"What are you doing, Joe?" Galina asked impatiently Thursday afternoon as he pushed her into the living room.
"Sit down, close your eyes and you'll see," he replied.
She sighed. "This better be good because I have stuff to do before the kids get home."
He situated everything on the coffee table in front of her. "Alright...now!"
Galina slowly blinked open her eyes to see the bouquet of roses, purse and jewelry box. She didn't look nearly as excited as he expected. "What is all this?"
"Gifts…"
"That much is obvious but why?" she questioned.
"I need to have a reason to shower my own wife with gifts?" he asked, defensively.
She didn't reply, instead leaning forward to pick up the purse. "I already have this bag, same color and all. As a matter of fact, you were with me when I got it."
"I was?" he blinked. "That's no problem. I can take it back and exchange it for another."
"That won't be necessary," she said, picking up the jewelry box. Her eyes widened when she saw the large hanging diamond on the necklace inside. "How much did this cost?"
"It doesn't matter. I recently signed a new contract and I get bonuses for the side work I've been doing at the hospitals."
"Joe, all of this is lovely but I can't help but feel like you're overcompensating for something," she said, which caused him to sit down in shock. She knew. This was it. "What has it been? Like 3 or 4 times in 3 weeks. It used to be 3 or 4 times a day when you were home to get your fill before going back on the road. It's obvious what's been going on."
He dropped his head, knowing he had no other choice but to admit the truth, beg for her forgiveness and try to do anything he could to make it right. "Galina, I am so sorry."
"For what? It's nothing to be ashamed of," she shook her head and that's when he realized they weren't talking about the same thing. "I know that you're still taking certain pills and I was curious so I looked them up and on one a potential side effect is low libido."
He didn't say anything because to confirm it would mean telling yet another lie. If what last week proved nothing else, it was that his sex drive was fine. His problem wasn't that he wasn't attracted to her and it wasn't that he didn't want her anymore. It was just there was too confliction going on inside of him and he knew that he wasn't being honest. He hated that this put worries into her head to the point where she had to do research. "Galina, I just want you to know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you."
This plan totally backfired. He thought making her happy with this display would absolve some of his guilt but it only made it worse. Why he thought material things would make up for betraying her trust. He had to get it together for tonight or else.
After another successful hospital visit the next day, he headed to the car followed by Robyn. He climbed in the back and she followed.
"Hey, there's a mall right across the street and I want to go. I promise it'll take less than 10 minutes because I already know the store and what I want. Please, guys," she pouted.
"It's fine by me but I'm not the only one in here," the driver said.
"Yeah, it's cool," he nodded and they were off. She got out of the car and stomped through the parking lot like she was on a mission. He silently wondered what she was looking for. Maybe she was booked in a segment tonight and needed an outfit.
In less than 10 minutes as promised, the driver whistled. "Someone's going to have a good time tonight."
"What the…" Roman looked out of the window to see her walking across the parking lot carrying 6 Victoria's Secret shopping bags, 3 on each arm.
When she entered, she noticed their stares. "Uh...semi-annual sale."
Things got awkward quickly. The only thing that could be heard besides the radio on low volume was her humming and constant text alerts. He wasn't stupid. There might've been a sale going on but she could've easily ordered online and had it waiting at her door by the time she made it home. But no, she needed whatever is in those bags as soon as possible and he knew the reason. He knew the time would come eventually but he dreaded it all the same.
He cleared his throat. "Ready for the show tonight."
"Do you guys know where you're going already or is there legit suspense?" the driver chimed in.
"Some of us higher on the card have an idea of where we're going or staying. We aren't told in advance because that would only lead to leaks or talent trying to politic their way onto or out of their assigned brand so yeah, there is some level of suspense…" he replied.
"For me, it's not. How could there be suspense when I already know that he's staying on Smackdown with the way FOX has been promoting him on all the posters and banners leading up to the move, which means I'll be staying on Smackdown because we're a buy one, get one free deal but for others, like my boyfriend, there is," she replied. Boyfriend. Her phone chimed again and she took a picture of the bags on her lap before sending. A reply immediately came through and she giggled which confirmed his suspicions.
"Can I have a copy of the draft list?" he asked Stephanie when he made it to the arena.
"Careful where you lay it, don't want anything getting out," Steph said as she handed it to him.
"It goes no further than here because I just need to see something and I'll be done," he replied.
His name was listed under Smackdown which meant Robyn was on the blue side as well and he glanced down at the female superstar's section to confirm it. Now was the moment of truth. He scanned the paper until he found Ricochet's name highlighted in red. He breathed a huge sigh of relief. They'd be over before they started now. Raw's touring schedule has always been Friday-Monday. Smackdown's new touring schedule thanks to the move was going to be Thursday-Sunday. They'd only have Tuesday and Wednesday and if Ricochet was serious about spending time with his son, that would put a dent in his time with Robyn.
"I guess you like what you see?" Steph said and it wasn't until then that he noticed the wide smile on his face.
"You have no idea, Steph," he chuckled, returning the list to her. "Well, as you know Seth and I are starting things off so I have to run."
After the show, as he half-listened to a conversation with one of the producers, he saw Robyn coming out of the women's locker room, rolling a suitcase behind her. She didn't look happy about her boyfriend's outcome. Roman excused himself and caught up to her.
"I know what you're doing tonight," he said.
"Wow, what gave it away?" she sarcastically snorted. "The new perfume scent or the bags?"
"You can't go through with this," he shook his head.
"Why not?"
"Because...you can't!" was the only answer he could come up with before adding, "plus with the draft, it's pointless anyway because your days together are most likely numbered."
"That's none of your concern and unless you know about an STD he's hiding, another woman or can come up with a good explanation as to why I can't, you're just in my way," she turned and started off in the other direction.
Looking around, he made sure the coast was clear. "Robyn, I love you."
That stopped him in her tracks. Stopped him, too. He hadn't quite realized what he'd said until it was out. She turned and stared at him for a long moment before speaking. "What did you just say?"
"I said, I love you..." he repeated without hesitation. "...and actually, that isn't entirely true. I'm in love with you and have been for awhile. By the time I realized this, after your surgery, it was too late."
She arched a brow. "And what do you want me to do with this information, Joe?"
"Huh?" he asked, confused by her response. She came closer.
"Hearing that would've meant everything to me if you weren't wearing this," she reached out and brought his left hand up to his eye level so that he could see the ring on his finger. "The way things are now, it means absolutely nothing and it's coming from a place of selfishness because you don't want me to sleep with Trevor. You would've never confessed that if you didn't see those Victoria's Secret bags this morning! The bottom line is, what's the point? Because if you think we're going to start sneaking around after what happened last week, you have another thing coming because I am not going to be your sidechick. And does Galina know you're declaring your love to someone else? That's yet another display of selfishness. I feel sorry for her at home trying to make things work while her husband is out here doing this. I just don't know what to say about you, Joe! You keep surprising me and not in a good way."
"Oh, there you are!" Ricochet said, rounding the corner. "They said you'd already left the locker room so I assumed you'd already gone out to the rental."
"Joe held me up," she muttered. "But I'm just ready to get out of here!"
"Yeah, what happened tonight was tough but we'll make it work," Ricochet nodded, either oblivious to the tension or simply not caring. "Thankfully, Joe is here to take care of you while I'm away!"
Robyn's face dropped momentarily before forcing a smile. "I'm ready to go, are you ready to go? It is your birthday night after all and we have to make it special."
"You have a good night, Joe. I know I will," Ricochet winked, leaving Roman staring after them as they walked away.
Robyn managed to get herself under control as she pressed a cold towel to her face to reduce any puffiness that might've showed sign that she'd been crying. Then, she tried to go in the best she could with a shaky hand to apply concealer under her eyes and powder foundation to the rest in an attempt to disguise any redness. She had to hurry, especially after being closed off in the bathroom for way longer than she should've been. A number of things were weighing on her from Trevor remaining on Raw to her encounter with Joe.
He loved her, no, he was in love with her and while he said it in a desperate attempt to derail her plans, he meant it because there was nothing but sincerity in his tone and eyes. She was shocked at how strong she held in front of him but on the inside for some otherworldly reason, her heart was heavy and an emotion she had never felt before sprang from deep within. Did she still love him? Of course but she couldn't let it show though because if he knew how he affected her, he'd continue to play these games now knowing he'd win. He was dead wrong for pulling this stunt, especially after what happened a week ago. It was cruel, especially since nothing could come of it. Falling out of love wasn't easy but she hoped to begin the process tonight.
A knock outside of the bathroom door caused her to jump, snapping her out of her thoughts. "You alright in there?"
"Yes, I'll be out in a second," she took a few deep breaths, trying to compose herself before turning off the lights and stepping out of the door. Trevor had already stripped and was sitting on the bed before walking over to meet her.
"It took you about 40 minutes to put that on but it's going to take me 4 seconds to take it off. Shame..." his fingertips grazed the skin of her shoulder in order to get to the straps of her negligee. The contact made her body tense. "This is your first time in, how long…?"
"It's been...uh...uhm…" she knew he probably didn't want to hear the true answer.
"Nevermind, it's not important," he replied. "I know you're probably nervous but like I told you in the ring that day, I got you."
As soon as the fabric of the negligee and matching thong hit the floor, it was on. She shrieked when he abruptly picked her up and hoisted her in the air and onto his shoulders. His tongue danced wildly over her lower lips but she couldn't concentrate on the feeling because she was wobbling. The last thing she needed was to fall backwards and sustain an injury that she'd be too embarrassed to explain, especially with a promised push in her future. Ricochet must've taken notice of her shakiness and gripped her thighs tighter which stabilized her.
By the time she closed her eyes and began to enjoy the sensations, he flipped her until they were in a standing 69 position with his hands locked behind her back. She acted accordingly, taking his head into her mouth and held onto his thighs for support. Lathering her up, he made sure to pay extra attention to her clit. Robyn remembered to breathe and took a deep inhale through her nose before continuing her bobbing motion.
Just when she was on the brink of orgasm, he changed his methods, pushing his stiff tongue inside. When he pulled out, he coated a slick path to her ass which took her by surprise. The flesh was sensitive which produced an appreciative murmur from her. The way he circled his tongue around her asshole was like French kissing and her fingernails dug desperately into his thighs. As her body stiffened with release, her mouth disconnected from him as she gasped for air.
Afterwards, he carried Robyn over to the bed and effectively folded her in half, almost like a lawn chair while her legs were pushed backwards, nearly touching her ears. She wasn't a 5'0 flexible gymnast like Kacy so she could feel the strain of being contorted. She waited in place while he secured a condom onto himself. He climbed on top of the bed, squatted above her and entered, jackhammering down in a squatting motion. She was more confused than turned on at this point.
He stopped. "Why do I feel like you're not into it?"
"Look, Trev, I know you want to flex your athleticism but can we just be normal tonight and save all of this for like the 3rd time. That way, I can already be prepared to undergo stretching exercises to limber up in advance," she laughed. "Then, you can 630 off the headboard and into me all you want."
"I'd feel like I just fucked up if you didn't mention a 3rd time which means I can redeem myself now," he replied.
They resumed things in missionary. She thought this would make things better but it was the opposite. During the fast paced foreplay, she didn't have time to think. Now that they'd slowed things down, it allowed her mind time to wander. Physically the sex was good but there seemed to be a mental block that kept her from focusing on the pleasure and enjoying it. Roman's voice and words played on loop inside her head: 'I love you...I'm in love with you.'
Damn him! How did he still manage to ruin this night for her? She could tell by Trevor's quick thrusts that he was getting close. She felt bad because he was doing everything right and her sudden lack of enthusiasm was not his fault. Thinking quickly, she decided to fake it; holding his back tighter, forcing out short breaths and finally, clenching down around him. That seemed to do the trick as he followed...or led, technically.
"Well, that was a pretty good end to my birthday," he said as he rolled out of bed and removed the condom. "I can tell you're pretty bummed about the draft but like I told you earlier when we heard the news, nothing is going to get in the way of this. The only thing that can stop us is us and I don't know about you but I don't want to."
"Me either," she blinked away the tears that were forming.
"Good," he leaned down to kiss her but she shied away. "What's the problem and you're not wearing lipstick like the last time."
"You kind of…" she trailed off with a laugh. "...ate my ass, which has never happened before so thanks. I know it's my own ass and it was clean but still!"
"Oh, right," he chuckled and walked over to the bathroom. She heard a steady stream hit the toilet bowl and then his electrical toothbrush start. That's when she grabbed her phone. She wanted to post a story but first she needed to go to her privacy setting, hide story from...kingricochet. The last thing she needed was him seeing her petty post which would only make him ask questions that she didn't want to answer.
'If you're reading this (which I'm sure you are)...the deed is done.'
Ricochet returned to bed, got his kiss and was off to sleep after pillow talk. Twenty minutes later, she went back on Instagram and saw that Roman viewed the story.
The only thing she could do was shake her head. He just couldn't help himself. Her eyes felt heavy so it was time to call it a night. As she leaned over to place her phone on the bedside table, it dinged.
Him: ? When you were mine I don't recall you having the energy afterwards to do much of anything let alone pick up your phone to gloat. To be honest, NOT saying anything at all would've sent a much stronger message. Goodnight Robyn because evidently I'm the only one capable of putting you to sleep.
Fuming with anger, she tossed her phone aside but hearing Trevor's light breathing was soothing and calmed her. All she had to do was shake Joe and then, things would be fine. That wouldn't be hard now because as she curled around Trevor's body in what should've been the blissful afterglow, she felt herself growing increasingly resentful of Joe…
