::CARDONA::
As I sat in the car with the boys I took in a deep breath. That kiss with Acelyn had been pure magic. God damn, she was so hot it wasn't even fair. I thought back to that perfect moment as the guys' voices faded out around me. It had been just us in her dressing room. I told her that I didn't think she was like her dad, because she wasn't, not in the slightest, and then I had kissed her.
When our lips had met it was like someone lit a fire in my stomach and I couldn't control myself. I had pulled her even closer to me and wanted her to be even closer. She was shocked at first, but eventually gave in and had kissed me back. She'd run her hands though my hair and it sent chills through me. Her skin was so soft, and her lips were even softer. And her breasts-
"Yo Cardona! You tap that yet man?" I snapped back to reality as Nick smirked at me. I laughed it off.
"Tap what?" I asked innocently.
"Acelyn man, I saw you two getting all cozy coming back from her promos." Nick continued. I felt my face get warm.
"Nah man, you know me, I'm a gentleman." I said.
"Does that mean she's up for grabs?" Mike asked eagerly. We all laughed at him.
"No way dude, I saw her first!" I said.
"Actually, I saw her first, so you all better watch out." Matthew said with his trademark grin.
"Please, why would she want any of you when she can have perfection?" Nick asked cockily. Jake, who'd been pretty quiet this whole time, just shook his head.
"What's the matter big guy?" Mike asked.
"Nothing, I just…" He shook his head again, keeping his eyes on the road as he steered us onto the freeway. "Never mind."
"Nick, you're boyfriends keeping secrets from us!" Cody teased.
"Very funny." Nick growled.
"Seriously though, is she up for grabs?" Mike asked again.
"Mike, get out of here." I joked.
"Yeah, besides, I bet Cardona's keeping that hottie all for himself." Cody said, pouting.
"Not once I get a hold of her." Nick promised.
"Now who says she'd want a wannabe Backstreet Boy?" Mike snapped.
"Who said she'd want fohawk Mr. Face Of The WWE?" Cody mocked, imitating Mike. Mike got his angry bulldog face as he glared at Cody.
"Look, she wouldn't want Nick or Mike because they're both old. Cody, Cardona and I are the only [i]real[/i] competitors here." Matthew shot back.
"Did you ever even consider that this is a real person?" Jake snapped. We all shut up and stared at him. "You act like she's some kind of trophy or something, maybe she doesn't like any of you." He finished. Ever since he'd gotten married, and especially now that he had a son, Jake was Mr. Family Man. Always thinking about what other people, mostly girls, thought about the way we talked about them. But still, I couldn't help but grin. Acelyn liked [i]me[/i] that was for sure. Tonight I would play it off like Mr. Sly guy, let Mike and Nick dance with her, whatever. Because I knew she was all mine.
When we pulled up to the restaurant the girls were already there and I couldn't help but smile when I saw how pretty Acelyn looked in the light of the streetlamp she was under. Her eyes sparkled like the sky and her smile could light up the whole world. As we walked over to the girls I was drawn towards her like a magnet.
So much for being smooth.
But before I could so much as open my mouth Barbie grabbed me and pulled me inside the restaurant, insisting that I should sit by Beth. I shuddered at the memory of that thing Beth had worn on her head for her match. But I'm a nice guy, how could I say no? As we all slid into a giant booth in the back I was stuck on the end next to Beth. I looked over to see Acelyn walking slowly with Matthew and felt a pang of jealousy.
But, there was hope, as Matthew sat down A.J. grabbed him and began cuddling with his arm. She blushed and looked across to me and I smiled at her. She chuckled as Matthew tried to pry A.J.'s vice grip off his arm. But I was golden, Acelyn already thought they were dating, and she didn't seem like the kind of girl who'd go after a taken guy. I was in the clear.
Dinner was mostly just everyone asking Acelyn what it was like being her father's daughter, was she excited for her premiere, was she told if she was getting a title shot, that sort of thing. Mike, of course, asked her if she had a boyfriend and she looked like she was going to have a stroke as she gave me a quick glance and I shrugged, so she said.
"N-not yet, but I haven't been here all that long so-"
"We should hit the gym together sometime, I'd love to see some of your moves." Mike cooed. He was going for smooth, but Acelyn just burst out laughing, as did everyone else. Mike was a little put out, but his ego was invincible. After dinner Barbie dragged Acelyn away from me yet again to head over to the clubs. I couldn't figure it out, usually Barbie left things pretty much alone, that is, unless someone was going after Paul Lloyd (Justin Gabriel) then she turned into super bitch.
But she didn't have a problem with me, that I knew of at least, so why did she keep Acelyn and I apart? I decided to not over think it as we walked into our first club and I danced with everyone, not failing to keep my eyes on Acelyn at all times. Finally I pulled myself away from Beth and she pulled herself from Nick and we met in the middle of the dance floor.
"So," I said, sidling up to her. "You're single?" I said as I took her into my arms and danced with her.
"I didn't really know what to say." She admitted.
"It's chill. We just kissed, right?" I asked, fishing for an answer. She looked uncomfortable to be put on the spot like this, turning bright red.
"Is there somewhere quiet we can go?" She asked. "I d-don't want anyone to hear us."
"Why?" I chuckled. "Are you ashamed of me?" Her eyes got wide.
"Of course not I just…" She sighed. "You're the only guy who understands how much I hate being my father's daughter, it's so…refreshing."
"Of course I understand. I can't even imagine the pressure you must be under all the time."I said. But before she could say another word Mike slithered up and asked if he could steal her for a while. I smiled and let her go, walking over to the bar and plopping down next to Matthew.
"Wow, everyone wants to dance with "The Daughter of the Damned." Matthew commented. I chuckled.
"I can see why. She's great. I can't thank you enough for introducing me man." Matthew looked over at me.
"So are you two dating?" He asked.
"Nah, we kissed, but that was it."
"…You kissed?" Matthew asked. Why did he sound so jealous? He had A.J., didn't he?
"Yeah." I said, trying not to brag. "So, you and A.J.?" I asked, trying to change the subject. Matthew started laughing.
"No. Not at all. She won't leave me alone; I might need a restraining order." He joked.
"Oh, well Acelyn was pretty sure you were."
"Daniel would slit my throat while I slept. I'm not going anywhere [i]near[/i] that minefield." He said, working on his beer.
"Yeah, he seemed pretty pissed the other night. Why don't you just tell him the truth?" I asked.
"I tried." He insisted. "That man is convinced A.J. is a saint. That she 'would never do something like that.'" He said, imitating Daniel as he took another drink of his beer. "She's just addicted to drama, I hate it."
"Look, I can try to talk to Daniel; he might just listen to me."
"I don't think he'd listen to Jesus Christ himself, but you're welcome to give it a shot." He answered.
"I think I will." I said.
"You think you will what?" We both looked over to see Acelyn smiling at us. God, she was so hot, especially in this lighting. I don't know when she changed, but she was looking even hotter in skinny jeans then she did in her dress.
"Nothing, just about maybe telling Daniel to leave Mattie here alone." I patted Matthew on the back, smiling. Mattie was A.J.'s pet name for him. He just chuckled.
"Get out of here Cardona." He teased. Acelyn chuckled to, it sounded like bells or a wind chime maybe. It was wonderful. "So Acelyn, get tired of the dirt bag patrol?" He asked. She chuckled again.
"You were right Matthew, Nick and Mike are relentless. No matter how many times I say no, they just accept it as some sort of challenge or something. It's getting hilarious."
"You want us to take care of them?" Matthew offered. "I mean, on head shot with these and they'll be down for the count." He said holding up his crutches with a huge grin.
"I think I can manage, thanks though, Hey Cardona, can I talk to you?" She asked; her eyes huge. I felt my heart speed up as Matthew burst out laughing.
"Oh man, you're in trouble Cardona!" he said.
"Yeah, sure." I said, standing up. "Let's go somewhere a little quieter." I hollered over the music.
"Bye Matthew!" Acelyn hollered over her shoulder. I looked over my shoulder and waved at him too, he had on his huge grin, but not for long. I watched A.J. slither up and begin giggling and throwing herself all over him. I turned back and smiled as I took Acelyn's hand and led her through to mob of bodies. When we were almost to the back door Barbie popped out of nowhere.
"Cardona! You haven't danced with me yet." She said, pouting.
"I will in a second, I promise." I said as I tried to hide Acelyn as we kept going, and I ignored Barbie. We eventually lost her and managed to squeeze out the back door, well, what I thought was the back door. It was actually a coat closet. I pulled Acelyn in and closed the door behind us, locking it just to be safe.
"So, what's up?" I asked.
"That's exactly what I was going to ask you… So, we …just kissed, right? It was nothing more than that?" I bit my lip. I wanted to say no, Hell no. I wanted to grab her and kiss her again so badly my lips were throbbing.
"Do… do you want it to be more than that?" I asked. She let out a long sigh.
"Don't flip this back on me." She pleaded. "Please."
"Acelyn, I think you're a great girl, and I really want to see you, exclusively, for as long as humanly possible. So, yes, I do want it to be more than just a kiss." I said, my heart was racing. Wow, where was all this coming from? I saw Acelyn's eyes get even bigger, but then a smile spread across her face.
"Perfect." She said, then she grabbed my shirt, pulled me down and smashed her lips to mine. I felt my heart race as I kissed her back, picking her up and wrapping her legs around me. I pressed her into the wall, pulling her closer to me as she began to run her hands through my hair again. I ran my hands down her sides, then began to slip them under her shirt, but she grabbed my hand.
"S-stop." She said simply. I blinked a few times, but then shrugged and went right back to kissing her. She was a bit hesitant then, but then kissed me back. God, I was on cloud nine, I knew I would get her, that she would be mine and mine alone.
I had won.
||Matthew||
On Monday as I sat backstage I felt like my world was collapsing around me. A.J. refused to take my constant refusals and I was pretty sure Acelyn was more than smitten with Cardona. I had seen her take his hand with that huge, beautiful grin of hers. I let out a long sigh as I looked on the titantron. She was going to interfere with Eve and Barbie's six man match. Even and Barbie's match had just started and, as usual, looked like it was going to last about thirty seconds. Eve was just about to take the victory when the lights in the stadium went out. Acelyn's last promo came on and the fans lost it. Then it went into "Young" By Hollywood Undead came on and her titantron was just a bunch of creepy images. Smoke exploded from the stage and the stadium lit up in her father's purplish lighting as she walked out. The camera cut to Barbie, Eve, and the other girls, who looked like they'd just peed their pants.
I smiled as she slipped into the ring, glaring them all down as they slipped out and ran for cover. Acelyn laughed manically as they ran. That is, all but Eve. She tried to get to drop on Acelyn, which was definitely not in the script, typical Eve. She went for a high kick, but Acelyn grabbed her ankle and turned to her with the most terrifying look I've ever seen. Eve tried to get away, but Acelyn just gripped her ankle ever harder and Eve squealed in agony. Acelyn then pushed her backwards into the ropes, then when Eve bounced back she grabbed flipped, grabbing Eve around the throat, and flipped backwards, tossing Eve out of the ring with ease.
I had been taking a gulp of water at the time, and it went flying all over when she hit that. The athleticism! Holy crap! She'd launched Eve like a rocket and I was pretty sure she was out as the ref ran over and tried to revive her. Acelyn just perched on the top turnbuckle, glaring Eve down while her music hit again and the fans screamed their approval, shouting "Got that Hoeski." As Acelyn stood on the top turnbuckle and casually stepped backwards, off the turnbuckle and through the air into the ring without the slightest hesitation, landing perfectly on her feet. Eve was back up and was staring at Acelyn. That's when it hit me.
Eve wasn't done with her fifteen minutes of fame with the whole Zack, Cena, Hoeski thing. She wanted to start a feud with the next biggest diva in the WWE.
Acelyn.
Eve got a mike, the lights still were dark, so she was a bit difficult to see. But then she did what she did best, ran her mouth improvising. "Listen up freak, just because your dad is a legend doesn't mean you get to walk around like you own the place! Someone should teach you a lesson!" She screamed. Acelyn's stare didn't budge as she motioned for Eve to come at her. Eve squirmed and eventually got her mike again. "I don't want to touch a creepy man face like you! I'll have Zack come out and do it for me! Zack!" Eve turned around and looked for Zack, but I was pretty sure he was still in make up for his match later tonight against Mike. "Zackie!" Eve hollered, desperate. Somehow during this Acelyn had snuck up behind Eve. Eve turned around right into a Choke Slam onto the concrete as Acelyn's music hit one more time and she walked up the ramp as Eve rolled on the ground in pain.
I hobbled over to the entrance to see her. She let out a long breath and when she saw me a giant smile enveloped her face.
"How did I do?" She asked.
"Great. Nice improv." She took a fake little bow as she walked over to me.
"So does she always do that?" She asked.
"Make shit up? Yeah, she just wants to start a feud with you, that's all."
"Acelyn!" We both turned to see Eve stalking up angrily to us.
"Yes?" She asked calmly.
"What the Hell was that?"! Eve demanded. Acelyn shrugged.
"You made shit up, so did I." She answered simply. Eve was about ten thousand shades of red.
"When someone says they're going to teach you a lesson-"
"they should be ready to back it up." Acelyn quipped. "Have a nice a day." She said smiling. Eve was so angry she was shaking, but eventually just stormed off.
"Nice." I said. Acelyn just shrugged.
"You learn how to handle girls like that in high school." She said with another huge grin. She turned to me. "So, you officially return next week?"
"Yep!" I said. "I can't wait, I miss this so much." I felt my heart speed up. "So, I heard you and Cardona kissed." I said, faking a smile. Acelyn's face turned pink.
"W-who told you that?" She squeaked.
"Cardona. So, are you two an item or..?" Acelyn opened her mouth, I assumed to answer, but before she could, Glenn picked her up in a giant hug.
"That's my little princess of darkness!" He said, spinning her around. She looked dizzy when he set her down. "I liked the Choke Slam, nice addition."
"Thanks Uncle Glenn." She said.
"So, has Johnny come over to set up your and Eve's feud yet?" He asked. She shook her head, but no sooner had he said it that Johnny and Otunga came slithering over.
"Acelyn, how's my little Daughter of the Damned?"He asked with his slimy smile.
"Good." She answered politely, I could tell she hated that name. Johnny realized someone [i]besides[/i] his new cash cow was present and looked at Glenn and me.
"Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Korklan." We both nodded as he turned back to Acelyn. "So, you and Eve are the talk of the WWE! Everyone wants to see you keep hurting her, and I think I can fit it into the storyline we were going to have you in with Mr. Cardona-"
"Wait, as in spray tan boy?" Glenn snapped. "I don't think so."
"Mr. Jacobs-"
"I said no. We have an image to keep up, and that jelled up idiot is not a part of it in any way, shape, or form. Or would you like to take this up with Mr. McMahon?" Johnny turned white at the mention of his boss. But Jacobs was right, He and Calaway, and now I guess Acelyn by association, were pretty much immune to Johnny's orders. They were a huge WWE dynasty, and ruled themselves for the most part.
"Now Glenn, I'm sure we can work this out."
"He's not part of it and that's final." Then Glenn glared at Johnny again before storming off and taking Acelyn with him.
I let out a long sigh as I nodded to Johnny and Otunga and hobbled off. God, my arms were killing me with these stupid things. As I wandered to the catering area Daniel popped out of nowhere. I bit my lip. I needed to talk to Acelyn, not this Amish/vegan moron.
"I don't have time for you right now."
"Make time." He snapped. "And don't expect your little boyfriend to come help you this time. He's too busy porking the new girl." I felt rage course through me as I took my crutch and knocked his feet out from under him. He landed right on his ass and I smacked him with one of my crutches.
"You will [i]never[/i] speak about Acelyn that way ever again." I growled. Daniel smiled his sickening smile.
"So, you've got it bad for her too huh?" Shit. I shouldn't have said that, he would use it against me and I knew it. "Don't bother, I saw Cardona drag her into a coat closet at the club last night, you know how persuasive he can be." He was getting under my skin and he knew it. "He's probably in her pants right now." He hissed.
"SHUT UP!" I screamed, and whacked him with my crutch, but I hit him too hard and it went flying out of my hand. Daniel saw the opportunity and speared me, taking me to the ground and wrapping one of his hands around my throat.
"Now who's the whiny little bitch?" He asked, smiling evilly.
"Get off him!" Acelyn? What the Hell was she doing here.
"Acelyn, get out of here!" I yelled, I was reaching for my other crutch, but Daniel shoved it away. The next thing I knew Daniels eyes got big, then he plopped down on top of me, out cold. I shoved him off as Acelyn helped me up.
"Are you okay?" She asked, putting my arm around her shoulder and helping me find my crutches.
"Yeah. Guys just an idiot. How'd you take him down like that?" I asked.
"A kick to the back of the head can be very persuasive." She looked down at Daniel. "We'd better get him to the trainer." She leaned down and as I was about to offer to help she picked him up with ease, slinging his arm over her shoulder and started walking.
"Jesus, what are you, the Hulk?"
"Nope." She said simply.
"You're so lean, how do you have that much muscle?" She looked at me and smiled.
"Yoga."
"Really?"
"Yep, but it's out little secret, I have the most intense yoga circuit training, like, ever. It would probably drop poor Daniel here." We both laughed as we got Daniel to the trainer's room and explained what had happened. He just sighed and said he'd tell Daniel we'd helped him here. After that we walked back towards the green room, Cardona's match was on and Acelyn wanted to watch it, so we went back and plopped down.
I sighed as I saw how her eyes were glued to the screen, she couldn't take her eyes off him. She winced every time he was hit and smiled every time he gained the advantage. I thought about what Daniel had said about them. I looked at Acelyn, she didn't seem like that kind of girl. But I've been wrong before.
As Cardona was pinned I saw Acelyn's smile fall just the slightest bit. When he got up to walk back inside she leapt up and ran over to the entrance. I hurried to catch up. By the time I got there Mike had come out and was talking to her. I saw her face turn bright red and she mumbled something, to which Mike laughed. Finally Mike walked away as I was about twenty-five feet away and Cardona walked out.
"How did I do?" He asked. She just grinned.
"Perfect." Then he grabbed her and pressed his lips to hers.
And my heart stopped.