"Ouch! Would you stop that?" Hunter protested as Evie touched the inflammation on the side of his face. "Nothing is broken, okay?"
"Sorry. I just want to make sure. The light in the limo wasn't very bright," she said as she finished examining it in the light. She was sitting on the bathroom counter with her back to the mirror so she could get a good look at the damage. Hunter was standing in front of her between her legs so she could get as close as possible to look at it. Evie turned to the ice bucket and started putting ice onto a towel.
"Yeah well you don't need to keep poking it. It hurts enough," Hunter responded as he looked over Evie's shoulder to his reflection in the mirror. "Didn't think a snow shovel would hurt so much," he muttered distractedly. His attention was somewhat sidetracked by the fact that he was standing in between Evie's legs. He could feel their warmth against his thighs and that started him thinking about other things. Mentally he rolled his eyes at himself. Here he stood in front of her with a huge red welt across one side of his face, she was being nice enough to help him out and all he could think about was... Well let's leave that thought unfinished, he mused wryly.
Evie closed up the towel and gently pressed it against the angry red mark. Hunter hissed at the pressure. "I could say I told you so, but…" she said softly as she continued to hold the cloth to his face.
"But you're not going to are you?" he asked, his concentration still diverted by her closeness.
"You know as well as I do that when you play rough with the other kids, chances are they'll play rough with you. So no," she replied with a smile. "I'm not going to say I told you so."
He hissed again as she adjusted the ice pack. "Would you stop? It hurts dammit."
"Well what would make it feel better?"
A sudden impulse sprung to mind and a gleam came into his eyes as he looked at her. "I think a kiss would help."
Evie's eyebrow arched up. "A kiss huh? And exactly where would this kiss go?"
His hand covered hers as he pulled it and the ice pack away from his face. "Right here," he said as he pointed to the bruised flesh.
Evie set the makeshift ice pack on the counter and leaned forward. Her lips gently touched the welt.
"Again," he whispered before she could pull back.
"Again? You mean that didn't help at all?" she whispered, her breath hot in his ear.
Hunter shook his head as he restrained himself from shivering. "I think it needs more than just one," he replied.
Once more Evie placed a feather light kiss in the same spot. "Did that help or does it need another one?"
Hunter pulled his head back. "I think I need another one," he said quietly.
She eyed him warily. "I asked you if it needed another one, not you."
"No it doesn't." He inclined his head towards hers. "But I do," he whispered before his mouth came down on hers. His hands gripped her hips, pulling her towards him.
Evie's heart pounded in response to his actions. Her hands clutched his broad shoulders as he explored her mouth with his tongue. Her breathing became rapid and the familiar tingle of excitement began to make itself known. One of her hands crept around the back of his head and her fingers entwined themselves in his hair.
He broke the kiss and his open mouth teased along her jaw line. His tongue flicked across the skin as he moved down along the side of her throat and he felt her shiver. She tilted her head back to give him better access and his tongue played across her warm skin. He returned to her mouth where he sucked on her bottom lip and then plunged his tongue into her mouth again.
Evie involuntarily moaned and his hands tightened their grip on her as he continued to kiss her. Her mind swam in a haze of desire; only wanting this, wanting him. Somewhere, that cautious little voice of common sense that had been plaguing her was stifled as Evie gave in to him. She gasped as he pulled her even closer and their centers came into contact. She could feel the desire there and she wound her legs around him and rubbed against it.
He fought to control himself when he felt her legs wrap around his waist. Hunter disengaged his mouth from hers and proceeded to unbutton her shirt as he kissed the column of her neck repeatedly. When he opened the shirt, his head lowered and he left a trail of kisses down her neck to the top of her bra.
"Hunter..." Evie gasped as she leaned back on her hands to support herself.
Hunter pushed the shirt down over her shoulders as he kissed her neck again. His fingers fumbled with the front clasp of her bra and he managed to open it. Evie's legs tightened around his waist as his mouth found one breast and then the other, while his hands wrapped themselves around her waist. As he continued to lave the soft skin, one hand pulled his head closer, entwining her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. A breathy moan left her lips and he felt a surge of excitement center itself between his legs.
Enough is enough, he thought to himself. Swiftly he gathered her up in his arms and took her into the other room where he laid her on the bed.
"Hunter what...?" she asked breathlessly.
He said nothing as he began removing his clothing and dropping it on the floor.
Evie sat up and clutched her shirt over her exposed flesh. "What are you doing?"
He smirked at her. "What does it look like I'm doing?" He removed his pants and she could see the bulge in his underwear.
"I really don't think this is a..." she trailed off as his underwear dropped to the floor exposing his excitement. "Oh my," she whispered.
He said nothing as he crawled up onto the bed and over her legs. Carefully, he pried her hands apart and removed her shirt and bra. Before she could protest, he pushed her down and proceeded to swiftly strip her of her pants and thong. A growl escaped his throat as he gazed down on her now naked body, a predatory expression on his face.
"Hunter, I don't-"
"Shh," he said as his finger pressed against her mouth. "I'm done playing games. I'm tired of cold showers. No more talking. No more excuses." He moved up and covered her mouth in fierce possession.
Any protest died unspoken on Evie's lips as he kissed her senseless. As he lingered, his hand surreptitiously went to the juncture between her legs. Adept fingers lightly stroked back and forth through the tangle of curls, touching and teasing her sensitive area. His mouth came back to her breasts and he buried his face in them, gently licking and nipping the sensitive skin as his other hand grasped the hair at the nape of her neck, holding her there.
Evie felt the length of him pressed against her thigh, the heat of his mouth on her breast and the touch of his fingers and her heart tripped in desire. She reached down and pressed his head as close to her breasts as possible. The combination of his mouth and fingers had her panting with need.
Suddenly his hand stopped its ministrations. Evie arched her hips towards him, inviting him to keep touching her. When he didn't, she begged him to continue. Instead, a muscular thigh wedged itself between her legs. His mouth continued to coax her as his body pressed against hers, teasing her. He rotated his hips against her and she tilted her head back in response to the sensation.
"Hunter," she whimpered in desire as she opened her thighs for him.
One hand remained buried in the hair at the nape of her neck as the other cupped her backside, bringing her against him tightly. She whimpered against his mouth, begging him to satisfy the excitement he had caused.
He hesitated and then penetrated her in one swift motion. She screamed his name as her hips arched up to meet him. He used long slow thrusts and the motion built and built until Evie thought she would pass out from the pleasure of it. Her long legs wrapped around his hips again and he thrust into her with a steady rhythm. The pressure built and the sensations intensified until Evie called out his name as wave after wave of ecstasy crashed down on her.
Hunter growled in feral response as his teeth sharply bit her shoulder. He felt her convulsions and could no longer contain himself. He groaned harshly as he released himself into her.
When his breathing had slowed a little, he uncoupled himself from her embrace and facing her, draping one arm across her waist and one leg across hers, wrapping himself around her. He nestled his face in the curve of her neck, breathing in her fragrance; the strands of red hair gently tickling his skin. He closed his eyes as he listened to her breath unsteadily. A small smile played across his lips. Despite her weak protesting, she hadn't tried all that hard to resist him. Somehow he didn't think she really wanted to.
Evie simply lay there in quiet contentment, feeling the weight of his arm and leg around her and his breath warm against her neck. She hadn't wanted to give in so soon, but he definitely had made it difficult to resist. A current of excitement coursed through her at the thought of his behaviour. She always enjoyed it when he was aggressive, but this time he seemed almost animalistic. The way he had looked at her... Another delicious shiver traversed her body as she recalled the look on his face. Her eyes closed as she relaxed in his embrace.
Hunter nuzzled her ear as he burrowed his face deeper into her neck. His passion had been sated for now. After all the crap that had happened, he was finally where he wanted to be and felt extremely comfortable and satisfied. Caught up in the moment, the words escaped him before he could think. "I love you," he whispered in her ear.
Evie's body stiffened slightly and her eyes opened. Did he just say what she thought he said? "What?" she asked tentatively.
Hunter remained quiet. He hadn't meant to say that, but as he contemplated it, he realized that he didn't regret saying it. He wanted her more than anything else. The fears, the hesitation and worry of what might happen didn't matter anymore. Nothing mattered but her. "I said I love you," he responded softly.
Evie's heart pounded with excitement. "Hunter," she began, but her voice faltered. The elation she felt overwhelmed her. It was too much for her. She couldn't even speak. Tears formed in her eyes.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I kept wanting to, but somehow I would talk myself out of it." A soft kiss on her neck. "I'm sorry Evie."
She didn't answer him. She couldn't. The tears spilled over and slid down her face. After waiting so long, he had finally told her. Relief and exhilaration roiled inside, feeling like a thousand butterflies had exploded in her stomach.
When she didn't respond, he propped himself up on one elbow so he could look at her. "What's wrong?" he asked when he saw her tears. She shook her head. He reached over and wiped the salty drops from her cheeks. "C'mon, the sex wasn't that bad was it?"
She gave him a watery smile. "No," she gasped. "It wasn't."
"So why are you crying?"
She drew in a ragged breath and slowly released it. "It's just that… well… that was what I wanted to talk to you about." She took another breath. "I mean, you knew how I felt about you, and from the way you've been with me over the past weeks, it seemed that the feeling might be mutual. But I wanted to make sure. Then I'd know whether or not to move on."
"Damn, I'm sorry. And here I was, afraid to say anything at all."
She looked up at him in puzzlement. "Why would you be afraid to tell me?"
Hunter shrugged. "The last time I said that to someone, things got fucked up. I guess I wanted to avoid that again."
A small laugh slipped out of Evie. "Things had been fucked up already. Or had you forgotten?"
He chuckled as well. 'Yeah I guess they were. I wasn't exactly understanding about Bradshaw was I?" He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. "I'm sorry."
She nestled her face against his chest. Her heart was still hammering with glee. "I know how you can make it up to me," she said slyly, not missing a beat.
"Oh yeah? How?" he asked. Not even a second later, he felt a sharp nip on his skin. "Ouch!" He pulled back to look at her. She had an evil smile on her face. "I see. You wanna play rough huh?"
A giggle was her only response. He promptly rolled her over and sat on her, effectively pinning her to the mattress. "Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" he asked mischievously.
"Yes," she whispered. The evil smile had been replaced by desire.
Unable to help himself, Hunter leaned down and gently kissed her. "I love you," he said softly.
"I know," was her response before his mouth claimed hers again.
***************************************
Someone pounded on the door, abruptly waking both Hunter and Evie up. Evie hadn't bothered to go back to her own room last night, preferring to stay with Hunter instead. The loud noise sounded again and Hunter sat up.
Ric's voice came from the other side of the closed door. "Let's go! Get your ass out of bed!"
Evie's eyes widened in panic as Hunter swore under his breath. Quickly, Evie got out of bed and gathered up her things. Hunter opened the adjoining door, but before she could go through it, he grabbed her and gave her a swift kiss. She smiled at him and walked into her room. Hunter quietly closed the door behind her.
The hammering became more insistent. "Wake up champ!" Ric yelled.
Hunter picked up his underwear and quickly pulled it on. As he headed to the door, he silently swore. He was going to kill Ric. He flung it open. "This better be fuckin' good Flair. I was asleep."
Ric plastered his biggest grin on his face. "'Bout damn time you answered the door!" He walked in, glancing around as he did. He noticed Hunter's clothes on the floor and the bed sheets in disarray. "Have your own party last night?"
Hunter smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He ran a hand through his hair. "Why the hell are you beating my door down anyway?"
Ric made a production of looking at his watch. "Gee, it's after 8 o'clock. And we have to make the airport by 9:30." He looked at Hunter. "I thought it was Evie's job to wake you up."
Hunter shrugged. "Usually, but she probably overslept too. Let me go shower and get dressed," he said as he headed to the bathroom.
"Fine. I need to give Batista a call to make sure he meets up with us," Ric said as he sat on the foot of the bed.
Hunter didn't respond. Ric pulled out his cell phone and dialed up Batista. The conversation was short and within minutes, Ric had disconnected the call. As he stood up, his foot kicked something. Ric looked down and noticed that something had entangled his shoe. He bent down and picked the offending item off and held it up. It was a woman's thong. Ric grinned. Well at least he knew why Hunter had overslept.
"Guess he did have his own private party last night; the dog," Ric said to himself.
The bathroom door opened and Hunter came out in a towel. Ric flung the garment at him. Hunter fumbled and caught it in surprise. "What the- where did you find this?" he asked. Evie must have overlooked it when she had scrambled to get her clothes up and out of the room in a hurry.
"Bottom of the bed. Guess you had a rough night last night huh?" Ric asked; a mischievous look in his eyes.
Hunter grinned. "I guess I did," he responded as he stuffed the thong into his bag. He changed the subject quickly. "So Batista is all good to go then?"
"Yeah, I'm meeting up with him after we get situated at the hotel. He said something about Orton wanting in too, but I told him we would consider that."
Hunter nodded as he pulled clean clothes out of his bag. "Sounds good to me. Just let me know the details."
"Don't worry, I will," Ric replied as he walked to the door.
As soon as Ric had left, Hunter took the thong out of his bag and knocked on the adjoining door. Evie opened it a crack, and upon seeing it was Hunter, opened it all the way. "Is he gone?" she asked. She had put on her black robe.
"Yeah." Hunter held up the thong with one finger. "You forgot something."
"Oh shit. Did he find it?"
Hunter nodded. "Don't worry. He thinks I was banging some party girl."
Evie raised her eyebrow as she snatched the garment from Hunter's hand. "Party girl? I see…"
"Hey I didn't tell him anything. He just assumed."
She laughed. "Okay I believe you." She folded the thong up. "We better get going. I didn't realize it was so late."
"Okay, but first…" he said as he pulled her to him and gave her a swift kiss.
Evie playfully pushed him away. "Time for that later. Go get dressed," she said as she walked away to dress and hastily pack her things.
Hunter grinned and went to get dressed.
*************************************************
Evie and Hunter both agreed to keep their relationship under wraps for now. Hunter explained to her that he didn't want her becoming a bigger target than she already might be. That and it wasn't anyone else's business. She had asked him about Ric. He said that he would take care of Ric if anything came up.
They flew first class out of Norfolk, heading to the next house show in Fort Myers Florida. Evie sat in her seat as she went through the expenses for the past week. Two rows in front of her, Hunter was catching a quick nap. As she added everything up, someone sat down in the seat next to her. She glanced over and inwardly groaned as she saw Ric.
"What can I do for you Ric?" she asked brusquely.
Ric settled back into the seat. "Oh nothing. Just thought I'd keep you company." He peered down at what she was doing. "Expense report?"
"Yeah and I really need to get this finished so I can send it in when we get to Fort Myers." She dropped the hint, hoping he'd get it.
He didn't. And even if he did, he wasn't giving any indication of leaving. Instead he leaned his head back against the headrest and looked at her. "So are you going home for the holidays?"
Evie turned her attention back to the papers in front of her. "Yes I am," she responded shortly. She still didn't trust Ric even though he had apologized. He had kept his distance and been polite, but underneath she felt like he was always watching her.
"Yeah it'll be nice to have a couple weeks off, see family and friends. Is everyone in your family back in Chicago?"
"Most of them." She started adding up numbers and scribbling them in with her pencil.
"You stay with your folks or do you have your own place?" he asked, keeping up the conversation. He knew she really didn't want to talk to him, but he didn't care. He was still trying to guess what was with her and Hunter. He figured basic conversation was a good place to start trying to get back on her good side; that and people sometimes revealed things in casual conversation without knowing it.
She kept writing. "I have my own place. I normally stay at my folks' house on Christmas Eve."
"Is it just your immediate family or do they have everyone over for the holidays?"
Evie looked up at him. "I really don't have time for this Ric. I need to get this finished and sent as soon as possible, so if you don't mind?" she replied tartly. Apparently he wasn't getting the hint and she was tired of trying to be polite.
"Okay, okay. I know when I'm not wanted," he half joked as he stood up. "I'll leave you alone."
She gave him a terse smile. "Thanks, I appreciate it." She shook her head as he walked away to his own seat. Must be old age, she thought wryly. They always say that hearing is the first thing to go.
They landed and made it to the hotel with no problems. Ric kept his distance from Evie, preferring to talk with Hunter instead. As soon as Ric had disappeared into his room, Evie sighed in relief.
Hunter looked at her. "What was that for?"
"Just glad he's gone," she simply replied.
"Why? Did he do something?"
Evie shrugged. "No, I just want you all to myself," she replied with a grin.
Hunter smiled and shook his head. "Sorry, but you'll have to wait."
They had reached their rooms by this time and Evie swiped the key through the lock. "And why is that?" she asked as she opened the door and went in.
Hunter walked into his room, dumped his luggage and opened the adjoining door. He heard the lock click and the other door opened, revealing Evie on the other side. "Because I want to workout before we go tonight," he said.
"Fine, be that way," she pouted.
"Fine, I will," he said as he proceeded to unpack his bags.
Evie leaned against the doorjamb. "What about later?"
"Later? Hmmm… Later… We'll see." He turned to smirk at her.
She stuck her tongue out at him and went to unpack her swimsuit. He laughed in response as he changed into a pair of track pants and a tank. He picked up his belt and a towel and walked into her room. He was treated to the sight of her in her thong and nothing else.
"Oh the hell with this," he muttered as he dropped the towel and the belt and picked her up instead.
Evie let out a yelp as he scooped her up and tossed her face down on the bed. "I thought you were going to go work out before we leave for the arena," she said as she rolled onto her side.
"Something suddenly came up," he joked as he removed his clothes and then jumped onto the bed. He pulled her to him and she laughed as his mouth came down on hers.
******************************************
Evie saw Shawn a couple times Saturday night at the house show, but he didn't approach her and she said nothing to him. She still thought he was out of order for saying those things to her last Monday. She was aware that he knew Hunter better than most people, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Shawn might be jealous. Hunter was where Shawn had been 5 years ago. Maybe he was trying to relive his glory days. Maybe he wanted one last shot at greatness. Maybe he was just being a jerk.
Armageddon arrived Sunday night, in more ways than one. Kane never stood a chance against Batista. Especially since Batista had Ric Flair in his corner to distract the ref long enough for Batista to get the pin. Ric invited Batista to share Hunter's locker room since he was going to be a part of the team.
Evie didn't mind Batista so much; he kept to himself and was quiet most of the time, but Ric was driving her nuts. He was still trying to talk to her about what she was doing for the holidays. Finally she told Hunter that if he didn't shut Ric up, she was going to pull her hair out and use it to strangle Ric. She informed Hunter that she was going to go down to catering, just to get away from Ric for a few minutes. Hunter told her to be careful.
As soon as she had left, Hunter pulled Ric aside and asked him to leave Evie alone. Ric acquiesced, stating that he was just trying to be friendly. Hunter said he understood, but to lay off for now.
Evie ambled down to the catering area, picked up water for Hunter, something for her and sat down at one of the folding tables. She started rubbing her temple with one hand, trying to massage away the headache she had gotten from listening to Ric. The man didn't know how to take no for an answer. It was aggravating. No matter how many times she had told him she was busy, he had kept on talking.
She propped her elbows on the table and rested her head in her hands. Closing her eyes, she took a couple deep breaths and tried to relax. The scraping sound of a chair being pulled out made her look up. Bradshaw beamed at her.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in!" he exclaimed.
Evie grinned and leaned over to hug him. "I was going to say the same about you," she replied. "When did you get here and why didn't you call me?"
He hugged her back. "I got in this afternoon," he said as he let go of her and sat back. "I called but all I got was your voicemail. Didn't you check it?"
Evie shook her head. "No. I'm sorry. I was a bit distracted today."
"Distracted? With what?"
Evie's cheeks reddened slightly. "With… things," she replied evasively.
Bradshaw's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Things, huh? I gather 'things' means you're talking about Hunter."
"Yeah," she croaked as the blush intensified.
"I'm assuming you talked to him about a few things and…" Bradshaw trailed off. He sort of wanted to know where things stood with Evie and Hunter, and then again he didn't.
Evie took a breath. "We talked and things are fine." She was reluctant to tell Bradshaw that Hunter had confessed he was in love with her. She didn't want to cause him any more pain.
"Darlin', exactly what did you talk about?" He may as well find out and get it over with. The longer he put it off, the more it would hurt. He reached over and took her hand. "I want you to be honest with me."
She dropped her gaze to the table top. "Are you sure?" she asked tentatively.
"If I wasn't I wouldn't have asked would I?"
Her eyes rose to meet his and the words came out rapidly. "He's in love with me."
Bradshaw let go of her hand as he sat back. He nodded his head. "I see. Well, I can't say I'm not surprised."
Her heart twisted in response to his words. She knew how he felt about her. "I'm sorry Bradshaw."
Bradshaw looked at her and saw the compassion in her eyes. "You ain't got nothin' to be sorry for Evie. You can't help who you fall in love with. Don't apologize for your feelings."
"I didn't want to hurt you... "
Bradshaw interrupted. " I told ya darlin', I'm a grown man. If I get hurt, I get hurt. But there's one thing I wanna know."
She looked at him, compassion still apparent in her eyes. "What's that?"
A half smile appeared. "Can we still be friends?"
"Are you sure you want that?" she asked with concern.
Bradshaw laughed. "Would I have asked if I wasn't?" His expression became a bit more serious and leaned forward and took her hand again. ""Sides, I'd rather have ya in my life as my friend than not at all."
************************************
Evie was walking back to Hunter's dressing room, still thinking about Bradshaw. She felt bad for him, but he had been right; you can't help who you fall in love with. It wasn't as if she had gone into this job planning on falling in love. It had just happened. She fervently hoped he would find someone too.
She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she jumped as a hand snaked out and caught her by the upper arm as she came around the corner. She looked up to see who it was.
"What the hell do you want?" she snarled.
Shawn smiled. "Easy there doll. I just wanna talk to you."
"Let go of me then," she replied.
Shawn let go of her arm and stepped back. "Whatcha up to?"
Evie eyed him warily. "What do you care? I thought I told you to stay away from me. Or have you grown up?"
He smirked. "I might have gown up. It depends though."
"Depends on what? she asked testily.
"Depends on if you've thought about what I told you last Monday. Did you think about what I said or did you just brush it off?"
Evie tilted her head to one side. "I did think about it and you know what?" Shawn shrugged in response and she continued. "I think you're pissed because I see things in Hunter that you don't and never will. I see something worthwhile there and all you see is an arrogant, conniving man who will step on anyone and everyone to get what he wants."
Shawn grimaced as he stepped closer. "You know what? You're absolutely right. He steps on everyone and gets away with it. I'm pissed because that man gets things handed to him while I had to work my ass off for them. Why should he be given that title?" Shawn's voice dropped a couple octaves. "Why should he get to be with someone he doesn't deserve?"
Evie's eyes widened slightly. "Is that what this is all about Shawn? Hunter gets someone while you get nothing?"
"This is about the fact that he is just using you until someone better comes along." Shawn paused while a gofer passed by and then he leaned closer to her. "And you're right, he gets someone he's not worthy of while I get nothing!" he spat out.
Evie became angry. Shawn was so fixated on proving to her that Hunter was an ass that he didn't seem to care who he hurt in the process. She already knew Hunter was fully capable of being a complete jerk, but that didn't make her love him any less, which seemed to be what Shawn was trying to accomplish. The question was, why?
"My relationship with him is none of your damn business Shawn! Who the hell do you think you are to tell me who I should and shouldn't be with!" She took a breath and continued. "You talk about him using me, but who's really using who here Shawn? Huh?"
Shawn smirked again. "Maybe Hunter would be interested in finding out exactly who was behind that videotape? Or the fact that you and I have been talking to each other for quite some time? I'm assuming that you never told him you had been talking to me when he treated you badly." When she didn't respond, he took her silence to mean that she hadn't told Hunter anything. "I'm sure he'd love to know," he sneered.
"You are a bastard." She glared at him. "I don't give a damn about you Shawn. Not anymore. You've proved to me that you're not beneath using people to your advantage. That's what you're doing here isn't it? You'll use whoever you can against him and not care who you hurt along the way. You're just as bad as he is." She turned and continued walking back to Hunter's locker room.
"Just like I told you doll; be careful of who you trust," he said loudly to her retreating back.
Shawn leaned back against the wall. "Damn," he muttered to himself. It was obvious that Evie wasn't going to budge and inch where Hunter was concerned. Apparently anything Shawn said was ignored. She obviously didn't care about Hunter's track record and he was tired of caring what happened to people that were involved with Hunter. He shook his head. "Guess she'll just have to find out the hard way then because I'm done." He pushed away from the wall and walked off, not noticing the person standing against the wall around the corner, who had heard every word of their conversation.
***************************************
Hunter tried to find out what was wrong with Evie. She had come back from catering with a scowl on her face. When he had asked her, she told him she didn't want to talk about it at the moment. As she said that, her gaze drifted over to Ric, who was quietly conversing with Batista. Hunter took the hint and told her they'd talk later.
Evie settled herself in one corner of the sofa to watch Hunter's match with Shawn. Just before he had left for the ring, she tapped him on the shoulder.
"What?" he asked.
"Make sure you beat his ass," was all she said.
Hunter stared after her as she retreated to the sofa. It wasn't like her to say something like that, but he shrugged it off. He needed to focus his attention on the match.
The first part of the match was the Street Fight. Steel chairs, trash cans and various other things were brought out and both men proceeded to pummel one another with the items as well as with their fists. Shawn somehow managed to get his hands on the flaming barbed wire 2"x4" that Hunter had brought out and he used it against him. Hunter's face was bleeding profusely and in seconds, his face was covered Unfortunately it didn't give Shawn any advantage and Hunter Pedigreed and pinned Shawn for the first match.
As the cage came down for the second match, Hunter filled as much of the ring as he could with tables and chairs. Shortly after the cage came down, Shawn's head was busted open and his face covered in blood. Both men climbed to the top of the cage trying to escape when Ric ran down to ringside, having been banished earlier, and started setting up tables under Shawn and Hunter. Neither man made it down to the tables, instead they returned to the ring, whereupon Ric climbed into the ring as well where he was savagely beaten by Shawn. Shawn tossed Ric out of the ring and turned back to Hunter. The two men went back and forth for a bit before Shawn tossed Hunter onto one of the tables Ric had set up earlier. Shawn then climbed to the top of the cage and jumped off, landing on Hunter and putting him through the table. Shawn got the pin and won the second match.
Immediately going into the Ladder Match, Shawn began using a 12 foot ladder on Hunter, battering him with it. Hunter recovered and both men set up a ladder and climbed up to grab for the belt, which had been suspended over the ring. They stood on the second to the top rung and began punching each other. Both men knocked each other off the ladder and landed in the ring with a huge thud. Again they tried setting the ladders up and again they both knocked each other down. Hunter lay on the mat, barely moving while Shawn clambered to his feet and set up a ladder under the belt. As he climbed up and was within reach of the belt, Hunter recovered enough to push the ladder over. There was a collective gasp and roar from the audience as Shawn crashed into the double stack of tables that had been set up earlier. Shawn lay still. He wasn't moving at all. While Lawler and J.R. were screaming that Shawn could be incapacitated, Hunter reset the ladder, slowly climbed to the top and snatched the title from the hook.
He leaned over the top of the ladder, catching his breath as the paramedics ran down to check on Shawn. Hunter regained his energy to climb back down the ladder and leave the ring. More paramedics came out to check on both Hunter and Flair. They assisted both men to the back while the others still worked on Shawn.
Evie had sat on the edge of the sofa, nervously biting a fingernail as the medics assisted Hunter. As soon as she saw them disappear behind the curtain, she stood up and looked at Batista. "I'm going down to the triage area."
"Might be better if you stay here. They'll just kick you out," Batista said in his gravelly voice. "Besides, Hunter was able to walk out. He'll be okay."
"I suppose you're right. This crap makes me so damn nervous sometimes." She started packing her and Hunter's things up.
"They'll come get us when they're ready to get him out of there," Batista said as he watched her. He leaned back into the sofa. "So how long have you been Hunter's assistant?"
She flashed a brief smile at him. "Since he was rehabbing in Birmingham, so it's been over a year."
"Wow. That long?" he said as he continued to watch her.
Evie chuckled. "You make it sound like a bad thing."
He also laughed. "You mean it's not?"
She straightened up. "Well, he has his bad moments just like everyone else. But on the whole, he's not a bad person once you get to know him."
Batista nodded. "Yeah I suppose not. I just don't want to tread on anyone's toes right now, being the new guy and all," he said with a grin. "So far he and Ric have been cool."
"Mmhmm," was Evie's response. She didn't want to say anything about Ric.
"You don't like Ric do you?" Batista asked abruptly.
Evie finished zipping up her bag. "It's not that I don't like him, I just don't care to be around him."
Batista eyed her. "Because of what happened in the hotel that night?"
She sighed. "Ric told you I'm assuming?" When Batista nodded, she continued. "I did like him at first, but now I don't trust him. He knows that."
Batista said nothing. Before Evie could finish closing up Hunter's bag, the door opened and Hunter and Ric came in. Hunter glanced over at Evie. "We need to get going."
She tossed him a shirt to put on and quickly gathered up their things. The four of them headed out to the limo and got in. On the way back to the hotel, Ric suggested a celebration, but Hunter nixed the idea, claiming that he was tired and wanted sleep. Ric said they could celebrate tomorrow instead.
They made it to their rooms and as soon as Hunter walked in his, he flopped down on the bed. Evie followed him in, dropped his things on the floor, unlatched the adjoining door on his side and went to her room. She left her things on the bed and unlocked the door on her side and opened it. Hunter was still sprawled out on the bed. She walked over and nudged his leg with her knee.
"What?" he rasped.
"You want some help or are you going to sleep in your gear?" she asked quietly.
"Some help would be nice," he responded.
She helped him get out of his boots, braces, trunks and into bed. As she pulled the blankets up, he looked at her. "Well I kicked his ass and got my title back."
Evie smiled at him. "And you scared the hell out of me in the process, but alls well that ends well I guess," she said as she smoothed the hair away from his face.
He closed his eyes and sighed. "That feels nice."
She chuckled. "Do you want company tonight or no?"
"As long as you don't expect anything from me, I'd like the company."
She disappeared into her room and came back minutes later in a nightshirt. She switched the lights off in both rooms and climbed in next to him. No sooner had she lain down than he was nestled up against her side, his head resting on her shoulder. She smiled and her hand came up to stroke his hair. Hunter let out a contented sigh at the feel of her hand smoothing back his hair.
Goodnight Hunter," she whispered and then kissed his forehead.
He sighed again. "G'night Evie." He fell silent.
Evie continued to stroke his hair, closing her own eyes. Hunter draped one arm over her waist and pulled her against him, nuzzling his face in the side of her neck. "I love you," he murmured sleepily.
"I know," she whispered in return.
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A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews! You guys totally rock and I'm overjoyed that you all continue to keep reading!
Iccess-america: As you can see, yeah Shawn is a bit jealous. And I just can't stay away from Ric's sick fascination either. I dunno why, but he's always seemed like the "dirty old man" to me.
Jessi: Thanks girl! Glad you're happy with it. Hope you're happy with this one too!
Erica: Thanks for sticking with the story! Glad you enjoyed Chapter 40. Hope you enjoyed this one too.
Disco Inferno1: Aww shucks! *goes all red* Thanks! Hope you like this one too. Yeah, can't stay away from the tension. Sexual or otherwise. Heh heh heh. Shawn will continue to take that interesting turn, but you'll just have to keep reading to find out where it goes.
Vronica03: Shawn does make some good points. And yeah, Hunter is so damn cute! The thing with Flair will be coming back soon. Thanks for the compliment too! Glad you think it rocks!
Psycho: Okay, they're done teasing each other and you. Heh heh heh. Hope it was worth the wait! Glad you're still enjoying this!
MsLessa: Much thanks! I'm happy you keep coming back for more!
Xtreme-Jewell: Aww thanks! Glad you're still enjoying it!
Princess-Muse: Thanks! I can't wait for the next chapter either. Things should keep going between Shawn and Hunter and then there's the added strain of Steiner coming up too.