Bradshaw had taken her everywhere he could think of.  They had checked out the casinos at the Mirage first as that was where Evie and Hunter were staying, and then the Luxor and the Tropicana.  Bradshaw managed to win a nice amount of money at the blackjack tables.  After that, they headed down to Fremont Street so Evie could get a look at the 90 foot light display overhead.  They wandered around Fremont Street for a little bit and then took a taxi to Club Paradise (on Bradshaw's request) and Evie laughed as they pulled up.

  "A strip club?" she said in amusement.

  Bradshaw grinned from ear to ear.  "Well it wouldn't be a Vegas experience with out a trip to a strip club, now would it?"

  He helped Evie out of the cab, paid the driver and they walked into the building after paying the cover.

  A waitress seated them at a table close to the stage and took their drink order.  Evie, feeling slightly out of place, glanced around and noticed a few other women seated at tables.  She smiled slightly as she relaxed and leaned across the table towards Bradshaw.

  "So women as customers aren't an uncommon occurrence?"

  Bradshaw shook his head.  "Nah, women are allowed.  Hell, I've seen some women get lap dances in here."

  Evie chuckled and sat back as the waitress set their drinks down.  Evie certainly received an eyeful as the show progressed.  Half the time she was trying not to laugh as Bradshaw whooped it up a little.  When the show finished, the dancers proceeded to wind their way through the audience for lap dances. 

  Evie crooked her finger at one, a buxom blonde who somewhat resembled Jean Harlow, and she immediately walked over.  "How much for a lap dance?" Evie asked.

  "Twenty," the woman replied.

  Evie pulled a twenty out of her purse.  "It's not for me, it's for him," she said as she nodded towards Bradshaw.   

  The woman took the twenty, tucked it out of sight goodness knows where and sauntered over to Bradshaw.

  Bradshaw glanced over at Evie and chuckled as she winked at him.  He turned his attention back to the dancer.  "What's your name sweetheart?"

  "You can call me Mae, sugar," she drawled and began to dance.

  Bradshaw kept his eyes on the woman the whole time she gyrated and twisted.  He grinned as she finished up and handed her another twenty.  "One for my friend there," he said and gestured at Evie.

  A flush crept up over Evie's cheeks.  "Ahh, I don't think that's necessary," she said.

  "Aw c'mon darlin', it's the least I can do to thank you," he said mischievously.

  Evie shot him a look and then laughed.  "Fine, if that's the way you're gonna play, I can handle it."

  Mae smiled.  "If you don't like it honey, let me know and I'll stop." 

  Evie became slightly redder as Mae started to dance, but didn't risk looking at Bradshaw.  She knew he was wearing a shit-eating grin on his face and loving every minute of her embarrassment.  When Mae had finished, Evie thanked her and Bradshaw gave Mae an extra twenty as a tip.

  As soon as the woman had walked away, Bradshaw started chuckling.  "Darlin' I never seen a face as red as yours."

  Evie chucked a cocktail napkin at him as he started laughing outright. 

  "You coulda fried an egg on your face," he choked out.

  That made Evie wad up another napkin and throw it at him.  "Yeah well it's not every day I get a lap dance," she said.

  Bradshaw looked at her suggestively.  "I can give you one every day if you want."

  Evie collapsed in a fit of giggles at the thought of Bradshaw in nothing but a thong, shaking everything he owned in front of her.

  He scowled at her.  "Okay, okay.  It's not that funny."

  "Yes it is," she replied breathlessly as she wiped away the tears in her eyes.

  He glanced at his watch.  "I think it's time to go," he said gruffly.

  They headed back to the hotel.  Evie leaned against his side in the back of the cab.  "Thanks for taking me out," she said with a smile.

  "Not a problem.  You enjoyed yourself?"

  "Yeah I did."

  "And did it take your mind off things?" he asked quietly.

  She stiffened at his question.  "What are you talking about?"

  Bradshaw lifted his arm up and placed it around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him.  "Was I able to get your mind off of whatever's bothering you?  At least for a few hours?"

  Evie relaxed into him.  At least he wasn't going to ask specifics.  He probably had already figured it out anyway.  "Yeah you did.  Especially with that lap dance," she replied.

  Bradshaw smiled.  "Gotta hand it to you, you took that pretty well."

  "Thanks."  She became quiet as the taxi trundled back to the Mirage.  She was glad she had taken her sister's advice. She felt a little more relaxed and hadn't thought about Hunter once in the time she had been out and about with Bradshaw.  She resolutely pushed Hunter out of her mind.  She was not going to let it spoil what was left of the evening. 

  The taxi pulled to a stop in front of the hotel and they got out.  They walked through the atrium to the elevators and got in.  The ride up was quiet.  Bradshaw was hoping the evening wouldn't end, but they both had to get up early to catch flights to the next town for a house show.  He had had a good time.  It's too bad she's so hung up on that jerk Hunter.  Oh well, he thought to himself.  She'll just have to figure it out on her own I guess.

  The elevator stopped at her floor and they both got off and walked towards the room.  Evie stopped outside the door to take her keycard out of her purse.  She looked up at Bradshaw.  "You want to come in for a bit?"

  He looked her over.  She was wearing a black short-sleeved button up shirt, with the top four buttons undone and a black mini-skirt wiht a pair of sensible black heels.  She had left her red hair down and it cascaded over her shoulders.  He felt a stirring of male interest as he quickly looked over her legs and back up to her face.

  "I don't know that that's a good idea darlin'," he responded quietly. 

  "Just for a couple of minutes.  I have something I want to give you anyway."

  Bradshaw nodded his consent and she swiped the key through the door.  They walked into the sitting area and Bradshaw let out a low whistle.  "How the hell did y'all rate a suite?"

  Evie rolled her eyes.  "It was Ric's idea.  You know, since Hunter's the champ, he deserves the best," she said shortly.  She waved her hand towards one end.  "Hunter's room is over there and mine is at the other end."

  Bradshaw nodded and glanced at Evie.  "So what's this about something you have for me?"  He cocked an eyebrow.

   Evie smiled and opened her mouth to reply, but became speechless as Hunter stepped around the corner of the hallway that led to his room. 

  "Yeah Evie, what exactly do you have for Bradshaw?  Another goodbye kiss?"

  He sauntered over to stand in front of the two of them.  "I mean, he did take you out after all.  He at least deserves a kiss don't you think?"  He looked Evie over.  "Or maybe something else?"

  "What the hell are you talking about?" Evie bit out.

  Hunter's eyebrow shot up.  "Well I just figured since Bradshaw paid for you you'd let him enjoy you.  You spread your legs for him once, why not do it again?"  He smirked.  "Isn't that what happened with us?  I paid you money and you slept with me."

  Evie raised a hand to slap Hunter, but Bradshaw beat her to it.  He swung his fist up and connected with the side of Hunter's face.  The momentum caused Hunter to twist around and fall to the floor.  He sat there for a second or two, then recovered and swiftly got to his feet, lunging for Bradshaw.

  Bradshaw was ready for him and planted another punch on the same spot.  Hunter went down again.  Bradshaw leaned over to pull him up so he could have another swing at him, but this time Hunter was ready for him.  He let Bradshaw grab the back of his shirt and when he started standing up, brought his own fist up and delivered a blow to Bradshaw's stomach.  Bradshaw let go of Hunter's shirt as he stumbled back.

  Just as Hunter was about to dispense another blow, Evie stepped between them.  "That's enough!" she yelled.  Hunter's hand was swinging around and she grabbed it around the wrist and rotated his arm down and under.  "I said that's enough!" she yelled again.

  Hunter hissed through his teeth at the pain.  "Let go of me Evie," he growled.

  She steeled herself for anything he might pull.  "Not until you back off."

  "Fine," he said through clenched teeth. 

  Evie let go and stepped back.  Once she was satisfied Hunter wasn't going to do anything, she backed up towards Bradshaw, keeping her eye on Hunter just in case. She quickly glanced over at him.  "You okay?"

  He nodded an affirmative as he stood up.  "You?"

  "My pride is a little hurt, but yeah, I'm okay."  She continued to watch Hunter as Bradshaw straightened up.  "I think you'd better go."

  A stubborn look came into Bradshaw's eyes.  "Not until that asshole apologizes to you."

  Hunter narrowed his eyes.  "I'm not apologizing for anything."

  Bradshaw's temper rose.  "You insulted this woman, now apologize dammit!"

  "Make me," Hunter sneered.

  Bradshaw took a step towards Hunter but Evie held him back.  "He's trying to make you hit him John.  Let it go.  It's not worth it."

  "What's the matter Bradshaw?  Not man enough to make a move?" Hunter taunted.

  Bradshaw adjusted his shirt as he glared at Hunter.  "Nope, too much of a man to waste my time on your sorry ass." 

  "You better go," Evie repeated again as she turned Bradshaw towards the door. 

  "You gonna be okay?" he asked uncertainly.  He didn't want to leave her alone with Hunter. 

  "I can handle Hunter, don't worry," she said so Hunter wouldn't hear.  "I'll be okay."

  Bradshaw looked dubious, but let Evie herd him out the door.  Before Evie could close it, he turned around.  "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

  She gave him a half smile.  "I'll be fine," she assured him.  "Thanks for going out with me tonight.  I had a good time."
  He grinned despite the situation.  "Yeah, me too.  Make sure you call me and let me know you're okay?"

  Evie nodded as she started to close the door.  "I will."

  Bradshaw stared at the closed door for a few moments before heading towards the elevators.  He really didn't like the idea of Evie being alone in there with Hunter.  Despite the fact that Evie could handle herself fairly well, it was Hunter he was concerned about.  The man was at least twice the size of Evie and had a mean streak to boot.  He heaved a sigh as he stepped into the elevator.  All he could hope for was that Evie would let him have it once and for all.

******************

  Evie stalked back into the sitting area and found Hunter where she had left him.  She didn't waste any time and lit right into him.

  "What the fuck is your problem?"

  "Why the hell were you out with him?" Hunter said as he gestured towards the door that Bradshaw had walked out.

  "What difference does it make to you who I go out with?  I have to clear my friends with you now?  And don't give me that Jericho crap either!"

  He rolled his eyes.  "I wasn't going to.  I wanna know why you went out with Bradshaw of all people.  Because he pays attention to you or because he screws you?"

  "Because he's my friend you moron!"

  "You mean a friend with privileges.  And don't call me a moron!"

  Evie glared at him.  "You are a moron!  Not to mention that you're a big insensitive jerk!"  She folded her arms over her chest.  "Nothing matters does it?  Only that damn title means anything to you."

  Hunter loomed over her.  "You're damn right that title means everything to me.  Do you know how hard I worked to get to the top in this company?  Do you?  That title is the result of hard work Evie!  I busted my ass to get where I am!"

  "I don't give a damn about your stupid title!  I don't appreciate the things you said about me!  It was uncalled for!"

  "Well it's true isn't it?  You fucked him once before, why not do it again?  I'm sure the money was better this time around, all though I suppose it pales in comparison to what I pay you.  And I thought the two women I had in the shower were expensive."

  Evie narrowed her eyes.  "Is that all I am to you?  A high-priced whore?"

  Hunter crossed his arms over his broad chest.  "If the shoe fits…"

  Angry hurt crashed through her at his words.  There was no word available to describe Hunter at the moment.  Tears rapidly filled her eyes and she fought to keep them from escaping.  She pressed her lips together in an effort not to cry.  Why was he acting like this?  Was her sister right?  Was he refusing to acknowledge her feelings in hopes that they would go away?  Or maybe he was hoping that she would go away? 

  Evie took a deep breath and blew it out.  Her voice wavered as she spoke.  "Well if that's what you want to think, then I can't change your mind.   You're the only one that can do that Hunter."  She paused to swallow a sob.  "I thought you were different, but I guess I was wrong."  Her tear filled eyes raised to meet his cold ones.  "If that's all I am to you, then I'm sorry I ever said that I was in love with you.  Of course, what did I expect from someone like you?  The only person you're ever going to love is yourself."

  She turned away from him and walked to her bedroom.  As soon as she closed the door, she collapsed on the bed as the tears fell.  Quietly she sobbed into the coverlet.  Why did he have to be so hurtful?  So mean?  It had been completely uncalled for.  She continued to cry, letting all the anger and hurt and frustration out.  When she had finished, she reached for a box of tissues on the dresser and mopped up the last of her tears and blew her nose.  She got up off the bed and walked into the bathroom, tossing the used tissue into the trashcan. 

  Quickly she removed what was left of her makeup and stripped her clothes off.  She ran the water for the shower and as that was warming up, she took her clothes and shoes into the bedroom and dropped them on the chair.  As soon as the shower was ready she got in and stood under the showerhead, letting the hot water sluice over her from head to toe. 

  While she slowly shampooed her hair, she came to the conclusion that her relationship with Hunter was a wash and there was no point in holding onto the hope that he returned her feelings.  After what he had said, it seemed obvious that he didn't.  Her heart twisted as she thought about what he had said.  It hurt horribly.  Worse than when Davis had called her a whore.  Slowly she slid to the bottom of the tub and sat under the cascading water, crying.

**************

  Hunter watched as Evie walked into her room and closed the door.  He turned away and walked to the wet bar where he poured himself a hefty shot of whiskey and downed it in one gulp.  Normally he didn't drink, but after that, he definitely needed one.  He set the glass down on the wood with a bang.  Damn her.  Why did she have to go and tell him that she was in love with him? 

  He grunted as he thought about Bischoff and Flair's suggestions that he let her go as an employee.  He might as well go ahead and do it.  Then he would be able to concentrate on keeping his title and not have to deal with all the emotional crap that came with having a relationship with a woman. 

  Hunter poured another shot in the glass and swallowed it.  He knew he should let her go, but was having a hard time convincing himself that it was the right thing to do.  He put the bottle away and rinsed his glass out in the sink and left it there. 

  He crossed the sitting area and went to his own bedroom.  He peeled back the blankets, removed his clothing, grabbed the television remote and got into bed.  Absent-mindedly, he clicked through the channels.  Finding nothing to watch, he tossed the remote to the floor and lay down.  Evie came to mind as he laid there in the dark.

  He winced as he remembered the look on her face just before she had gone to her room.  And he winced again as he recalled her words. 

  Guess you really nailed the coffin shut on this one jackass. 

************

  Evie was sitting on her bed, having dried off and put on some pajamas.  She picked up her cell phone and dialed Bradshaw's number.  He picked up immediately.

  "Hey darlin'.  You okay?"

  "Yeah I'm all right I guess."

  Bradshaw cringed at the tone of her voice.  It was so lifeless.  "You wanna talk about it?"

  Evie pulled her knees up to her chest.  "Not really.  There's no point.  It doesn't matter anymore."

  "He didn't hurt you did he?"

  "Not physically, no."

  Shit.  I'm gonna kill that bastard.  Bradshaw kept the anger out of his voice however.  "Well if you want to talk, just give me a call okay?"

  "I think I'm just gonna get some sleep for now."

  "Okay darlin'.  I'll talk to you later then."

  "G'night John," she said quietly.  "And thanks."

  "G'night darlin'.  Any time."

  Evie disconnected the call and put the phone on her bedside table.  As she lay down, she pulled the blankets up to her chin.  She lay there quietly, staring up into the dark.

  It doesn't matter anymore.  He's never going to love anyone but himself.  No one else matters to him unless he can get something from them.  She grimaced.  He definitely got something from you didn't he?

  That thought brought on a spike of anger.  She would be damned before she'd let him touch her again.  She'd do her job and that was it.  If he came looking for anything extra, she'd clean his damn clock.  She was finished with him.  She'd make sure he paid the next time he messed with her.   The hell with him.  With fresh determination, she rolled over and closed her eyes.

***********

A/N:  Thanks again for the reviews. Even the one negative one I received.  If you didn't like it, that's cool.  At least you took the time to let me know you found it boring.  I know this chapter is short.  I wanted to get the emotional stuff out of the way first before moving onto the "good" stuff.  And for those of you wondering where Shawn is, don't worry, he'll pop up soon!

On a side note: Check out Disco Inferno's fics!  She's got some excellent stories going on as well as one that is completed.  Keep on writing them girl and I'll keep on reading them!