But I still stay cause you're the only thing I know. So won't you take, won't you take me home? Take me home…
"I bet you think you're real fuckin' adorable. I bet you're just dripping over that Irish fella. You make me sick to have you stand next to me you slut."
"Fuck you then! I'm gone!" Randi couldn't take it. Roddy had been going on for over an hour and she refused to listen to anymore of his abuse. Grabbing her bag she went for the door.
"Ya ain't going nowhere! Randi!" Roddy jumped from his chair and slammed it shut, taking Randi by the throat and pushing her into the wall.
"I wish you'd never found me." Randi said in an angry whisper, tears beginning to pool in her eyes. Roddy's eyes softened, and it terrified Randi worse than any of his outbursts. His hand slowly loosened around her neck and he lowered his head, heading back to his chair. Roddy dropped down into it, his eyes glazing over in a lost stare.
"Run Randi, run now and don't look back." Her mind screamed. But as usual, her heart overpowered her head and Randi let her bag slide to the floor. Roddy's eyes were still in a trance even as Randi knelt in front of him, a sigh of defeat escaping her lips.
"Why does every night have to end like this Roddy? Do you really enjoy it that much?"
"Go then. Leave an old man here to rot. It's what I deserve." Roddy hissed, and Randi saw tears starting in his eyes though Roddy blinked them away. Randi hung her head down. He always pulled this. And it always worked.
"Roddy," Randi sighed, taking his callused hand into hers. He squeezed it tight, and Randi saw the levies begin to break.
"I know I treat you bad. Don't know why I do it. But I can't bear the thought of you leavin' me doll. You're all I got left."
"I love you Roddy. But you have to start showing you love me too. I can't do it anymore. The screaming, breaking my things, and when you hi-"
"I know I know Randi. Please don't say it."
"Fine. Then look at it," Randi stood suddenly. She lifted her shirt and let it fall to the ground. Roddy looked away cursing. From her hips to shoulders were a mosaic of scratches and bruises. All different shades told the timeline of how long this was going on.
"Is this where you thought we'd be when you asked me to come with you Roddy? Cause I sure as hell didn't." Randi braced herself as Roddy stood. He simply fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I don't wanna hurt cha anymore doll..." He whispered sadly. Randi swallowed and brought her arms around him.
"Then don't Roddy. I've never asked you for much. Just please, love me. I don't want to be alone again." Roddy stood and brought her into a deeper embrace.
"I won't. No more. I promise. I'll change things for us darlin'."
"I just want things back to the way they were. Let's just go home. Please? I just want to cook you meals. And clean our house, all that normal life stuff. And maybe…if we can work through some things, try one more time at this family thing. And we can try again for a," Randi's voice broke and Roddy lifted her chin to meet her eyes, fresh tears in his hazel ones.
"I want to give you all that and more. You're my doll. I love you, you know that."
Roddy placed a light kiss on her hair. Randi smiled at first but faded as she processed his words. Did she really know that? Or know what was really under the surface?
Sheamus and Hunter entered the gym bright and early the next morning. Hunter noticed the dark circles under the Irishman's eyes that stood out more noticable against his fair skin. The Celtic Warrior didn't seem himself either.
"You alright man? You're way too down this morning for it to be hangover regret." Sheamus rubbed under his eyes and shook his head.
"Ah just didn't get mouch sleep las' noyt. Thaughts keep me awake till early marnin'." Did his concern really show through that badly? Hunter shook his head.
"You were up all night thinking of Randi weren't you?" The silence from Sheamus answered the question.
"I'm telling you dude. Don't let it get to you. Many of the guys in the back have tried getting involved in that and she always sticks by him. Why? Who the hell knows. But that's her decision. And big girl decisions come with big girl consequences. She wants to deal with that every night? Let her man. But don't jeopardize your career for it. Roddy's a mean old fuck. He don't take no shit from no one and wouldn't hesitate to throw you under the bus to make a point. Come on we got tri's to work on."
Sheamus tried to agree with Hunter in his head but again the thoughts came in a whirlwind. His heart was gripped with fear what she had to "deal with" each night. He saw her bloody and bruised on the floor with Roddy above her reeking of alcohol. What if she was one of those girls who didn't know how to pull herself from a situation like that? Or she felt she was obligated to stay with him? Sheamus couldn't believe how one small action could change his view on his once idol. Never in a million years did he think the Pipes had it in him to harm a woman. Sheamus tried his best to just focus on his workout and get ready for the next show.
"Hey speak of the devil." Hunter said leaning in to him.
Sheamus looked from Hunter to the direction he nodded in. A mixture of panic and joy entered him. Roddy entered the gym, Randi in tow. Sheamus couldn't help but admire the body of the young diva. Randi was toned throughout her entire body and the gym short she was wearing really showed off her larger hips. Her skin was a gorgeous olive color, showing her Italian heritage. Sheamus noticed for the first time all that tattoo's that adored her skin. He'd love to admire that artwork up close. Sheamus shook his head. He hated when thoughts like that overtook his brain. But the last girl he had been with was back when he was still in Ireland for god's sake, so he really couldn't blame himself. It wasn't that he coudn't get girls, he could always take the occasional fan girl that threw herself at him. But he didn't want that. He wanted someone sweet he could come home to each night. Someone who would come to his shows and support him through every match, every title shot. Someone he could see settleing down with. Someone. Sheamus looked up as Randi entered their half of the gym again. He wanted someone. He wanted her.
"Ah be righ' back lad." Sheamus said quickly to Hunter before he could protest.
Randi was sitting on the mats, stretching. Sheamus swallowed his fear and sat next to her, not minding doing his stretches again.
"Marnin' lass." Sheamus smiled. Randi looked up and smiled back wide. Something about Sheamus always made things look a little brighter. And it had nothing to do with that immaculate skin.
"Oh, good morning Sheamus. How's your day going so far?"
"Mouch betta' now." Randi blushed again. She could listen to him talk all day.
"Well that's good to hear." God she sounded so corny.
"I'm trustin' your noyt was peaceful?" Sheamus asked, eyeing her seriously. Randi glanced at him then turned away.
"For the most part." Randi shifted uneasily.
"You don't deserve it lass. Yar far too pretty, and got far too much talent, ta be held back any longer."
"Sheamus, I really appreciate it that your concerned I do. But you have to understand, Roddy's just misunderstood. He's a good guy just,"
"Ya know you seem to just be popping up all the time there chum." A voice broke their conversation. Randi jumped at the sound of Roddy's voice.
"My p'int exactly lass." Sheamus whispered, referring to her anxiety.
"What was that now boy?" Roddy challenged.
"Roddy,"
"Ello there misser Piper. Was just speaking to yer lass bout her match cumin' up next week. Gonna be good tah see ya foytin again." Sheamus stood, Randi following, putting her hand on Roddy's chest. She didn't want a fight breaking out here.
"Roddy, come on. We have work to do."
"Just keep your distance with "my lass"." Roddy warned before hooking his arm in Randi's. Sheamus still smiled though as Randi turned her head to give an apologetic gaze and waved secretly to him. He shook his head, wishing she'd hook her arm in his one day.
Later that night Sheamus tossed and turned in his bed, and it had nothing to do with jet lag. Randi consumed his every thought. Why he didn't know. He'd given up on letting girls get close to him ever since a bad breakup with a girl in Ireland. But Randi seemed to have gotten through his barrier without even trying. Sheamus sighed, deciding sleep would give him peace. He was just about to drift into a dream when his phone suddenly went off. Who in their right mind was calling him at this hour? Reluctantly he opened his phone.
"Yes?" Sheamus asked annoyed.
"Sheamus, is that you?" Randi sobbed. Sheamus sat up, fear entering his heart as well as joy. He never expected to have Randi call him.
"Yes, is tha' you lass?"
"Sheamus where are you? I need you!" Randi sobbed harder into the phone. Sheamus got up, already getting dressed.
"At the Sheraton love. Where are ya, ye in some sorts of trouble?"
"No. Well, yes. I'm at the bar on Fifth, about four blocks from you. Roddy he," Randi stammered as another sob hiccupped in her throat. Sheamus nodded to the valet as he started the rental.
"What he do to ya hon? Are ye hurt?" Sheamus started the car and headed out of the parking lot.
"Roddy got really drunk and he started to scream and walked out with a girl. He left me here and I don't really know where I am and I just want to go home." Randi became more hysterical.
His heart was in his throat. He never through Randi could sound that vulnerable, that broken. She was so hard headed and thick skinned that it was almost impossible to imagine that was her on the other line of the phone. Sheamus turned the corner and saw Randi standing in the parking lot. It was shocking cold summer night and she had nothing on but a silky tank top and no jacket. He pulled up to her and jumped from the car. Randi dropped her phone to the side realizing he was there and began to sob again. Randi ran to Sheamus and buried her face in his chest. It caught him so off guard he nearly stumbled. What had Roddy done to this girl? Awkwardly he wrapped one arm around her shaking figure, the other finding its way to her hair. Sheamus wrapped his coat around her. Randi pulled it tightly across her shoulders hoping warmth would find her soon. She couldn't help but inhale the enticing scent of his cologne in the collar. Sheamus opened the door for her and returned to the driver side once she was settled in. He sat down with a sigh, biting his lip nervously. Randi kept her eyes down, her slender fingers still griping the leather of his jacket. She sniffed occasionally, wiping away a few tears.
"Thank you." She squeaked out.
"Of course. Ohm, where ya want me ta be takin' ya'?" Sheamus was certain she'd be able to hear his heart beating violently in his chest. He ran the back of his thumb across his brown to make sure he wasn't sweating.
"Well...um can I, oh forget it." Randi sighed again in frustration, throwing one arm down and raising the other to run her hand through her hair.
"What? Come now, tell me lass. Where ya want to go?" Sheamus cooed at her, mustering his bravery to take her open hand in his large one. Randi almost jumped at the gently touch. She wasn't used to that. If Roddy ever held her hand, it was his code for her clam up.
"Can, can I come stay? With you?" Randi peered sheepishly up at Sheamus. He smiled gently and squeezed her hand. Was this really happening he thought?
"Ov course sweet." Randi smiled, not wanting to let go of his hand. Her heart was racing though. Was she falling for Sheamus? It felt to right when she ran to him, his big arms holding her close to his muscled chest. Maybe it was sign that things were really done with Roddy. But could she really do it? Could she leave Roddy? Was Sheamus even really that interested? He seemed to be but she couldn't tell. Randi snapped from her thoughts as Sheamus opened her door, being so far gone in her thoughts not realizing they were already at the hotel. She took his hand and he guided her to his room, one hand around her waist. She loved the feel of his hand on her, feeling him holding back wanting to pull her closer.
"If ya want lass, you can warm up with a bath. I can give ya some things to wear for the night." Sheamus informed her. Randi hung his jacket on the side of the chair.
"A bath sounds amazing at the moment. You really don't mind?"
"Naht at all lass. Go on. I'll leave them at the door, take as long as ya need."
"Thank you Sheamus," Randi said. She walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his wide chest. Sheamus froze at her touch. "Really, thank you." She cooed at him.
Sheamus took his hand and lightly caressed her smaller one. Randi turned, heading to the bathroom. Sheamus held his hand to where hers had been. He hated how he cherished these moments. Only knowing they would end sooner than later. He turned at the sound of his jacket hitting the floor, smiling as he hung it on the hook. She'd look like a child with it around her small figure. Sheamus returned to his room, hearing Randi start her bath. He searched for the smallest pair of his sweats and a shirt. Leaving them outside the door along with a brush, he changed himself back into comfier clothing.
Sheamus looked up from the TV later, hearing the bedroom door open. He couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped his lips, she looked so damn cute in his green shirt, it coming past her knees.
"I couldn't wear the pants. They won't stay around my waist." She squeaked.
"Yeh dun have teh wear em then." Sheamus felt the heat rush to his face as he processed the words that came out of his mouth. "Ah! Uhm ah mean, yeh can if yeh want Oh'm not sayin' yeh shouldn't but, ah fook meh." He whispered the last part to himself. Randi smiled.
"Sheamus this is pretty much how I dress when I'm not on camera or in public. As long as you're okay, I'm okay." She joined him on the couch, surprised to see a hot cup of tea placed in front of her.
"Meh mum always gave me a cup of this when I was down. And it always worked ta cheer me up." Sheamus explained. Randi smiled and took a small sip. The tea was so delicately sweet and there was a trace of vanilla and something else she couldn't place.
"This is great. Thank you Sheamus. You've been far too kind to me."
"Think notin' of it lass. I told ya, anythin', I'd be there. So now forgive me if ah asked, what happened?" Randi looked down into her tea, the only sound in the awkward silence was her fingernails tapping the cup. Sheamus sighed in frustration; here he'd ruined their nice moment.
"He...he saved me." Randi barely whispered. Sheamus looked at her, a mixture of sorrow and hate in her face. "And I don't know if I'm grateful or regretful about it." Randi sighed, the memory coming back of their first meeting.
The group of boys were giving the girl a merciless beat down. Roddy bolted over, not about to let this situation happen on his watch. He punched the first kid right in his spine and kicked the other boy in the stomach that was bent over the girl. Roddy threw a couple more punches and kicks. They re-grouped and went to go at him when he pulled him gun from his jacket
"Go on! Get the hell out of here. Don't think I wouldn't put one in ya'!" Roddy screamed. The boys took off.
"You okay there sweets?" Roddy asked, tucking his gun away and offering his hand. The girl flinched and backed away trying to get to her feet. Roddy took her as gently by her shoulders as he could.
"Whoa whoa darlin'. It's alright now. I won't hurtcha. Come on now. Relax." Roddy soothed.
His heart melted at the sight of this poor girl. She was far too thin for her build. Her face was dirty, and her clothes had seen better days along with what you could call her shoes. Roddy was caught off guard by her eyes though. Brilliant shade of emerald, that was enhanced by her tear filled eyes. Not even realizing it he gently wiped away a tear.
"What's your name angel?"
"R,Randi."
Randi swallowed back at the memory. That was three years ago. And things couldn't have been more different.
"He took me in and cared for me from then on. Taking me on the road, teaching me how to wrestle. He wasn't always like this. So evil, so controling. I hate him but I miss the old Roddy. But he's long gone now. And I don't know what I'm going to do or where to go." Randi's voice trailed off as sorrow made her voice soft.
Sheamus could see her fighting tears again as her face flushed. He leaned over and pulled her into a hug, placing her cup on the table.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be this upset. He's not good for me I know everyone tells me but he's all I've known. He's the only family I ever had."
"Hush now hon, it's understandable when ya know the back lot of it. I hope dis insant too bold now, but if ya need someone ta stay wit, ya could come with me lass, if ya want."
"R,really? I mean, you wouldn't mind?"
"It make meh real happy lass, ta be honest wit ya." Sheamus said softly to her. Randi smiled, nodding her head.
"I think I wanna sleep." She announced, the nights events suddenly tiring her.
"Of course lass. Come now, I'll be puttin' ya ta bed." Sheamus turned off the TV and stood, pulling Randi to his chest and carrying her into the bedroom. Randi could smell his soap on his bare skin and it made her shiver. Sheamus set her down, pulling the covers back for her as she slid in. He smoothed her hair as he cupped her face with his large hand.
"G'noyt lass. And don't worry none, yur safe here wit me." Sheamus said to her. He stood. "If ya need anytin' durin tha noyt, I'll be right out here." He informed, turning to go back to the living room.
"Sheamus?" Randi cried out a little too desperately for her liking. Sheamus turned back to her, and Randi felt her heart jump. In the low light his skin seemed to glow like porcelain, his sharp defined muscles creating shadows that only intensified it.
"Yes lass?"
"Would, would you stay here? With me tonight?"
Sheamus felt his face burn. Was he hearing right? This beautiful young thing wanted him to sleep next to her?
"Yer sure hon?"
Randi simply nodded, biting her lower lip. Sheamus walked back to the bed, unsure if it would be rude to pull back the covers. Randi did it for him, inviting him to lay next to her. Sheamus figetted with covers for a moment, feeling clumsy like his hands and feet where a hundred pounds heavier. Randi cuddled up close to him, pressing closer to his warmth. Sheamus slid his arm underneath her frame, pulling her close before wrapping the other arm around her waist. God she felt so good next to him. He felt her small delicate fingers wrap around his wrist and pull him closer.
"Sheamus?" He froze, what if she was having second thoughts? Had he gone too far?
"Would you be mad if, if I told you, I like this?" Sheamus felt his heart leap in happiness. "Would you be mad if I told you, I really, like this?" Randi asked, terrified she'd scare him away.
Sheamus pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. He felt it. It was there. She cared for him too and Sheamus couldnt think of a happier moment. This felt safe, felt real.
This felt like...
"Naht at all love. Sleep a mhuirnín mhilis." Sheamus whispered, pulling her closer once more. Randi smiled and nestled into him. This felt so good, so right.
This felt like home.