Chapter ten

As per Trish's suggestion Marks first stop on the way back to the hotel was a candy store. He bought a huge box a godiva chocolates and a chocolate rose to go with it. Once in the car he put the tampons and Pamprine into the bag that held the chocolate and got in the car, peeling out of the parking lot like the devil was after him. He felt like the words biggest jackass, accusing her of something that eh should have known that she would never do. She had the right to slap him, hell she had the right to beat the living shit out of him for it. He whinced and hope it wouldn't come to that, she could hold her on and with what he had taught her had no doubt that she would give him a run for his money.
As he got in the elevator he felt a knot of trepidation forming in his stomach. As the elevator door opened he stepped out and took a deep breath, getting ready for the battle that was sure to come. For some strange reason Glen wasn't staying on the reserved floors that was designated for the other wrestlers, which would be off limits to any non WWE performers or employees. So because of that he made his way quickly down the hall hoping that no-one would see him let alone recognize him, but as he neared the room he heard a door being thrown open and drunken giggles erupt from with in as several obviously drunk girls stumbled out. They took one look at him and squealed in delight.
"You're The Undertaker!" One shrieked and he sighed, nodding his head.
"Excuse me ladies but I don't have time right now." He told them a gentlemanly smile on his lips.
"Oh but we're your biggest fans." Another one crooned.
"I'm sorry but I really have to go." He was standing just out side the room, hoping he could make it in before they decided to ask for autographs.
"I can make it worth your while." One said huskily and as she did the door was thrown open and a very pissed Maranda stood in front of them wrapped in a terry cloth bathrobe, her hair wild from the Bike ride.
"What do you want?" She demanded, planting her hands on her hips and glaring at him.
"Look little girl but we are trying to have an adult conversation here." The red head in the group said patronizing.
"Darling' I'm sorry. I lost my temper, please forgive me." Mark ignored the throng of girls and put on his best puppy dog face.
"Forgive you?!" She threw her head back and gave a humorless laugh. "You accused me of cheating on you. With Chris Nijinsky no less! For god sake Mark give me a little credit! And then you had the balls to tell me I'm just like my sister!! Sorry Deadman but I think I have every right to be pissed" She hissed, then noticing that the other girls were still standing around.
"Oh and you!" You are having an adult conversation?! More like you're trying to get you're groove on." She turned furious eyes toward the girls and stepped out into the hall.
Again she planted her hands on her hips and sent Mark a glare that would have melted stone.
"As for you.....Fuck off!" She hissed, walking back into the room and slamming the door in his face. For a minute he just stared at the door, and then he knocked softly. A muffled go to hell was heard and he sighed, digging into his pocket.
"Wait, why would you want to mess with that little girl when you can have anyone one of us......or all three?" The red head asked, tittering a little bit. Mark sighed deeply and took out the key card, flipping it over to insert into the lock.
"I really don't think that you would understand." He snapped taking a deep breath and opening the door.
He stepped into the completely dark room, blinking trying to adjust to the darkness. Looking around he noticed a glow coming from the bathroom, it was too soft to be from a light. Walking softly across the carpet he peeked into the bathroom and smiled when he saw that she had shed her bathrobe, lite a few candles and was in the process of taking a bubble bath. She was reading a book and a pair of head phones over her ears, soft strands of "The Thunder Rolls" could be heard very faintly as she bobbed her head to the music. He stood and watched her for a few minutes before clearing his throat to make himself known. She didn't' hear him however.
"Stupid closed minded scientists." She muttered, turning the page of her book, revealing it to be a study of UFO cases. Giving a growl of annoyance she tossed the book over her shoulder, narrowly missing his head, and leaned her head against the back of the tub, closing her eyes. Humming softly she didn't hear Mark approach nor saw him when he knelt down beside the bathtub.
Her eyes flew opened when she felt a body poof glide over her skin.
"What are you doing?" She asked quietly, suddenly a very tired look coming over her features.
"Apologizing." He muttered, pouring cantaloupe scented body wash on the poof.
"Leave me alone." She snapped, sitting up in the tub, splashing water over the sides.
"No can do darlin'." He told her.
"Look Mark, I'm pissed, I'm hurting, and I just want to be left alone." She said tiredly, sighing deeply.
"That reminds me. Amy sent this." He took the bottle of Pamprine out of the bag and handed it to her.
Her eyes lit up when she saw and she snatched the bottle from him. "Amy is a godsend." She said happily popping the top off the bottle. She shook two pills into her hand, then got a slightly thoughtful look on her face and poured another one out. Putting them into her mouth she picked up a soda that she had left setting beside the tub and swallowed them thankfully.
"Maranda, baby, forgive me, please?" He begged, his eyes pleading. Sighing deeply again she looked him in the eyes.
"Mark, do you realize how much that hurt me?" She asked tiredly.
"I know and I'm sorrier that you could know." He reached out and touched her face. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. But for some reason I let myself get jealous, and I just hope to god that I didn't mess this up. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?" He whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Mark, I love you. You KNOW that. And yes I can forgive you." He smiled at her and leaned down kissing her softly on the lips. She pulled away and looked him dead in the eye. "But if you ever do something like that again, I will kick your ass all the way back to Texas. Got me?" She threatened and he nodded.
"Yes Ma'am." He mock saluted and lent down to kiss her again. She put a wet hand to his chest and cocked her head to the side.
"Don't you have a match?" She asked and a horrified expression came over his face.
"Shit! In forty five minutes." He cursed loudly and stood up, holding his hand out. "I can call Vince and tell him something came up if you want me to." He offered, helping her step over the edge of the tub. Maranda looked down at the front of his pants and grinned cheekily.
"That wouldn't be a total lie now would it?" She asked, suppressing giggles. He shook his head and rolled his eyes before handing her a huge towel to dry herself off on.
"Do you want to come back with me?" He asked and she shrugged her shoulders.
"Either way." She said, drying her hair with another towel.
"Come on, you're my good luck charm tonight." He said playfully and she smiled.
"Alright, give me ten minutes." S he told him and he turned to walk away. Spotting the bag on the floor she picked it up and opened it. She let out a squeal of delight and opened the chocolate, sitting it on the edge of the sink. Gathering the things she need she proceeded to get dressed.

Almost exactly ten minutes and an entire box of chocolate later Maranda emerged from the bathroom, wearing a pair of loose jeans, a Deadman Inc.shirt and sneakers. Mark looked surprise when she was ready when she said she would be. She walked over to him and put her arms around his waist. To her surprise he bent down and licked the corner of her mouth. She raised an eyebrow and he shrugged.
"You had chocolate on your face." He told her playfully.
"Is that all?" She asked, wiping her mouth again.
"Yep I got it." He said. He looked over her shoulder and his eyes widened in shock when he saw an empty candy box and wrappers lying all around the sink.
"Maranda? Did you eat it all?" He asked and she nodded happily. The caffeine in the Pampering and the sugar rush of fifty pieces of candy making themselves known.
"Dear lord." He muttered, taking her by the elbow and guiding her to the door. Half way there she reached out and poked in the sides, he jumped in surprise and looked at her quizzically. She grinned evilly and tackled him, tickling him on his sides. She backed him against the wall a continued her attack. Not knowing another way out of the situation he finally got control over her hands and slung her over his shoulder. She squealed and tried to get down, wiggling for all she was worth.
"Maranda! Stop!" He told her smacking her rear end, the resound smack echoing through the hotel room. She stopped wiggling log enough to do the same to him. He shook his head and walked back out into the hall. He sighed with relief when he saw no sign of the three drunken girls. Walking to the elevator he had no intention of letting her down, god only knew what she would do to him if he did. He should know better than to leave a woman with PMS a whole box of chocolate. Pushing the button on the elevator he jumped when she leaned down and bit into a muscle in his back.
"Stop that." He scolded, tightening his grip on her.
"Make me." She challenged, slapping his rear end again. He sighed and pulled the bandana off his head with his free hand.
"Don't make me stuff this in your mouth." He warned, having no intention of doing so what so ever. She stopped wiggling and biting and just laid there pouting.
"Good girl." He praised, patting the back of her thigh softly, just as the door of the elevator swung open. Inside the three drunken girls looked at them in shock, mouths hanging open. Maranda didn't see them and said something she never would have other wise.
"You should have told me you were into bondage. I have a set of police issue handcuffs if you want to use them later tonight." She giggled loudly and he dropped his head, sighing deeply.
"Maranda, sweetheart, this isn't the time." He grated from between clenched teeth. He stepped into the elevator and turned around so that he could push the down button. From her perch over his shoulder she looked at the three girls dismissively.
"I still say we can use the handcuffs." She said pouting.
"Maranda!" He admonished beinging to seriously think about putting her down. But he also had not doubt that nothing good could come from putting down his overly hyper girlfriend in an elevator. Considering that the girls had forgotten to get out at their floor they still stood behind them, looking like they had swallowed a lemon.
"Mark put me down, please?" She asked, her voice taking on a little girl quality that he just couldn't resist. He set her onto the ground and she immediately wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against him. He smiled and kissed the top of her head.
"You're feeling better then?" He asked.
"Yep. Although I feel like I am gonna jump out of my skin at any moment. I should know better than to take three Pamprine." She said, giggling into his shirt.
"What do you mean?" He asked confused. The door opened in the lobby and they both stepped out, followed closely by the three girls.
"It has a ton of caffeine in it." She explained.
"Oh and an entire box of chocolates didn't' do anything?" He asked sceptily.
"Oh yeah!"Now I have a sugar rush AND a caffeine high!" She bounced away from him and threw open the lobby doors, stepping out into the cool night air.
"Give me strength." Mark looked to heaven and shook his head. He followed behind her a few paces, keeping an eye on her, making sure that she didn't jump out into traffic. He gave a silent prayer of thanks when she finally led him to where she had hidden his motorcycle and gave another one when she climbed onto the seat behind him, without any argument. Thanking his lucky stars he started the bike and roared off at break neck speed toward the arena.

Chapter eleven

The ride was pretty much uneventful, well except for Maranda screaming wheeeeeeee every few minutes and the very strange looks they got going down the street. When they arrived at the arena Mark helped her off the bike and lead her past the Security Guard that had been appraising her earlier, he did a double take as she walked pass. No make-up, no sexy clothes and her hair wind blown she looked her age, but none the less beautiful. They were met at Marks dressing room by Vince who looked at Maranda and shook his head. The girl looked like she was ready to jump out of her skin.
"I was just getting ready to announce that you weren't going to be able to make it." He told Mark and he nodded.
"Sorry boss, but you know how it is." He said casting a glance toward Maranda. Vince nodded turning to walk away.
"Vince do you think you could arrange for Maranda to sit ringside tonight?" He asked, tightening his grip on the girl who was swaying back and forth, a huge goofy smile on her face.
"Sure, I'll arrange it with security and get another chair in the front row." tapping his chin thoughtfully Vince took a walkie talkie out of his pocket and quickly arranged for a security guard to come and collect Maranda and take her to her seat. Giving a warm smile to the couple the owner of the WWE walked away.
Within seconds a man in a yellow tee-shirt with SECURITY written in black lettering on the back arrived and took Maranda to her seat. Pushing through the thousands of people she was thankful for the escort, getting past all the people without one would have been next to impossible. Even at that she was getting pushed around like a rag doll, people yelling and cheering all viaing for a one second shot on one of the many cameras located around the railings. Finally taking her seat she sank back in it great fully, pushing her hair out of her face. Many people couldn't understand why she was being allowed to sit so close to the railing, much less did they understand when she stood and pushed her way through the crowd and was allowed to put her hands over The Kings eyes.
"What the hell?" He exclaimed, snapping his head around to look at her. When he got a full view he laughed and stood from his seat. It was during commercials and neither The King nor J.R was on the air.
What are you doing here?" He gave her a warm hug and J.R. stood and did the same.
"Mark arranged for me to sit at ring side." She told them, smiling happily.
"That's great! Why don't you come and commentate with me and J.R?" He asked, motioning toward the spare seat.
"By all means, please do." J.R said, smiling.
"I can't guys. I feel horrible right now, and I don't think Vince would like me doing it without asking." She said.
"Oh please!" King said, throwing his hands up in the air in an exaggerated manner. He was so much different in real life than he was on air. Yeah he liked the puppies, but he was totally respectful of all the women backstage.
"Sorry Jerry, but really all I want to do is sit down." Maranda smiled appoilgectly just as one of the ring hands counted down the seconds before they would be back from commercial.

Maranda sat through a match between Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam, most of the time just looking around shaking her head at the almost out of control fans. Then suddenly 'Deadman Walking' blared through the arena and she sat forward, leaning her elbows on the railing and awaiting Marks entrance. He had forgone he normal entrance of ridding his bike to the ring and walked down, walking right past her and gave her an almost unnoticeable wink. Nodding her head in acknowledges meant she leaned back and propped her sneaker clad feet on the railing.
When Glen's music hit she smiled at the irony. In real life they were best friends, yet they had to go out and beat the hell outta each other every week. Within minutes the match was on. She didn't know who was scheduled to win, and it really didn't matter to her, she just enjoyed the hell out of seeing someone she loved so much doing his favorite thing in the world and doing it with someone who knew what they were doing. Giggling as the match spilled out of the ring at onto the floor she sat forward as Mark slammed Glen into the railing a few feet from her. After getting back to his feet Glen grabbed Mark and put him in a choke hold, using the railing right in front of her for leverage.
"How you feeling?" He asked, his voice muffled by his mask. Laughing she shrugged her shoulders in order not to give away that they were actually have a conversation during a match.
"I had to threaten to gag her. She's hyper as hell. I shouldn't have given her and entire box of chocolates" Mark told him, his voice slightly strained from the hold.
"Gag her?" The other man asked in shock.
"She bit me!" Mark elbowed him in the ribs and he stumbled forward, going over the railing and landing in a heap at Maranda's feet. She looked down and smiled.
"I told him I had handcuffs if he was into bondage." She said innocently, standing to make room.
As soon as the words were out of her mouth Glen stopped dead in his tracks and stared at her, mid move. She rolled her eyes and then gestured toward Mark, who was faking and injury in order to take attention away from the shocked Glen.
"You're in a match!" She hissed to him and he snapped out of it.
"Me. You. Talk later." He grunted as Mark tackled him to the floor. Maranda giggled and watched as the two friends proceeded to beat the hell out of each other. Regardless of how much training they had, that mat was hard, it didn't give, the floor wasn't padded, and back body drops really hurt when you hit the floor.
At the end of the match, Marks hand was raised and Maranda stood to her feet, stretching when she did. She walked off not bothering to give the Security guard a chance to follow her. She wanted to get backstage to check on the two men. As she neared the backstage entrance she saw a group of people trying to barter their way into the backstage area. She sighed searching around her neck for her backstage pass, and then gave a loud curse as she remembered that her pass was still in the Hotel room. Standing up strait she pushed her way through a protesting crowd and looked the Security guard dead in the eye.
"I have a pass, but I left it in my room." She informed him and the man shook his head.
"Try again lady. I've already heard that one more times than I could count tonight." He told her loudly.
"Look buddy, I am telling you the truth." She insisted, putting her hands on her hips.
"If you don't get back I am going to have to remove you." He told her angrily. She rose and eyebrow and looked at him.
''I'd like to see you try." She hissed, narrowing her eyes.
"She thinks she's going to get in." One of the fans said, laughing.
Maranda swung around and looked at the skinny man. "No I don't THINK I'm getting in. I KNOW I am." She told him turning back around. The security guard looked at her and stepped forward only to be stopped when a heavy hand clamped down on his shoulder and he was yanked back.
"You touch her and I'll break your arm." Mark growled, taking hold of the man's shirt and yanking him up to eyelevel. He dropped the man and turned back to Maranda.
"Come on Darlin'." He held out his arms and she went into them, hugging him tightly. Hearing the commotion coming from the group of fans she turned back around and looked at them.
"Told ya I would get in." She said scarcastically, wrinkling up her nose.
"Hey are we leaving or what?" Glen walked up along with Dwayne, Andrew, Stephanie, Trish, Terri, Amy, and Matt and Jeff Hardy. Maranda turned a quizzical face up to Mark and he smiled.
"I told them we would go out with them." He explained and she nodded her consent.
"You can ride with us Randy." Stephanie told her, leading her through the crowd and to a parked limo.
"B----" She started.
"Don't but me, Mark can ride with the guys or take his bike. He's a big boy. He can take care of himself." Stephanie grinned and opened the limo door. Marnanda sighed, turned, looked at the guys and shrugged before stepping into the limo. Stephanie, Trish, Terri and Amy followed, slamming the door behind them.

Chapter 12

After dinner Mark and Maranda went back to their hotel room and from the look that Maranda had on her face Mark was afraid that she was going to fall asleep while she was walking. As soon as they walked through the door she began to shed articles of clothing, her shirt going one way, her bra the other, her shoes flying around the room like dangerous projectiles, and her pants being flung into the corner. Walking over to the bed she fell face first letting out a slight groan as she hit the mattress. Mark shook his head and pulled his shirt off, throwing it on a chair before sitting beside his tired girlfriend to take off his boots.
"I don't wanna move." She complained, her voice muffled by the mattress.
"Come on baby girl, I want to turn down the covers." He put a hand on her back and rubbed it in small comforting circles.
"Do I have to?" She moaned, turning over on her back.
"Yes you do, now come on." He stood as she rose to her feet and flipped the covers down. Almost before he was finished she crawled across the bed and plunked down. He sighed and stripped out of his jeans before climbing in beside her.
"Come here sweetheart." He told her propping himself up on a few pillows. Maranda sat up and slid between his legs, her back to his chest, resting her head back against his shoulder. Putting huge arms around her he let his hands rest on her stomach before pulling the covers up to cover her nearly naked form. He kissed the top of her head and leaned back.
"Sleep baby." He told her, reaching over to turn out the light

In the middle of the night, well okay it was about six in the morning the shrill ringing of a telephone brought Mark out of a peaceful sleep. Reaching over he picked up his cell phone and opened it. As soon as he answered he could hear soft sniffling on the other end of the line.
"Mark can I talk to Maranda?" One of Maranda's life long friends asked quietly and he nodded before realizing that she couldn't see him.
"Sure, hold on." He sat the phone down and gently shook Maranda.
"Wass wrong?" She slurred, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"It's Sarah." He whispered and suddenly she became fully awake, she grabbed the phone and spoke softly into the receiver.
Mark didn't' know what was being said on the other end but he could tell that it wasn't good, Maranda only made slight sounds during the whole conversation, words like its okay honey, or don't cry Sarah. As soon as she hung up she sighed deeply and leaned back against him.
''I swear I don't know what the fuck she sees's in that jerk." She told him, referring to Sara's boyfriend William.
"I don't know baby." He muttered, settling back against the pillows.
"If he EVER touches her....I'll kill him." She promised, well on her way to sleep. Mark muttered a sound of agreement as his brain started to fog with sleep.

Four hours and several cups of coffee later Maranda and Mark were on their way to the Tough Enough training camp. It didn't take long for them to drive the few miles to the House where the contestants were staying, and within a few minutes they were pulling into the driveway of the huge house that served as dorms of sorts. As soon as they arrived Al Snow walked out the door smiling.
"Hey! Glad you could make it." He told them, opening the door for Maranda.
"So am I. I didn't think we were ever going to leave, it took her forty-five minutes to get ready.'' Mark slapped Al on the back good naturedly and Maranda glared at him playfully.
"Whatever." She waved her hand then stuck her tongue out at him, wrinkling up her nose.
"Lets go met the kids." Al said, leading them into the house. Mark reached out and took her hand, interlacing their fingers. They walked through the front door and all activity stopped, everyone turned to see who had walked in. A few quite mummers went around the room as Mark walked through, his typical bad-ass image preceding him.
"I think everyone here knows The Undertaker." Al introduced the group to Mark and he nodded in recognition.
"Today everyone will get a demonstration of Mark in the ring. He will show you what a real of the business is like, so everyone get ready and let get to Trax.
People jumped from their seats, clamoring to get into their cars and to Trax. Maranda laughed and shook her head.
"They just want to see someone get their ass kicked." She said, grinning from ear to ear.
Mark rolled his eyes and followed Al out of the room.

An hour later Maranda sat in one of the chairs beside the ring, her feet propped up watching Mark lecture after the demo.
''In this business just because you're big don't mean squat. It take heart to do what we do, it takes a love for the business and for the art of Wrestling, if you don't have that, if you want to be with your family 365 days a year. Get out now. I'm on the road 265 days a year, I rarely get to sleep in my own bed or watch my own T.V." He paused and looked at Maranda smiling slightly. "I never get to see the people I love. Take Maranda for instance." He said, nodding toward her.
"So you never get to see your daughter?" One of the men asked, Adam was his name.
"Daughter?" Mark asked confused.
"He means me babe." Maranda spoke up, standing up.
"Maranda isn't my daughter." He told them sharply turning back to the group. "But yes, I had to arrange for her to come with me while she is on Spring Break, just so I could spend quality time with her."
"Okay people I want everyone to see how you can use your opponents own strength against him or her. "Maranda do you mind?" Al asked and Maranda looked at him.
"Al, I'm not dressed to wrestle." She protested. He grinned in typical Al fashion and threw her a pair of shorts out of a nearby gym bag.
"Then change." He demanded and she rolled her eyes at him.
"Oh alright!" She threw her hands up in mock annoyance and walked away.
A few minutes later she reemerged dressed in the shorts Al had given her and the sports bra she was wearing under her shirt. She grabbed the ring rope and leapt over the side lightly, landing on her feet.
"This should be interesting." Al muttered as he stepped out of the ring.
"Just remembers Al, this was all YOUR idea." Maranda called, turning to face Mark.
"Everyone can see how much larger I am than Maranda. I out weigh her, I'm stronger and Bigger." As soon as he finished he launched himself toward her, putting all his power behind the charge. Maranda stood her ground, and waited until he was almost at her to step out of the way, spinning and pushing into his back with her foot. He flew into the ropes and bounced off, landing on his back. In an instant Maranda had startled his stomach and had his arms pinned to the mat with her legs. Al slid under the bottom rope and counted an extremely fast one, two, three.
"Man you could have kicked out of that!" One of the guys said and Mark winked up at Maranda.
"Sure, but hell son when you have a girl that looks like her stratling you chest, why would you want to?" He asked and Maranda smacked him on the arm.
"Mark!" She turned a bright red and mark shook his head.
"Aw come on baby girl, you know I'm just kidding." He mutter, his hand going to rest on her cheek. "Come here." He said and she leaned down, pressing her lips to his, her loose hair acting as a curtain shielding them from everyone.
"Ahem!" Al cleared his throat loudly and both broke apart, neither really wanting to. They turned to look at him and at his huge grin Maranda stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry at him.
"Really mature Randy." He said and she shrugged, rising to her feet.
"Never said I was, now did I?" She asked, throwing her hair over her shoulder. She stood to her feet to allow Mark to get up as well. He walked over to the ring ropes, sitting on the middle one, holding them open for her. She stepped between them and hopped lightly to the floor, taking a seat beside Al. Mark jumped off the ring apron, walked to where they were sitting, plopping down in the chair beside them.
"So what's new?" Al asked, watching as Big gave instructions to the contestants.
"Not much." Mark stood back to his feet, stretching as he did so. "The next time you feel like hell, you are not using me as your personal body pillow." He said, rotating his neck to the side.
"I was perfectly happy to use the pillows; you are the one who decided you wanted to hold me all night." Maranda protested. Before Mark could answer they heard yelling coming from inside the ring.
"Do not waste my time! Either learn it or get out!" Al yelled at a Girl standing in front of him. "Do it again!" He instructed, folding his arms across his chest. The girl looked like she was about to cry as she ran from one side of the ring to the other, falling against the ring ropes, her back going first.
"Damn it! Get over here!" He yelled again, grabbing her by the shoulders. Holding her by the back of the head he forced her to look at the turnbuckle. "If this breaks, you are going to land flat on your back on the floor. Believe me it is not a pleastent thing." He let go of her and pointed to the outside of the ring. "OUT!" The girl scrambled out of the ring and as Maranda watched one of the other girls gave her a slightly snotty look before entering the ring, executing the move perfectly. Maranda smirked and turned back to Mark.
"That girl is gonna fall on her ass, she is way too cocky." She muttered. Mark made a sound of agreement and gave a nod.
"They always do." He said, putting his arm around her. Maranda snuggled against his chest as the girl in the ring got out and sauntered over to them.
"Hi I'm Melissa." She said softly, her voice sultry. It was marandas turn to raise an eyebrow. Mark cleared his throat uncomfortably and turned to Maranda.
"I'm going to the bathroom. Be right back." He kissed her quickly before disappearing down the hallway leading to the restroom.
"I just wanna know one thing. How do you expect to keep a man like that? I mean, honestly, you look far too inexperienced to keep him happy." Melissa snarled hatefully.
"Oh, I'm a great learner, plus with a teacher like Mark, you can't help but be good." Smiling sweetly Maranda turned her back to the girl and walked to where Al was standing.
"Al can I talk to you for a sec?" She asked, taking him by the arm. He nodded and followed her to a corner of the room.
"What's up?" He asked, leaning against the wall.
How's she doing?" Maranda nodded toward Melissa, not bothering to hide the look that came over her face.
"She's doing really well. But she's to cocky, thinks that no one can beat her. Why?" He asked suspicion clouding her voice.
"I thought the same thing. So did Mark. I'm not a wrestler Al, but I have been around this business long enough to know when someone is going to hurt themselves or someone else. And another thing, she tries anything with me and I am going to put her down." Maranda absently twirled a strand of hair around her finger, looking around for Mark.
"Fair enough." Al told her, grinning.
"Where the hell is Mark? He should be back by now." Maranda muttered.
"Didn't he say he was going to the bathroom?"
"Yeah, but he's been gone ten minutes. I guess I'll go find him." Flashing Al a grin she walked off in the direction that she had seen Mark disappear to.
Walking down the hall she could hear voices coming from inside one of the rooms.
"Look lady, I don't want to make you move but I will if I have to." Marks deep voice sounded through the cracked door as she made her way closer.
"Oh come on. That little bitch out there can't keep you happy, I can." Melissa's snotty voice said.
"I don't hit women. But you are pushing it!" Mark practically yelled.
"You know he may not hit women. I on the other hand, have no problem with it." Maranda stated, opening the door. Melissa spun around and gaped in shock.
"What, surprised?" She asked the dumbstruck woman. "One thing about me is, I have the temper to match the red hair." She walked over to Mark and wrapped her hands around his waist. "Tell you what, why don't we see how good you really are in the ring? "Just you and me, one on one, no rules?"
"You think you can take me? I'm not going to let you beat me because you're screwing me." The girl hissed, angry that anyone would want to challenge her skills.
"Now that's just gross." Maranda said, wrinkling her nose. With that she grabbed Marks hand and all but drug him out the door, down the hall and back into the training center. Looking around for Al she finally spotted him talking to one of the other male recruits. Ignoring the man he was talking Maranda stalked over to Al and tapped him on the shoulder.
"I told you if she tried me I would put her down!" Maranda growled and the man Al was talking to take a step back. "She tried me."
"Oh boy." Al sighed. He clapped his hands to get everyone's attention and shook his head slightly at the events that were about to take place. "Clear the ring." He ordered and everyone scurried out. He turned to the film crew that was watching everything with vested interest. "Turn the cameras off. You won't be filming this." He said and the cameraman nodded his head. He had learned long ago that when Al didn't want something taped, it damn well wasn't taped.
"Give me your bandana Mark. I gotta keep this hair outta my face." She said, pushing her hair back in annoyance. He took it off and handed it to her, which she quickly put over her hair, tying it tightly at the back of her neck. Smiling slightly at the anticipation of the forthcoming fight she grabbed Mark by the back of the head and yanked him down and into a hard kiss. When she let him go Al gave a low whistle.
"Damn. Aggressive little thing isn't she?" He asked, raising and eyebrow while grinning.
"You don't know the half of it." Mark muttered, watching her leap into the ring. He watched as she lifted her leg above her head, stretching her muscles out. He smiled as she started to punch the air, her fists moving decisively, her feet following suit. Mark guaranteed she could hold her own against RVD and his educated feet, considering her's was just as educated as his was. She craned her neck to stretch her muscles then walked over to the corner of the ring, leapt up and sat on the top turn buckle.
A few minutes later, a cocky Melissa walked through the entrance, walking to the ring with an extra swing in her hips. She got into the ring and turned to face Maranda, who was still sitting on the turn buckle; her head tilted back, eyes closed.
Melissa stepped into the ring and Maranda hopped off her perch, walking to the center of the ring. Melissa looked at her and smirked, preparing to go into a collar/elbow tie-up. Maranda looked her over, tilted her head to the side, pulled her hand back and punched her squarely in the nose. The other girl fell to the mat, out for the count.
"Like I said, I don't play by the rules." She shrugged and got out of the ring, walking back over to Mark.
He looked down at her, a sudden idea shooting through him.
"Marry me?" He asked suddenly, almost not believing what had just came out of his mouth. For a second Maranda just looked at him, her mouth hanging open as silence reigned over the room.
"Huh?" She asked, blinking at him.
"Marry me?"
"YES!" She jumped up and threw her hands around his neck.
They were both where they should be, in the place they had been heading for a long time. Both were finally happy