing the top of Carmella’s head, and took the microphone from her. “So, ya see, all you cheese whiz suckin’ trailer park trash, ain’t nobody gonna beat the Thrillers. Not with this little lady on our side.”

The music hit for Kronik and they rushed the ring. The tag team title match was on. Palumbo and Adams started the match up. Palumbo moved around Adams, ducking each of the humongous man’s attempts at a grab before suckering him and getting a boot to the stomach. He took the fight to him with closed fists to the head, which the referee Charles Robinson broke up quickly. As Palumbo turned to Robinson, Adams got him from behind.

He knocked him down and began to pummel him. He picked him up and O’Haire came in to save him, drop kicking Adams to the ground. The two Thrillers stomped him until Clark ran in. The match quickly turned into a free for all as Stasiak, Jindrak and Reno ran in. But, Kronik powered over the five, knocking men down left and right.

At last, Kronik had the ring cleared except for Sean O’Haire. They had him between them, hands around his neck, preparing him for High Times. Suddenly, Carmella was on the top turnbuckle. She flew through the air with a missile dropkick, knocking Adams to the ground. O’Haire pulled away from Clark and kicked him in the stomach, then knocked him down with a scissor kick. Mike directed their Lady Thriller back up and this time she came down on top of Clark with a 450 splash.

Mike Tenay and Tony Schiavone sat at ringside in awe, blathering about Thrillers and spins and all things under the sun. The Natural Born Thrillers stood in the ring, posing among the sprawled bodies of Kronik, grins on all of their faces. O’Haire picked Carmella up, resting her on his shoulder. Mike handed her a microphone and grinned. Carmella shook her head, leaned into O’Haire’s head, hugging him, and said with a smirk, “Like I said-- genetically JAKKED and physically packed.”

Chapter 5

Once backstage, Carmella hunched over, lightly holding her stomach. Mike held her up and she shrugged him off. “I’m fine,” she muttered, forcing herself to stand. Mike looked to the guys and they all shrugged. “I’ve just never really landed the 450 on a guy that hard. I’ll be fine.”

“Maybe you should be a little more careful,” Sean told her.

“Yeah,” Mark said, touching her back. “Can’t have a Thriller gettin’ injured her first night.”

“I’m fine. Alright? Stop hovering over me.”

“Guys, back off,” Mike told them, going up to take her arm. “She says she’s okay, so she’s okay.” His eyes told them that he thought otherwise, however and they moved back a little. For different reasons, they all worried about her. She’d seemed so small in the Plant , and they were surprised to see her move along so well. But still-- she was little sister to most of them, and girlfriend to Mike, and they didn’t want to see her hurt.

“Well, I’m gonna hit the showers,” Sean told them, turning down a hallway.

“Hot date tonight?” Reno asked with a laugh.

“Actually, yeah. I finally got Miss Emmaline to be seen in public with me.”

“Whao! What a feat!”

“Fuck off. I’ll see you assholes later. Mella, you take care of yourself.”

“I will.” She watched him walk away then looked at the guys. “Okay, spill.”

“What?”

“Sean? And- Emmaline? I just don’t see it.”

“Why not?” Mike asked her. “She’s a smart, nice girl.”

“Exactly. Not his type at all.”

“That’s what I said!” Stasiak burst out, laughing. The others joined in and Carmella just shook her head.

“So,” she said, “do I have to stay here til the show’s over?”

“Unfortunately,” Mike told her. “Bisch in charge wants us to stay til the end. Besides, you and me have got a little bit of a show to put on for the cameras.”

“Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that. Catch us in the hallway, right?”

“Yup. So, let’s go get ready. Guys? We’ll catch you later.” The two walked off, talking animatedly. A few minutes later, cameras caught up with them and Mean Gene Okerlund put a microphone in Carmella’s face. “What do you and the Natural Born Thrillers--”

“Shut it, old man,” she said rudely. “We just showed what the Thrillers have been saying all along. We’re the best and ain’t none better. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mike and I have some-- business to take care of.” Mike looked at Gene and shrugged, escorting Carmella down the hall, leaving Mean Gene behind to watch.

“Good job,” Mike told her.

“Thanks.” Once out of camera range, she leaned against him. “Now-- do you think you can help with a shower?” She grinned at him. “I think I hurt myself, Mikey.” Her grin turned to a pout and he laughed, picking her up.

“Does my Lady Thriller need a Thrill to feel better?”

“Uh huh.”

“Then she’ll get it.” He carried her off, laughing at her feigned weakness. Only with Mike did she act like that. With the other guys, she was the tough little sister, fighting her way through her big brothers. But with Mike, she could be soft. She thought her feelings for him were growing, but she didn’t know how, or even if it was a good idea, to vocalize them. She didn’t want to ruin what they had, or ever feel uncomfortable around him. So, for the time being, things stayed as they were, and for the most part she was happy with it. She had her Mikey and that’s what counted.

Chapter 6

“You ready to go?” Emmaline looked up as Sean came to her office. He leaned against her doorjam, his arms crossed. The light in the room was dim and the bright glow from the hallway encompassed him in a shadow of sorts. Her breath caught in her throat as she imagined him moving closer, his face revealing itself to her as he neared her. “Emi? You ready to go?”

“Hm?” She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. “Oh. Um, yeah. I guess.” He moved closer to her and just as she’d imagined, his features were slowly shown to her as the light from the back drew farther away and his face came nearer. His pearly whites shown brightly in the dim light and made his face glow. Sean extended a hand to her. “Then shall we go?”

Emmaline looked up at him with a sigh on her lips. She wanted to have the courage to change her mind. To say that she didn’t really want to be on a date with Sean O’Haire but-- her body was far too willing. She could almost feel her insides pulling her to rise, to take his hand, to go, and before she could even realize it was all actually happening, her purse was on her arm, her coat across her shoulders and she was standing beside his rental car in the parking lot.

The ride was quiet to the small restaurant. Sean’s eyes flashed toward her every few minutes, waiting for her to say something. He could see the slight flush in her cheeks every time he looked at her and knew the heat was from the weight of his gaze upon her. She really was quite pretty. Lose the glasses-- let the hair down. He’d seen her once before like that and she was damn near breathtaking. If only she saw it that way, he thought, turning back to the road.

Quiet, Sean thought as he watched her study her menu. Too quiet. Definitely not what he was used to. The waitress came and took their orders and then there was more quiet. Sean leaned onto the table, his elbows propping him up. Business, he thought. Let’s start there. “So,” he said softly. “What did you think of Mella tonight?”

“She did very well. She compliments you guys. Very tough, too.”

“She’s a ballbreaker,” he crudely put it. Emmaline looked at him and listened as words came out of his mouth. However, those words weren’t what had her attention. The way his lips moved with his vocalizations, the veins straining his neck as he moved his head from side to side. The light bouncing off of the spikes of his hair. The twinkling of his eyes. With all of that, the only reason she really even knew what he was saying was because of the love affair her ears had with that deep boom that rolled from his throat with each and every syllable.

The food came but Emmaline hardly noticed. She was entranced by the words Sean spoke. He spoke low, but as the conversation turned to the more technical side of wrestling, a part that Emmaline, as a sports writer who had never dealt so closely with it, found fascinating. He spoke with intelligence, showing there was more to him than a pretty face and a chiseled body.

Yet, somehow, he managed to divert her attentions to more-- intimate talk. Sean was, by no means, clueless and he noticed the way her eyes danced over him. The slight perk her ears gave as he spoke. He lowered his voice more, until it was no more than a low growl and Emmaline shivered visibly. “More than just a nice body, huh?” he asked her.

“Mmhm...”

“So you admit it’s a nice body.”

“Who wouldn’t,” she said, her voice low. She ducked her head and pushed her glasses up. A lock of hair fell from her clip and instinctively, she pushed it back up.

“Let it go,” he whispered.

“Excuse me?”

“Your hair. Just-- let it go.”

“I don’t think so.”

“But, wouldnt’ it feel good? To let it caress your neck like soft fingertips?” Her face began to turn pink and he grinned. “And the glasses-- The specks of gold flicker in the light. So much prettier uncovered.” She rose her face to him, then quickly ducked it back down. The heat in his eyes caused the heat to rise in her body. “Now, they’re- almost glowing.” She muttered a thanks and he reached over, putting a finger beneath her chin and raising her eyes to him. “Such beautiful eyes.”

Emmaline sat trapped in his gaze. She wanted to lower her head, to hide from the want in his eyes but she couldn’t. His grip wasn’t that hard. She could have easily moved away, but she didn’t want to. She realized that soon enough. She could move with the greatest of ease, but deep down, she just wanted to sit there, red face and all, and gaze into the lucious brown of his eyes as the light danced off of them.

Sean smiled, knowing he had her. Knowing that at that moment, he could move to her side of the table if he so chose and capture her lips. Instead, however, he released her and sat back. “Dessert?” he asked softly.

“Hm?”

“Did you want dessert?”

“Oh. Um-- I don’t think so.”

“Then shall we go?” She nodded slowly, still spacy from the previous moments. Sean smiled as he called the waitress over for the check. He paid quickly, leaving a noticable tip for her care, then took Emmaline’s hand, and led her out of the restaurant.

Sean escorted her to the door. He didn’t push, didn’t ask to be invited in. He stood quietly watching as she slid the card key into the door and it came open with a click. Emmaline stepped inside and turned back to him and was caught in his smile.

“So, Red,” he said softly. “Did I manage to show you a good time.”

“Yeah,” she replied, ducking her head. “Very nice.”

“Good. Maybe we could-- do it again?”

“Maybe.” Her glasses started to slide down her nose and Sean caught them before they hit the floor. She rose her head to him and he leaned into her. “Good,” he whispered, as he leaned in to place them back on her face. Emmaline was still while the frames slid up her nose and hooked behind her ears. Sean leaned in closer, his lips hovering over hers. Just one movement, and they would teach. Emmaline would feel the soft velvet of his kiss and Sean would taste the roof of her mouth as he slid his tongue between her lips. He flashed a smile and pulled away from her. “Goodnight, Red,” he said as she turned and walked toward the elevator, heading for his room.

Emmaline watched him go and her body shivered. “Dammit,” she cursed softly. “Dammit, dammit, dammit.” She went into her room and closed the door. Her back pressed against the hard wood and she closed her eyes, sighing. “Emi-- what the fuck are you doing?” she asked herself. “You’re not supposed to want him. He’s the talent and you don’t mess with the talent.” She shook her head and stood up, but didn’t surprise herself when, undressing, she answered her own questions. “Because it doesn’t matter if he’s talent, he’s sexy as hell and-- God, help me, I want him.”

Chapter 7

Sean sat on his bed and groaned as Mark and Chuck stared at him. They sat in chairs around the hotel room, badgering him. With a sigh, he rolled his eyes and said, “Did I ask you to come here?”

“Of course, you did!” Mark told him.

“When?”

“Um-- about-- six months ago. Remember? Open invitation.”

Sean groaned, stretching, and laid back. “So, did you want anything in particular?”

“You know what we want,” Mark said.

“Details, man. Details.” Chuck grinned. “How did you like a date with an actual smart person?”

“I bet he didn’t get laid,” Mark said.

“Of course not,” Chuck agreed. “She doesnt’ look like the type that would fuck and go.”

“And we all know Sean likes to bring ‘em to his room. So, since it’s early and there’s no naked girls here--”

“Unfortuantely.”

“--then that must mean that Sean struck out. Nothing new, I guess.”

“Seeing that he had a smart girl and all.”

“Yeah. She was WAY too smart to let his dick anywhere near her.”

“True.”

Sean rolled his eyes again and grunted. “Are you two fuckin’ finished yet?”

“Actually? No. Not really. We’ve got so much more we want to say.”

“Well--” Sean told them getting up and opening the door. “Why don’t you say it from that side of the door.” He jutted his finger out the room and hit flesh. “Now, who the hell wants to start some shit?”

“Whoa, big brother, it’s just us.”

Sean sighed as he moved aside, letting Carmella and Mike inside. “My bad. “ They moved past him, Mike elbowing him in his stomach, laughing. He looked at Mark and Chuck, sighing. “Are you two in here trying to get the goods on the date?”

“Of course!” they said together.

“Well, spill. What did you find out?”

“There’s nothing to find out,” Sean said as he closed the door. “We had dinner, then we came back. Should I expect Reno and Stasiak to come in or can I sit down in peace.”

Carmella laughed. “They went down Denny’s to grab a bite to eat. We’ll just fill ‘em in later.”

“Oh the glory.”

“Aw--” Carmella walked over to Sean, laying her head against his chest. “Is my Haire Bear distraught?” He rolled his eyes, putting a hand on her head.

“As always.”

“Now, you see how I felt when you all butted into my business, don’t you?”

“That was different. You’re--”

“A girl?”

“Well, yeah. You’re the little sister. We’ll kick all ass if you get hurt.” He turned to look at Mike. “Even yours.”

“Hey!” he said, his hands raised. “Don’t look at me. I didn’t do nothin’.”

“Good. I would hate to have to kill you. You’re not that bad of a guy.”

“I’m one helluva guy actually,” Mike said with a laugh. Carmella moved away from Sean and went back to Mike. He put his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her head as she looked at Sean. “He’s a very good guy,” she told him. “Now, I want to know more about this girl. Granted, she seemed nice enough when I met her, but-- I really dont’ know anything about Miss Emmaline.”

“There’s nothing to know,” Sean told her. “She’s a writer and she’s shy. That’s about it.”

“Now, THAT is a new one!” She laughed. “Sean O’Haire dating a shy girl? Has our player finally decided to grow up and date real women? Or is she just a layover til you find a nice blonde bimbo?”

“She’s-- I don’t know what she is.” Sean moved to the bed, pulling the handle up on his suitcase and moving to the door. “Whatever she is, I dont’ need the badgering. Now, if you’d please, I’m hungry. I wanna get somethin’ to eat before the flight. Is that asking too much?”

The others looked at one another, then shrugged. They watched as Sean grumbled, leaving the room, each filled with curiosity. He’d never been so tight-lipped about any of his dates. Of course, most of them had been conquests, but still-- It caused each of them to wonder if there were more going on with Sean and Emmaline than either were letting on. Just how far did his interest with her go? And just what were the intentions of both parties?

Chapter 8

Carmella smiled brightly as she approached Emmaline. The tall redhead stood alone in the hallway. Eric Bischoff had just walked away, leaving her to look slightly frustrated. “Um, hi,” Carmella said, stopping in front of her.

Emmaline looked up and sighed. “Hi,” she answered softly.

“Bad day already?”

“You could call it that.”

Carmella rocked back and forth on her heels for a few minutes. “So-- I hear you had a date with Haire Bear last night.”

Emmaline lowered her head, demurely pushing back a wisp of hair. Her face reddened at the thought of Sean boasting of his ability to leave her stunned and speechless. She started to turn and run away, but Carmella stopped her, placing a hand on her arm. “It’s not what you think,” she told her.

“And what would that be?”

“That Sean has been running his mouth.”

“He’s obviously said something.”

“Actually, he’s said nothing but leave me the hell alone.”

Emmaline’s head popped up. “He hasn’t--”

“Not a peep.” Carmella tilted her head to the side. “Is there something he should have said?”

“Not really.” She shoved her glasses up her nose and walked off. Carmella bit her lip, watching her go then ran after her.

“Come on,” she said, jogging along in front of her. “I’m not trying to pry.”

“That’s what it looks like to me.”

“I’m just tryin’ to look out for Haire Bear.”

Emmaline stopped abruptly. She stared at Carmella with curiosity. There was something oddly caring in the nature of the Thrillers. For one reason or another, they all managed to find a way to explain their need for gossip and intrigue with an intense desire to take care of one another. Was it just a ploy? Had Sean sent her to get information for him?

Carmella watched the questions go across her face and knew them well. It was the same ones that many men had gotten since she’d met the guys. The one that wondered what was the real motivation behind the questions and the interest. Only, usually, it was one of the guys doing the asking. She sighed, stopping her in-place jogging. “Sean didn’t send me. Nobody did. I just worry about him, that’s all.”

“Why?”

“Because he worries about me. Because he’s done this same thing to me a million times and each time I got aggravated as hell when I found out. Kept tellin’ him it was none of his business. He even did it with Mike and that REALLY pissed me off.”

“Then, if it pissed you off, why are you doing it to him?”

Carmella sighed. “Because I know how he felt. Him and the rest of the guys.” She stopped for a minute, trying to think of how to put what she was trying to say. “See-- Sean’s never dated anyone like you.”

“We’re not dating.”

“Well, he’s never been on a date with someone like you.”

“And what would ‘someone like me’ be?”

“Smart,” she said matter of factly. “Someone with more to offer than just T&A. I’m used to sitting around with the guys and listening to him talk about his latest conquest. What she did, what he did, and why he won’t be seeing her again.” Carmella saw Emmaline’s face drop and she shook her head. “But-- with you-- I don’t know. We couldn’t get anything out of him. He was quiet. He wasn’t bragging about this or that. Which must mean that you’ve done something to him that we just can’t fathom.”

“I didn’t do anything to him.” To herself, Emmaline said, It’s me that’s under a spell.

“Well-- there has to be something. I’ve never seen Haire Bear serious before and that’s what he is. He’s serious. Don’t get me wrong,” she said quickly. “I like it. In fact, me and Mikey have been tellin’ him to grow up for months now. Apparently, he listened to us. I just wanna make sure that he’s not gonna finally get serious, and then something’ll happen and he’ll go back to his nightly conquests.”

Emmaline watched her with curiosity. She seemed to genuinely care for Sean’s well-being. And she also had no problem showing that. Emmaline liked that. A woman that was stand-up, take charge, strong, confident-- all the things she wished she could be more of. She had a tendency to let her meekness overcome any bit of an outgoing personality she might have had and she wished it were different. She sighed. “Look-- I don’t know what’s goin’ on with me and Sean. All I know, is that if anybody does any hurting, it won’t be me. That’s not my style.”

Carmella watched her, taking in everything. Her words were honorable enough. She seemed like a nice person. Then, Carmella looked at her from Sean’s standpoint, or at least tried to, hoping to see a little of what called him to her. It couldn’t have just been her brains. Sean wasn’t smart enough for that. She looked past Emmaline’s glasses to her eyes, catching the slight change of colors beneath the light. She pictured her with her hair down, flowing. A little makeup-- Yeah, she could be something great. But-- I just met the woman, she thought. Can’t be yelling ‘project!’ already. With a nod, she said, “Okay. That’s all I wanted to know. Now, I gotta catch up with the guys. Got a match tonight. Catch ya, later, Emmaline.”

“Call me, Emi.”

“No problem,” she said with a smile. “It’s Mella.” She nodded her head and turned, jogging off. “Later!” Emmaline watched her go and sighed. If it wasn’t bad enough getting involved in the least with the talent, she had to go out on a date with the talent that had the most prying, caring, whatever friends in the company. She sighed as she turned, walking off and rolled her eyes. “Great going, Emmaline. Just great.”

Chapter 9

The match went on without a hitch. In a match put together by the Cat, Mike Sanders managed to beat Shane Helms and Shannon Moore in a handicap match, with a little help from the Thrillers. Afterwards, they separated, running here and there behind the scenes, steering clear of any camera shots. Carmella and Mike sat in an empty room. Mike massaged her shoulders, pressing and kneading the kinks out.

“You know,” she said with a slight moan, “I used to do this to you.”

“Mmhm. And now I’m doin’ it to you.” He pressed hard and felt a knot loosen. “Got a problem with that?”

“Uh uh,” she moaned. “Not a single one.”

His hands relaxed and she leaned back against him. Really, it was only alone when they showed such affection toward one another. Neither of them wanted anyone getting ideas that Carmella had gotten into the company by having the right ‘insider’ on her side. She’d worked her way through the Plant and had done her time on smaller circuits beforehand. The powers that be had seen something in her and that’s why she was there.

Mike folded his arms around her, holding her close to his chest. “So,” he said as he leaned his chin atop of her head. “Whaddya wanna do tonight?” She laughed slightly at the twang in his voice and he shook his head. “Hey, do I talk about you and your New Yawker accent?”

“Cause I don’t got one,” she laughed.

“Uh huh. Say door.”

“Fuck you.”

“Later,” he laughed. “Now-- what-- besides, the prementioned private activities, do you wanna do tonight?” Carmella walked her fingers along his arms and sighed.

“I dunno. A little party maybe?” She could feel Mike’s face distort with cynicism. “Just a little thing,” she said to him. “The guys, maybe a couple more. We can have a poker game.”

Mike laughed. “You just wanna take some people’s money.”

“Of course. That’s why I said a few others. You guys know not to play with me.”

“You definitley got a point,” he said with a smirk. Mike leaned to the side, coming around to kiss her cheek. “Poker it is, then.”

“Good. And-- I wanna invite Emmaline.”

Mike laughed. “You really think she’d come?”

“Of course, she would! If she’s gonna date Haire Bear, she’s gotta get used to the rest of us, right?”

“Yet another point.”

“As always. So, we’ll all go grab a bite, then meet up in your room?”

“Yeah,” he sighed.

“What?”

“The ‘your’ room thing.”

“Mikey--” It was Carmella’s turn to sigh. “On the road-- I just. I dunno. I don’t want people getting any ideas that I’m sleeping with you to get an in. Ya know? So-- we get separate rooms.”

“Even though we only use one.”

“Not like we’re paying for it.”

“I guess,” he sighed. He kissed her again. “Tonight, poker. My room. Got it.”

“Good. It’ll be fun. I swear.”

“Fun.”

“Yup. Fantastically, Thrilling fun.”

Chapter 10

Emmaline sat quietly watching the night’s events. She’d tried her best to decline, but after having Thriller after Thriller after Thriller come to her door, begging her to play, she couldn’t turn them down. She found it strangely odd at first that Carmella sat alone at the table, the other guys wary to go near. But then, as Kidman and Rey and Konnan came in and sat down, she noticed the slight smirk on their lips. “We need a fifth!” Carmella had called and Stasiak left, coming back minutes later with Crowbar.

An hour later, the four men were tapped and looking a bit sheepish. Kidman looked at the other guys and shook his head. “You set us up,” he muttered, throwing the last of his money on the table. “You knew she would kick our asses.”

“Of course,” Mike said, leaning over her shoulder. “Why ya think we didn’t sit down?” Carmella looked up at him with a grin, holding up her cards. He laughed and shook his head. “I’m gonna guess this will totally finish you off.”

“You want the honors?” she asked him.

“Certainly.” Mike took the cards and tossed them onto the table. “Royal Flush, boys, Read ‘em and weep.” As the men threw their cards down in disgust, Sean sat beside Emmaline. He bumped her hip with his and smirked.

“See why we told ya not to go to the table? You’d have lost all your money.”

“Yeah. Thanks.” She turned to watch as Chuck picked her up, throwing Carmella over his shoulder. She laughed as she was passed around and someone took her seat. She fought her way back, pulling hair until she sat back down. “You guys are all so-- loose,” Emmaline said softly.

Sean shrugged. “With each other. I mean, yeah, Shawn wasn’t at the Plant with us, but still-- he’s one of us. We’ve all been through a bunch together.” He shrugged again. “We just sorta fell into place.”

“Cool.” She turned back in shock, though, as she heard a voice yell, “Strip Poker!” The men all groaned as Carmella laughed. “Good idea, Mark!” she yelled. “Now--”

“Not so fast, little sister,” he told her.

“What?”

“You’re not playing with them.”

“Then who am I playing with?”

“Gimme a sec and you’ll find out.” He left the room and Carmella turned to Mike. He just shook his head, laughing. She’d agreed so it was too late to back out. Five minutes later, Chuck was back. “Mella, say hi to your opponent. The one and only Kevin Nash.”

“You are SO full of shit!” she yelled, jumping up and lunging at him. Kevin caught her around the waist and laughed, setting her back down.

“Whoa, whoa, little lady,” he grumbled. “Such rage.”

“That asshole! And you-- lemme go! You’re a ringer!”

“Yeah, well-- everybody’s gotta have a ringer. Why not Big Sexy?”

Carmella looked at him as he lowered her to the floor and sighed. “Fine. Sit down.” She took her seat and Mike stood behind her as usual. The cards were dealt and she stared at her hand. She could feel the sweat bursting out on her forehead and groaned. She leaned back and looked up at Mike. “I need a drink, babe.” He laughed, replenishing her Jack Daniels.

Carmella knocked the drink back and handed it off for another. By the time it came to the nut cruncher, she’d had five drinks and was getting slightly wobbly. She looked at Kevin and sighed. Slowly, she laid her cards on the table. “Three of a kind, ace high.”

Kevin looked at her cards and shook his head. “Damn nice hand. Really nice. But--” He sighed, laying his cards down. “Full house gets ya.”

“Take off that shirt, girl!” Mike reached over and punched Reno in the gut, but that didn’t stop the chant. Carmella stood slowly, leaning onto Mike. “Take off a shoe, babe,” he told her. “That counts.”

“No, it doesn’t!” Sean yelled. Emmaline looked over at him shocked. “What?”

“I thought you always looked out for her.”

“We do.”

“Then why are you trying to help get her naked in a room full of men?”

“Because-- we’re here to kick their asses if they do anything wrong.” Emmaline just shook her head, muttering, “I’ll never understand you people.”

Chapter 11

An hour (and four drinks) later, found Mike sitting in the chair, Carmella on his lap. She was down to her bra and a pair of boxers. She didn’t feel too bad, though, becasue Kevin was down to his pants. After the inital articles of clothing, the shoes and socks became available for ante. Carmella moved in Mike’s lap, rubbing against him, feeling him press against her. She held her cards to her chest and leaned back, whispering, “Mikey--”

“Mella, don’t,” he said, suppressing a groan.

“You know you wanna--”

“Babe, you’re drunk.”

“Uh huh--”

“Excuse me,” Kevin said, clearing his throat. “Can you put your cards down so you can lose more clothes?”

“I say she strips,” Mark said. “She’s losing anyway.”

“No way,” Mike said, glaring at him.

“Aw, man, chill out,” Reno told him. “Come on, Mella, we dare you.”

“Uh uh,” she said, shaking her head slowly.

“We DOUBLE dare ya!” The Animals called out. Mella turned her head, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s a double dare, Mikey.”

“Nope.”

“I triple dog dare ya,” Kevin said, laying his cards down. Carmella stood, and Mike tried to hold her down. She looked at him with puppy eyes.

“It’s a triple dog dare. I can’t turn that down.”

“Um, there’s no music.”

“Got it covered,” Rey said, turning on the radio.

She bangs, she bangs... Oh, baby, when she moves, she moves... I go crazy cause she looks like a flower but she stings like a bee... like every girl in history...

“I gotta, MIkey! Triple dog dare AND the perfect song.” The guys started to cheer as she moved with Ricky Martin’s voice, seductively removing the boxers to reveal a black thong, matching her black bra. Mike moved to stop her, but Crowbar and Kidman blocked his way. Emmaline looked at Mike and sighed, moving to Carmella.

“Come on, Mella. It’s late. You’re drunk. Don’t do this to Mike.”

“Come on, Emi! You join in! Who wants to see Emi join me!” The cheers and catcalls got louder. “See? Come on, Emi. I’m sure Haire Bear wants to see ya in the buff. Don’t ya Haire Bear?” Emmaline turned to see a grin on Sean’s face as someone opened the door and a new voice was added.

“Did I hear my name?”

“Marcus! Look, it’s the Buff Daddy! Gotta get in the Buff for the Buff Daddy!” She started to remove her bra as Marcus, Ric, Ernest and Scott were ushered inside. Mike broke past his barrier and grabbed her, rehooking her bra.

“Okay,” he said, holding Carmella, hiding her from view. “Party’s over. Everybody gotta go.”

“Mikey!”

“Nope! That’s it. Mella needs to go to bed now.”
Carmella tried to move away from him and jerked too hard. “Oh shit. Mike-- I’m gonna puke.” He picked her up and ran her to the bathroom, holding her hair back as she upchucked. Done, he laid her on the cool tile of the bathroom floor and went back to the main room.

“Everybody out.”

“Mike, come on,” Mark said, laughing. “You’re no fun anymore.”

“Yeah, well-- when it’s your girlfriend we’ll see how much you like it.” He handed Kevin his clothes, then pushed everyone out of the room. Emmaline looked at him as she left, shaking her head. She really wouldn’t understand them. She thought she had Mike figured out-- the overprotective boyfriend, but there was a glint in his eye as everyone left. If nothing else, he was going to enjoy taking care of his drunken girl-- and probably enjoy making her feel like hell in the morning. She sighed, walking out.

Sean caught up to her as she moved down the hall and put a hand on her shoulder. “What’s the deal? You runnin’ off?”

“Party’s over.”

“The bar is still open.”

“No thanks. I’m tired and I have an early flight.”

“You wanna grab breakfast in the morning?”

After the way he’d acted that night, and the grin on his face when she’d been urged to strip, Emmaline wanted to say no. She wanted to tell him to fuck off and find a new toy, but she couldn’t get those words out. Instead, came, “Sure.” Sean smiled.

“Good. I”ll come by your room about 7?”

“That’s good.” They stopped at her door and she went inside. “Um-- goodnight.”

“Night.” And on impulse, she leaned in and kissed him. She didn’t know why she did, and had a feeling that she would never know why, other than there was something about the man that drew her to him. Before he could respond, she went inside the room, closing the door. Sean stood staring after her, shocked. He hadn’t expected that. But-- it was very, very nice. And he planned to do it again.

Mike had finally gotten Carmella off of the floor and into the bed. He tucked her beneath the covers as she laid, her head hanging off. The music still played and in her stupor, she sang along with the Latin Boy Toy. Mike turned off the lights and slid in beside her. He laid down, throwing an arm protectively over her. Leaning into her ear, he whispered, “I thought we had a deal.”

“Hm?”

“You only strip for me.”

“Mmhm.”

“From now on?”

“Mmhm.”
“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Good.” He moved closer to her, bringing her into him as much as he could without making her sick again. Why did he put up with this? He knew how she got when she drank. So why did he even let her drink so much? He knew why. Because he loved to take care of her, loved to see his tough girl needing him. Hell, he just plain loved her. Once again, he leaned into her and whispered in her ear. “I love you.”

“Mmhm,” she mumbled. “Love-- too.” Whether or not she remembered it in the morning, Mike didn’t care. All that mattered was that he’d said it and she’d said it back.

Chapter 12

Carmella woke to her head pounding and noise everywhere. The voices were all so loud and she didn’t have the strength to get up and tell them to shut up. The laughter was not necessary, she thought. And the attempt at singing “She Bangs” from Stasiak was definitely unwarranted. She rolled over slowly, throwing a hand over her eyes just as the bedside lamp was turned on.

“Turn it off,” she groaned, putting a pillow over her head.

“Uh uh,” Sean told her. “It’s wakey wakey time.”

She groaned again. “Haire Bear-- please-- it’s early.”

“Actually, babe,” Mike told her, “it’s almost ten o’clock.”

“In hangover time, that’s early.” Carmella threw the pillow at someone as she felt a figure coming closer to her and rolled onto her stomach. “Ugh,” she moaned, “I feel like complete and total ass.”

“You should.” Mike sat down on the bed next to her and rubbed her back. “You drank damn near an entire fifth of Jack last night.”

“You let me,” she whined.

“You also nearly showed the world your T and A,” Chuck said laughing. “Too bad Mike stopped to you.” Mike growled at him and the others laughed.

“Too loud,” Carmella moaned. She moved her head over to Mike’s lap. “It’s your faults. You dared me. Mikey, let me drink and ya’ll wanted to see my tits.”

“I thought you’d get Emi to join in,” Sean said with a smirk.

“You pervert. She’s a nice girl. She wouldn’t have.”

“And you’re not a nice girl?”

“Hell no!” They all laughed and she groaned. “Could you all get the hell out so I can go shower or something?” Stasiak pouted, moving closer. “Get away from me.”

“Poor thing,” he said. “We’ll help you shower. Let us help.”

“I have all the help I need right here,” she said, patting Mike’s leg. He looked up at them and smirked.

“Yeah. I’m all the help she needs. Now, get the hell out. We’ll meet you downstairs in an hour.” They bitched and moaned, but left. Mike rolled Carmella over and she groaned. “Ya know, babe, you’ve been doin’ that a lot in the past ten minutes.”

“Well deserved.”

“You want that shower now?”

“Yeah.” She opened her eyes slowly. “You’re already dressed.”

“I’ll undress.”

“Mm,” she moaned. “I like that idea.” He bent down to kiss her and she pushed him away. “Uh uh. I’ve been puking and-- damn, my mouth tastes nasty.”

“Aw, you need Mikey to brush your teeth?”

“Mmhm...”

“Okay.” He kissed her cheek and helped her up. Mike grinned as he helped her brush her teeth. He knew she was feigning weakness and was more than happy to help. He removed the rest of her clothes, then undressed himself, climbing in the shower with her. He held her body close as the spray hit them, neither moving for a few minutes.

Carmella rested against his body, the warm water hitting her face and neck, running down her body. She rolled her head against Mike’s chest and sighed. “Mikey?” she said softly. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, baby,” he said.

“Last night? When you said you loved me--”

“I meant every word.” Carmella turned in his arms and Mike leaned down to kiss her. “Every single word.”

“Me, too,” she whispered, leaning her face against him. “I love you, Mike.”

“I love you, too, Mella.” They stood still for a moment, then Carmella turned back to the water. Mike helped her wash, as she still pretended to be weak from her previous night’s binge, and they stepped out. They got dressed and left the room, stopping by her room to pick up the rest of her things and went downstairs to meet the others.

Chapter 13

Carmella sank deep into the bubbles. Despite the exhileration of being on the road and performing, she was glad to be home. A soft sonata drifted through the bedroom, spilling into the bath. Her eyes closed as she rose her sudsy arms, laying them on either side of the tub. She fell lower into the water, letting the heated liquid flow over her, warming and relaxing her.

She felt a presense moving towards her, but she didn’t move. Her eyes never opened as she moved slightly in the filled ceramic. Her hand slipped slightly beneath the tub and she came up with a gun in her hand, pointing it blindly.

“Whoa!” Mike said, backing up. “Calm down, babe.”

Carmella sighed as she laid the cold metal back to the floor and opened her eyes. “What have I told you about sneaking up on me in the bathtub?”

“I rang the doorbell.”

“I didn’t hear it. Mikey, you’re liable to get yourself shot.”

“You should know by now that if anybody’s coming in here, it’s gonna be me.”

She sat up in the water, revealing herself to the cool air. “Yeah, well-- I learned a little from my father. You’re never more vulnerable than in the bathroom.”

“A lot of people get killed in the tub?”

“Yes,” she said shortly, leaning her head back. Once more, the suds surrounded her and she sighed. “Just chill with the sneakin’, okay?”

“Alright.” Mike moved behind the tub and pushed her head forward. Rolling up his sleeves, he reached into the water, grabbing her body sponge and moving it slowly over her back. Neither of them spoke for a while as he moved over her.

Carmella through her wet hair over one shoulder and sighed. “My mother called,” she said softly.

“Your mother?” Mike asked, imitating her New York accent. It always seemed to get thicker the more relaxed she was. “What did she want?”

“I have to go home for a funeral.”

Mike stopped, his hands immobile. “Whose?” he asked softly.

“My brother. He got killed in jail. They’ve been trying to reach me.”

“Babe-- I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, me, too.” She was quiet again, then said, “It’s Friday. Will you go with me?”

Mike leaned down and kissed her neck softly. “Of course, I will. I just gotta let Sean and Mark know. I told ‘em we’d go do something this weekend. Sean’s bored.”

“What about his girl in Savannah? Not gonna visit her?” She was rather glad for the change of subject, wanting not to dwell on either her brother’s death or visiting her family.

“Nope.”

“What the hell?” She turned in the water and looked at him. “Is Haire Bear this serious?”

“Who knows. He hasnt’ said anything, but--”

“Yeah, yeah. He hasnt’ said he’s not either. Oh well. Look, why don’t we go out like tomorrow night? And then we can just leave Friday morning and be back Saturday. If not earlier.”

“Don’t wanna stay for a visit?”

“No.” She stood abruptly and grabbed her towel, wrapping it tightly around her. Carmella walked out of the bathroom without another word and Mike sighed. He reached down and unplugged the tub and stood for a minute, watching the still warm water swirl down the drain.

Carmella had never really wanted to talk about her family and Mike had never pushed. Though, apparently, with a father who said you needed to be armed in the bathroom and a brother murdered in prison-- there were some things that maybe he should know before going to meet them. But, he wasn’t going to press. He knew she wouldn’t lead him into a situation blindly and trusted her. Sighing, he put it out of his mind and followed her into the bedroom.

Chapter 14

Carmella, Mike and Sean sat watching the movie. The lights were out, the television set glowing. Carmella laid with her head on Mike and her feet on Sean. She laughed as Sean turned his head, avoiding the sight of the bloody bed and horse’s head.

“Dude,” she said, smirking, “you do that every single time we watch this.”

“It’s nasty.”

“I didn’t think you were so squeamish.”
“I’m not! It’s nasty, though.”

“Uh huh--” She laughed again, standing as she heard the doorbell ring. “Must be the pizza.” She grabbed money from her purse and went to the door. Minutes later, she came back, loaded down with boxes. Carmella put them on the floor and took her spot back, leaning down. Grabbing a napkin, she handed slices to Mike and Sean, then laid back, taking a bite. “Now, Haire Bear,” she said, gulping. “Why is it that you haven’t gone to find a girl somewhere? You’re rarely bored enough to spend time with us.”

“I’m not bored.” He took a bite and turned his attention back to the movie. Mike looked down at Carmella then back up at him, shaking his head.

“Get over it, man,” he said. “You’re so bored it’s pathetic. Can’t wait to get back to work, can ya?”

“Shut up.”

“It’s true.”

“Aw, poor Haire Bear’s missin’ his writer girl. Isn’t that cute.”

“The last thing I am is cute,” he grumbled.

“Nothing wrong with being cute. Mikey is really cute and he gets laid ALL the time!”

“That’s right, I do!” he laughed. “Now, why don’t you get unbored and call her or something.”

“Didn’t get her phone number.”

“Dumbass!” Carmella sat up, curling her legs underneath her. “You’re so into a girl it’s fuckin’ pathetic and you didn’t get her number? This is NOT the Sean O’Haire that tried to get my number the first ten minutes of meeting me.”

“That was different.”

“Why is that?”

“Because-- it just was.”

“Oh-- Okay.” She laughed again and stood up. “You say whatever you want, but you’re not fooling us. Just face it. You can’t wait to get back to work so you can see her again. Hell, if we’re not careful, you might decide to relocate to Chicago.” She walked into the kitchen to get something to drink.

Mike looked at his friend and sighed. It was obvious to everyone that he liked Emmaline and it was just as obvious that she was totally enraptured by him. But, Sean, being the tough guy that he was, wouldn’t admit it. And Mike had no intention on rushing him. He would just wait and watch him make a complete fool of himself-- and then laugh when he realized what everyone else was telling him.

Chapter 15

Emmaline walked around her apartment in a daze of sorts. She’d done the usual at home things, watered the plants, fed the fish, cleaned a little, but her mind was anywhere but Chicago, IL. Her mind was on Sean O’Haire, and more importantly, that kiss she’d planted on his lips.

It had been everything she had expected. His lips were like velvet as they fell on hers. Though not deep, the kiss held a certain fire for her, something was stirred within her as she’d touched his soft flesh. And even worse was the desires that came with that gentle touch.

Never before had she wanted a man so much, but with that one burst of compulsion, Emmaline had wanted Sean more than anything else. She would have loved to grab him by the shirt and pull him into her room. To press him against the door as she explored his mouth, running her tongue in and out of every crevice. To rip their clothes from their bodies and feel his warmth pressed against her.

Emmaline stopped, shaking her head. Her body tightened with the thoughts of what they could do together. “I’m stronger than that,” she muttered as she moved through the kitchen. But, as she made her way around, cutting this, or stirring that, she couldn’t forget. Her mind wouldnt’ leave the image she’d had the previous few nights in her sleep. Their bodies rocking, him filling her more than she’d ever been filled before. His body brushing hers as he moved inside of her.

“No!” she screamed to the empty room. “I won’t. I won’t think about that. It’s not gonna happen. I am not gonna sit here and torture myself with thoughts of fucking Sean O’Haire. I’m not.” But as she moved along, she couldnt’ stop her thoughts and eventually, just gave up trying.

Chapter 16

Carmella stood on the doorsteps, gripping Mike’s hand tightly. She hadn’t been back home in over a year, and coming back for a funeral-- it just wasn’t what she’d wanted to do. She had ten minutes or so before the funeral actually began and she wasn’t in any hurry to go inside.

Mike turned to her and kissed her cheek. He pulled his hand from hers and draped the arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close. Carmella wrapped her arms about his waist and held him tightly, burying her face into him. The wind was beating around them, but not even the cold could make her go inside. Mike put a hand on her head and sighed.

“It’s cold, baby.”

“Just a little longer.”

“Mella--”

She sighed, looking up at him. “He was my brother. He shouldnt’ have had to go to jail in the first place. And now-- I-- I have to go in there and see him like that. I can’t do it.”

“Yes, you can. You’re stronger than this.” She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “I”m right here with ya,” he said softly. She nodded and let him lead her inside.

As they entered and made their way through the aisle and to the coffin, heads turned. Carmella ignored them, holding Mike tightly, her eyes on the coffin. Voices murmurred around her but she blocked them out. As she stared into the coffin, she almost fell as her knees gave out. Mike caught her and she quickly shoved him back. “I’m fine,” she muttered. Her hand reached inside and lightly caressed one cold cheek. “Bobby,” she said softly. “Didn’t I tell you to be a good boy? You never did listen to me.” She stroked his cheek again. “I’ll miss you.”

Carmella stood up straight then turned to Mike. He took her hand and let her lead him to a seat. Though on the same pew as her family, she turned her attention away from them. She knew talking to them would only cause commotion and she wouldn’t tarnish the church or her brother’s memory by doing it there. So, she sat through the ceremony saying nothing, just holding Mike’s hand for support.

They followed the others to the cemetary, but still didn’t speak. They stood back, watching, except for when Carmella stepped forward and placed a red rose onto the coffin. Finally, although unwanted, they went back to the house. It was more Mike’s decision than hers. She’d tried to convince him to just leave. They’d been to the funeral and they could go, but he wouldn’t let her run. He wouldn’t let her hide.

Standing in the house, Carmella was already regretting coming back. While a few people had come by, paying their respects, most just looked at her with wonder, then glanced at Mike with disapproval. Taking a deep breath, she went to her mother and took her hand. The older woman stood and hugged her daughter, kissing either cheek. “I’m very glad you came,” she said softly.

“I came for Bobby.”

“At least you were here.”

“I don’t want any details. I don’t want to know how my baby brother was killed. I just came to pay my respects and now we’ll leave.”

“You’ll leave without introducing tua madre to this nice young man?”

Carmella turned to Mike and forced a smile. “Mama, this is Mike. Mikey, this is my mother.”

“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. DiMonico.” he said, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles.

“You seem to be a nice boy.” She turned to her daughter. “Why haven’t you brought him by sooner?”

“I didn’t want to,” she said matter-of-factly. “Now, please, I’d like to leave before--” She stopped, sighing, as her father walked over and handed her mother a glass of wine.

“After all this time, you come back,” he said with a look of disapproval.

“Don’t. Okay? I paid my respects and we were getting ready to leave.”

“Ah. Back to your-- wrestling.” He said the last with disgust. As though the very word left a bad taste in his mouth. Carmella felt a growl building low in her throat. Mike felt the tension in her hand and squeezed, running his thumb in circles over the back of her hand. Slowly, she began to calm and rose angry eyes to her father.

“Yes. Back to my career.”

“I didn’t pay for you to attend NYU for you to run off to something beneath you.”

“It’s what I wanted to do. What I’ve always wanted to do.”

“And something I have not encouraged.”

“I don’t really care if you encourage it or not.” She turned to Mike and he slowly shook his head. With a sigh, she turned back to her father. “I’m not here to argue. I tried doing what you wanted me to do. I didn’t like it. I love this and I’m going to do it.” She turned to her mother. “I’m sorry, but I can’t stay here.” She turned on her heel and dragged Mike behind her.

“If you walk out of this house don’t come back!”

Carmella turned slowly at her father’s voice. She saw the wide eyes of her mother as he spoke so abruptly to the only child they had left, hurt in her eyes. Carmella turned her eyes on her father and looked at him. A tall, powerful man who had been able to control so many people. But the one person he couldn’t control was her. And now, as a last resort, he used threats. Carmella thought hard before responding. About not seeing her mother again, her father, any old friends that she may have still had. Then, she turned to Mike and thought of leaving him and their world behind.

She thought of the times he’d held her, made love to her, talked to her, laughed with her. She thought of the other guys and all the good times they’d had. As memories rushed her, she knew what she had to do. This life-- the one of her father’s making-- was not her own. Her life was with her family-- the family that appreciated her and wanted her no matter what she did. Carmella turned back to her father and mother. “I’m sorry, Mama,” she said softly. “Goodbye.” Gripping Mike’s hand tightly, she led him out of the house and back to the car, leaving her old family behind choosing the more fitting family instead.

Chapter 17

Hours faded into days that turned to weeks, soon Emmaline was shocked to wake up and find that nearly two months had passed since her first date with Sean. Sean. The name brought a smile to her lips effortlessly and as of late, without the reservations she'd had before. She'd been out with him a few more times mostly nights of raucous fun with Mike, Mella and the rest of the Thrillers, though some of the time was spent one on one. She'd discovered, upon further occasions spent with him, he was different than she'd perceived him to be. A gentleman to the last...perhaps with a devilish streak, but he managed to surprise her with how chivalrous he could be.

A knock on her door rushed the ruminations from her mind. She stood, grabbing her robe, and opened the door to a grinning Sean O’Haire. He rose his hands, showing the bag and cups. “I come bearing breakfast.” She smiled again, and realized that the heat didn’t flush her neck and cheeks quite so much lately. “Come on in,” she told him softly.

Sean walked past her and sat the things down on the table. He watched her move toward him and grinned. She’d been so shy at first, highly unlikely to let a man into her hotel room, let alone him. And now, she welcomed him. He was starting to feel just a bit more secure in her attraction toward him. He leaned in and watched the old flush come back as he kissed her cheek softly, then stood back straight.

“Getting a late start?” he asked her.

“Yeah. We’re driving so--”

“Dont’ have to leave so early.”

“Right.”

Emmaline walked away from him and sat in a chair. She watched him while he pulled the cups out of the holder and pulled the bagels out. His muscles moved slightly, and light danced on them. There was no oil to sheen him or make him glow. It was just the natural tan of his body that made her smile and want to go to him. “So, um-- what’s up for after the show?” she asked him.

“Oh, nothing,” he said as he brought her coffee and a bagel. “We’re just gonna sit and bitch about Uncle Eric fucking with us some more.”

“I’m sorry,” she said softly.

“Why?”

“Because I was in charge of your storylines. You all were doing so good I never thought you’d end up back on WorldWide.”

Sean shrugged, sitting across from her. “It’s life.” He sighed. “At least Mella’s out there. Right?”

“And she hates it. You know that.”

“Yeah. She’ll be at the bitching session, too. Something about Uncle Eric pinching her ass.”

“He what!” She almost spit out her coffee.

“Oh yeah. And if he wasn’t the boss, he’d have an ass whoopin’ coming.” Once again, he sighed. “I don’t really feel like the usual bitchfest. We’ll get enough of that during the show.”
“Maybe we could do something?” Emmaline surprised herself. Even after the past few months, she’d never been the initiator. She’d just accepted his dates and advances. But this time-- it just came from her.

“I’d like that. Bar?”

“Maybe,” she shrugged. “Whatever.”

“Cool.”

“I, um-- need to get dressed.”

“I’ll wait,” he said with a grin. She turned her head, that familiar burning welling inside of her.

“Get out,” she said softly. But a smile took the edge off of her words.

“Yeah, yeah,” he said, laughing. “I’ll see you downstairs?”

“Yeah.” She stood and opened the door. Sean stopped halfway out the door and leaned into her. “Hair down-- no glasses-- look real good.” He let his lips just barely brush hers then walked out the door.

Emmaline closed the door behind him and sighed, leaning against the hard wood. She hadnt’ even realized that she’d let him see her like that, but knowing he liked it-- it made her want to do it more. “Maybe I will invest in those contacts,” she muttered as she walked off to shower.

Chapter 18

It would have been embarassing for the company had the cameras not been off already. The Natural Born Thrillers running to pull a screaming and punching Carmella off of Tygress. She had the woman’s hair in her hands, using it as a grip to ram her head into the floor. Mike grabbed her around the waist and pulled her off. She kicked, lunging at her, trying to get back at her as the Filthy Animals picked their valet up off the floor.

“I’m gonna kill that fucking bitch!”

“Whoa!” Bischoff said as he walked over. “What the hell is going on here?”

“She attacked me!” Tygress yelled.

“Fucking shit! That bitch fucking ripped my hair out at ringside! I’m gonna kill her!” She tried to pull away but Mike held onto her tightly. “And why the HELL am I out there anyway? It doesn’t make ANY sense for Nash to even have a match with ANY of them!”

“Because I put you out there with him, that’s why!”

“Fuck--”

Mike covered her mouth and carried her off. “She’s just pissed, Eric. I’ll calm her down. Don’t worry about it.” He carried her off, with O’Haire and Stasiak holding her feet to keep her from kicking Mike. In the locker room, he threw her down on the bench. Carmella looked up at him and glared. “Care to explain about that shit?” Mike asked her.

“She--”

“No. You.”

“Ugh! I’m pissed! I didn’t come here to have some little bitch ripping my hair out!”

“And where do you think you’ll be if you piss off good ole Uncle Eric?”

“I don’t give a damn!”

“I do!” Mike turned away, taking a deep breath and counting to ten, then turned back. “Look. We’re all fucked, okay? We’re back where we started from. Hell, I was fuckin’ commissioner a few months ago, now look at me. You dont’ wanna end up where we are.”

“I’m only here because he uses me as fucking tits and ass.”

“And?”

“And I didn’t bust my ass to flash my fuckin’ tits!” She stood up and stormed around the room. She whirled around as Emmaline walked in, ready to scream at whomever it was. Walking to her, she sighed. “You’ve gotta get me outta this. Talk Eric into putting the guys back on. Have them come steal me or something.”

“I’ve tried,” she told her with a sigh. “He won’t listen. As he said-- Mr. Russo is the head honcho and I’m just a little girl playing with a computer.”

“Fucking-- ugh!” She threw her hands up in disgust, blasting through the room. In anger, she lifted a table and turned it over, then kicked a bench onto its side. Mike and the others stood back, watching her. Emmaline tried to move forward, but Sean held her back. Finally, Mike tilted his head. “Done?” he asked her.

“No!”

“Well, tell me when you’re threw throwing a temper tantrum. I’ll be down the hall.” She watched Mike leave the room then looked at the others. They all just looked at her, shrugging.

“Fuck!” she yelled. “Mike! Dammit!” She rushed past them all and chased him down the hall, hoping to fix whatever was the matter with him.

Sean turned to Emmaline and sighed. “We’re not doing anything else,” he said. “Are you ready to go?”

“Uh-- Sure. Bar?”

“Not in the mood for the crowd. Hotel?”

“I guess. Um--”

“My room?”

“Sean, I dont’ know.”

“We’re just talking. That’s it. Or can’t you be seen in my room?”

“It’s not--” She sighed. How did she tell him that alone in a hotel room, with a bed so near, she didn’t trust herself around him. That she didn’t think he could be so close without her pouncing him. She couldn’t. “Fine. Let me get my things and I’ll meet you.”

“Alright. See you in a bit.” She nodded and left, then Sean turned to the other guys. “Shut the fuck up.”

“We didnt’ say nothin!” Reno yelled.

“But, I know you and you were. Don’t.” He walked out, grabbing his bag, leaving the others to wonder what was going on-- and if O’Haire would finally have details for them the next day.

Chapter 19

“Mike! Dammit, wait!” Carmella chased him down the hallway, grabbing him by the arm. He turned to her and the anger in his eyes was for more than her fight. She stepped back as he turned those burning eyes to her. He’d never looked at her like that, and knowing that some of that was for her, she didn’t know how to react. “Mike--”

“You know how ungrateful you are right now?”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Oh, they’re making you into tits and ass. Well, at least they’re making you into something.”

“I didn’t ask for this, Mike.”

“But, you still got it. Don’t look a damn gift horse in the mouth.”

“I--” She was speechless. There was so much heat in his words and underneath, there was that green-eyed monster peeking through. She was moving up and he was moving down. Carmella didn’t know how to handle it. She backed away from him more and sighed. “I’m going back to the hotel.”

Mike watched as she walked off and silently cursed himself. He loved her and he didn’t want her to go. But he couldn’t help but feel envy setting in as he had to watch his girlfriend out doing what he had just been doing months before. And it was a situation that he did not know how to rectify. He couldnt’ fix it, and it was damn sure broken.

“Fuck,” he muttered, walking down the hall back to the locker room. He walked in and the guys stared at him. “Where’s O’Haire?”

“He left with Em.”

“Great.” The others watched him as he walked around the room.

“Um-- where’d Mella go?”

“I dont’ know.” A low growl escaped him as he paced.

“You’re too rough on her,” Mark told him. Mike turned to face him.

“He’s right,” Chuck said. “It’s as tough on her as it is the rest of us.”

“How the fuck do you see that? She’s at least getting a push.”

“Yeah, and then she has to sit here and watch us get buried in a pile of bullshit and backstage politics.”

“You’re not helping,” Reno said.

“Not at all,” Shawn said.

“Well, excuse the hell out of me for being bitter.”

“Go talk to her,” Mark told him. “Before you fuck up something good.”

“I--”

“Go!”

Mike looked at them and groaned. “Fine. I’ll go. She probably hates me right now, but I’ll fucking go.” He grabbed his bag and stormed out of the room. Mark watched him go and shook his head.

“Ya know-- if he fucks this up the only one we can look to for stability is Sean. How fuckin’ scary is that?”

Chapter 20

Sean sat across from Emmaline, admiring her. They hadn’t said much since they’d gotten into the room. Neither really knew what to say. The previous events were weighing heavily on their minds. The one thing that Emmaline had never really seen in all the time she’d been spending with The Thrillers was a real fight between Mella and Mike. Yes, they’d have their tiffs, but nothing like that. Looking at Sean, she knew it worried him, too.

Emmaline stood up and walked to the bed, sitting down. She looked at Sean and sighed. “They’re gonna make up,” she said softly.

“How do you know that?” he asked her.

“Because they love each other. They’re just frustrated.”

“Frustrated.” He stood up and began to pace the room. “We’re all frustrated.” He stopped in front of her and sighed, looking down. “Way more than you can imagine.”

“I-- I can imagine,” she said in a hush. His knees brushed her and she averted her eyes. Feeling his presence unmoving, she turned her head back to him. Softly, she said, “I know frustration.”

Sean leaned over her, stopping his face just centimeters from hers. Just the slightest movement and their lips would touch. Emmaline extended one arm upwards and let her fingertips trace his jawline. With one swift move, she broke the gap between them and kissed him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she tasted his mouth, sliding her tongue inside. She pulled him down on top of her, ready to make her fantasy come true.

Sean propped himself up in a push up and looked into her eyes. “You didn’t wear your glasses today,” he whispered.

“Nope.”

“And your hair--”

“Yup.”

“You- want this?”

“God, yes.” She pulled him back into another kiss and Sean let all distractions leave his mind. His hands roamed over her and her mind reeled. She wanted this, but more than that, she needed it. Her body ached to feel him against her. To feel his abdominals brushing her bare stomach as he moved in and out of her, bringing her closer and closer to the brink.

Emmaline rolled him over and began to strip him. Once he was naked, he rolled her back over and did the same to her, taking his time. “Nice bod, Red,” he commented and she smiled in thanks. He kissed her, gently at first then harder, as he positioned himself between her thighs. Sean looked into her eyes and saw the sparkle of anticipation as he entered her.

Emmaline’s back arched and she hissed. “Too damn long,” she muttered. Not only too long to have him, but too long to have anyone. Almost a year, she thought right before her mind was erased with pleasure. It was like she had dreamed. His body moved against hers, his hands cupped her breasts. He filled her completely, almost more than she could bear. She wrapped her legs around his waist, squeezing to urge him on.

Sean went slow, moving with deliberate strokes. He stroked her hair then let his hand fall down her body with tender caresses. He kissed her neck, butterfly light. His pace quickened as she tightened and convulsed around him. But, one time wasn’t enough. He wanted to feel her body shiver and shake as many times as possible before he let loose.

The earth moved three times for her before Sean finally came, filling her with his hot load. He collapsed next to her, not wanting to drop his weight on her and she went to him. Emmaline kissed his chest, rolled a nipple in her mouth. Sean brushed her hair back and let his hand fall down her back.

“Wow. Red--”

“Thank you,” she whispered. He began to ask what for and she laid a hand on his lips. “Don’t. Don’t say anything. Just-- thank you.” He looked at her and nodded, holding her. Eventually, the two moved beneath the covers and let their exhausted bodies relax against one another. Sean held her close, a small smile on his lips, and soon fell asleep, once hearing the soft breath of tire escape her lips.

Chapter 21

Mike knocked on the door and received silence in return. He sighed and leaned against the wall, then stood up, knocking again. Still nothing. “Come on, Mella, open the door.” Nothing. Mike groaned. He laid his face against the door and sighed again. “Please, open up. I didn’t mean to bark like that. I’m just so frustrated and-- I guess I’m jealous. You’re out there and-- it’s with someone else. I just-- I dont’ know. I just want to say I’m sorry.” He pressed his forehead against the door. “Would you please just open up?”

The door opened slowly. Mike stepped back and looked at Carmella. She stood in a t-shirt. Her eyes were puffy from crying and he looked to the floor. She stepped back and he walked in, still looking down. Mike moved around the room, not looking at her. Carmella rose her hands to her head, gripping her hair. She had been crying since she got into her car and had just stopped a few minutes before he’d shown up.

“Maybe I should just quit,” she said softly.

“No!” Mike looked up finally and sighed. “Please, baby, don’t. You love this.”

“But not more than I love you. And if you’re going to hate me because of it--”

“No. God, no, I don’t hate you. I just--” He closed his eyes, then opened them slowly. “How do I explain? I just-- I love you. Don’t think that I don’t. It’s just-- I see you going and me staying behind and--”

“And it’s because of these and this,” she said, gesturing to her body. “And I didn’t want that. I came here to wrestle. Not to pretend to be hot for Nash or anybody else. And you’re resenting me. Tha’ts the last thing I want.”

“I don’t resent you.”

“Then why did you--” She sighed, sitting down on the bed. “Why?”

“Because I’m upset.” He knelt on the floor in front of her and put his head on her lap. “I’m frustrated and you were there and I took it out on you. I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.”

Carmella looked at him and bit her lip. Tentatively, her hands went to his head and she slowly rubbed her hands along his hair, his neck and down his back. “I never want you to hate me,” she whispered. “You’re all I have left.” He looked up at her and saw a tear in her eye. “You and the guys-- you’re all I have. I can’t lose that.”

“You won’t,” he whispered, brushing the tear away.

“I’m tired, Mikey. So damn tired.”

“Rest, then.”

“I-- I can’t.”

Mike stood and laid her back against the bed. Without a word, he undressed and slid in beside her. He pulled Carmella into his arms and held her against him. She laid her head on his chest, her arms around him. As she’d said it, realization had dawned on her. She’d turned her back on her family. The Thrillers really were all she had and she’d do anything to keep them. With them, she had the brother that life had so callously taken from her and with Mike, she had the love she never thought would come.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you, too.” He kissed her forehead softly.

“Hold me? All night long?”

“You got it, babe.” He held her tightly, listening to her breath slowly, feeling her heart rate level out. He knew he couldnt’ take the frustration out on her. He couldn’t push her away. He loved her too much to let her go, and if he kept his attitude up, that’s exactly what would happen. He fell asleep with her in his arms, promising to never let her go.

Chapter 22

Chicago. Emmaline was happy with show’s location. She could sleep in her own bed instead of a hotel room. And she could take Sean home with her. They’d spent every night since that first together, when they were on the road, and her body ached for him when they were apart. She was slightly nervous about him seeing her home, but the thoughts of him there, making love to her, pushed them away.

With the show over, she decided to take him out to her favorite late night restaurant. The night was going fine until a familiar face from the not-too-distant past walked in. The man was tall and had a distinguished air about him. “Leesy?” he asked, walking over.

“Greg? Is that you?”

He laughed. “Long time no see. Where have you been?”

She smiled and Sean held back a growl. “I got a job with World Championship Wrestling. I’ve been traveling.”

“Leesy? A wrestler?”

“Oh no. A writer.” She turned to Sean and smiled. “Sean, this is Greg. We used to go out.”

“Hello,” Sean said, none too happy.

“You wanna join us?”

“I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Oh, no bother!” She moved over in the booth, closer to Sean, making room. “Have a seat.” As he sat she looked at Sean. “Greg’s a lawyer.”

He faked a smile. “Leesy?”

“I’ve always preferred Elysia to Emmaline. The nickname’s cuter.”

“Greg!” She slapped his arm playfully. “So, what have you been up to?”

“Not much. I’ve moved up in the firm so--”

Sean watched as Emmaline listened to him intently. She had watched him like that before, but she’d never been so animated. He felt slightly uncomfortable, but held back the slight twitches he felt coming. Granted, the lust that her eyes held for him wasn’t there when she talked to Greg, but there was a sparkle there and that sparkle heated his blood. And that thought made him stop.

I’m fuckin’ jealous, he thought. What the hell am I jealous for? She’s just talking. But, he knew why. Somewhere in his mind, he knew what had gone on between the two of them, more than likely, and the thoughts of someone else touching her like that-- he just didn’t like it.

After an hour or so of chat, Sean sighed. “It’s getting late, Red,” he said softly. “And there’s an early flight out in the morning. Maybe we should go?”

“Oh-- you’re right. Maybe we should.”

“It’s okay,” Greg said smiling. “I’ve got to work in the morning. It was nice seeing you again.”

“Yeah, it was. We should do this more often.”

“You’ve still got my number. Give me a call. We can do lunch?”

“Sounds great.”

Sean stood, pulling her with him. “Nice to meet you,” he said hurriedly. Greg and Emmaline had time to nod before Sean pulled her out of the restaurant. At the car, she looked at him.

“What’s the big rush?”

“No rush. I just wanna get you home, that’s all.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “You were awfully quiet in there.”

“DIdn’t have anything to say.” He started the car and began down the street with her pointing the way to the apartment.

“Uh huh. Are you just a tad jealous?”

“Me? Jealous? Never.”

“Oh, no. Sean O’Haire doesn’t get jealous.”

“Nope. He’s a secure individual.”

“Uh huh.” She was silent all the way back, but in the back of her mind, she said, I gotcha. She wasn’t sure for a while what they really had, but if he was getting jealous, it had to be something. You dont’ get jealous over nothing.

Chapter 23

“Haire Bear’s got it bad!” Carmella laughed from her perch on Mike’s knee.

“Shut up,” he muttered.

“Oh no, this is too precious to pass up.” She looked at Mark. “Don’t you think it’s cute? He was jealous!”

“Oh yeah,” he said laughing. “So cute. I mean, who’d have ever thought Mr. Player would be so into somebody that he got pissed at a guy half his size and nowhere near as talented.”

“Ah, but this was a lawyer,” Mike said. “He’s gotta compete with the brains and all.”

“You’ve got a point,” Shawn said. “When it comes to brains-- I think our guy here has done a few too many senton bombs and landed on his head or something.”

“I never land on my head,” Sean said grunting.

“Well, you landed somewhere to knock the sense out of you.”

“I think he just got laid and went crazy after that,” Reno put in from the other side of the room.

“Fuck you.”

“I thought Em did that for you.”

The room burst into oohs and laughter and Sean just glared at them. They had no clue. None at all. “I’m not--”

“Don’t even say it!” Carmella yelled. She stood up and walked over to him, resting her knee on his lap. “I’ve never seen such jealousy in my life. You saw her talking to an old boyfriend and lost your fucking mind. You really like her. Why don’t you just admit it?”

“Because I don’t want to!”

“Ha! Ya just did.” She leaned in with a smile and kissed his cheek. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mike and I have a meeting with Uncle Eric in hopes of getting your sorry asses back on Nitro. Later.” He watched the two leave and sighed. Damn, but he had the nosiest friends in the world.

“Come on, man, spill.”

He looked up at Chuck. “There’s nothing to spill.”

“There has to be. I mean-- there’s somethin’ going on that you’re not tellin’ and it’s more than a little date interruption.”

Sean sighed as he lowered his head. He looked back up and shook his head. “You know-- this wasn’t supposed to go this far.”

“What do you mean?” Mark asked him.

“You know the deal. Get in good in the right spot, get ahead. I wasn’t supposed to actually get into her, ya know?”

“Oh, man. Tell me you didn’t date her just for--”

“Well--”

“You fuckin--” Mark groaned. “Mella finds out, she’s gonna kill you for usin’ that girl.”

“Well-- she won’t find out. Cause I’m not using her anymore.”

“No shit. She’s not doing anything for you.”

“It’s not that!” He grunted and stood, walking around the room. “She’s smart, she’s beautiful-- she’s so not my type, but damn, I wish she were.”

“Maybe your type’s changing,” Reno said.

“You mean he likes more than big tittied bimbos?” Shawn said. “Man, that’s fuckin’ sad.” Sean looked at him and grunted.

“This shit don’t leave this room. Got it?” They all raised their hands, nodding. Unfortunately, the little birdie outside the door wasn’t in on the secret.

Chapter 24

Tygress made her way to the Filthy Animals locker room and the gossip train was on. During her telling of what she’d overheard, she didnt’ stress to heavily on the part where he said he really liked her, instead dwelling on the beginning. By the time the story made it to Emmaline it had changed completely.

She ran through the halls with unshed tears in her eyes. Her head hung low and she wans’t watching where she was going until she’d bumped into someone. “Whoa, what’s wrong, Red?” She looked up into the eyes of Sean O’Haire and didnt’ know what to say. No words came to her as she slapped him and rushed past. He looked after her, holding his cheek. “What the--” He walked backwards, bumping into someone else.

“Good going, O’Haire,” Flair said, rolling his eyes.

“What?”

“You took a real nice girl on a ride for a job. That’s mature.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“It’s all over. How you seduced that poor thing just to get a story. Didn’t work did it?”

“I didn’t. I mean-- I did, but-- I didn’t. I mean-- ugh!” He stormed down the hall, slamming the door behind him as he entered the locker room. “Which one of you opened your big fucking mouths?” He didn’t see Carmella standing behind Reno, but knew she was there when something hit him in the stomach. It took him a moment to realize it was her foot.

“What the fuck is wrong with you!” she screamed. “You’ve lost your fucking mind haven’t you!”
“Mella--”

“Don’t Mella me. You hurt her! You fucker-- I cant’ believe you’d do something like that. How could you do that!”

“I didn’t mean--”

“Who gives a fuck what you mean! You--”

“Would you shut the fuck up and let me talk!” The room went silent and he almsot thought he was in line for another beating. “I admit it, that’s why I started.” He backed up as her foot came high. “Wait! But, it’s different! I really like her. She’s-- I dont’ know. She’s different but-- I like her. I do!”

“Well, it’s too fucking late now, isnt’ it! You fucking asshole!” She blew past him, taking a moment to kick him in the ankle on the way out the door.

Sean bent over, grabbing his bruising ankle and sighed. He walked further into the room and saw Mike standing there. He groaned. Mike looked around, and with just a glance, everyone left the room. He walked over and nodded for him to sit down.

“Lecture time?”

“Damn straight.” He waited until Sean had sat down and began to walk in front of him. His hands were cuffed behind his back as he moved to and fro. “You’re an asshole,” he started. “We’ve known that since we met you.” Sean was quiet, knowing not to interrupt. “But, I thought you had grown up some. Do you realize what you’ve done? You’ve fucked with some girl’s life that didn’t deserve it. If you’re using someone for a fuck, then you tell them that. You say, we’re fucking and that’s the end of it.” He stopped in front of him. “Speak.”

“It wasn’t a fuck. I really like her. I’m not gonna say I love her, cause I don’t. I don’t know her that good to say I’m in love. But, I do know I want to know her more, better.”

“And you think she’s just gonna let you?”

“Not now.”

“Ever?”

“Probably not.”

“So, you fucked up.”

“Yes, sir, I fucked up.”

“Good. Now, that you know it, I’ll leave you to sit here like the dipshit you are and let you figure out how to fix it.” Mike left Sean alone in the room.

Sean watched the door closed and cursed himself. It was never supposed to get out. How do you start something serious when the person knows that you didn’t mean for it to start that way? Yeah, he’d had evil intentions, but that had changed. He spent time with her, he talked to her, he’d made love to her. It wasn’t a fuck. “Not a fuck,” he muttered, rubbing his sore ankle. “Now, how the fuck do I get her to see that?”

Chapter 25

Emmaline sat in the dark room, the only light from the crack in the doorway. What she’d heard was just sinking in, really. He’d used her. For a storyline, he’d played with her emotions. Part of her questioned it. If he was just playing her for a fool, why didn’t he break it off when he realized she couldnt’ do anything? Maybe he’d changed? Maybe--

Maybe didn’t matter. All that mattered was that he’d used her. She’d given herself to him and he’d taken her, knowing that he didnt’ really want her. He just wanted what she could do for him. And right at that point, it was nothing. Not a damned thing. She looked up at the knock on the door, then lowered her head. “Go away,” she muttered.

“Em-- please. Can I come in?”

“No.”

“Then, I’ll talk from here.”

Emmaline sighed as Carmella stood in the doorway. Did she really want anymore of her business in the open? “Fine,” she muttered. “Come in.”

Carmella walked over and around to her. She sat on the edge of the desk and sighed. “I’m sorry. Haire Bear--”

“Please. Don’t. Okay? I dont’ need a lecture from a Thriller on a Thriller.”

“It’s not a lecture.” She sighed again. “Sean was wrong. Completely and totally. He was a fucking asshole and I told him so. More than likely, Mike did, too.”

“Oh really? I was sure this was a group effort.”

“You know, I’m hurt you’d say that.” Carmella stood and began to walk around. “I like you. I think you’re good for him. He was growing up. At least he admitted it when I threw it in his face. He admitted something else, too.”

“And what would that be?”

“That he really does like you. Yeah, he started with total bullshit reasoning, but it’s not like that now.” Carmella sighed, moving toward the door. “And just remember-- he could have dumped you when you ceased to be helpful.” She left the room.

Emmaline leaned back in her chair and sighed. Had he really said that? She wanted to go to him and ask him, but she couldn’t. She knew if she saw him at that point, all she’d do was hit him and cry, and she’d done that once. Been there, done that, didn’t wanna do that again. She’d filled herself with hopes and dreams and desires and with one tidbit in the locker room, it had all been destroyed. Did she love Sean O’Haire? No. Could she ever? Maybe. But, she wouldn’t get the chance to figure it out. Why? Because right then-- she wasn’t going to give him the opportunity to make her look like a bigger fool.

Sighing, she stood, gathering her things. Emmaline walked to Eric’s office and sighed. “I’ve got some time off. I’m not doing anything major. Can I have a few weeks?”

He looked up from his papers and nodded. “O’Haire?”

“Don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Not even to Uncle Eric?”

“Especially not to Uncle Eric.”

“Fine. You can go. You’ve got three weeks.”

“Thanks.” She headed out, avoiding any and everybody. What she needed was time to think and forget. But, unfortunately, she knew the forgetting was going to be the hardest part of all, and she wans’t looking forward to the trying.

Chapter 26

The three weeks passed slowly. Sean spent every waking moment trying to figure out how to fix it. He’d found out who started the spread and it had taken all of the Thrillers to pull him off of the Animals, and then they had to keep Carmella off of Tygress. It was taking out frustration, but they were the cause so why not. Sean had made attempts to see Emmaline but she shut him out at every chance.

Emmaline spent the time alone in her apartment. She rarely went out. She just thought of Sean. His presence lingered in her home to the point where she couldn’t take it anymore. She pulled out her phone book and made a call, then left.

Sitting in the restaurant, she remembered being their with Sean. How jealous he’d been and how cute it was. That had to mean something-- didn’t it? She sighed as he walked over and took a seat. “Greg. Hi.”

“You sounded bad on the phone. You look even worse.”

“I feel like hell.”

“What happened with the hair and the contacts? You were down with contacts last I saw you.”

“Well-- the need for them seemed to go away.”

“Sean.”

“Yeah.”

“What happened?”

She sighed. “I found something out and-- I just couldn’t see him anymore.”

“And your job?”

“Sabatical.”

Greg sighed, sitting back. Whatever it was that she’d found out was tearing her apart. Her hair was back up. She’d begun that fidget with her glasses that he’d always found unnecessary. They were never falling. It was almost like a security blanket. “Leesy-- talk to him.”

“Huh?”

“Whatever it is can be fixed.”

“No, it can’t.”

“It has to be. Hon, you look like hell. Bet you’ve been crying.”

“Have not.”

“Then why are your eyes puffy?”

“Allergies.”

“Uh huh.” He sighed, leaning forward. He took her hand in his and rubbed the skin softly. Emmaline sighed, sitting back, but letting her hand stay.

“Sean used to do that sometimes. Just take my hand and--” She stopped with another sigh.

“Talk to him, Leesy. It’ll do you wonders. Give him a chance. Whatever happens can’t leave you as bad as you are now. You can’t go on like this.”

“I don’t know how to do anything else.”

“Try.”

She looked at him and let out a heaving sigh. He’d always been a friend, even after they’d broken up, and he’d never steered her wrong. But he didn’t know the truth. And she couldn’t bring herself to say it to him. But, something in her couldn’t push his words totally aside. They lingered in her mind, sitting like a stone bench, undaunted and permanent. Talk to him. The hardest thing in the world to do. Because she had to do it face to face.

Chapter 27 **The End**

She stood in the doorway, watching the somber faces. So many times, she’d gone to that room and the laughter was deafening. Someone was playing with someone and the others cheered one on. But this time, they were just sitting around not really talking. She wans’t sure what to say, and was almost ready to walk away. But, she couldn’t. She came there for a reason and she had to finish it.

Softly, Emmaline knocked on the door and heads turned. “Um-- I need to--”

“Talk to Sean,” Carmella said. “We’re leaving. Everybody out.” The group filed out of the room quietly and Emmaline came inside. She sat across from Sean and looked at him. The twinkle of playfulness in his eyes was gone. She had to look down to even see them.

“Look at me,” she said softly. He didn’t move and she demanded louder, “Look at me!” His eyes turned up and she sighted. “Why, Sean?”

“It wasn’t supposed to turn out like this.”

“Like what? Me finding out?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, too damn bad. I did.”

“And I’m sorry.”

“And again, I say why. Why did you let it drag out so damned long if you just wanted me for what I could give you. I can’t give you anything.”

“You gave me you.” Emmaline looked at him and didn’t know what to say. Sean stood up and began to pace the room. “You want the truth?”

“Is this where you tell me I can’t handle the truth?”

“I don’t know. Can you?”

“Yeah. I can.”

He sighed. “Fine. Yes, I started flirting with you for storylines. It was simple. Seduce, get what I wanted, plain and simple. But-- I don’t know. You were so hard to get that the storyline fell in the back. It was a challenge and a damn good one.” He stopped and turned to face her. “And then-- I started to actually like you. You brought out a side to me that people don’t usually see. Something nobody sees but Mella and the guys. And then-- God, help me, I started to care. Is that so wrong?”

“Yes.” She stood and looked at him. “You made me care and, oops, so did you. Well that doesn’t change the fact that you used me.”

“I know. And I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry that you started to care.”

“You know what? Yeah, I am. Cause if I didn’t give a shit it wouldnt’ have hurt so fucking much that I’d hurt you.”

She stared at him, mouth agape. Finally, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You hurt.”

“Yeah, I do. I’ve got tons of fucking people telling me how big of a prick I was and none of them can make me feel any worse than I already do.” He moved closer to her and she backed away slightly. “I hurt you and I’m sorry. I so fucking sorry.”

“Sean--” He moved closer to her and she wanted to run. She wanted to yell and scream and then run out of there as fast as she could. But as he neared her, she couldn’t run anymore. She let his fingertips raise to her cheek. She let him take her glasses from her face and reach around and pull the clip out. He held them up to her and muttered, “Why?”

“Because--” Her voice was soft. “I only did that for you.”

“I’m not worth it.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Do it for yourself.”

“I can’t. It makes me think of you. And I don’t want to.”

“I-- I miss you.”

“I miss you, too.” The words put her back. She hadn’t meant to say that. She’d only wanted to get the truth and leave. To get some closure. “You’re everywhere,” she whispered. Her emotions took control of her mouth, not letting sensibility through. “All over my apartment. In my thoughts. You just won’t leave me alone.”

“Neither will you.” He placed his hands on her cheeks. “What do we do about it?”

“I dont’ know.”

“We have to do something.” His tenor growled as he moved closer to her. It was the scene he’d played out with her many times. He’d come close then back away, but this wasn’t a game. He wasn’t going anywhere. “We cant’ just live like this.” He leaned in more and their lips touched. Emmaline didn’t push away. She let herself fall into the soft kiss, memories flooding her. Sean pulled back and looked into her eyes. “Can you forgive me?”

“No,” she whisperead.

“Can you let me make it up to you?”

She wanted to say no. That he could never make up using her. But in giving herself to him with that soft brush of lips, more than her body had called for it. More than her yearnings and overwhelming desires for passion ran her. Everything inside of her took control and she looked into his eyes. “Yes.” Sean smiled and for the first time in months, Emmaline blushed. He kissed her again, harder this time and she put he arms around his neck. Pulling back, he muttered, “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me,” she said softly as she pressed her body into him. “Just hold me and promise you’ll not make me hate you.”

“I promise,” he said as he held her. The doorway filled as the rest of the Thrillers watched on, but they didn’t notice. Carmella moved closer to Mike and sighed.

“Think he can do this without fucking up?” she whispered.

“Hell no,” he said with a low chuckle. “But, at least he might not fuck up quite as bad this time.”

The End.