A/N: Again, sorry for the delay…experienced some technical difficulties. Here you go though. Enjoy and please review…and again I remind you, I don't own anyone you recognize.
"This is your house?!" Imara gawked at the sight of the mansion.
"Yeah, I know. It gets lonely although. Look how big it is, all by myself." He stood next to her looking at the site before him. Imara had changed significantly during the flight to Connecticut. She seemed to breathe easier. He still had some work to do on her, but she was slowly coming around. "C'mon lets get inside. Get you unpacked." Hunter ushered Imara into the house. They walked through the front door and Imara again was stunned. His house was something out of a dream. Her house at home was big and she was accustomed to a wealthy lifestyle of sorts but this, this was different. The entry way was covered in marble flooring and on either side of the large room were spiral staircases leading to the next level. To the right she saw a living room with larger than life furniture and a monstrous flat panel television. Strait ahead was a kitchen, equipped, from what she could see, with stainless steel appliances so clean and shiny you could see yourself in them. There was a hallway off to the left and she was unable to see where that ended. "Okay, I have plenty of extra rooms here. There is one right across from my room, so if you need anything you can find me quickly. You can put your stuff down in there for now." Hunter led her up the stairs and down a long hallway. The white corridor ended in a split with two rooms angled off on either side. You can use the room on the right; I'll be on the left. They are double master suits. You have access to your own bathroom and shower just over there." He motioned to the doors off to the side of the bed.
Imara walked into the room. It was unbelievable. The room was crisp and clean. White sheets and bed spread on a black four post bed added a dramatic element to the clean, crisp, empty room. She dropped her bag as she walked around the room to take it all in. Then, she found the closet. It was wonderful. There was room for an entire boutique inside. She let out a small laugh in disbelief. Hunter surprised her from the other end of the closet.
"Here is the one catch. The closet in your room connects to the closet in my room. I promise not to abuse the power but I just want you to know, just in case."
"Well, I'm glad you told me now instead of walking in on me while you think I'm sleeping." Imara shot Hunter a smile and a wink.
"Yes well, you could turn around and kick my ass if I scared you one night so I am really just looking out for me."
"Sure you are." She sarcastically returned at him.
"So, I was going to throw some food on the grill…you interested?"
"Actually, yes that sounds amazing. I need to get out of these clothes though. I have airplane stink on me." Imara made a face as she smelled her shirt.
"Alright well, I'll let you change. And Imara, tomorrow we can go shopping so you can get some clothes and other things. I know you only have that small bag of stuff."
"Oh Hunter, I can ask Shane to send me some clothes you don't have to do that."
"No, I want to. It really means a lot to me to help."
"We'll see."
"Plus I have this gorgeous heated pool that needs to be used so we should at least get you a swimming suit."
"Um, Hunter, I don't think I would be very comfortable in a swimming suit." She admitted bashfully.
Hunter felt bad about forgetting. "Well it's something to think about, and you can just get a one piece if it makes you feel any better."
"We will see. Hey, can I do some laundry, do you have a washer/dryer?"
"Oh yeah, right down the hall." He motioned, pointing down the hallway. "I'll let you get changed and I will go fire up the grill." Hunter turned and disappeared from the closet.
Imara dug through her bag for something to wear. She hadn't been able to grab a lot but she had a few pairs of jeans at least. She was just zipping her jeans when there was a knock on her door. "Yeah?" She hollered from the closet. Hunter stepped in.
"Hey so, I know you don't have a lot and it's not like we are the same size but I do have some merchandise lying around."
"Oh, okay." Imara walked out and joined Hunter.
"I know it isn't necessarily the 'in' trend or some current hip fashion whatever but…" he tossed her a small DX shirt that had an interesting cartoon image of the two trouble makers printed on the front. Imara let out a giggle.
"What are you talking about? This is all the rage!" She teased. "I'm kidding. Thank you I appreciate it." She flashed him a smile.
"You're welcome. Alright I am going to go get back to the food." Hunter turned, and disappeared once again.
Imara changed out of the long sleeve shirt she was in and into the shirt Hunter brought her. It was a little baggy on her small frame but it was clean. She gathered all of the clothes she had and walked the bundle down the hall way. On top of the washer she found laundry soap and fabric softener and all of the things one would need to get some clothes clean. However, his laundry soap wasn't typical masculine "I don't care what kind of soap it is I just buy whatever is biggest" soap. No no, it was a girlie brand with a cute cuddly mascot on the front, and to top it off, the bottle was pink. Again, Imara could not hold back her chuckle. "Some big tough man! How much testosterone could you possibly have if your laundry soap is pink?" she asked to no one, shaking her head. After getting her laundry started she made her way downstairs. It wasn't immediately clear as to where Hunter and the grill were and after discovering the kitchen, she decided he must be out back. After searching a little bit more she found the large glass sliding door.
"There you are!" She spotted Hunter being domestic leaning over the grill, beer in hand.
"Dinner is almost ready. Hey, nice shirt!" Hunter winked.
"Gee thanks." She returned with more than a touch of sarcasm. "So, what are you grilling?" Imara peeked over the side of the shiny silver grill.
"Chicken breasts and some red and green peppers, does that sound okay?"
"That sounds great Hunter."
The couple visited over the grill until everything was perfect, to Hunters standards. Imara helped him carry the food inside and together they sat at the table and ate.
While they talked and laughed, Hunter observed Imara. He watched the way she moved, talked, ate, and laughed. She was opening up to him, and relaxing. However, when she thought he wasn't looking she would wrap a free arm around her rib cage, and trace the bruises on her body, covered by cotton. He noticed her eyes change when she broke eye contact. They went from the happy Imara to a scared girl almost instantly. Vince must have never seen her smile…there is no way he could have touched her like he did if he ever saw that smile.
Dinner ended and the couple cleared the table together. "Hunter, let me do the dishes, please. You have done a lot for me recently and I want to feel like I'm doing something, okay?" Imara pushed him out of the way, well tried.
"Imara, stop. I am never home; rarely do I get to do this sort of thing. It is kind of fun to feel like I am contributing."
"I am not going to argue with you. Can we just tag team these things then?"
"Fine." He let out a dramatic sigh and rolled his eyes and an exaggerated fashion. "You know Imara, I realize that we just got here, but I really enjoy having someone else in this big house."
Imara looked at him and smiled. "I am just glad you gave me a reason to fight. I was moments away from giving up."
They finished the dishes and did some general clean up around the kitchen and dining room. After everything looked okay, they decided to plop down on Hunter's overstuffed and oversized couch in front of the glow of the television. Imara drifted off to sleep in the corner. Hunter clicked off the TV and carried her up stairs and to her room. After she was in bed, he walked to his room, making sure the closet doors were shut and let him self fall into a deep sleep.
Vince arrived in Connecticut well after the other two. Never in his life had he been happier to get off of the plane. The overstuffed man had spilt soda all over Vince's pant leg and the woman in the illegal sweater conversed his ear off about her son and how he is saving the world in some foreign country building houses. This just fueled his raging internal fire. He knew where Hunter lived; after all he was his superstar. After hailing a cab, Vince carefully thought out his new plan. While waiting to arrive at the mansion, he called his second in command.
"Coach, this is Vince, listen I need you to do me a favor…yes everything is fine…please just do not let anyone, especially my son and Shawn, know that I am absent. Lie, do whatever you have to, but do not let them figure it out. Now while I am gone, please do not let things get out of control, you know how I like things, keep it that way…thank you Jon, I knew I could count on you." He flipped his phone shut as the cab pulled up to the giant dwelling. Vince threw money at the immigrant driver and let himself out. "Wait here, I won't be too long." He ordered. McMahon stalked his way, silently, up through the gates and the long driveway. He noticed a glowing of light emulating from the large picture window in the front room. Ducking, to remain unseen, he made his way behind a tree but in line to see in the window. He watched the two on the couch. Immediately he noticed Imara asleep on one end. McMahon watched Hunter notice his daughter sleeping soundly and carry her out of his eye line. Carefully, he watched as various lights turned on and off to allow Hunter a clear path to different locations in the house. When he was sure both were soundly asleep he took note of where Imara's room was and quietly made his way back to the waiting cab, directing the driver to take him to the nearest hotel. He knew all he needed to about the house. Tomorrow he was going to remind that girl who she belonged to and that was that.