Chapter 7

Mark was out at his tag match with Luther…Kurt was sitting next to Riley, when he heard a noise…something similar to a whimper…Kurt looked over and Riley was slowly waking up…Kurt helped Riley sit up and he looked at her…her eyes were a little glossy.

Riley looked around and said, "Where's Mark?" Kurt smiled as he sat down next to her and said, "He's out doing his match with Luther." Riley nodded as she leaned over and rested her head against Kurt's shoulder. Kurt didn't mind…She was a sweet girl…and Mark liked her more then he was willing to admit…Kurt wished he'd get his head out of his ass…because Kurt could clearly tell that Riley was reciprocating the feelings back.

Kurt said, "How's your eye and cheek feeling?" Riley shrugged and said, "It's numb…but I can still feel the ache in it a little." Kurt said, "Mark will be glad you're awake…you really scared him." Riley said, "I wish he'd show some kind of emotion more often…I feel like the redheaded step-child. We've shared a few kisses and afterwards I always feel like it wasn't the right thing to do, because he doesn't say anything…he just walks away."

Kurt said, "Mark likes you…He likes you a lot more then he's willing to let on…Riley honey…he seems to think that he's not good enough for you." Riley pouted a little and said, "Why on earth would he EVER think that?" Kurt said, "Because he's just a professional wrestler…you're an AMA certified doctor. He thinks you deserve someone who's exactly like you."

Riley looked down at her hands in her lap and said, "I don't want someone like me…How can I make him understand that?" Kurt said, 'Don't worry about it…It will come to you when you least expect it."

Mark and Luther walked through the door and Mark saw Riley sitting up talking with Kurt as he moved around the room, as Luther taped up his hands and wrists, and he pulled on some shorts…The arena emptied and Mark was stretching and moving around.

Luther and Kurt went out to the ring area and sat down with the rest of the wrestlers…John and Cynthia stayed in the back with Mark and Riley…Mark placed his elbows and forearms on the wall, and pushed his head down between his arms to stretch every thing really good. Riley walked over and touched Mark's arms…he looked down at her and his green orbs were glowing.

Riley said, "Mark you really don't have to do this…It's just Rob…He'll never stop being an asshole…" Mark said, "I don't care if Rob will never stop being an asshole…I won't have him disrespecting you or any other woman in this organization or world…I don't care who he is." Riley caressed his cheek and said, "You don't have to save the entire world superman…You're not the only one that can help save people."

Mark touched her hand and kissed the palm of her hand and said, "Someone has too…It might as well be me." Riley stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek and said, "Try not to kill him…ok." Mark said, "I promise nothing." Riley giggled as her and Cynthia walked out to the ring area and sat by Kurt and Luther.

Mark and John walked out and John helped him pull the boxing gloves on…Rob walked out all cocky and winked at Riley…who in turn stuck her finger down her throat like she was gagging…Mark smirked at her for her good natured attitude.

The boxing match started and Vince actually came down to watch it. Rob was not too bad even if he is half a foot shorter then Mark. They were going at it pretty good until Rob decided to throw in a low blow of sorts…In other words he planted his boxing glove covered fist in Mark's poor unprotected crotch.

Mark hit his knees as the referee gave Rob a time out…John got in the ring to check on Mark…Luther jumped to his feet and yelled, "LAY OFF HIS NUTS YOU PSYCHO!"

Mark said, "Am I supposed to be seeing stars?" John said, "When someone flattens your nuts like that…it's to be expected…" Mark said, "Okay just checking…" Mark recomposed himself and came back to beat the living shit out of Rob…Knocking him out with 3 left punches…considering Mark was a south paw…3 lefts and your shit is to the wind.

Mark left the arena before any one could really congratulate him…he just wanted to go to his apartment in Auburn and relax until the Smackdown house show on Friday…and of course lick his wounds.

Riley was disappointed to know he left without saying anything to her…she talked to Kurt and got his Auburn address and decided to give Mark a little visit.