Chapter 7: Dancing with the Enemy

Karen stepped out of the shower, dried off and looked for something to wear. She pulled out a black tank top that had bold red stripes going down the sides, with a black jeans skirt to match, and boots that went up to her knees. After blow-drying her hair she put on some make up and waited for someone to pick her up.

At exactly 9 o'clock someone knocked on her door. Karen slipped her purse onto her shoulder and opened the door to find all three of them waiting for her. "Damn!" she cheered. "My guys are looking hot tonight!" They all laughed as HHH linked her arm with his, leading them all down to the limo.

As soon as they all got in, HHH made a small announcement, "How about instead of a bar, we hit a club tonight fellas?" Batista and Flair agreed, as Karen knew it didn't matter what she said. HHH had her leaning against his chest the whole ride, holding her tight at the waist. Karen felt the limo come to a stop as they pulled up to the club. The driver opened the door and allowed the superstars to get out. HHH offered Karen his hand out as she took it, and instantly felt the claw-like grip. He wrapped an arm possessively around her waist as they all walked in. The four of them grabbed a booth and sat around while HHH started taking in some shots, Batista and Flair drinking beer, and Karen drinking water. HHH was always telling her that water was 'best for her figure'. She looked around to see a lot of guys checking her out, but as soon as they saw HHH, they would turn away. A lot of girls would see that as sweet or protective, but it simply drove Karen's possible way of getting away from HHH. Flair and Batista decided to go find some women to dance with and hit the floor.

Karen watched as she envied those two. They can do whatever they want. All HHH does is maybe give them a little lecture. I get the full-blown deal, she thought sadly to herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by a strong arm wrapping around her shoulders and pulling her to HHH's side.

"You don't seem to be running your mouth very much tonight," HHH slurred slightly. Karen simply bowed her head to keep from looking at him. "I'm talking to you," he whispered angrily as he whipped her head to face him. Karen let out a little whine of pain, but nothing more. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to hide something from me."

"Now why would I want to hide anything from you?" Karen asked plainly. HHH simply smirked and pushed her away from him, taking another shot from his glass. What neither of them realized was that a pair of fierce blue eyes had been watching them from across the room, glaring at the current World Heavyweight Champion.

"I think I'm going to leave you here to think about how you speak to me," he growled in her ear. He then pulled her into a painful kiss, making her whine with hurt. HHH then shoved her away again, and got up to find Batista and Flair. "Hey guys," he greeted with a friendly smile.

"What's up, H?" Batista asked.

"Listen guys, I know an even better place just up the block. So I was thinking we could head there instead," HHH stated and started walking out.

"What about Karen? Where is she?" Flair asked looking around.

"Well she ran into some friends of hers and they offered her a ride home. She'll meet up with us later," HHH replied and walked out the door with Batista and Flair following. Batista couldn't help but think that maybe HHH was hiding something from them, but he followed him out nonetheless.

Meanwhile, Karen sat in the booth all by herself, letting silent tears roll down her face. She slowly lifted her face up, when she noticed a shadow of a man standing over her table. Karen gasped when she saw that it was none other than Chris Benoit. "Hey," he greeted softly. Karen looked away in embarrassment, trying to wipe the tears away. She was surprised to see a napkin offered to her. "Mind if I sit down?" he asked.

"It's a free country," she said quietly and took the offered napkin to wipe her eyes.

"I just saw HHH and the others leave. Why aren't you with them?" Benoit asked, knowing very well why.

"I...asked HHH if I could stay a little longer and he said that I could," Karen replied, not even looking at him.

"You know, you shouldn't be alone in this kind of place. Guys will be swarming all over you, and not just good guys either," Benoit stated. Karen nodded in agreement, knowing that either way, a 'non-good' guy would be waiting for her.

They both sat there in uncomfortable silence, when a slow song came on. Benoit looked over to see Karen looking longingly at the dance floor. Benoit then stood up and offered a hand to her. "Would you like to dance?" he asked with a small smile on his face. Karen looked all around, somehow thinking that any minute HHH was going to pop out and beat her. However she looked into Benoit's eyes and saw sincerity, and kindness. She slowly placed her hand into his, as he led her to the dance floor. Benoit stopped and wrapped both arms around her waist, as Karen wrapped her arms around his neck. They stayed at arms' width apart, with Karen being scared, and Benoit respecting her space. Karen listened to the words as they played over the speakers.

And I will take, you in my arms.

And hold you right where you belong.

Until the life my day is through,

This I promise you.

Just close your eyes, each loving day.

And know this feeling won't go away.

Until the day my life is through,

This I promise you.

Karen looked up at Benoit, seeing him look back down at her with his beautiful eyes glancing back down at her. Karen couldn't help but smile a little, feeling how light his arms were holding her. They weren't possessive, or too tight. Karen started to enjoy the feel of his arms around her, so different from HHH's. She couldn't stop herself as she stepped closer and laid her head against Benoit's chest. Benoit didn't mind at all and simply held her, knowing that she probably hadn't been held for a long time. "Thank you," he heard her whisper against his chest.

"Anytime." Benoit replied, earning him a smile and a tear from Karen.

A/N: Hello my patient, loving, and forgiving reviewers! lol. Sorry it's been so long. WM22 results were good. Except for the fact that Benoit is no longer US Champion! Grrr. Oh well. The song was "This I Promise You" by N'SYNC. Say what you want, I'd dance with Chris Benoit to this song, hehe. Thanks for the reviews :)