Okay, peoples, I dug deep down and booyah, Chapter 18 was born. Shorter than I wanted but hell, I attempted to make up for it..you'll catch my draft, lol. Chapter 19 will HOPEFULLY be longer but I really hope this won't disappoint in any way. If it does, yell at me in reviews..I try to take advice. :-P Enjoy and thanks for everyone's support! The IM's and e-mails I've gotten are wonderful, I feel so famous! So, again, thanks!

-Emily

Chapter Eighteen: "Within Temptation"

She could do this..she could do this, she just had to. She had to face this..it was only walking down the fucking hallway. But the already trembling Trish Stratus found this simple task a growing concern. If only Amy was with her..she would help. Of course, the said rehead was off somewhere with Stacy and here she was, left alone to attempt to sneak past Randy Orton unnoticed. Easier said than done. The St. Louis native seemed to sense her presence the second she stepped anywhere near him and it would be no different today. His back already facing her, all she had to do was keep her head down and just leave, hightail it the moment she was past his table. Right..that would work, it had to. Trish took a deep breath and forced her seemingly heavy legs to carry her briskly towards Randy, who still hadn't looked up from whatever he was reading. Good! He better stay that way. If he even dared to look up..fuck..he did. Silent curses were whispered under the Diva's breath and it was amazing that he didn't hear. Randy's lips curled into a sinister smirk as he eyed Trish slowly, closing the book he had previously been occupied with. She braced herself for whatever he'd throw her way..she knew he had to have something up his sleeve. He pushed up from the table and approached her gently, staring down into her widened eyes, his shimmering orbs telling her everything that his lips dared to speak. Randy mouthed the silent words "Meet me later" before walking off, not forgetting to rub himself up against her as he moved past. Trish squeezed her eyes shut at the simple touch, her glossed lips parting as she let out a soft breath. How in the hell was she supposed to find him later if he gave her no specifics at all? She knew nothing of where to go nor did she know what time. He had to be joking..and after all the shit he'd pulled a few days ago with her in the hall, trapping her in so that she couldn't move then threatening her relationship with Dave Batista and kissing her like that..how could he even assume that she'd want to be alone with him later. Trish ran steady fingers through her long blonde hair and bit down on her bottom lip, absently chewing the soft flesh as she stared off in thought. This wasn't going to be a pleasant evening..she had that terrible feeling already aching in the pit of her stomach..

It was already nine o'clock by the time Randy had showered and gotten dressed, which meant that the show would be ending in an hour. He spent the next five minutes fixing his hair and lightly spraying a gentle colonge onto his body, smirking at his reflection as he picked at the first three buttons of his shirt, undoing them so that he could tease a certain Canadian blonde with the sight of his olive skin. He knew that Dave was nowhere to be found tonight, due to a recent sprained ankle that was keeping him out of action for this week. This left Trish Stratus all to himself..that is, if he could get her alone. Randy sent another glance to the handsome reflection staring back at him before slipping out into the almost abandoned hallways, well aware that Trish had finished her match about fifteen minutes ago and that he might just catch her before she left. A flash of blazing red hair caught him off guard, the fiery color shimmering out of the corner of his eye. Randy was thankful for Amy Dumas' noticeable appearance, realizing that his gorgeous victim was in the presence of the redhead. He made his way over silently, neither of the beautiful Divas noting the oncoming sight of Randy. Amy must've felt someone's eyes on her as she turned in her chair, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"We were just talkin' about you," she smirked, well aware of Trish's horrified expression from across the table.

"All good things I'm sure," Randy grinned, raising his eyebrows suggestively at the redhead he was now towering over.

"Mm, maybe.." Amy replied, reaching over to offer a seat to him.

"No thanks, sweetheart, I'm just here to ask your friend to join me for something to eat.." Trish fiddled with her bag, sending a desperate gaze over to the Diva across from her, hoping that she caught the horror in her eyes. But Amy pretended to miss the look from the blonde, sending a sly look up at the handsome man hovering above her.

"I'm sure she'd like that..right, Trishy?" The Canadian sent a deadly glare to the redhead before pushing up from the table, slinging the heavy gym bag over her shoulder.

"No. I've gotta go." Amy reached over and took her arm tightly into her grasp, stopping her friend from getting any further away.

"No you don't. You're free tonight..go have some fun!" Trish fought the urge to choke the living hell out of Amy, who was now mouthing silent reasons why she should just go out with Randy. She'd never live this down and all hope was soon lost at putting up a fight..she knew she couldn't win against her opposing Diva.

"Fine." Randy nodded slowly, peering down at the only seated person at the table.

"Great..I'll meet you in five minutes at the front of the arena," he smiled, ignoring the roll of her eyes before watching Trish stomp off, chuckling softly as he seated himself beside Amy. He took the redhead's hand in his and massaged her fingers slowly, the grin on his face never ceasing as he traced patterns against her skin. "I should really be thanking you right now," Randy laughed.

"Just do so by buying me another soda," Amy smiled, reaching for her empty cup with her free hand.

"Alright..what would you like?" Hazel orbs dimmed as she chewed her finger in thought.

"Uh..just get me some ice water," she smiled, well aware that her cheeks were suddenly burning as she looked down to study the movements on her skin.

"You betcha. I'll be right back, sweetie." He left with a wink and briskly made his way out of sight to fetch her some more water, leaving Amy blinking with wonder. Well aware of Randy's lady loving tactics, the redhead excused the thoughts of his caresses. She didn't think he did it in a flirtatious way, but then again, one could never be sure about his hidden meanings. Amy shook away the thoughts and stretched in her seat, smiling to herself as she imagined what Trish was doing at this very moment..she was probably damning her to a painful eternity in hell. The redhead let out a gentle laugh, shaking her head in what was silent amusement. Trish had better not chicken out on this..

xxxxx

Dark eyes fluttered shut as he lay awake in the darkness, listening to the soft breathing of his lover as she drifted into an embracing sleep. He could still smell the sweat hanging thick in the air from two bodies as they entangled themselves in each other and made love until it was impossible to continue..and he could smell her gentle perfume. Oh, that was the worst..taking in her scent as she lay beside him, seeming to carelessly roll onto her side after repeatedly giving herself to him. John Cena turned his head to stare at the outline of Stacy, her beautiful features illuminated by the soft lights creeping in through the open door. By God she was angelic. She lit his heart on fire and burned every inch of his aching soul..she tore him into a thousand seemingly unmendable pieces but assured him salvation the moment she put her hands on his body. He hated her so much more than words could ever describe, yet at the same time the thought of her leaving his life made him afraid. John bit down on his lip as fought against the pains seering through his hollow chest. How did it get this far? How could he let himself fall in love with her? Why, just why, did it have to happen? The answers to these questions could possibly never be answered. There was really no explanation as to why someone falls in love with that one person and not another. He knew this all too well..he'd only ran that over in his mind a billion times. It wasn't his fault that Stacy had taken him captive..what was his fault was letting her just..do him like that. Crawl into his bed and make love to him without once ever telling him that she at least cared something for him. He was in the fucking dark about every damn thing she felt. About Orton, about them, everything. John clutched his head roughly as if to squeeze any remaining thoughts from his mind..sleep was needed..there'd be more time to think. Just fall into another reality for a few hours..and boy were those moments a small form of salvation to him..

"When did you make breakfast?" John looked up from his plate to rest his eyes on the sleepy yet still beautiful face of Stacy Keibler, who was leaning against the doorframe to the kitchen as if it were her only way of standing.

"Uh, about ten minutes ago. I made your favorite..pancakes." The frazzled blonde smiled in spite of her exhaustion, a gentle tingle errupting in her empty stomach.

"You didn't have to do that.." she whispered, watching him with admiration.

"It's fine," he shrugged, looking back down at his food without even so much as a smile. Stacy swallowed thickly. She knew that something was bothering him a lot and she wished that she knew exactly what.

"Thank you sweetie," she purred, walking forward to press gentle kisses against his neck. John closed his eyes to mask the pain that shone through his vibrant blue orbs at the tender touch of her soft lips. His breath momentarily caught in his chest as he attempted to stifle back a barely audible moan, his eyes still tightly shut.

"You're..welcome," he whispered, letting out his captive breath thankfully once she'd stepped away. He watched her gather up a large portion of the breakfast he'd made then plop down at the table, a sweet smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Stacy watched him as he gathered up his now empty plate, a stony expression shadowing his usually bright features.

"Is, uh, something wrong?" she asked, swallowing a large piece of her pancake.

"Just really tired," John lied, standing to place his dirty dishes in the sink. "I'm not sleepin' too well anymore."

"Do you know why?"

"If I did, I would at least be able to get some rest, you would think," he replied, his deep voice bitter with sarcasm and slight annoyance. Stacy was taken aback by the tone of voice he'd used with her and it didn't take him long to regret it. "I'm sorry Stace..I-I just ain't feelin' too talkative, that's all," John apologized, receiving a surprised gaze from the beautiful woman seated before him.

"I understand..just go back to bed and try to catch some sleep.." He nodded in reply and forced himself to smile at her before retreating back to the bedroom, shutting the door quietly before collapsing onto the inviting sheets as if he hadn't slept in forever. John snuggled down and closed his eyes, his mind wandering back to all the haunting subjects he attempted to avoid when resting. He never seemed to be able to fight the thoughts. Why had Stacy decided to come back to West Newbury with him for the next few days? He wanted to know the answer to that question. He could think of a few reasons but none of them were entirely positive. John let out a forced breath before burying himself deeper into the covers, his heart sinking in his chest..this could only get worse from here.

xxxxx

Trish Stratus flipped her hair in an attempt to ignore the trembles in her lips from the devilish stares that Randy Orton was sending her. If he didn't stop her dinner fork would find itself buried in his fucking eyes. The annoying glances hadn't seemed to cease since the moment they had arrived at this God forsaken resturaunt and found themselves seated in a seemingly secluded area lit by candles. She could barely chew her steak because of the stares burning into her and she was about to hit rock bottom with him. Trish dropped her silverware with a dramatic clutter, her own glare sent over to the man who was now gaping at her outburst.

"Stop. It. Now," she hissed, an accusing finger raised and aimed toward his face.

"Stop what?" Randy asked nonchalantly, cutting into his salad as if she had asked him a casual question.

"Fucking staring at me as though I'm a goddamn painting on fucking display," Trish practically shouted, her fork now pointed at him.

"Uh, wow..calm the hell down, Trish--"

"I can't! You're annoying me! I don't even want to be here!"

"Then why the hell are you!" Silence followed his suddenly shouted question, a few trembles traveling coolly down Trish's spine as if a piece of ice had been unwantingly slipped into her top.

"Because Amy--"

"Do you always do every fuckin' thing she wants!" Randy whispered, the tone he used so cold that her body shivered once again.

"No..I just..I'd never live it down.." Trish squeaked, an embarrassed flush creeping into her cheeks.

"Or did you just use that as an excuse to come and be with me without it seeming obvious?" The Canadian cleared her throat in a nervous attempt to somehow escape a reason to answer him. So what? It wasn't as if she knew her honest intentions. Randy gathered from her sudden lack of communication that he'd struck a conflict within the blonde before him. He let out a sigh before requesting the check from the waitress, ignoring the questioning glances from Trish. He payed the bill then pushed up from the table without a single warning to her, totally ignoring her calls of confusion. Trish gathered her things and followed after him, her eyebrows furrowed in both anger and surprise.

"Couldn't you fucking wait for me? Or at least tell me you wanted to go?" she asked in a huff, throwing her purse onto her shoulder while sending him a glare. Nothing was said in reply as he continued on towards his car, ignoring the fact that he usually opened the door for the Diva. Trish jumped into the car before he decided to lock the doors on her and take off, leaving her alone in the night. The ride wasn't exactly the most comfortable situation for the beautiful Canadian but she found it in her to stop fidgeting in her seat. She was bothered by his sudden silence and she had the urge to scream into the annoying quietness. "Are you going to say something?" Nothing. "What is your problem!" Once again, nothing. Trish bit down on her lip to the point that her own blood filled her mouth. "Randy!"

"What!" he growled, slamming on his breaks after he turned down an abandoned side road.

"Say something! You're acting so fucking weird!"

"You expect me to be fuckin' happy when you're actin' like a bitch?"

"You expect me to be anything more? The last time we were together, you jumped on me against my will!" she cried, her eyes filling with hot tears unexpectedly. Randy gripped the steering wheel as he bit down on his own lip.

"Then why in the fuck did you kiss me back?" Trish's tears were now falling down onto her face, her head shaking violently back and forth.

"I don't KNOW!" she screamed, her yells sending shock waves through Randy's system. He stared over in her direction with soft eyes before unhooking his seat belt to reach over and wipe at her face. "Stop it.."

"No..no, I don't want to see you like this. I-I..I'm sorry, okay? I don't know what the fuck came over me in that hallway," he whispered, his soft fingertips now exploring her face delicately after tracing the streaks of tears that had ran down her cheeks. Trish burst into hysteria at the feel of his warmth, ducking her head down to conceal her sobs.

"Don't t-touch me like that! Jesus Randy, I don't want to feel like this! Just stop now!" she screamed again, pounding her fists into his firm chest as he attempted to take her into his arms. Trish couldn't fight him any longer as she collapsed, her face buried into him as she gasped for air. Randy stroked her hair softly and whispered comforting words into her ear until her cries became nothing more than a bitter silence that hung around them like a plague..neither of them seemed to be able to find the ability to speak. She realized just exactly what she was doing and a hot flush washed over her body, causing her cheeks to drain of all their color as she stared up at Randy, who was looking down at her strangely. "I..uh, think we should get back.."

"Why? We've only been out an hour.." he whispered, moving his lips closer to hers, his firm hands stopping to caress the hot skin of her lower back. Trish's breath caught in her chest as she let out a soft gasp as his cool fingertips traced delicate circles on her body, her eyes squeezed tightly shut to avoid the crystal orbs that were threatening to gaze into her very soul against her will. Randy's lips were getting too close for comfort but Trish couldn't seem to force herself to move away..she was melting into him. The second he found her trembling mouth, her soul shattered into a thousand unfixable pieces..she could feel her heart breaking..she should know better than to allow this to happen again. Silently hating herself for responding to the innocent kiss, she let herself go..let Randy control her by the simple taste of his lips. Her head began to spin with sweet surrender as he deepened the once gentle touch, his tongue wrapping around hers in one swift movement that left her trembling. Hot moisture began to seep deep from her core, her clit continuosly throbbing with the tongue that was slipping in and out of her lips. Randy's hands were finding their way down onto her thighs, forcing her legs apart so that he could stroke her gently. "You're shaking," he whispered, tongue plunging out to tickle her earlobe.

"Your hands are between my legs, and you're surprised by that?" Trish replied, her eyes tightly closed as she responded to the fingertips now finding their way up her skirt, opening her legs wider so that he could access the intimacy that was awaiting his touch.

"Jesus, you're soaked," Randy growled, a smirk of satisfaction creeping across his face as he ran his fingers over her pulsing clit. A soft moan escaped her lips unexpectedly in approval, this making his smirk widen as he peered down at her softly. He wanted to test her, see what made her scream..he'd been waiting too long to get her in this situation. Randy spread her feminine folds apart and plunged three warm fingers into her tight walls, leaning down to take her lips captive to conceal the loud moans that were emerging from within her. Trish moved her hips with his movements, groaning against Randy's mouth as he drug his tongue along her bottom lip. His fingers were stroking a spot inside of her that sent many tremmers throughout her body, her hips now bucking wildly against his hand. "You really like that, dontcha? What if I.." Randy forced another finger into her and began to pump even harder, "..did that?"

"Oh God," she moaned, tossing her head back against the window, ignoring the pain that throbbed in her head at meeting the glass. Trish's hands fumbled to find Randy's hard cock, stroking the large erection through his pants. Randy let out a deep-throated chuckle, his thrusts becoming more violent as he savoured her touches. Trish bit down on her lip in an attempt to stop the screams that yearned to be released..she wouldn't say his name..she didn't want to give him that satisfaction. But she couldn't fight the fact that she was going to cum. Her orgasm started at her fingertips and made it's way down her spine, leaving a trail of burning sensations as it finally reached her core and she collapsed with one last thrust against Randy's fingers. "Fuck," Trish whispered, eyes squeezed shut as she struggled to catch her breath. The man before her was smiling, his twinkling orbs teasing her as he watched her gasp for air..she wanted to smack that smirk off his fucking face. "Don't look at me like that."

"I'm just admiring my work," Randy grinned, his eyebrows raising momentarily to prove his suggestive point. Trish flushed ghostly pale in embarrassment at the realization that she'd given into him and made a fool of herself. He wasn't supposed to take her over..no, she was a fucking fool. The urge to pull away and run for it became all too welcoming as she shuddered under his intense gaze. A feeling of failure and guilt burned at her heart and she wanted to beat herself for allowing this to happen..what about Dave? She fucking loved him. Randy wasn't anything to her..and yet..here she sat, his breath kissing her face, his chest rising and falling against her own, his body pressed up into her. Trish slid down in the seat and closed her eyes once more..this wasn't right..she'd fucked up..she had found herself within temptation and she hadn't the will to overcome it. Yet Randy's beautiful eyes seemed to redeem her silently, their silent glow somehow relieving her of the painful guilt. And although the situation was very unwanted, Trish found herself distantly and almost unwillingly savoring the aftermath of a powerful orgasm at the hands of Randy Orton.