2AM

Mark was wide-awake against, he nervous about retiring. It had finally come, his fnal day as a wrestler and his final show. No one knew but his two most important women were there to see his big moment. He never knew that Cassie would because such an important part of his life, her was very very thankful that she had decided to come along with Jess. He was also awake because of the thunderstorm raging outside, Mark never normally woke during storms but his worry for Cass was what had done it. Pulling his blackberry out he fired off a text.

'Sweetheart are you ok?'

It took less then two minutes for her to reply.

'Umm no'

He immediately got out of bed and dressed turning the lights on and shutting the curtains.

'I'm coming to get you Cass.'

As he opened his door and stepped into the hall Cassie was shutting her door. In sweatpants and a black tank top she went towards him and without a word he guided her into his room. She saw his trench coat on the sofa and seemed fascinated by it as he got her a bottle of water.

"Its softer than I thought"

"Easier to wear, it used to be worse but I complained."

Mark gave her the water and walked into the bedroom surprisingly she followed him without a qualm.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?"

Mark sat on the bed with his legs stretched out in front of him; Cassie curled up next to him.

"Couldn't, its always hard sleeping the night before Mania and this year is that much worse."

"I don't think I'd able to sleep either."

As a loud crack of thunder sounded Cassie jumped, Mark wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him.

"Is this okay?" When she nodded he went to continue. "I've never been sure if its nerves or excitement that keeps me awake. Every Wrestle mania I probably sleep about six hours over the two nights before and then crash out after."

"That's understandable. What's it like walking out there?"

Mark smiled gently and rubbed her arm reassuringly. "Its like walking out into an arena full of people that don't know you for you. But they cheer their asses off for you anyway." Cassie loved hearing him speak about wrestling, he was so passionate about it. "Like walking onto the field for the AFL grand final but nobody knows who you are, they'll still cheer for you even though they don't know you."

"How do you know about AFL?"

"Been to Australia about ten times, twice during grand final week." He looked down into her eyes.

"it's a great sport, two guys I went to school with play."

"Your eyes sparkle when you are passionate!" Mark muttered.

"Yours do too Mark." They were still looking into each other's eyes. "We should lay down and be comfortable."

Ten minutes after they laid down Cassie was asleep and Mark was very close to asleep. He gently pulled the blankets over them and after stripping off his jumper he settled with her in his arms. Cassie's warmth rested along the front of his body and he prayed that his body behaved itself.

9AM

Mark felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and tried to ignore it. What he couldn't ignore was the warm body pressed to his side and front and breath brushing his neck. Reaching into his pocket he hung up the call and dropped his phone to the floor. Mark gently rolled towards Cassie and took her fully into his arms, she wriggled slightly before settling again. He didn't need to be at the arena until 2 pm so he still had time to enjoy his sleep and his future wife. Mark closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep. When Mark woke up again it was 10am and his stomach was growling like mad. Cassie was plastered against him and still sleeping peacefully, she must have been exhausted. Slowly sliding out of the bed he went to shower and then ordered room service, checking his voicemails while he waited for their food. After tipping the room service guy he set the food on the table and wandered to the bed and looked over Cassie. He sat down on the bed and gently shook her shoulder.

"Darlin' its time for breakfast."

Cassie slowly opened her eyes and sat up rubbing them.

"I ordered room service, will you join me?" he held his hand out and she took it following him into the other room. She sat opposite him and rubbed the remainder of sleep out of her eyes. "Sorry I woke you up."

"Its your bed, sorry I slept for so long!"

"You needed it, plus I selfishly liked you sleeping in my bed." Cassie blushed deeply and ate her scrambled eggs quietly. Mark ate and felt a little bad for saying what he had. "Darlin' I'm sorry I didn't mean to embarrass ya."

"You didn't its ok. I just wasn't expecting you to say it."

Mark smiled and sipped his coffee.

"Isn't there something more important you should be doing right now. It's a big day for you."

"I don't need to be at the arena until two and if I wanted to do the appearances I would have had to leave you hours ago. And I happen to be enjoying spending time with you."

"I'm enjoying my time with you also. Thankyou for breakfast Mark."

Cassie watched as he shoveled half a piece of toast into his mouth and chewed, keeping his eyes on her the entire time.

"why do I get the feeling you want to ask me something Mark."

"I don't know how you know that but I do want to ask you something." She nodded and waited. "Why motorcycle gangs?"

"Well I started working for the Gypsy Jokers when I was sixteen, the chapter president was my neighbour. As I got older I became more of a confidant and advice giver because they ad daughters. When I was 18 I got my 'property of' patch and was allowed to attend clubhouse functions and funerals."

"They accepted you?" Mark was truly interested in what she had to say.

"Yeah they did accept me, I was the one they called if one of them needed a chat. Through working with them I became fascinated by the whole culture and the contradictions within it. My entire degree isn't centered around them but one or two units are."

"Do you still speak to them?" Mark had finished eating but stayed where he was listening to her speak.

"there is one or two that I speak to religiously, however I am still called from time to time , if they need advice or anything."

He nodded and seemed to be thinking of something.

"As much as people that I am I'm not a biker. I love motorcycles and even called them but I'm not in a club or anything. They do fascinate me though."

Cassie nodded and finished her breakfast just as her phone went off.

"The clubs are a misunderstood part of society in most countries these days. I know you aren't one of them."

"How?" Marks phone also went off.

"You're too respectful, carry yourself completely differently and the first thing you didn't do was show me your Harleys."

Cassie checker her phone.

'Wanna go shopping? Jess xox'

"Jess wants to go shopping?" Mark asked and Cassie laughed. "She always wants to shop."

"She does. I promised to go get a tattoo with her while we were here. Plus I need a new phone."

"Get going then Darlin' or she'll ask millions of questions."

Cassie stood and followed Mark to the door, he didn't open it straight away but looked down into her eyes.

"The next time I see you I'll be stepping into the ring for the final time. Darlin' I just wanted to say thank you for coming to support Jess."

"Mark umm I'm not here to support Jess. I came to support you."

Mark grinned.

"well thankyou for coming and dealing with my old ass. I hope that you enjoy tonight, after the show I will send someone to get you so stay in your seats. If you need anything just grab one of the guards they'll help you."

Cassie put her hand on his arm and said quietly.

"Mark I'm a big girl, plus I'll be with Jess." He nodded and moved closer, putting her hand on his chest. "Mark don't worry. I'll be alright. You are going to be amazing tonight, I can feel it."

Mark hadn't said anything he'd just stayed quiet and listened.

"Darlin' I hope you don't mind but I really need to kiss you!"

Cassie stepped into him and leaned up to meet his lips. Their kiss was passionate as his arms wrapped right around her. She sighed and Marks tongue gently entered to stroke hers, he was a little concerned that he was going too fast for her. His concern was there until Cassie matched him stroke for stroke, her hand came up to stroke his cheek. One of Marks hands rested on her hip with his thumb rubbing softly. Before things got out of hand he pulled back leaving them both breathing raggedly. Their eyes met and they were drowning in the others.

"Good luck tonight Mark." Cassie said breathlessly.

"Thankyou Sweetheart. I'll see you tonight." She slowly stepped back and Mark opened the door for her, watching her enter her own room.