Chapter 7 - Underwear and a Bloody Nose

Evie awoke to the sound of someone banging on her door. She looked at the clock. 6:30 a.m. A groan escaped her as she rolled out of the bed and almost tripped. Her feet had become tangled in the sheet.

  Cursing, she unwrapped the sheet and flung it on the bed. The banging persisted. "All right! I'm coming!"  She flung the door open to find Hunter on the other side. "What the hell do you want?"

He looked her over. Her hair was messy, her nightshirt slightly twisted to give him another glimpse of her legs and she had a scowl on her face.

"You really want me to answer that?" he asked in a suggestive tone.

She glared at him as she untwisted her nightshirt and then ran her fingers through her hair. "Oh get bent," she growled.

He chuckled. "Get up on the wrong side of the bed?"

"There's a right side?" He opened his mouth to reply, but she held a hand up. "Wait. Don't say it because I don't wanna know." She glared at him again. "Why are you beating my door down anyway?"

He grinned.  "I said I wanted to get an early start."

"Hunter its freakin' six-thirty! It's too early!" she exclaimed as she threw up her hands.

"It's never too early for me," he joked suggestively.

She rolled her eyes as she plopped down on the bed. "Are you gonna be like this all day?"

He sauntered into the room, closing the door behind him. "I might be."

"Great," she muttered, then glared at him as he came over and sat on the other side of the bed. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Waiting for you. Go get showered and dressed so we can go." He looked at her when she didn't move. "Go on woman."

"Screw you," Evie retorted grumpily.

"Well, if you insist." He moved towards her.

She jumped up from the bed, grabbed some clothes out of her suitcase, ran into the bathroom and shut the door.

He laughed to himself as he sat back on the bed. Looking around, he saw the remote for the television. He made himself comfortable by leaning back against the headboard and flipped on the TV. The sounds of the shower running could be heard. The thought of all that hot water running over her bare skin flashed through his mind.

  He closed his eyes against the image as he felt a familiar twinge in his groin.  Damn. I gotta quit thinking these things.

It didn't help that he could still hear the water running. He opened his eyes and scrolled through the channels, trying to find something to take his mind off Evie in the shower.  Finally the water shut off. There was a few moments of silence followed by her muffled swearing. The door to the bathroom opened a crack and he heard her call his name.

"What?" he answered.

"Ummm. I need you to get... "

"Get what?" he asked.

She was silent for a few seconds.

"Get what Evie?" he repeated.

She mumbled something he couldn't understand.

 "What was that?"

"I need a pair of underwear," she replied.

This could be interesting, he thought. "Is that all? Where are they?"

"Top inside pocket of my suitcase."

He got up off the bed and went over to her suitcase. He peered into the pocket and pulled out a thong for her.  "Nice," he commented as he held it up. "Black too. I'm impressed," he said as he walked over to the bathroom door.

She stuck her hand out. "Just give them to me. I don't need to hear your comments on my choice of lingerie."

He stopped just out of reach of her hand. "What's the magic word?"

"Give them to me," she said sharply

He shook his head. "No. That's not it. Try again."

Evie became exasperated.  "Hunter just give me the damn underwear!"

"Nope. That's not it either." He was enjoying this.

"I really, really hate you today."

He laughed. "C'mon Evie. You aren't trying very hard." He peered at her. "Am I gonna have to come in there?"

She sighed heavily, then- "Please."

He dropped it in her hand and she promptly pulled back into the bathroom as the door shut.  Hunter sat back down on the bed and resumed watching a movie. After ten minutes, the bathroom door opened and Evie came out. Her still damp hair was pulled back in her customary ponytail and she had on a minimal amount of make up. She was wearing pair of black workout pants and a fitted white t-shirt. His eyes followed her as she moved.

She glanced at him as she sat down to put her running shoes on. "What?"

"Nothing," he replied simply. He turned his attention back to the television.

"Whatever." She finished tying her shoes and then went back into the bathroom. She gathered up all her toiletries and came back out to pack them. Her back was to him as she put everything in her suitcase.

Surreptitiously, he watched the way she moved as she packed, enjoying the way she was bent over the suitcase. He smiled as he realized again that she had a nice backside too.

Nice legs, nice ass. Wonder what else she's got hidden under those clothes.  The twinge came back, causing him to stifle a groan. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the headboard.

Evie spoke up.  "What's wrong with you?"

He opened his eyes. Evie had turned around and was watching him.  "My leg still aches, that's all," he replied quickly.

"Want me to rub it down for you?" she asked casually.

Hunter shook his head. "It'll be okay." He didn't want her touching him at all, especially with his present mood.

"You're sure?"

"I said it was okay," he said sharply.

"Sheesh. No need to be a jerk about it." She turned back to her packing.

After a few more minutes, she was finished. She grabbed her suitcase and shouldered her computer bag. "Ready?" she asked him

He got up and went to his room to pick up his own bags. As soon as they checked out, they took off to their next destination.

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  Hunter had issued a challenge to Stephanie that Monday night. Stephanie came out to the top of the ramp to tell Hunter that Jericho wanted his title back. He told her that Jericho could have his title match. In fact, why not make it a triple threat match? Himself, Jericho and another superstar. Why not Stephanie herself? He stated that if he pinned her, she would leave the WWF. He was sick of her bitch attitude. He wanted her out of his business. He wanted her out of his life. Stephanie had agreed and they set the match for the following Monday.

Hunter shut the door to his dressing room and leaned against it, letting the titles fall onto a folding chair. Evie looked up from where she was sitting, her computer on her lap.

He looked over at her. "She agreed to the match."

"I'm not surprised."

Hunter shot her a warning look.  "Just make sure you stay as far way from Jericho as possible. I wouldn't put it past either of them to mess with you."

Evie raised an eyebrow. "I can take care of myself Hunter."

"I know. I don't want to have to worry about your safety on top of everything else."

She said nothing, just shut the computer down and put it back into its bag. Inside she was fuming. On one hand, it was nice to think he could protect her. On the other, it was infuriating for her to have him think that she couldn't handle anyone larger than Stephanie. She pressed her lips together in an effort not to say anything.

Hunter watched her. He knew she wanted to tell him off for that last remark. "Why don't you just say it."

"Say what?" she bit out.

"I know what you're thinking. You might as well say it."

She made an effort to keep the resentment out of her voice.  "I've been in tight spots before, so don't underestimate me Hunter."

"I'm not. It's just that you don't know Stephanie the way I do. You don't know what she's fully capable of." He moved away from the door. "She'll convince Jericho to do something to you if she doesn't do it herself."

Evie stood up as she pushed her temper down.  He was only looking out for her. "I know she hates me and she'll do just about anything to get back at me for 'ruining her marriage'."

He chuckled as he moved towards her. "Yeah well if you had done even half the stuff she's accused you of doing to me, I'd probably be a very satisfied man."

Despite being ticked off with him, Evie smiled. "So what are you going to do Hunter? Keep me locked in your dressing room every time you leave it?"

"I'll just have to stay as close to you as possible." He was now inches away from her.

She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling in amusement. "How close are you going to be?"

He leaned down so that his lips were centimeters from hers. "About this close," he whispered.  This close, he could smell the scent of flowers she always wore.  He inhaled, the fragrance tickling his nostrils.

"So you're going to stick to me like glue?" she asked huskily.

A knock at the door interrupted them. Hunter swore under his breath as he went to answer it. Evie remained where she was, but as soon as she heard the words "needs you down in his office right now," she walked over.  Hunter turned around just as she came up to him.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"Ric wants me in his office. He's got the papers for me to sign on that match next week."

"Want me to stay here?"

Hunter shook his head. "You better come with me. At least I'll know where you are." They left his dressing room and headed to Ric's office. The door was open and Hunter gave an obligatory knock before entering.

"Hunter. Come in, come in," said Ric.

"Mike said you wanted to see me."

"Yeah, I have the papers for you to sign on that match with Stephanie and Chris Jericho next week." Ric produced the contract and a pen. As he handed them to Hunter, he noticed Evie. "One thing though Hunter, you are not allowed to have anyone ringside."

"Not a problem," Hunter responded. "Evie doesn't accompany me ringside anyway."

"A lot of things can happen in a week Hunter. I don't want you getting worked up if something happens to your assistant," Ric warned.

Evie spoke up. "I don't think you have to worry about that Mr. Flair."

Ric looked at her, surprised that she had spoken up.  "Why is that?"

"She's pretty good at handling herself," Hunter interjected.

"Even so, you young lady, are barred from ringside and for that matter," he looked at Hunter and continued. "So is anyone else you might want to interfere."

"I won't need any outside help," Hunter responded matter-of-factly.

"I didn't think so." Ric turned back to Evie. "I need to talk to Hunter alone about a few things. Would you excuse us?"

Evie nodded. "Certainly."

"Just go back to my dressing room. I don't want to take the chance that either of them are still here," Hunter said as he signed the papers.

"Actually, both Stephanie and Jericho left," Ric stated.

Hunter looked a little doubtful. "You're absolutely sure Ric?"

"I saw them leave myself," he responded.

Evie shrugged her shoulders. "There should be no problems then. I'm going down to catering to get something to drink."

Hunter mumbled an affirmative as she closed the door behind her. She headed down the hall, first to the catering area, then back to Hunter's dressing room.

Evie picked up a bottle of juice and a bottle of water from the catering area and walked towards Hunter's dressing room. She was still a little upset that Hunter seemed to be insulting her self-defense skills, but hell, she could take care of herself if the situation came up, despite the size of some of these men. Evie entered Hunter's room and shut the door. As she set the bottles down on a table she heard an all too-familiar voice. 

  "Well, what have we here?"

Evie looked up to see Jericho standing by the door she had just come in. "If it isn't the self-proclaimed living legend himself. I see you haven't dropped dead yet," she retorted. "Too bad."

"Yes it would be too bad for those millions of Jericho worshipping females out there if I did happen to 'drop dead', as you put it."

"Can the crap Jericho. What the hell do you want?"

He smirked as he came closer to her. "I though you could provide me with a little service before I go back to my hotel."

"You thought wrong," she said as she folded her arms across her chest.

"C'mon sweetheart, I know you want me. I've seen the way you look at me."

Apparently he had been spending too much time with the Billion Dollar Bitch.  "Is Stephanie's lunacy rubbing off on you now?" 

Jericho stopped right in front of her, a lascivious look on his face. "I'd rather have you rub off on me."

"Get out," she responded curtly

"Or what? You'll throw me out?" Jericho laughed. "I'd like to see a little bitch like you try."

Evie's anger grew, but she kept it under control. "I wouldn't talk about being a bitch if I were you; especially after Hunter made you his at WrestleMania."

Jericho's face turned red with anger. He sputtered then suddenly his hands shot out and seized her upper arms before she could move. He pulled her to him with a jerk and his face was inches from hers.

She looked at him with icy green eyes. "I suggest you let go of me right now."

He grinned maliciously. "You should try a real man like me sweetheart. Not some washed-up has-been like Triple H."

As his mouth came down forcefully on hers, she brought her knee up sharply and connected with his groin. With a loud yell, he let go of her, his hands cupping himself between the legs. While he was still bent over in pain, Evie's right hand came up and punched him square in the face. Jericho stumbled and fell onto his side, one hand still cradling his privates, the other covering his nose. She could see the blood seeping out between his fingers.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!"

Evie jumped at the sound of Hunter's voice. He stormed into the room. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded. He looked Evie over, noticing the red marks on her arms where Jericho had grabbed her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I can't say much for him though," she replied as she pointed at the floor.

Hunter looked down to see Jericho struggling to get up. He reached down and pulled the other man into a sitting position. As he looked at him, he noticed the blood running down the hand that covered his face.  He glanced at Evie.  "What happened?"

As she explained what had taken place, Hunter's anger grew. He hadn't even left her alone for twenty minutes and she'd already been set up. He pulled Jericho's head up by his hair and Jericho's hand fell away from his face. 

  Hunter almost busted a gut laughing. Jericho had blood all down his mouth and chin and his nose was swollen. "Looks like you went fifteen rounds with Mike Tyson." He let go of Jericho's hair. "You're lucky she didn't bite your ear off jackass."

Jericho mumbled something about Evie coming on to him and when he refused, she punched him.

"Bullshit Jericho. Be glad I didn't rip your damn balls off," Evie responded.

Hunter pushed him up off the floor and towards the door. "Just get your ass outta here before she changes her mind and knocks you out. Or worse, I'll give you a beating you'll regret."

Jericho stumbled out, talking about getting even, but the threats were silenced as Hunter shut the door on him.

Evie grimaced as she flexed her hand. "What a jerk," she muttered then winced at the pain in her hand. "If he ever touches me again, I'll make him even sorrier than he already is."

"If he touches you again, I'll kill him," Hunter threatened.

"Well, so much for keeping me sequestered in your dressing room boss." She walked into the bathroom, plugged the sink and ran the cold water. Once the basin was full, she shut the water off and stuck her hand in the icy liquid.

Hunter came in behind her. "You should have someone look at that."

She grimaced at the pain.  "It'll be okay. I think I hurt him more than my hand."

He smiled. "You sure smacked him good. I almost wish I'd been here to see it."

"So are you convinced I can handle myself?"

He chuckled.  "I guess I don't have to worry too much about you."

Evie pulled her hand out of the water to look at it. "It seems okay. Could you hand me a towel?"

He pulled a towel off the rack behind him and held it open. She placed her hand in the fabric and he gently dried it off for her. "It doesn't look bad. A little swollen and maybe a bruise or two in the morning. Does it feel like it's broken?"

"It seems okay," she repeated without thinking. She was too distracted at the touch of his hands. I wonder how it would be to feel those hands touching... She shook the thought off. This was not the time or the place.

"C'mon," he suggested.

"Where are we going?"

"I'd feel better if we had someone look at that for you," he replied.

Evie sighed and allowed him to take her to the triage area.

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