Chapter 30
xXx
It was due to be a messy night. Dean and Roman had initiated a night out, one which Kaitlyn was helping the girls ready for. She had decided to help them get ready but there was no way in hell she was going out, and those words were her own.
"Aw, why not?" Karlee whined as she curled her hair, a glass of wine in her hand. Kaitlyn laughed and held up an outfit.
"I've been your wing woman for almost ten years. That's hell of a lot of messy nights out and if you think I'm picking you off the side walk or trying to stop world war three happening between you and Dean, you can think again." Alice groaned and fell onto the bed.
"Oh shit, I guess that's my job then." Kaitlyn placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm afraid, honey, it is."
"So, what outfit are we going for tonight?" Karlee asked, fluffing up her hair and piling on none hairspray.
"Karlee has two options. Sexed up or slob. It's very often the first option and that's what causes the arguments." Karlee shot Kaitlyn a daring look. Karlee swirled the ends of the belt on her silk robe.
"Maybe I'll go classy tonight. Stranger things have happened K..." The two on the bed rolled their eyes. Alice looked at her leather pants Kaitlyn had set out with the tight strapless bandage style top.
"Can I have the pants, the skirt would look better on your short ass." Karlee commented and Alice threw the pants at Karlee, who made a whooping noise.
"But I don't like my legs on show." Alice groaned. Kaitlyn smiled, knowing where the petite diva was coming from. Se was exactly the same.
"Karlee, do you still have those stockings? The ones you were under your boots." She nodded, pulling them out of her purse and lying them on the bed.
"Roman will love them. He's got like a weird fetish for lace." Alice slapped her on the arm.
"Not funny, and are you sure? I've worn some real nice lingerie... And still no action." Karlee spluttered on her wine, choosing to put it down.
"What, there's been no bedroom action?" Kaitlyn asked. Alice shook her head, playing with the lace trim.
"Wow, that surprises me. And not to mention the bitch ex but he was always the one out of the three of them that liked to be in bed, or anywhere else he could get action." Alice looked like she had been told someone had died.
"Oh fuck, maybe it's me! What if it's me he doesn't find attractive." Kaitlyn and Karlee rolled their eyes. Karlee grabbed her hand and pulled her off the bed, throwing her in front of the double mirror that scaled the wall. She stripped the belt away from her robe and made her look at her herself. She was wearing a strapless black lace bra and matching panties. They had gotten dressed in front of each other before, so this was no big deal.
"What is there not to like, I'm as straight as a ruler but fuck me, your smoking!" Alice sighed, clawing her robe back together.
"There's no way. I've seen the way he looks at you. Have you said anything that maybe gave him the idea you didn't want to sleep with him?" Alice sighed and lay back on the bed.
"We had the ex Fiancé talk a few weeks ago. We decided to take things slow and I honestly was waiting for it to happen after that but I felt like when I told him, he kind of went... Off." Kaitlyn's eyes popped from her head.
"You were engaged before? Your only 23!" Kaitlyn seemed shocked so Karlee motioned for her to explain the story.
"Ah, well. I sort of got engaged at nineteen and he never turned up for the wedding. Don't get me wrong, he was a nice guy, treated me good, did the whole no sex before marriage thing. I thinks that's why this is so important." Karlee jumped up, her hands waving in the air.
"So he knows you still have your V card? God, I feel like such a teenager." Alice nodded, not getting where she was coming from.
"Maybe he thinks you want to keep that. Maybe he thinks you want to do the whole sex before marriage." Alice gasped, covering her mouth.
"That explains me getting into the shower after him and it being freezing cold. The poor things been taking cold showers for a week." They all threw their heads back laughing, tears pooling at their eyes.
"Well, let's get you all made up and see if tonight's the night!"
xXx
Kaitlyn took obligatory pictures of the girls, all dressed up. Karlee was wearing a red and black detailed corset with leather leggings. Her thigh high boots made her look bad-ass but drop dead sexy at the same time. Alice looked like an elegant fairy like bad-ass too. Her black tutu was baited with the tight wet look strapless shirt and her stockings made her legs look amazing and her heels made her almost two feet taller.
"I'm going to break my neck. I was on crutches on Monday." Karlee shrugged it off. Alice was off her crutches by the Tuesday night. That was four days ago.
"I have flats if you want them?" Kaitlyn offered. Alice screwed her nose up.
"Not being the dwarf of this group. Karlee matches Deans six foot in those damn boots.
"Do I explain to Roman about this mix up or do I let him drool?" Alice asked, sweeping her hair in front of her, letting it fall down over her chest. Kaitlyn had pinned Karlee's up in a Mohawk, fed up with it being in her face.
"See what he does when he sees you. There's all night and I don't want to be abandoned." Alice gave her a mock kiss and promised.
"Well girlie's, that's Seth just text. They are on their way back from the store. Supposedly Dean had to do a midnight run. I'm going to go and order me and my man some pizza. You girls can stay here and get drunk." Karlee pouted but hugged her friend as she gathered her bags and jacket, heading for the door.
"If we aren't flying home tomorrow, it should be Tuesday. Me and Seth might drop by Raw but I'll text you and let you know." She gave both Karlee and Alice a peck on the cheek and left. Karlee finished her glass of wine at the same time as Alice and topped them both up, finishing the bottle from the overly expensive mini bar.
"I don't want no drama tonight. I want to go out and have fun. And hopefully not be too hungover in the morning." Alice took a gulp and clinked their glasses together, both of them sat crossed legged on the edge of the bed facing the door. There was a knock and they both gulped, Karlee standing up to answer the door.
"I hope it's that dishy looking guy from housekeeping. He was so keen on you earlier." Karlee winked, talking loudly knowing it was Roman and Dean. She could just imagine the two of them exchanging glances and growling. Alice laughed and slapped her forehead. Karlee opened the door, her grin stretching from ear to ear. Her grin soon dropped when Roman stood, sighing. Alone.
"I suppose you had better come in, where's the other one?" She snapped.
"Talking to Eva by the lift." She went to walk out but he grabbed her arm.
"They're talking K, cool it." She held up her hands in defence. It didn't mean she wasn't going to find him though. He left Roman to gawk at his woman and stomped off down the corridor.
xXx
"So how is she, after all this shit with Sofia?" Eva asked after Karlee, the concern in her voice a clear present. Dean nodded and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I think she's getting there. It's... Uh... Hard for us. We were at a strong place in our relationship and now it's just a case of getting back to it." Eva placed a hand on his bare arm and when he didn't move away, she stroked it, keeping eye contact and smiling.
"I'm sure you will get there. It may take some time though. I'm always here if you want a woman to speak to. I always find there's only so much advice you can take from a man." Dean chuckled.
"Yeah, but Romans been good. He's been through a lot recently too. I'll keep that in mind though. Thank you." Eva smiled, something moving out of the corner of her caught her attention but she didn't focus on it. She saw the flash of red and knew Karlee was listening to them. She removed her hand and took to playing with her hair.
"Any time Dean, so where are you guys headed too tonight?" She was sweet, Dean had to admit that and it was nice to have someone new to talk too that he could trust. He didn't quite understand why her and ajar lee never clicked when they first met.
"We've rallied the guys and girls for a night out down by the club a few block from the hotel. Your welcome to come if you want?" Eva smiled.
"I might just do that. Oh well then, I suppose I have something to get ready for. I'll see you there soon." Dean smiled at her as she walked away. She was already made up as though she was going somewhere but that was none of his business. He turned to walk to. Karlee's hotel room. Better go and see what she was wearing tonight.
xXx
"He knows I fucking her, so why has she suddenly become his best friend." Karlee wasn't always a jealous person. But when her on off boyfriend started talking to her clone, it was time to become just a tiny bit interested in what her motives were. Asher had since come back in. Dean had told her where they were going and she had hotfooted it back to her room. She reached over the bed and pulled her jacket on, zipping it all the way up to her chin just as the door opened. Dean waltzed in, as though there was nothing wrong. The stormy look on Karlee's face told him to exit quickly.
"Right, ready to go? It's a five minute walk, you ladies okay to walk in heels." Karlee gave him an 'are you serious' look and stood up, crossing her arms and grabbing her purse. Alice nodded, grinning as she took Romans hand.
"I'll take that as a yes then." Dean grumbled to himself, taking off down the hall after them.
xXx
"I can walk in heels she said." Roman mocked, gripping onto Alice as she clambered onto his back, her heels in her hand. Dean chuckled as they turned a corner. Karlee was engrossed in her phone. She knew it wouldn't be long before Alice and Roman disappeared, she had already mentioned to Karlee that they were planning on leaving early. Good for hit hem. She was happy for her friend. Now she was busy arranging other friend. There was no way in hell she was spending all night with Dean.
Karlee: please say you are out tonight. I need some girl time ox
Nikki: I am. Brie's playing housewife and John is in a mood with me. He hasn't had any for two days so he's a crabby bastard. Dress code? Xo
Karlee: sex it up woman! I'm in leather and a corset. Plus, I need to look good tonight so make sure you ain't flashing the twins. Don't need Dean getting any more distracted. Xo
Nikki: I just spit out my wine. Wow. More distracted, who's trying to dig their claws in now? And the twins always come out to play. You know he won't be looking anywhere but you. Keep him guessing honey ox
Karlee: I have a jacket zipped to my chin. Shooed have just stayed at home. Will explain later, close to walking into a wall if I keep this texting up. I'll be by the bar with your Martini at the ready. Xo
Karlee turned to see Dean watching her. He had opted to wear a beanie with his leather jacket, meaning he hadn't done his hair. She walked on, stuffing her phone into her jacket pocket. Dean knew something was up with her but he didn't know what. And it would bug him until he found out.
They entered the club and it was already thriving with talent. Karlee and Alice never realised how work orientated it was going to be. She saw all the divas in one corner, some guys in the other, clearly making eyes. She glanced over to see Dolph and CM Punk in another corner of the bar. AJ was sat perched on his knee, listening to the conversation and laughing. She waltzed over to the bar to grab herself and Alice a drink, leaving the guys to do what they want. Alice followed her, chucking her jacket, while and finally pulling on her shoes. AJ left the guys and came over to them, decked out in a cross best and ripped jeans.
"Well hello stranger! I see your driving tonight then?" AJ nodded and lowered her glasses onto the bridge of her nose.
"I feel like everyone's parents. I've already had to tell Kofi to slow down the shots and Dolph keeps flirting with the waitress." All three let out a laugh just as Punk joined in.
"I hope your not telling them what happened earlier, because I swear to god..." AJ slapped a hand over her mouth, spluttering out another round of laughter. Karlee's eyes darted between them both.
"He was arguing with me in the parking lot and was leaning against the door. I took off and hi shorts got stuck in the doors safe to say he ended up running alongside me in the car. I only stopped when they totally ripped and he was running around in his Hulk boxers." Alice almost projected her drink all over the bar as Punks face turned a deep shade of red. He poked AJ in the ribs and muttered something under his breath, making it her turn to turn a pink shade.
"So what brings you guys here then? Celebrating getting rid of Psycho Sofia?" Karlee grinned.
"I just want to forget everything and get absolutely smashed. I'm waiting on Nikki then the party really begins." Just as she had finished what she was saying, the door chimed, barely audible over the ever increasing volume, and in walked Nikki. She had a quick squint around before spotting. Karlee and Alice and waltzed over! discarding her jacket as she walked.
"Martini. Thanks." She called her drink appearing in front of her in seconds. She said a quick hello to AJ just as she was called off by someone else.
"Right, so what's the game plan for tonight? Make that lovely man of yours pop that vein in his side of his neck? Because were just talking and he looks as though he wants to kill someone." Karlee looked behind her and sure enough, Dean was staring a hole into her. She squirmed in her jacket, starting to feel the heat in the black leather.
"Can we just order a round of shots please?"
xXx
There had been numerous rounds of shots, embarrassing stories and numerous trips outside so. Karlee could take her jacket off in the cool air. But the night was still young.
"Can you not just take your jacket off, would Dean even really bother." Alice asked. Nikki looked at her.
"Deans like John, he pops a boner at the sight of shoulder." Karlee smacked him in the arm.
"We haven't been together in a few weeks. He's just curious and knows I'm being a bitch by keeping covered. He loves it when I wear this corset." She gave a little wiggle just as he came out of the he building and spotted the three of them. Karlee blushed and cursed under her breath
"Well this is our cue to disappear. Have fun." Karlee tried to stop them but Alice grabbed Nikki's hand and ran back over the road, giggling and laughing. Dean stomped over to her, his arms out by his side.
"Care to tell me what I've done wrong this time? Because to be quite honest, I'm a little unsure." Karlee crossed her arms and smiled.
"I'm guessing red must be your favourite colour, huh?" Dean groaned.
"Can you speak English please. Jack Daniels is slowing down the part of my brain that can decrypt your little sayings."
"I'm always here if you want a woman to speak to Dean. Of course I'll come and party with you Dean." Karlee put on a squeaky voice and emphasised stroking his arm. He rolled his eyes and pulled his arm away.
"Really Karlee. I spoke to another woman and you suddenly get all defensive. We aren't officially together remember?" That comment hit her like a train and all the air rushed from her chest. Dean screwed his eyes shut, instantly regretting that.
"Yeah. I remember, well enjoy your night with my clone." Dean went to grab her hand but she wrenched it away, feeling stung. She understood that they weren't together but it still hurt that he was talking her and oblivious to her flirting. She stalked back across the road and into the club, straight up the stairs and right over to the bar.
"You okay?" Alice asked. Karlee glared at the woman behind the bar and demanded a double vodka. She watched the mirror that was on the wall as Dean came back into the bar, going straight over to Roman and venting. The drink was placed in front of her and she downed it within two big gulps, then burn in her throat nothing compared to what was going on in her head.
Karlee gripped the sides of her jacket and stripped it off, pulling her corset up and smoothing it down her waist. Nikki wolf whistled and she smiled.
"I literally do not care what happens for the rest of the night. I just want to forget everything." Nikki and Alice raised their glasses, vowing to help their friend forget.
The bait went past slower and slower yet the other red head still hadn't made an appearance. Maybe she had convinced herself it was a bad idea. Roman had bagged them a table and now Dean sat across from Karlee at the table. He kept his gaze on her, knocking back drink after drink. She refused to look at him, not knowing if she would growl at him or cry.
They sat like that for a good few hours, drifting in and out of conversations but never talking to each other directly. Dolph, Fandango and Sheamus eventually took a seat, all on Karlee's side. They sat and chatted, laughing about the past shows until tragedy struck.
"I need to pee." Karlee announced. She looked to deans side and decided against going past the six people on her left. She looked to the three guys that joined them.
"Just walk over us." Dolph suggested. The vodka suggested that be a good idea and she stood up, walking in between them, Fandango holding her hand and helping her onto the floor. She thanked them and disappeared. She walked to the bathrooms, hauling he corset up and keeping an eye out for another redhead. Yet she was nowhere to be seen.
After returning from the bathrooms, she saw Dean was gone from their table and at the bar ordering a round. She watched him tapping away on his phone and desperately wanted to know who he was texting but their little conversation from earlier reminded her that she didn't have the right to know. Fandango smiled when he saw her, elbowing Sheamus to give her his hand and he did as he was asked, instead this time he put two hands on her hips and lifted her up, placing her on top of the bench, her heels dangerously close to Fandangos lap. He smiled and watched as she struggled to step between his legs and over Dolph. His cocky grin caught Karlee off guard and she wasn't looking where she out her foot, instead of landing, it slipped and she went flying. After opening her eyes, she saw her legs, over Dolph's lap and Fandango's hands wrestling on her ankles, her back against the soft leather of the booth.
"Next time, your moving you asses." She laughed, the three men joining in with her. She had to admit, she looked like a prize donkey and it wasn't until she had stopped laughing that she realized Fandango was slowly making circles with his hand on her ankle. She caught him looking at her but didn't feel uncomfortable, instead choosing not to move. It didn't seem to be bothering Dolph so she stayed like that, not realising Dean was standing with a huge tray of alcohol, staring at her. He felt his chest tighten and his grip on the tray became so harsh that it nearly snapped. He regretted the words that came out of his mouth earlier but the laugh radiating from her said so much. She wasn't trying to make him jealous for once.
She was having fun.
xXx
Karlee still felt hungover. And it had been 48 hours since their drinking session. Dean had gotten up the next morning and went for a run. Or at least he went somewhere. She heard him leave at seven and he didn't come back until 9. Hot and sweaty and offering breakfast. She had accepted and shut the door in his face, slipping a few dollars into his hotel room that night when she got the strength in her legs back. Now it was Monday Night Raw and she still felt weird. And she couldn't quite understand if it was the alcohol or their argument. She hadn't spoken to him since and had hitched a ride with John and Nikki to the arena. She was even staying in the women's locker room for a change and getting the good of some girl to girl time.
She was wearing a pair of black ripped jeans and a crop top that had the whole middle part of the chest cut out. She felt fierce but best of all, she felt in control of what happened that night. Then she felt slightly stupid considering her mood depended of what she was wearing but there was always the little niggling thought at the back of her head. No more Sofia or her army of bitches. She was chatting to Nikki and Brie, the only two women in the locker room when Alice walked in, Steph hot on her heels.
"Why aren't you in your locker room with Dean?" She asked, folding her arms and squinting her eyes. She shrugged and held up her arms before crossing them.
"I'm sorry, am I not allowed to be in the shared locker room?"
"I was just asking Karlee. Anyway, I thought you may like to know that I'm just leaving the arena. Sofia is going to be in charge so we've let her decide your and Deans matches. And before you say anything, People tune in when she's in charge so we're doing it for viewers. Any problems, go to Kane." Karlee felt her fists clench. This was where Sofia fucked her over again. But instead of being annoyed, she slapped on a smile.
"Thanks for letting me know Mrs McMahon, have a nice night off." Her response was sickly sweet and Steph squinted her eyes at her before she crossed her arms and left.
"I'm done for." Karlee threw her head back against the wall, letting her curls fall around her bare arms. Nikki and Alice sat either side of her. Both of them rubbing her arms in an effort to calm her down.
"Maybe you should go and talk to her Karl. Maybe you need a conversation off screen." Karlee looked at Alice. She was small but brainy. Karlee stood up and grabbed her blazer.
"If I'm not back in half an hour, I want Robbie Williams singing at my funeral." Both of them chuckled, Alice handed her her phone and pushed her out of the door. Karlee stumbled, unsure of how to proceed. She wandered down the halls, stopping at catering to grab a bottle of water then doubling back and getting a second one. It may help to tame the monster.
Karlee walked on, through the hallways and past the crowds of people. She new Steph would have left, making sure Karlee was the last one to tell about the new management. She knew that Sofia would be hiding away in the suite where they usually taped their segments instead of sitting behind a desk. She heard the stomping of feet and the flashing red light and knew that there were a camera crew following her. That meant she couldn't swear. Damn.
Karlee reached the door with the sign that said 'Management' and knocked on the door, awaiting a reply. The door opened rather quick and Karlee wasn't surprised to see it was Layla who opened it. She looked out and then turned back to face her.
"Where's Alice?" She snapped. Karlee shrugged.
"Probably with Roman. Is Sofia here?" Layla shook her head and Karlee internally groaned. Now she would have to look everywhere for her. Great.
"Layla, don't shit-stir. Come in Karlee and leave the camera crew at the door." Karlee gave Layla a sarcastic smile and walked past her, leaving Layla to deal with the camera crew. She listened to her trying to explain to the production crew that it was the Boss' orders. Karlee took a seat on the sofa beside Sofia and looked at her straight.
"Look, I don't expect us to be best friends and I don't exactly trust you and your girls after everything you've done to me and Alice but we have to start somewhere and you owe me. Big time." Sofia held her hands up, a sad smile on her face.
"I've been awful to you and Alice, and the rest of you guys, I admit that. But don't think I'm going to offer you my championship on a silver platter. You can work for that."
"I've never had anything put n front of me Sofia, I've busted my ass for anything I've ever received in any company I have worked in. And what even makes you think I came here just to get a title shot?" She crossed her legs and folded her arms. Karlee wanted her gold back, there was no question in the matter but she was going to keep her promise of working for it.
"So if your not going to give me a title shot, how about someone else?" Sofia laughed, slapping her hands against her legs to show her emphasis.
"You want me to give Alice a shot at my title. Happily! I'll rip her in half!" Layla snorted from behind Karlee and she turned to give her the daggers, quickly shutting her up.
"Okay, for starters, you aren't doing a very good job of convincing me you have changed. And secondly, no. Not Alice, she's good but there are other girls who deserve it more. I'm talking about someone else." Sofia quickly put her serious face on.
xXx
Karlee decided to go and see Dean when she was finished with Sofia. They had talked and Karlee left feeling as though maybe their truce was a genuine thing. She weaved through the crowds of people, stopping occasionally to talk to staff and other wrestlers. Now was the time where she didn't feel as though he was always a moving target. Now, Karlee could come to work and do what she loved without having to worry about getting jumped.
She continued onwards to the locker room, seeing it in her reach when a flash of red stopped in front of her, causing her to stop suddenly. The fresh, crisp white dress and tanned body screamed Eva, and that was before her hair. But Karlee was at work so she was going to be polite.
"Hey Karlee, How are you?" She asked sweetly. Karlee shot her a quizzical look before crossing her ankles, the fringing on her booties swaying as she did so.
"I'm doing good Eva, are you here visiting are have you been called up properly?" Alice had been called up quickly due to her rivalry with Layla. The company saw it as a good way to introduce her and as good as it was the more hateful people had already accused her of sleeping her way to the top.
"No, just visiting. Steph wants me to be around the live shows as much as possible. She thinks it will give me the drive to do well. How is Alice getting on?" Her questions were genuine and she wasn't bragging. Karlee was still a little unsure.
"Well, She's got the bonus of being a wrestler but I think she's still adjusting to the crowds and the fact she's becoming popular fast. But you'll both get their." Eva swept away a piece of her hair and shrugged. It was then Karlee saw the flash of doubt in the poor woman's eyes. She knew Eva had come under criticism for her appearance and her attitude but even Karlee new some of the things the media portrayed were ridiculous.
"Hey, you are going to be fine. If you ever need someone, you know where my locker is. And don't worry. You will be up here, challenging for the title in no time. Enjoy your days in developmental. They are honestly the best." Eva smiled and thanked Karlee before spotting someone else and disappearing. Karlee couldn't quite believe she had offered a shoulder to cry on, and to someone like Eva. She had been hating on the woman a few nights before...
She finally made it to her locker room she shared with the Lunatic Fringe but almost as soon as she had stepped in, she wished she could turn back.
"86...87...89...90..." Dean was laying on the couch, balancing a full and open bottle of water on his chest whilst counting Roman doing squats whilst he used Alice for biceps curls... who was also on her phone.
"Do I ask or just ignore..." She asked, plunking herself on the couch next to Dean, causing the bottle of water to spill all over his face. He spluttered through the water, calling her names whilst Roman was nearly a hundred. Alice was holding down her rose printed vest whilst Roman did his curls, his hands placed very strategically.
"This counts as me doing weights, right?" Alice asked jokingly. Everyone knew how much she hated going to the gym. She couldn't keep up with everyone else because of how small she was and her legs got tired quickly. It was often like working out with a whiny, small child. He finished his set and put her down, receiving a quick peck on the nose, him ruffling her hair in return. Again, it was like having a child. Dean came back with a clean white vest on, obviously the one he would wrestle in. He switched on the screen as he walked past, just in time to see the announcers tell everyone the matches for that night. It was a pretty flat card, few matches here and there, then the announcement that Sofia was in charge. Then to everyone's surprise it flashed up on screen that she would be discussing the current number one contender for the Heavyweight title. AJ was wrestling Nikki Bella and Karlee felt deflated at the fact that meant she wasn't getting a match.
Sofia came out, to a change of theme too. It was a little less club and more typical diva like. Karlee was the only one that had music that was different and Alice would too when they finalised her one. She strutted out, in a rather nice shirt and skirt combo. She did look quite business like. She strutted to the ring, Alice voicing her displeasure whilst she did so but Karlee did nothing, didn't join in, nor stop her.
"It has come to my attention that the current WWE Champion, who has held the title for almost a year, hasn't had a challenge yet in the form of a really good competitor. Now, when Steph left me in charge, I promised a good show. And what part of a 20 man over the top Gauntlet doesn't make a good show." The crowd seemed to like her idea and cheered for her. It was also the point where Rusev made his presence known, Lana spouting a load f rubbish about him deserving it more than anyone else. Sofia welcomed them to the ring but it only started a spew of superstars on their way to the ring. They all watched as the superstars took it in turn to tell the Universe and Sofia why they deserved the title shot, their words going mostly missed as people started to drone off after hearing them list things, one after one.
"C'mon Champ. Lets get them cheering." Karlee stood up, slapping her thighs. Dean looked bewildered but grabbed his leather jacket anyway along with the US title. They listened as Big Show stood in the ring, claiming to be unbeatable and that he would win the match and go on to be champion. Dean clenched his fists, swearing and shouting about how it was his match to win. He suddenly became enraged and grabbed Karlee's hand, gripping it firmly and marching towards the stage, his target clear. She tottered on beside him, his pace a bit too fast for her.
"Hey, Macho Man, cool it a little. Mama can't run in these babies." She pointed to her shoes and he smirked, keeping up his march but slowing it down until Karlee could march it. He shouted to cue his music and as soon as the engine revved, the crowd popped. He looked to her and their eyes met. He thrust the title into her hands as she looked at it, bewildered. They both felt the jet of adrenaline shoot through them as Karlee grabbed a mic just before stepping out onto the stage. The lights were blinding and the sound was deafening t they wouldn't have it any other way.
"Really? I could think of 18 other people in that ring that deserve that title more than you Show... And one of them may well be Lana." Dean sniggered at Karlee's dig.
"It's all very well standing in that ring and whining and bitching until you are handed a shot at the belt but what makes you think you deserve it above all the rest?" Big Show spat some insults at Karlee but she mocked him by pretending to be offended. Water off a ducks back.
"I could take any one of these men on and knock them out within seconds!" He bellowed. Karlee acknowledged his answer.
"Well, if you walk into that ring with the intention of just knocking someone out, I have two things to say to you. 1. You are in the wrong sport. That isn't wrestling. And 2. You can't win a title when your opponent in unconscious." he had to backtrack and try to think of something smart or funny to say. Dean put his hand out and she handed him the microphone.
"You see, I didn't come out here like the rest of you sheep. I waited for my chance. I waited until the crowd were bored and I came out to liven them all up. I won't beat around the bush with this, because to be quite honest, I haven't got the patience." he started walking to the ring, painfully slowly, and Karlee matched his footsteps.
"I work my body to the bone, day in and day out, to not only provide entertainment for these people but because it makes me feel good. I thrive off pain. I live off adrenaline. I am at my best when I'm at my lowest because I know I can always beat my way back to the top, smash up my opponents and come out on top. Victorious." The crowd were buzzing off him promo, screaming and chanting his name. Sofia looked uncomfortable in the ring but only because Big Show was screaming at her to get him away from the ring. He stood at the apron, Karlee at his side, the adrenaline pumping through his veins.
"OK. Here's the deal. You face Dean Ambrose in a match. Right here, right now and the winner gets to go onto the 20 man Contender match at the end of the night. Sound good?" Big Show gladly accepted, throwing his beanie into the crowd as the superstars filed out of the ring.
"You okay?" He turned to ask her, just before he jumped into the ring. She nodded and gave his arm a reassuring squeeze as her grip on his title tightened. Sofia climbed out of the ring and walked around the opposite side of the ring, up to the back then disappearing backstage, just as the bell rang.
The match was tense, with Big Show getting a huge upper hand. Dean was throwing good punches and kept him on the ground as much as possible but he was doing worse than he normally would. Karlee grew concerned as he took a choke-slam, rolling out of the ring when he landed and grabbing Karlee's leg to help him stand up. She leant beside him, dropping the title absent mindedly as she checked him over.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" She asked frantically, worry and panic coursing through her system at an alarming rate. He flinched and Karlee felt the presence behind her. She stood up, Dean unwillingly letting go of her.
"I suggest you move out of the way little girl!" He boomed, his voice making her sink back into her shell. But she was on live TV and she couldn't appear weak. Plus, nobody got away with calling her a little girl.
"Little girl? That's ironic considering I could kick your ass. Back off." She retorted, turning around to help Dean back up. But he wasn't there. Instead he felt a rush of air go over her head and turned to see Dean landing a perfect drop-kick to the side of Big Show's head. She jumped up, cheering as he rolled back into the ring, hitting his hands on the ropes to try and get the giants back to his feet.
As soon as the referee started counting, Karlee was on edge. When he got to eight and Big Show began to stir, she wanted to run up and boot him to make him stay down but she had to remember she was a heel, not a crazy person. She waited until she heard the ten and the bell rung.
"Here is your winner, by count out and the last entrant into the 20-man Gauntlet match, Dean Ambrose!" Karlee grabbed his title and leapt into the ring, holding his hand up in victory. She gave him his belt and he dangled it in one hand whilst the other held onto Karlee's hand.
"Just one more step and I will be that number one contender." Karlee smiled but deep down she felt bad. Yes, she had gone to Sofia and asked for him to be put in this match but she didn't expect her to stack the odds against him, and especially so high. She smiled and celebrated, before leaving to go and help him prep for his next match later that night.
So sorry about the wait for this chapter! I had no motivation whatsoever so I hope it came out alright. I got a lovely review last night and it kicked my ass back into gear!
All outfits are on my PolyVore Account so go and check them out and maybe even leave a cheeky comment?
As always, leave a review telling me what you think. I promise to have the next part of this chapter up by the end of the week at least. Theres a hge twist coming so be prepared.
Love you all! Xo