A/N: I thought I was going to leave the first fic as a one shot but I changed my mind. The first fic was a joy to write and to those who took the time to read it, you deserve a vaccine lol and you deserve the world! Thank you. I wanted to put so many things and Finn Balor and Edge seemingly made the cut. Roman Reigns that beautiful emotional terrorist, is the reason this fic exists lol. It took me a while to write but it was a delight. Hope ya'll find it a delight to read please stay healthy and safe. God bless.
Relapse: Chapter Two
The sun rays of Sunday morning came and Sanai woke up alone in her bed feeling out of sorts and in dire need to get in touch with herself. The whole of Friday and Saturday Sanai spent herself, each individual taking what she gave off. From spending hours on the dance floor dancing to drinking copious amounts of alcohol as if the Greek god Dionysus with her friends and having unreal toe curling sex with Roman Reigns, who left earlier that morning. Sanai got out of her bed and broke out her crystals, incense, sage, candles and moved them to the living room, placed them on the ground where her Pillates mat lay.
She walked to the stereo system in her living room and played Greentea Peng's Moonchild. Sanai was resolute in reconnecting with herself, cleanse her chakras revitalize the synergy of her mind and body, align her soul be one with her entire being. As of Monday things in her life were disarray. The man who she fought tooth and nail to expunge from her brain, cleanse from her skin and ultimately tried to exterminate from her heart had come back into her life by extension blowing it up. Sanai quit her job to avoid any further encounters with Roman Reigns, although she had plenty delicious encounters with the day before. Sanai sat on her mat in a meditative stance took a deep breath in and exhaled. Sanai closed her eyes only for those delicious images to assault her invade her pretty thoughts, she really allowed things to get that far.
Her eyes opened only to land on the sofa where Roman was sitting the day before, her on her knees desperate for his touch, the other where he had fingered her to a sweet release, a release that left a stain on her couch, a couch she would have to get thoroughly cleaned or replace altogether. If memory served her correctly the words 'I'm yours, Roman' came from her mouth, right? What was she thinking, that's right she wasn't Sanai was too busy chasing her nut.
Shaking her head Sanai lit the sage used her hand waving it a little so the embers could burn deeper. She began her ritual she swayed the sage back and forth all over her body coughing here and there to signal the effects of smoke. Sanai gave her couches a look, she got up sage in hand and went on to sage her entire living room lingering more so on those damning couches.
Sanai walked in her bedroom and waved the cleansing smoke in her place of rest, however there was an unrest slowly babbling in her, an unrest that vaguely felt like shame, shame from what had occurred yesterday. Reality was setting in and Sanai would admit being with Roman Reigns was the most alive she's felt in eons, yet it was easy, to be exact she felt easy, cheap. It had been two and half years, now imagine someone ghosts you and upon their appearance you welcome them to your bed to engage in bedroom aerobics. Sure, she resigned due to his impromptu takeover at her place of work yet he still found her and the events of them bumping uglies happened.
Sanai wanted to chalk it up to him having a borderline hypnosis like hold on her but she allowed it to happen she secretly yearned for him. That feeling was making her upset almost angry. Why now, after so long. Her thoughts loud. Roman Reigns had played her like a fiddle scratch that like a cheap kazoo and still made it out clean unscathed, Roman sweet talked his way back even managed an apology.
Sanai went back to sitting on her mat, indulging these emotions was literally beating the purpose of her alignment her self-care besides she had bigger fish to fry she was out of a job needed a plan going forward and the first order of business was hit up her besties and come clean. Sanai made good on her word she lit her candles, grabbed her crystals making the Quartz lead the way. She did her rituals, meditated, did some Pillates and continued rooting out everything that left her spent, weeded out what bothered her all the negativity all her troubles.
Feeling anew after a long shower Sanai shot her friends a text asking them to meet her at her apartment. Sanai was in the comfort of her own home and opted for a relaxed look, her box braids were loose she wore a training bra, denim dungaree with happy socks. Her friends arrived 5 minutes apart from each other. On arrival Annura found her way to the kitchen and was munching on snacks by the kitchen island dressed in a cute asymmetric knitted dress with classic black vans. Loyola walked in dressed in a mustard sun dress that paid homage to her curves coupled it with gladiator sandals, she made her way toward the sofa, the one with the stain.
"Don't sit there" Sanai near shouted at Loyola. She paused, taken aback "Okay?" Loyola moved to the other couch placed her bag and made her way to the kitchen to meet Annura who embraced her with a side hug and stole the baby carrot Annura was about eat.
Sanai walked to the kitchen, "You texted us to be here, we're here. Where are boxes of food you promised us?" Loyola inquired nibbling the baby carrot "is that incense I smell?"
"Yes it is and I said no such thing" Sanai pulled a chair from the kitchen island adjacent to where Annura was sitting.
"You should've went with that, we would have been here a whole lot earlier" Annura said opening the fridge rummaging for more treats, finally getting to something worth her time.
"We'll order in", Loyola gave Sanai a look. "I'll order in"
"Exactly, we didn't come all the way here," She pointed at kitchen counter to emphasize her point "to starve, sweetie"
Annura chortled and offered each of them a spoon so they could share the yogurt she found in the fridge. They took the spoons each digging in when they felt the need to.
"Friday, I withheld something from you guys…" Sanai began. Both girls gave her their attention.
"'Yola, please don't freak out," Sanai alerted. "As of tomorrow I no longer work at GoldLink Vessel Associates. I resigned" the words fell out her mouth.
Loyola dropped her spoon "Come again, freak out? I'm about to haemorrhage! Why would you do that?" Loyola let her displease known. Annura swallowed hard on her yogurt her hazel eyes ballooned to show her shock.
Sanai let out a huff, raised her hands and placed them on either side of her temples. "I had to do it"
"Had to? When did you get to such a decision?" Annura asked incredulous, her voice hoarse from the yogurt.
Sanai was slow to reply "On… On Monday" She stammered.
"You've been sitting on this since Monday" Loyola looked visibly hurt by her friend's actions. Sanai looked at Loyola imploringly "I'm sorry. It all happened so fast but it had to be done."
"Okay, were you unhappy or… I don't know a week ago you seemed just fine" Loyola was visibly confused. How could her friend simply up and quit her job and keep it secret only to spring it at her the day before their usual work week. She started thinking about the lunches she'd have to endure alone going forward, Loyola pushed that thought down, her spirit starting to sink.
Sanai sighed "How do I put this. It's a matter of… conflict of interest"
"Conflict of Interest?" Annura and Loyola said in unison.
"Okay, let's stop this back and forth right now. You said for us to come here, we're here. You're stalling so out with it." Annura said a bit harshly. Sanai dropped her head her braids sagged on the sides, her braids were acting as if a shield, she honestly felt like hiding.
Arguably this was a trait Sanai both admired and loathed about Annura her ability to cut straight through her bullshit. She was beating about the bush and it only served to agitate her friends.
Sanai wanted to tell them everything thus far she was failing to come up with the words, an accurate way to tell them what was happening. How does one tell the people they care about they've been involved with the mafia, let alone a mafia tribe and that maybe they could be in love with the Chief of said mafia.
A multitude of thoughts were stampeding her brain, how would they react to the news, perceive this information, would they reject her, judge her, dissociate with her to overall abandon her. Sanai's thoughts went onto the man she was about tell her friends about she was yet to know where she stood with him. Sanai was visibly struggling to talk. Her face came up and her gaze fell on the girls.
"The real reason I resigned is… the new management the guy who set up shop at GoldLink & Vessel Associates. I know him, on a personal level" she admitted. Her eyes met the kitchen counter.
"How personal?" Annura curiously pressed on.
Sanai's eyes didn't entirely meet them when she spoke "He fingered me on that couch less than 24 hours ago, that kind of personal" she wasn't even aware she phrased it that way. A snap of heads toward the sofas caught her attention.
"You lie!" Annura exclaimed. "Which one?"
"The one she damn near took my head off for just passing when I got here" Loyola chimed in with a knowing smirk figuring it out. Sanai wanted to be annoyed by Loyola's choice of words but the guilty smile that came upon her face betrayed her.
Annura looked back at Sanai mouth agape "Is that way you quit?"
Sanai nodded in the negative "Not entirely"
"Not entirely? Wait, there's more?" Loyola said a little too loud.
Sanai tucked her braids behind her ears so she could see her friends clearly finally ready to rid herself of the stone lodged in her throat. "Remember the year prior to sophomore year in Uni"
"Yeah, after freshman year you took a gap year to help take care of your mom" Annura supplied.
"My mom had lost her lover, who I wasn't that well acquainted with but knew of. Turns out my ma was involved with a very important figure from an elite mafia faction." Sanai paused and waited for their response and was met with blinking stares and ajar mouths.
"Apparently this man, The Godfather had been in my life ever since I was a toddler my father abandoned my mom during her pregnancy, she went on with this guy for years and miraculously kept me in the dark. I absolutely had no idea." Sanai spoke with clarity it surprised her.
"Long story short the man had enemies. He left a specific will and testament for my mom and she was motivated to fulfil those wishes before the year was over. The man wanted his ashes scatted beside volcanic soil at a volcanic hill site, among his wishes was to tour his favourite places around the world with my mom and myself like a family. My mom figured we tour with his ashes to achieve this. After the ashes ceremony my mom wanted to go home, though better she further wanted to process her grief the best way she knew. My mom insisted I continue our exploits. I did."
Sanai's face turned wistful when she spoke because it was about him. "Along the sightseeing I met someone, who at the time I thought was a trust fund baby who enjoyed the thrill of being a loose cannon, it excited me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into." Sanai let her hands settle on her neck as her elbows rested on the counter.
"The guy actually happened to be one of the rival families who seemingly took up the mantel of keeping tabs on me my mom's every move during the trip to see that The Godfather was indeed dead."
"Were they responsible for killing him, The Godfather" Loyola questioned but was shushed by Annura "Let her finish"
"I don't know… they needed the confirmation to take over. To be the new leading faction I think, I honestly don't know. Even after all that I stuck around the guy. I couldn't shake him until he shook me by abandoning me in a warehouse in Croatia" Sanai let out, her melancholy making its debut. Her hands covered her eyes an attempt to hide what she was feeling but those feelings were wide open, she was vulnerable and they could see it.
"You're still heartbroken" Annura concluded.
"I wasn't in love or anything… It really hurt being left like that" Sanai fooled herself by saying that. She knew exactly what she felt she just wasn't ready to say it out loud. Loyola and Annura rounded the kitchen counter and went over to hug Sanai.
"Now, he's back" Annura added on.
"Now, he's back" Sanai repeated.
"And practically owns the place I still work at" Loyola supplied, "Not to be that girl but what was that about then" Loyola pointed at the incriminatory couch.
Both girls gawked at her.
"Momentary relapse, I don't know. I'm still trying to figure that out myself" Sanai answered frankly. Both girls tried to stifle their laughter. This brought about her laugh.
Annura spoke up "Look, don't worry we're here for you, all is behind right. It was a one-time thing?"
A knock came on the door of the apartment. "You finally got us some food?" Loyola asked. "I haven't touched my phone since ya'll got here" Sanai replied.
Annura pushed on "You did right by quitting. It was a one-time thing. Chapter closed, yes?" Sanai opted to nod afraid her voice would say otherwise.
Loyola walked toward the door opened it, however there was no one. Loyola looked around only for her eyes to land on a large box with a rose gold bow attached to it. She picked it up "I don't think it's over!" Loyola shouted as she walked back in to the kitchen box in hand, eyes dancing with excitement.
She placed the box on the kitchen island. "Open it" Loyola pushed Sanai to open the box. Sanai stood over the box as she pulled the top off, a card was atop the gift. It read:
' Consider this a better replacement. A level up.
P.S Wear it Saturday night, March 21st. See you then.'
Sanai almost fell over she was going to see Roman again. "What does that mean by 'replacement'?" Annura took the card from Sanai, looking at it suspiciously like it was going to give her an answer.
Sanai dug her hands in the box to reveal a shimmering rose gold mini corset lace strap dress which happened to be designed by Alexander McQueen.
"Um, he kinda tore my dress while we were busy you know…" Sanai shyly come clean. Annura caught on and nearly lost her mind, "To remedy this, this guy gets you an Alexander McQueen dress. I suggest you give it to charity, I'm the charity" Annura pointed at herself trying to keep her composure.
"Unfortunately March twenty-first says different, strict orders, I'm sorry" Sanai smiled and wiggled her eyebrows.
"I wonder, is it the dress or is it the date your giddy about right now" Loyola directed at Sanai.
That megawatt smile dimed by a watt "Totally the dress. Unfinished business is business I do not need taking up space in my life, it has to come to conclusion soon" She put the dress back in the box and sealed it.
"Or a climax" Loyola gave a naughty smile making sure Sanai caught her innuendo. Sanai elbowed Loyola, she winced in fake pain.
"Anyway, don't you wanna put it on, you know give us a preview" Annura just wanted to see the dress in all its glory.
"I'd rather not, on the off chance I rip it from excitement, just like he did with the other one" The girls giggled.
"Okay, I see. Does he have a name?" Annura inquired
"Roman, Roman Reigns" it was finally out.
"With a name like that I'm sure he's pretty looking" Understatement of this century this guy looks like a fucking Adonis 'pretty looking' didn't fit the bill, Sanai refrained from saying.
Thus far her friends weren't giving her any kind of judgmental energy, if anything they were somewhat supportive. Sanai felt suspicious this was way going too well. "So, you guys are okay with everything I just said, me going on this date?"
"Look, that was years ago, now you know better. See, if I were you I'd take the McQueen and ghost. However, I'm not. You rationalise things, you give people the time of day, you give second chances, you fart pixie dust, traits I equally find lovable and infuriating about you. Go seek out your closure there's no harm in looking good while doing it after all he did wreck the dress. Do it and call it a day." Annura frankly said.
Loyola weighed in. "Yeah. I'd go, for the free meal of course, but you're obviously still hurt over the ghosting. Fortunately I've never had the ghosting experience I can only imagine what you went through, if doing this gets you the answers you failed to ask during your time together. Go for it"
"Whatever happens after that, it's all on you. Just don't forget to spill the tea though" Loyola eyed Sanai while she raised her hand waiting for the universal sign of togetherness via high five Annura never left her not her friend hanging.
Sanai was consciously weighing her options as her mind was bouncing back and forth from what her friends had expressed to what she was still grappling with given what she felt not only with herself but the man in question. Roman Reigns. Sanai knew deep down she was going she wanted her friends to give her their approval.
Annura felt it was time to alter the topic of conversation to something more pressing. "Exactly. Now enough about this Roman dude. What is the next step on the job front, what's your plan?"
"I'm thinking of starting my own firm like an agency" it felt foreign to her ears saying it out loud. It was something Sanai always wanted to do have her own company, her own assets. Before becoming a junior associate at GoldLink and Vessel Associates backtrack to the days Sanai was an assistant talent recruiter for an aging producer/director, this brought about her need to immerse herself with anything remotely involving entertainment law even the trivial things she went for it, on the bases of wanting to prove something to herself to know enough so people don't question her intelligence. Sanai wanted to be the smartest person in the room and in most cases she was.
"Before ya'll butt in" Sanai cautioned "That's the endgame, however right now. I'm thinking about managing"
"Manage what, who, with what Intel, what client list?" Annura was freaking out for the both of them. With new management Sanai was probably locked out of her clientele and information at GoldLink and Vessel Associates. Sanai was yet to send in her letter of resignation. She knew men like Paul Heyman, men like that never left anything to chance Sanai was locked out indefinitely.
"Where's your laptop?" Loyola interjected.
"In my mini study. Why?"
"I'm about to do something I don't do for just anyone. I'm going to get at least a portion of your clientele list by way of my hacking skills" Loyola wanted to help Sanai and this was the gateway to do so.
"Hacking? Wait you can do that?" Sanai questioned
"Yes, "I'm still employed at GoldLink so I'll see what I can find" Loyola stated. Sanai looked sceptical about the hacking. Loyola placated Sanai's concern "I'm not that careless besides the system is changing come the first of March so this is a last ditch effort after this I'll be learning everything afresh again" the look on her face made it clear she wasn't happy with that bit at all.
Sanai made her way to her makeshift mini study to retrieve the device and returning giving Loyola her laptop. "Let me work, while you do something productive like finally get us food" Loyola pulled a chair and made herself comfortable.
Sanai wrapped her arms around Loyola who begrudgingly accepted her embrace "Anything you name it I'll get it"
"Let's start with good ol' pizza, then we'll see after" Annura suggested.
All was set Loyola would do her thing salvaging what contacts Sanai had to help with her managing venture, while Sanai delivered on her promise, getting food. The three friends spoiled themselves rotten with all sorts of junk food. The Sunday ended with them hogged up on the kitchen floor on an over washed comforter watching Kdramas from Sanai's laptop drinking box wine bonding over which Korean star they'd run away with.
March arrived and Sanai hit the ground running with her new venture, back to back meetings with clients that varied from producers to social media influencers. Loyola had come through with a quarter of her clientele and Sanai was working tirelessly to make sure they knew they were secure given that her GoldLink and Vessel Associates backing was no longer. She had to prove herself as a solo act which meant little resources, shortened capital and working overtime.
Sanai was a hard worker by nature, however in that short span of time she honestly felt like she was in over her head, she was accustomed to the nature of cooperate. When it came to her work Sanai was always in control she knew her strengths, her abilities hence she thrived in a controlled work space like GoldLink, but single headedly freeform managing a client was totally different. There was a certain freedom she was still adjusting to. An openness that if not careful, would fall vulnerable to anything and anyone which would ultimately jeopardize the client, their work an overall loss.
Sanai at the moment wasn't sitting comfortable she had just had the worst flight ever got sick midway through and the weather was a subtle scorcher. After landing Sanai mustered enough energy to carry on feeling slightly better to continue with the litany of meetings she had scheduled for the day as the night was solely dedicated to her girls, it was Friday, their outing bonding time.
Her final meeting was with a pre-production team working on an indie film that had a bogus lacklustre plot, Sanai had to make do. In the back of her head Sanai knew if she were to continue with this managing route she needed to land a major client to solidify her status as a rising manager, currently there were zero prospects on how to get there.
Sanai made a beeline toward the exit of the building she was in, the meeting ended an hour late. One of the guys participating in the meeting was generous enough to assist her in getting an Uber. Getting in her phone rang checking the caller ID it was Loyola, she answered "My lovely whatsup"
"Change of plan. Tonight we're not going to our usual spot" Loyola went straight to the point.
"Okay, what's the plan?"
"Buss out the grunge fit were going to Balor" Her enthusiasm obvious.
"Last I heard it relocated"
"Relocated and rebranded. Find yourself there. I'll explain everything later, okay" The call ended.
"Rude" Sanai mouthed at her phone then rested her head on the window of the Uber and watched as the world went about.
Sanai's phone pinged. She checked it was a reminder, it was the week of the twenty-first and her date with Roman was tomorrow. Sanai was so wrapped up in her new start-up she hardly had time think about the date let alone him. Only then did thoughts of him bulldoze her.
Sanai could've gotten home fallen face first into her bed, forgotten about her friendship duties and whatever Loyola had in store for her tonight, skipped seeing a certain hot and shady Samoan. Blinked everything away and go about her life, however that wasn't her style she wasn't build that way no matter how difficult, Sanai saw everything in her life in its entirety saw everything through this was no different.
Getting to her apartment she figured she'd kill time by taking a power nap to revitalise her body. Sometime later Sanai arrived at Balor getting off the Uber feet first in spikey Jeffrey Campbell platform heels, she brushed off invisible dirt on her mini side slit leather skirt, fixed the little wrinkles on her long sleeve transparent mesh top where black bands of tape placed in an X covered each of her nipples. Sanai opted to where her box braids half up in a bun half down loose, she tossed her braids to the side revealing a barb wire-esque choker she grabbed her satin bomber jacket and covered her shoulder as the Uber drove away. In her theme of black the only pop of colour was the night crimson NYX 'Everyone Lies' matte lipstick.
Leading to the entrance of Balor, Sanai entered using the bottom level of the club which at first glance looked like any other nightclub. It was a cathedral like hybrid design establishment. It consisted of a club scene at the bottom level, whereas the top a designated fight pit steel cage all conjoined by a spiral stairway that separated the two levels. It was Friday night and it was filled to the masses music reverberated, bodies gyrating. The resident DJ in the dock that was suspended at mid-air in the centre of the dance floor was responsible for keeping the audience alive.
Sanai appeared through the corridors of bottom level where the girls were waiting for her by the decorated bar brimming with people.
"You're late!" Loyola shouted over the milling noise, her face beat, frame glimmering from the maroon latex wet look mini bodycon dress with matching Kurt Geiger ankle boots making her plus size body look borderline wicked.
"I'm sorry, the traffic getting here was hectic" She was half telling the truth the power nap turned into half the afternoon gone. Sanai and Loyola gave each other air kisses on the cheeks.
"Well your jus…." Loyola paused mid-sentence taking in the view of Sanai in her attire. Calling Sanai 'sexy' tonight would be under selling it she looked like sin. Loyola ogled Sanai head to toe, stopping short on her tits, "Wow! Bold choice, you look stunning"
Smiling she acknowledged the compliment as she took off her bomber jacket "Right back at ya, all that's missing is a dominatrix whip" Loyola gave Sanai a sly grin.
Annura kept it safe yet stuck to the theme in E-girl makeup outfitted in a fishnet halter crop top with a decorated buckle belt attached to neck, ripped grey acid wash jeans with Doc Martens giving her a height boost. Grabbing a Mojito from the bar, biting her full lip Annura gave Sanai a once over "If we weren't friends I'd tap that"
In that moment Sanai channelled Steph Curry and did a shimmy "Honey, you wouldn't handle me" Annura jokily rolled her eyes.
"Okay, the real reason we're here, I pulled a few strings more accurately I was eavesdropping and caught wind of some vital information" Loyola began to lead her friends through the buzzing crowd and toward the spiral stairway leading to the top level. "You know how Billie Kay can't hold water, she let slip that GoldLink is about to sign a major star and they were sending some chick named Eva Marie. Who btw is rumoured to be your replacement to seal the deal"
Sanai made a face of disgust. "Replacement?"
"Yes, anyway that star is set to be in this building. Ever heard of The Rated-R Superstar, Edge?" Gasps, air was ripped from Sanai and Annura's lungs, their mouths ajar.
"That's precisely the reaction I was looking for" Loyola beamed, "He's making a major comeback and what better way to solidify your status as a manager by landing the hottest rockstar in your start-up"
Sanai blinked, disbelief marring her face. "How do I go about that?"
As if on cue the music cut, the surround speakers blasted an announcement the headline act, Edge was soon to take on stage - the centre of the fight pit. The audience raised in full attention ranting, raving and whispering about the main act like it was the sole purpose of them being there.
"Finn is expecting you as we speak" Loyola led them up the spiral stairway that was slowly gaining traffic with people going to the upper level.
"Does he look like the kind to hold grudges after what happened in 2019?"
Finn Balor was previously a client at GoldLink and Vessel Associates. He was of Irish royalty he was a Prince next in line for the family throne, however his obstinate rebellious ways led his family to disown him. Finn took his family to court to fight for his trust inheritance and to keep his last name, he won courtesy of the firm. Shortly after, using his inheritance he opened a gym and a popular night club called Demonium, successful in their own rite Finn invested all his inheritance. In 2019 after an overzealous business move he was royally screwed over by the firm. Finn lost everything. The firm dropped him and represented Bray Wyatt the man responsible for his loss of business and inheritance taking the club and gym, which now was a big VFX company famously known for horror entertainment and its biggest attraction 'The Firefly Fun House'
Sanai was sceptical at best her involvement during that time made her unsure but she had to remember to be confident or at least give the illusion of confidence.
By the time they emerged from the stairway the atmosphere began to take shape to live up to tonight's rock frenetic theme casually named Attune Oblivion. Edge hadn't taken onto the stage, yet a mosh pit of sorts was beginning. The girls moved between the moshing dodging thrashing hairs, elbows all form of movement as the horde was getting unruly all witnessing the spectacle that was the fight pit. The girls arrived at a makeshift bar on the indoor balcony and waited.
Finn Balor materialized through the horde dashing as ever spotting a fresh buzz cut and glimmering beard adorned in a classic leather jacket coupled with black skinny jeans, black sneakers and a white T-shirt that bore the Balor brand logo which broke the all black outfit.
Finn made his way toward the girls "Well, don't you ladies look smashing tonight" his Irish accent taking full effect as the girls were all smiles charmed. Resting his back on a bar stole, the barkeep made his way with a drink towards Finn and he killed it on sight.
"Whatever these ladies want tonight give them, without question" Finn instructed the bartender.
"So if I ask for any drug of choice, say Heroine, I'm getting served right?" Annura tested the notion. If looks could kill Annura would be headless from the threatening looks thrown at her by Sanai and Loyola.
"What, I'm just testing the without question part" Annura reasoned.
Finn let out a quiet laugh, "It stands. Without question"
"You're awfully generous which I am not opposed to however the focus tonight is on what we discussed," Loyola chimed in. "I'll leave you to it" giving Sanai her platform she regarded Finn and Loyola held Annura by the hand and walked off.
The barkeep returned "Anything thing for the lady?"
Sanai wanted to fend off whatever nerves that were trying to surface so she went for the obvious choice. "Neat, Irish whiskey"
Given his Irish heritage Finn smirked at her choice of beverage, she was trying to impress him or simply kiss ass he know of her situation. The barkeep poured the Irish whiskey in her tumbler.
Taking a sip of her drink Sanai began, "Last time I saw you, you lost everything"
"Last I saw you, you had a job"
The glass of whiskey was suddenly empty "Touché"
"Relax, love, I'm not here to rub salt in old wounds. I'm here to help, at the time you were doing your job. It wasn't easy but here I am thriving" Finn outstretched his arms bragging about his achievement rightfully so.
The barkeep refilled both their drinks "So, you're just like everybody here spoiling for a fight, frothing at the mouth come to see the Rated-R Superstar" Finn spoke with such a fineness Sanai would honestly sit and hear him talk for hours.
"Spoiling for a fight? Frothing at the mouth?"
"Yes" Finn pointed at the crowd "Look at them"
"I know very little about cage fighting whereas the athletes I haven't an idea who Kyle O'Riley and Adam Cole are though I'm sure they are prized fighters. I do you wanna know, how did you go about getting the Rated-R Superstar?"
"I'm Finn Balor I get shit done" Finn spoke confidently
Sanai simply smiled. The bartender made his way to refill her glass however Sanai stopped him at mid pour "I'm good for now"
"What, already buzzed?" Finn asked looking at her through the rim of his glass
"I'm on a mission and tomorrow I'd like to wake up actually aware of my surroundings"
Sanai for a brief moment allowed herself to think of tomorrow, she'll be graced by the presence of Roman Reigns once again. Sanai was curious how tomorrow will play out. As if a switch, her brain went through their last saucy encounter going at it. Giving her a play by play of how she relished every kiss, touch, every thrust and stroke. Sanai's arousal was raring its head her shame becoming scarce.
"You got all of that, right?" Finn awaited Sanai's cooperation.
"Come again?" Sanai's mind had drifted off elsewhere spaced into the land of Roman Reigns and his dick. By the time she came to Edge's team was done with setting up on the fight pit.
Finn repeated himself "Edge comes with quite the entourage and I do not want you to deal with em' after his performance I'll have him take a detour toward meeting you. Be waiting over there…" Drink in hand Finn pointed at the spiral stairway "meet us there and not a minute late"
This time Sanai heard what was required of her. "Thank you for all this"
"Don't thank me just yet…" he paused, Finn pushed off the bar stole and stood to his full height. He took it upon himself to up the ante and made his own deal "You get him to at least consider you as a potential manger and you can have me, two birds on stone, no pressure" He smiled at her. Sanai short circuited whether it was from the smile or the little information he dropped on her. Clearly this man had the confidence for both of them combined.
Finn Balor tossed back the last of his drink "I'm off to be the grand master I am, have fun" and he was gone.
The atmosphere came together as the horde gathered around the fight pit Finn Balor lived up to his grand master skills as he riled up the crowd. Elation evident in the air as the lights went dark, rattling sounds coming from the banging of the fight pit cage, the chants of 'Edge' coming by the dozen. A single spotlight lit the centre of the pit as the Rated R Superstar, Edge walked into the light illuminating his dirty blonde hair. Head down his long hair falling off his shoulders he grabbed the microphone awaiting the band to start so his voice could bless his admiring fans.
Edge at the centre the female drummer slightly behind, bass guitarist and keyboard player were on opposite sides showcasing their skillset. The drummer hit the snare and the cymbals the backup vocals came from the drummer the song began so did the uproar of the crowd the entire floor vibrated. Edge looked up and all sorts of lighting showered the pit and the patrons. His voice come alive when he started off with 'Bite Me' from his first ep 'The Brood' critics at the time cited that his voice was reminiscent to that of Trent Reznor.
The lights of Balor momentarily dimmed so Edge could close out his set. A feminine voice echoed saying the infamous words 'You Think You Know' followed by the drummer violently pounded on the snare and floor tom in chorus with the strobe lights. Drumming and lighting in unison the crowd went into berserk mode.
The acoustics of the place were swallowed by the sheer noise the crowd were making. Women screamed at the top of their lungs Sanai was one of those women, people had their phones out snapping pictures and videos only for those phones to get caught by the hurricane of people moshing. The crowd were in chaotic heaven they loved it. Edge ended his set yet the crowd weren't over, they cared very little for the fight that was supposed to take place after his performance in that moment as a resounding 'Encore' chant took full effect.
Edge wanted to indulge his followers however he stated he needed to make new music so they could have more encounters like tonight, he gave thanks to the man responsible for Balor, gave thanks to his fans and said goodnight.
Sanai saw Edge from afar as he made his way out of the cage. That was her cue to make her way to the stairway. Music still reverberated through the place the crowd still buzzing, some stayed to witness the build-up to the Kyle O'Riley and Adam Cole fight some left already got what they came there for. Sanai surveyed the crowd wondering where her friends had disappeared to.
As if they could feel her looking for them, Loyola and Annura re-emerged where Sanai's eyes landed around the perimeter of the dispersing crowd Loyola was glued to the hip with a guy that vaguely looked like Odell Beckham Jr sans faux hawk with a lavender dyed beard. The most sought after person in a band after the lead singer was the drummer and Annura was already chatting it up in a corner with Edge's female drummer who's stretched earlobes stood out spotting dated Edge merch.
Sanai tactically made her toward the stairway and patiently waited. People laughed, people cursed walking passed her some glared at her, and some threw lusty stares. Sanai heard a multitude of squeals and screams which were getting louder toward her direction Sanai looked to where the noise was coming from, Edge was walking along side Finn.
Women clamoured for his attention of which he subtly entertained. Edge commanded the room, hair freshly wet and loose he walked toward the stairway, in a sea of grunge Edge stood out bright in a white denim jacket matching with high top sneakers, black t-shirt and skinny jeans look, luckily the area wasn't as packed otherwise a whole harem of girls and fan boys would be brawling for autographs and selfies.
Edge and Finn made their way to Sanai, Edge for some odd reason wasn't carted around by security armoured bodyguards. Finn, Sanai and Edge took up their places barricading the spiral stairway standing closely, fans every now and then kept interrupting. "I knew tonight was gonna be spectacular but definitely not to this extent" Sanai stated the oblivious.
"Thanks to Finn. You must be important, to have him go out of his way to have me give a private meet and greet. Where do you want me to sign?" Edge raised his hands waiting for his cue to leave his autograph. He turned to Finn and spoke low thinking Sanai would not hear "Can we make this quick a killer redhead is waiting to take shots off my abs in VIP"
The way they were barricaded Sanai could detect the faint smell of liquor from him the body shot activities were already in full effect. Edge made the mistake of not paying full attention to Sanai he didn't realise she actually heard him. Sanai was annoyed clearly this guy wasn't interested he was busy chasing ass.
"Oh, I'm sorry if chasing ass is more important than actually utilising this opportunity making the most of it, lord knows how many chances your fans are willing to give you right before you let them down due to whatever crises plagues your life. Tonight might've been great but Finn did you a favour, a pity favour" Sanai turned to Finn "No offence" she said kindly.
"Excuse me and you are?" Edge spoke with zero kindness, Finn stepped in.
"Edge, meet Sanai Oleander, seeing as you don't have an agent, this is the woman who could sky rocket you're come back, just hear her out. That spectacular presence that weight that comes with your name is what she specialises in"
Sanai made eye contact with Edge. "Your come back should not be caged" Sanai motioned to the fight pit to prove her point.
Edge's features smoothed out but not entirely "So you specialise in human train wrecks, home wreckers, opportunists me being the ultimate opportunist and how can I forget my personal favourite and I quote 'a mansplaining manipulative manwhore' like myself. Do you really want that mess?" Edge asked truthfully.
Edge wasn't coined the Rated R Superstar because he lived up to his rock star status, no, it began at an award ceremony where during his acceptance he shocked the masses with his live sex celebration with his then girlfriend Lita after that he lived up to the name from public indecency to being with adult film stars, cheating on his fiancé even plagiarized artists work at times claimed it as his own and got away with it. Edge once stated he got off on the thrill of knowing he can steal any girl he wants 'cause he was that good in the sack it was his MO, caught in scandal after scandal. After severely injuring a fan during a fight he vanished for years, however his music was a constant success and here he was making a return.
"Your right who wants a mess but who isn't. Look I want the man behind the mess we both know this comeback is about redemption. Redemption for your questionable acts over the years as the Rated R Superstar. I want to represent that man breathe life into that guy for him to embrace his purpose, pull what he did tonight"
"I can't fault you, I like what I'm hearing however you are not the only one who knows of my return in fact plenty of offers have come my way already. I'm yet to make a decision to evaluate what's best for me whether I go with the manger route or go at it alone that's all on me. Look I'll get your details from…"
The bass guitarist found them and slung a heavily tattooed arm across Edge's shoulders that then became a headlock. Edge playfully twisted away.
"Knock it off. Randy"
"Come on. We got business to attend to in VIP. The redhead is still waiting on you", the guitarist, Randy, sized Sanai up and a sensual grin spread across his handsome face "Bring her with you"
Edge shoved him. "I'm sure the lady has better things to do than entertain shit heads and getting shitfaced"
"Yes!" She agreed with Edge "I'm all work no play" Sanai lied she wasn't about to put herself in comprising situations. The meet ended, Edge backed off with Randy and disappeared in the frenzy that was gathering for the fight pit brawl.
"I'd say that was eventful. Send in whatever contract I need signing to my email"
"Finn, you don't have to pity me, you helped me shoot my shot and that's enough"
Finn continued "Dead serious, I'll have my people set up a meeting and we'll discuss the terms of the contract"
"Okay, till then. Thank you for everything but I'm headed home for the night" Sanai wrapped up for the night, Finn reluctantly accepted and walked away to go handle his business.
Sanai didn't feel entirely dejected by her ordeal with Edge nor was she in the mood to socialize. The thoughts cramming her frontal lobe were responsible for the funk she was in. In less than 3 hours it would be the twenty-first what feeling would reign supreme in her? The gooey feelings of having to be around him again or the underlying emotional trauma that often hit her in waves. In her peripheral Sanai saw the immense happiness her friends were engrossed in with their found companions to a point she felt that if she were interfere she would be cramping their vibe and the last thing she wanted was to be a Debbie Downer. Sanai was already stationed by the stairway she made a turn and was left leaving the building altogether.
To say Sanai was nervous was ironic at best. Her heart was speeding at a ceaseless pace, her hands clammy, her body refused to remain still her eyes kept darting back and forth. Sanai was sitting in the back seat of an extravagant SUV driven by Roman's right hand man, Jey Uso. He was her personal chaperon for the evening to the restaurant Sense and Tasteability loosely named after Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.
The vehicle came to a halt to indicate their arrival. Sanai was trapped in a seesaw of feelings and where they would tip to, she didn't know whether to feel special or under scrutiny decked in the Alexander McQueen dress at his behest, the zeal of it being designer had faded. The shoelace like straps on the dress matched her strappy sliver high heel pumps, her box braids were loose cascading on her exposed shoulders, lips a bold matte black. Getting off the car the warm evening air mixed with the restaurant's aromatics filled her senses as Jey escorted her toward the eatery.
Sanai traipsed down the red carpet entering, the establishment was of expensive standard an interesting take on industrial meets French Riviera restaurant design it was something HGTV personnel would be approving of. Lively and inviting the only thing missing were patrons who had seemingly vanished from the place. Jey came in from behind stopping short to where the ascending stairway began.
Jey nodded to the stairway "The Tribal Chief is on the balcony awaiting your presence. Watch your step and have a great evening"
"Do you have to be so formal" she quipped. Jey simply smiled and resumed his right hand man role.
Sanai timidly scaled up the stairs it was time to finally confront her turbulent feelings and the man responsible for them, to at last get a sense of equilibrium within herself and overall with Roman Reigns.
The allure of the restaurant was further perpetuated by its surroundings the dazzling nightlights, the view of the vibrant streets, the numerous skyscrapers that surrounded the establishment. The evening summer breeze was a constant and the restaurant's signature design carried on, the balcony railing was entirely made of glass, fairy lights were embedded in the mini botanical garden. All the chairs and tables were moved for this specific night as a lone romantic dinner set up for two was at the centre of the balcony.
Her footsteps slowed when her eyes landed on the tailored wall that was Roman's back draped in a Ralph Lauren suit. "Good evening, Sanai"
The low rumble of Roman's voice saying her name caught her ears, and a sudden rush coursed through her dizzying her. He did this to her the night hadn't started and he was already messing her up. Roman Reigns looked unreal as he turned to face her not a fly away hair in site from his immaculate tied bun and fresh cut trim on the sides, beard in mint condition and glistening. Sanai inadvertently bit the corner of her lip she drank him in. There was something about Roman Reigns, it just wasn't sex he exuded whether it was his flawless olive skin, his aura that made it difficult for anyone to look at him for longer than five seconds. Whatever it was he was dished it in bucket loads, constantly. Sanai shook her head she had to get her mind right and quick.
Roman tucked his hands in his tailored pants and swaggered toward the set up table pulled the chair out for her and waited for Sanai to take a seat.
"There's somebody out there who's looking to treat their significant other to a gourmet meal in this fine establishment, only to be turned around because some entitled rich guy felt the need to occupy space, to flex must be nice" she took a dig at him and his grand gesture.
Yes, Sanai choose the nuclear option, attitude, hostility and emotional trauma to combat her lust she had a task to complete and she was going to do so by any means necessary. A lick of annoyance morphed in Roman's face as Sanai made it to the chair he pulled out for her. Even with her pumps on Roman towered over her she looked up to stare at his mesmerising brown eyes "Good evening to you too, Roman"
Roman stared at her with that intensity that often left her wanting to hide because that stare could see right through her and right then that sly grin came upon his face, Sanai managed not to look away. Sanai sat down on the chair and Roman followed suite. The night had just begun.
Already on the table a platter of assortment veggies, fruit and thinly sliced pieces of pancetta, dipping sauces, and feta cheese. Sanai grabbed a strawberry and took a large bite intentionally staring at him while she savoured the taste.
"How's the dress, it looks…" he paused for effect his eyes sensually roaming through her "just how I imagined"
"How does that look like? But again you chose the dress, size and all. Specifically told me to wear the dress so of course it's how you imagined" she sampled the feta cheese next.
Roman fought off a smile and cocked his head little "Ah, I see we're choosing violence to mask what we truly feel"
Caught in the act he knew her that well. That didn't deter her though. The waiter sashayed in right when Sanai was about to respond she stopped. The waiter placed two empty large wine glasses on the table
"Evening, Sir have you decided on what wine you'll be having for the night" The waiter inquired
"We will be having the red 2007 Syrah" Roman laid back on his chair. The waiter took note and left.
"We? As far I'm concerned there is no we, Roman. In fact I wanted a 'we' remember right before you pulled your marvellous Houdini act"
The day before Roman abandoned her in Croatia she admitted she was catching feels, feelings so intense she let slip she was in love with him that she loved him and wanted to be with him exclusively amid their entanglement. Roman hunched his shoulders and sat up straight "I did think it was really cute when you said you loved me though. You can drop the hostility now"
Sanai was on a roll, "Why, so you can weasel your way in, butter me up like you did the other day in my apartment. Not night" her voice stern.
Shortly after the waiter returned with the bottle and poured a moderate amount of wine in their respective glasses, the waiter took the assortment platter and left the Syrah on the table. They were alone again.
Sanai took the bottle and filled her glass close to the brim followed by a generous sip. "See, when you left I seriously thought it was a prank until I found myself outside of the warehouse in Croatia lost with nothing but my passport. You were gone. Do you have any idea what could have happened. What I went through?"
The night wasn't going as Roman planned in fact he figured by now they'd be doing some serious celebratory activities in his Penthouse, mainly his bedroom. He knew this was coming he just didn't know when so he remained quiet and waited for her to finish.
"I'll tell you. I could have been kidnapped, human trafficked all the things you hear from the crime channel, however luck and favour intervened and here I am with the man responsible for plethora of trauma I feel still, till this day. On a lighter note I do know Croatian, thanks to you" Sanai spoke calmly but there was no mistaking her venom.
"So enlighten me why'd you leave?"
Roman raised the glass towards his lips and drank, he took a good look at her, and he scoffed. "Exactly, what do you want to hear, an apology again, that I regret leaving you in a foreign country? Sweet Pea, you were merely a conquest, a mission I successfully completed to get to where I am. I am the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief of the Bloodline that means going through you, your mother's lover, The Godfather and every other faction that tries to take my place"
"I am who I am, you already know that. If you had a problem with that you wouldn't be here. You're not mad that I left you in Croatia, you said it yourself luck and favour intervened I knew you'd find your way. Nah, you're just throwing a tantrum 'cause the Roman Express ended. You wanted more and I left that's what hurt"
The pressure of her emotions getting too close Sanai needed air, funny she was outside getting plenty. She drank some more. Sanai's nuclear option was dissipating and it showed, her face morphed into hurt from his honesty, Roman was right. She was here to get what was bothering her off her chest that also meant hearing exactly what Roman Reigns was telling her, she needed this, it didn't make it nice to hear though.
"You showing up at Goldlink?" her voice was but a whisper
"A coincidence, seeing you that day was unexpected. Since then I couldn't shake you that's why I showed up that night in your apartment, that's why I wanted you here tonight. Foolish of me to think that night smoothed everything over…" Roman drank his wine and looked at his target narrowing his eyes "you're awfully quiet"
Sanai shook her heard processing what she just heard. "I'm waiting on you to finish" it came out a little too breathy. Roman was doing that thing where her physiology was on sensory overload from what he gave off and right now his eyes were working her making her feel things.
And just like that the energy between them rapidly changed so did the conversation.
"I imagine tonight going down with the chef making your favourite. Pappardelle, making sure to pile up on the bacon. An overly sweet dessert, a drive across the city and if I'm lucky to test the scientific make up of that black lipstick 'cause I picture it leaving stains all over my chest, over my stomach, and yes, wrapped around my cock. I'd like tonight to be the first of many nights of me making it up to you if you let me"
The wine went down the wrong pipe and Sanai coughed a little, Roman Reigns spoke his truth loud and clear. Her cheeks were hot from hearing that. Her thighs were suddenly warm. Sanai pulled her lips back from her teeth while shaking her head "That sounds terrible" she jokily mocked.
Roman pushed, further wrecking her as he leaned in to meet her face and tucked an astray braid behind her ear throwing in a winning smile, "Pretend all you want, be honest you want this, regardless of our history" he whispered to her
Roman being this close was making her drunk or was it the wine. Sanai met his gaze and slowly pulled away from him she wanted a way to ditch the increasing sexual tension, so she feigned claustrophobia "Is it me or is it getting cramped here"
Sanai took her glass and chugged her wine. She got up and walked across the balcony passing the mini botanical garden and getting to the glass railing where she took up refuge placing her hands on the railing observing the scenery.
The wine was kicking in and Sanai was overheating from the image Roman set out for her, sizzling from his presence, and red wine always made her want to do things that were better off featured in a porno. Alcohol and underlying feelings didn't mix her state of mind was altered.
She didn't hear Roman moving across the balcony toward her. Sanai knew if Roman got close touched her or even said the right thing she would shed him out of his suit and push her panties to the side.
A big hand landed on the railing followed by the other. Roman bracketed her in, surrounding her. He swept her braids to the side, nuzzled his nose in the nook of her neck his beard tickled her. "Be honest, you want me, regardless of your conscience" every time he exhaled she felt it on the nape of her neck.
Sanai inhaled and exhaled through her nose. The word yes dangled on the tip of her tongue however she held off dragging on the heat simmering between them. As if he could hear her, he pressed his lips right on the hypersensitive shell of her ear "Like Floetry, all you gotta do is say yes" his voice slithered in dangerous.
Her heart was in a full gallop and her nipples were so hard they could carve out steel Sanai shook her head smiling all the things she wanted to avoid were inevitable.
Her knees met the cool glass on the railing as Roman moved close. A move that made it hard to distinguish whether it was by accident or on purpose. He did it again making it clear it wasn't an accident. He pressed his thick dick on her ass. Her body was riddled by tremors and her eyes fluttered as liquid heat rushed through her, pooling in her pussy at the feel of him.
Losing all restraint, Sanai arched her spine and rubbed against him. His eyes were riveted to her ass Roman stopped short to realise Sanai was wearing a lace thong, "You're a fucking tease you know that" he cussed from behind. Sanai's dress was halfway up her ass and her kitten snatch was practically wrapped around his prick. When Roman slid up, she slid down. Dry humping.
What they were doing was borderline illicit, filthy. The waiter could walk in, catch them in the throes of heat, someone could be a peeping Tom right now watching them from the high-rise buildings but did they care, no.
The grunts in her ear matched each hiss and whimper that was wrenched out of her. Sanai stuck her ass out more as his stroke changed and he was rubbing just right, moving fast enough to cause friction on her clit. "I want to fill you with my cum and eat it out of you" he roared.
Hearing that nearly flung her over the edge all the veins in her head were about to pop, Sanai dug for whatever superhuman strength she had and pushed Roman off and spun around facing him, panting heavy "Take me home, now!" Roman looked utterly stunned. Her heart mercilessly beating her ribs Sanai shook her head "Actually, take me to your place. Not Jey not your people, you. Drive me there, now" her gaze didn't met Roman but she meant business.
Roman Reigns smoothed out his suit walked the short distance to face Sanai he smirked, gripping her by the chin "Happy to oblige, Princess"