Summary: Dr. Alexandra Avery ran away from a dark and glamorous past to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor. Upon landing a job with the WWE, she meets the intensely troubled Randy Orton. Together, can they finally feel safe and wanted? (Rated M for later chapters - by later I mean sooner than you think)

Disclaimer: Yada yada yada I don't own anybody.

A/N: If it's italicized, it means it's a flashback. BTW, Thanks for the new faves! Don't forget to read and review. xoxo.


The small blue pills lay flat on his palm. His broad shoulders hunched over as he intently eyed and mulled over the reason he had gotten caught – the reason he had lost a girl that intrigued him for the first time in a really long time. How did he get here? How did a successful, talented, and attractive man end up rejected by a beautiful woman and looked down upon by his colleagues? How did a wrestler on the top of his game fall so hard and so fast?


Randy Orton closed his eyes and recalled that fateful day over two years ago when he found out the course of his life would change forever. He was lighting up candles all over his home in Missourri. It was his and Emma's first year anniversary. Randy was never the type of guy to settle down with a girl, but as soon as he met the angelic blonde who literally stumbled into his life, all his preconceived notions about long-term relationships had flown out of the window. Emma was as perfect as she was clumsy. Randy remembered how she walked right into him that night at the club. She was so scared and anxious to go home, she was too busy looking for her drunken friend that she didn't see a 6'4" physique standing in her way.

Emma was on her way to Randy's house from working as a paralegal in one of St. Louis' most prized law firms. Randy double-checked the spread on the dining table and switched the music to one of her Norah Jones CDs. He checked the Rolex on his wrist, and just in time the doorbell rang. He opened the door, "Hi, baby." He kissed her on the lips before he presented her with a bouquet of red roses. Randy's first anniversary dinner went off without a hitch. As they finished their last plate of dessert, Emma reached for her boyfriend's hand. Noticing the worried look on her face, he reached over to cup her face in his hands.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, "The soufflé sucked, didn't it?"

She smiled weakly, "No, honey, the soufflé was terrific. It's just… I've had a lot on my mind lately. There's something I need to tell you and I'm just not sure how you'll take it."

"What is it?"

"Well, see, I'm just worried with you being on the road all the time if it's even something I should consider," she rambled, "I don't know if I can do this alone. Given that we've only been together for a year – a great year, nonetheless – I'm just scared this is more than what you bargained for. I'm terrified, Randy." Tears welled up in her deep brown eyes as she choked out those last three words.

He knelt down beside her and held her face in his hands, "Whatever it is, baby, I'll be there for you so you don't have to be scared."

"I'm pregnant."


Randy closed his fists around the pills and tossed them across his hotel room. Not tonight, he told himself.

Just as he was about to pull his boots off and call it a night, there was a knock on his door. He looked through the peep hole and shrugged, "Lea, what are you doing here?"

The blonde woman, dressed in a low-cut red sheath and strappy, blinged-out heels, barged into his hotel room uninvited. She walked towards the open balcony before turning around to face the exhausted wrestler.

"I have a favor to ask you, Orton."

"What is it?"

"I need you to go out tonight with me and John."

He laughed, "I don't know if you've been sober the last two years, but John and I aren't really friends anymore."

"Don't mock me, Orton," she glared, "Why can't you put your petty arguments behind you for one night?"

"Why do you even want me to be there?"

Lea rolled her eyes before she fell on his bed, "John doesn't seem to enjoy himself whenever we go out to clubs. He just sits around, watches me from the booth, and volunteers to be designated driver. He used to love it when you were there with him. It just sucks because I love to dance and get drunk, but he's such a fucking killjoy."

"And how is my presence supposed to recover his enthusiasm for getting shitfaced?"

"I don't know, Orton. You'll think of something," she tugged at his arm.

"Come on, Lea, you know this idea is ridiculous."

"You owe me."

"I owe you for what?" Randy asked incredulously.

"Remember that time I covered your ass when John smelled marijuana in his locker room? I took the blame for that because I saw how disappointed John was becoming with you; and I saw just how bad John felt every day he felt like he had to compromise his integrity and his principles just to make sure his best friend wouldn't get fired. Look, Randy, I know you're not my biggest fan. But you know more than anyone that John is my top priority, and if he once thought that keeping your indiscretions away from management's sight was his priority, then I was ready to help him do that."

Randy nodded, "Give me the time and place and I'll be there."


Alex Avery settled under the blankets as she flipped through the boring channels of late night television. Her sleepy eyes perked up when she received a text from Matt Korklan, "Hey, doc, party tonight at The Pallazio. Everyone is here! Text me and I'll meet you at the door!" She sighed. After the episode that happened earlier between her and Randy, an early night in her PJs at her hotel room was probably best. But Alex was never the type to sulk, so she tossed the blanket aside and walked towards her suitcase. There was a dress in there that was sure to turn some heads.

After half an hour of doing her hair and make-up, Alex smoothed down the blush pink BCBG dress that hugged her torso and flared out to the middle of her thighs. She pulled on a classic pair of nude pumps, and stuffed a rose gold clutch with her essentials. In less than ten minutes, the cab had dropped her off at the entrance of The Pallazio. The line to get inside stretched around the block, but as soon as the bouncer saw her stepping out of the taxi, he insisted that the beautiful brunette wouldn't have to wait in line. Once inside the dimly-lit club, she sent out a text to Matt, "I'm here at bar by the door. Meet me here."

Within seconds, a nearly inebriated Matt appeared beside her. She kissed him on the cheek and laughed when she saw the martini in his hand.

"What?" He pursed his lips, "It's Martini Monday so martinis are half off!"

Alex laughed and raised her hands up, "Not judging." She thanked the bartender for her Jack & Coke and tipped him generously.

"Come on," said Matt as he led Alex towards the back of the club where most of the wrestlers had gathered. Immediately, she saw John sitting with Adam Copeland, Jason Reso, and Mike Mizanin. In another booth, some of the divas were giving her dirty looks while others were focused on a certain figure on the dance floor. There, in the middle of the club, was a busty blonde dressed in a satin red dress two sizes too small. She was so tempted to make a comment at Lea's expense, but as much as her first impression left a bad taste in Alex' mouth, she didn't want to upset the girl's boyfriend, who also happened to be her closest thing to a best friend.

Alex stood at the end of the boys' booth and raised her glass, "To awesome new friends." Just then she watched as the color completely drained from John's face. She turned around to see his girlfriend run and leap towards his extremely gorgeous and well-dressed ex-best friend. If she hadn't known any better, she would have noticed that Randy was looking really good for someone who had just irrationally fought with her over some drugs. John excused himself and marched across the dance floor.

"Randy," John acknowledged.

Lea stepped between the two boys who were now glaring at each other, "I asked him to come. I thought it would be good for you."

John faked a laugh, "Good for me, how?"

"I just noticed you haven't been looking forward to going out with me, and I remember how much fun we all used to have. You, me, Randy and Emma."

At the sound of her name, Randy flinched. He was already doing Lea a favor; she didn't need to make it worse by mentioning his ex.

"Lea, you can't just force the two of us to enjoy each other's company."

She huffed and stomped her stiletto-clad foot on the lit dance floor, "Look, I don't care whether you guys make up or not. I'm just sick of you putting a damper to my night all the fucking time," she protested, "Look, I tried to make you happy. For once, someone in this relationship thought about someone besides himself."

Lea stormed away towards the girls.

Randy chuckled, "Can you believe her?"

"Huh?" asked John as he watched his girlfriend gather the divas and direct them all towards the washroom.

"For once, someone in this relationship thought about someone besides himself," he mocked in her voice.

He shouldn't have done it, but he couldn't help himself; John let out a laugh.

"I knew you had to agree. That was a load of hysterical BS."

"It was," admitted John as the two walked towards the bar.

"Hey boys, what can I get for you?" winked the redhead bartender.

"I'll have a Scotch – neat. And my friend, here, will have a Coors."

"You remembered?" John smiled with fake doe eyes.

"Don't flatter yourself, Cena. A bottle of Coors is hardly a drink for a real man." Randy teased. He set up a tab with the bartender before she discreetly slipped him her number.

"Always the pretentious asshole, aren't you?"

"It's what endeared you to me in the first place," Randy laughed.


Alex was in a hearty conversation with the boys when Jason shifted their attention towards the bar where two former friends looked anything but. From afar, Randy and John were laughing and drinking as if the last two years had never happened.

"Hey," said a man dressed in a sharp shirt, tan trousers, and a cute red bowtie."I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. I just had to tell you, you're beautiful."

Alex smiled, "Thank you."

"I don't want to cause any trouble so if any of these guys are your boyfriend, I'll back off; but if they aren't, then I'm asking if I could buy you a drink."

She blushed as the men in the booth cooed at the advances of her suitor.

As they made their way to the bar, Alex learned that the smooth guy at the club had a name – Ezra – and that he originally hailed from New York City. As soon as she learned that, all bets were off and the two were incessantly talking about what they missed the most from the city. The pair sat at the end of the bar, enjoying each other's company as they reminisced about the dirty subway, the creepy cab drivers, and the smorgasbord of food.

"I have to admit," Alex was a bit tipsy, "I'm a bit of a foodie."

"Me too! It's so hard to find good Ethiopian in this city," cried Ezra.

"I have been traveling with the WWE for weeks, and I cannot tell you how often we end up at a truck stop or a McDonald's during our trips in between shows. I just can't get a good meal around here!"

"Well, if you're still here tomorrow, I'd be glad to show you my favorite restaurant in Phoenix."

Alex frowned, "I'm actually supposed to be on the road tomorrow by noon so we can make it to the next show."

"How about brunch?"

"Brunch sounds lovely."


"Hey, boys," called the bartender, "my supervisor had me switched to that end of the bar because it's gotten busier. Since you've got a tab with me, mind moving with me?"

"No worries, sweetheart," Randy winked.

John and Randy walked to the busy end of the bar and found two empty stools beside a familiar brunette and a dark-haired man.

"Alex?" John tapped the girl on the shoulder.

"John!" she squealed, leaping off the stool to give her friend a hug.

Suddenly, Randy regretted moving with the bartender. He wasn't expecting to see her here – not after what happened between them just a few hours ago. And he certainly wasn't expecting her to look smoking hot in that short dress.

"Randy," Alex acknowledged in an attempt to be civil. "Guys, this is Ezra. We just met and we are, like, instant friends. He's also from New York."

John shook his hand, "John. It's nice to meet you." He nudged Randy who appeared to be indifferent towards Alex' new friend.

"Name's Randy," he merely nodded. Randy noticed Alex' hand on Ezra's arm and looked him up and down, making the new guy uncomfortable. Randy leaned in over to John and whispered, "Who wears a bowtie to a fucking club?"

Alex rolled her eyes when she noticed how Randy's demeanor was making her new friend uneasy. She turned to him, "Hey, Ezra, want to dance?"

He grinned and shook his head in agreement. She quickly swept him to the packed dance floor where they got lost in a sea of sweaty bodies.

"Man, I don't want to ruin this – whatever this bonding thing between us is supposed to be," started John, "but I know how you look at her and I know seeing her with that guy upsets you. I know I said I would hate it if you guys got together – actually, I still would…"

"What's your point, Cena?" Randy asked impatiently.

John shrugged, "She looks at you the same way. Just don't stretch your feelings out for much longer than it needs to be. Tell her, if you must. And if it does happen for the both of you, then, just don't blow it."

The younger wrestler shook his head and took a swig of his drink, "Too late for that."


Her ass gyrated to the rhythm of the music. His hands rested firmly on her hips. He was the luckiest man on the dance floor and every guy in that room knew it. No one knew it more than Randy Orton – the guy who was so close to having her all to himself. He couldn't stand it anymore. John's words were true. He screwed up, but if he walked over to her right now and explained himself, then maybe he could redeem himself. He wasn't naïve. He knew Alex was just as into him as he was to her, and she was only dancing with this guy to make him jealous. There was no need to prolong this; he had to get his girl and he had to get her right now.

"Excuse me, Cena. I'm going to take your advice for once."

John smirked as he watched Randy stride towards the dance floor as he was on a mission. He set his seventh beer on the bar and looked around, the crowded room, "Where's Lea?"

Randy tapped Ezra on the shoulder, "Hey, buddy, can I steal Alex for a little while."

Before he could respond, Alex interjected, "No. Ezra, stay. Randy, I think you should leave."

Ezra firmly planted himself beside her, but Randy wasn't moving either. "Look, man, I'll be quick." All it took was one cold stare from the Viper before bow-tied Ezra whimpered on the spot. One look from the Apex Predator was like a psychological, menacing threat that would haunt Ezra's mind for eternity. He profusely apologized before he walked away leaving Randy and Alex sandwiched between swarms of sweaty dancers.

"If you're planning on making me jealous, at least get a guy with some balls," Randy yelled over the music.

"I wasn't trying to make you jealous! He asked me if he could buy me a drink."

"Then you asked him to dance knowing I was sitting right there," he pointed to where he and John were sitting, "to witness you grinding that sexy ass up against his dickless groin."

"So what? Last time I checked, I was a single woman."

He clenched his jaw, "Look, Alex…"

"Save it, Randy." She proceeded to walk away but he quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards him. Her body slammed against his and he couldn't help but close his eyes at the sweet scent of her perfume. She forced herself backwards away from his touch. She took note of the way he looked tonight, dressed in that black button down that was tight enough to suggest the curves of every muscle in his torso. He looked ready to devour.

"I'm sorry."

"What?" she snapped out of her thoughts and asked almost disbelievingly.

"I got rid of the pills," he started, "after I left your room, I thought about what you said and I tossed the pills. I'm done, doc."

"That's great, Randy; but I'm still not doing this with you."

"Doc, I'll do anything to make it right," he said as he surprised himself with his own words.

"Randy, it's not that easy. I told you, it's best we keep our relationship professional."

"I know I need to turn my life around and you can help me do that. I need you, doc."

"I'm not a therapist."

"Don't you get it, doc? You're the reason I want to turn my life around."

"Randy, I'm sorry. I can't hear you. This music is too loud!" She yelled just as a drunk woman wearing a tiara pushed her to the side. He caught her before she could hit the floor. Randy pulled her through the mass of bodies towards the exit. Finally outside, the two were greeted with swarms of fans and ring rats that mercilessly snapped photographs of the famous wrestler and his leggy friend. He held Alex' hand in his as they staggered through the crowd and back inside the club then back outside through a backdoor exit. Once at an isolated alley, Randy let go of her hand and exhaled as he leaned against the brick wall.

"In the club, what did you say?"

Exasperated, he sighed, "You're the reason I want to turn my life around."

She bit her lip. She wasn't expecting this from Randy. Not now and not so soon.

"Why?" asked Alex.

"I don't know," Randy trailed off, "I don't want to screw up and lose my chance with you. I really, really like you, Alex. Honestly, I haven't felt this way about a girl in a long time. Before you, I didn't give a fuck what girls thought of me before I slept with them. I stopped caring about my reputation, my career, and my body. I was such a fucking mess until you came along in that tight skirt and don't-mess-with-me attitude. I thought I had you all figured out, but I don't – not even close. You challenge me and I can't keep my mind off you. You're sexy, and smart, and kind, and perfect. You're me but a woman! Fuck, I'm screwing this up, aren't I? Alex, this thing between us, if you let it happen, is not going to be easy. I'm going to need all the help I can get battling my demons, but I need you to be there. I need someone to motivate me and believe in me just like I know you would. I need someone to fight for when all this shit is over and behind me. I want to say I'm clean and then kiss you – kiss you so good you'll never let another man touch those lips. This is tough for me, doc. I don't normally open up about my feelings and clearly I'm terrible at this because I'm just rambling on and on and I'm not making much se-"

She wasn't thinking straight when she did it, but she was glad when it happened anyway. She took his face in her hands and pulled him kissed him deeper, letting him have her – all of her. His arms snaked around her waist as he dipped her lower and tasted the sweetness of her lips. Alex pulled away as her breath got caught in her throat. A kiss like that could leave you breathless.