Sheamus did media, promoting SmackDown that night, but his heart just wasn't in it. Kimber had managed to call him a couple of times, assuring him that she was all right. He could hear Barrett barking orders in the background and it was all he could do not to go find them and kick the gobshite's arse.
He finished up with his television interview, politely declining the female newscaster's invitation for dinner that evening, and headed out to the car.
Martin, the WWE's PR rep, climbed behind the wheel and started it up, the pair soon making their way down the street and towards the arena.
"So have you heard from Kimber?" the rep questioned, Sheamus nodding.
"A while ago." he clarified, "She seemed like she was all right."
"You think she wasn't?"
"Wit' Barrett, who knows." the Irishman sighed, looking out the window, "Nah, she seemed okay, fella. Ah think Ah'm just worryin' too much."
"Not hard to do considering the bad blood between you guys." Martin spoke up.
They fell into silence and eventually reached the arena. Sheamus entered, getting ready for his match that night.
It was soon showtime and the Irishman found himself in a match with Titus O'Neil.
While he was doing that, Kimber was with Siobhan and Wade backstage. The reporter watched the Englishman shadow box for a few moments before turning her attention to Siobhan.
The redhead was filming him but what surprised Kimber was that all of her focus was on him. She was watching him intently, as though mesmerized by the movements of his body.
Wade stopped, moving his head from side-to-side. His gaze focused on Siobhan and he grinned, "Don't forget to get my good side."
"Ah didn' know you had one." the Irishwoman quipped, earning a scowl from Barrett.
He chose not to retort, instead making his way over to a monitor and watching the action down at ringside. Kimber was thankful for that; the reporter much rather preferred to check on her boyfriend than deal with the arrogant Brit.
She couldn't keep the smile off of her lips as Sheamus made his way to a corner and began to pound his chest, signaling for his trademark Brogue Kick.
She heard Wade scoff and she looked up at him, questioning, "Do you ever feel intimidated by your opponents? Especially ones who you've fought and lost to before?"
Wade turned to her, his eyes beginning to constrict. He leaned down until he was practically nose-to-nose with her. To her credit, Kimber remained rooted to the spot. But she did swallow, feeling visibly nervous. She didn't believe Barrett would lay a hand on her, but still she didn't like the idea of him being so close to her.
"Why should I feel intimidated by Sheamus?" he demanded, blue-green eyes flashing.
"How about because he's kicked yer arse more times than Ah can count." Siobhan spoke up.
Wade wheeled around to glare at her. Siobhan didn't back down. If anything, that stubborn little chin of hers poked out in defiance.
"She does have a point, Wade." Kimber interjected, "Your win/loss record against Sheamus does favor him more than you."
The Brit glowered down at her but remained unusually quiet.
"Oi, Wade, you back there, fella?"
The trio turned back to the monitor, watching on as Sheamus stood in the middle of the ring. He had clearly been victorious in his match, sweat coating his face and body. He was grinning hugely, a microphone in his large hand.
"For the past few weeks you've been bellyachin' about gettin' a match wit' me for my World Heavyweight Championship." the Irishman chuckled, "Well what do you think about this? Ah say you face me at the Elimination Chamber in two weeks!"
He was met with thunderous cheers from the fans, causing his grin to grow.
Backstage Wade turned to Kimber, smirk full on his lips.
"Come on." he ordered, "I'm about to give you an exclusive."
And with that he turned and began to make his way towards ringside. Kimber let out a sigh and hurried after.
She made her way out onto the stage, her eyes meeting Sheamus'. His grin disappeared, concern coming over him at the sight of her. She gave him a gentle smile, though, her way of silently telling him that she was all right. The Irishman nodded before turning his attention back to the Englishman.
Sheamus watched on as Barrett climbed into the ring, his own mic in hand. The Brit was actually laughing at him.
"Well it's about time you stopped running and decided to face me." Barrett stated with a chuckle, "But I guess you didn't have a choice. Unless you wanted the entire WWE Universe to see you for the coward you really are."
The Celtic Warrior's eyes began to constrict, his body tensing as his famous temper started to rise.
Kimber could see her boyfriend getting more and more enraged by the second. If Wade didn't watch himself he was liable to get a boot in the face. And that was the good news.
"What did you call me?" Sheamus questioned, tone low.
Barrett grinned at him, "Only what you are. A bloody coward."
Sheamus glanced down at the canvas, the wheels in his mind turning. Kimber cringed inwardly. She knew him well and she knew this wasn't going to be pretty.
Suddenly the Irishman looked up at Barrett, a bright grin on his lips. Wade regarded him in confusion. That was not the reaction he had expected.
Instantly the smile vanished and Sheamus dropped his mic as he charged for Barrett, knocking them both to the ground. The Irishman managed to get on top of the other man and began to plow him with blow after blow.
The fans went nuts, chanting for Sheamus. Their chants increased as Barrett managed to roll them over, him on top. It was then his turn to drive his fists in the redheaded man's face.
Kimber cried out in alarm, hands going to her mouth.
"Sheamus!" she yelled as she feared for her boyfriend. Sheamus was tough. The toughest man she knew. But still Wade was a former bare-knuckled fighter.
And he was showing his prowess at that moment. Soon the two men were rolling around, trading blows. They continued to brawl until referees and other officials charged into the ring, pulling the pair apart.
Sheamus struggled against the men who had a hold of him, forcing him back to one corner. He glared across the ring to Barrett, who was also trying to break free. His was running his mouth and even though the Irishman couldn't hear what he was saying he still wanted to plant his boot in his mouth.
Kimber looked back and forth between the pair with wide eyes. She slowly made her way over to Sheamus' corner, her hand reaching out to touch his leg. Her way of offering him support.
Cold blue eyes met hers, causing Kimber to slowly remove her hand. A tremor raced down her spine. She had never seen such abject rage in her boyfriend's eyes before.
Sheamus blinked, realizing it had been Kimber touching him. His gaze, though still filled with anger, softened considerable. He had seen the uneasiness come over her and instantly he felt badly. He never wanted her to feel that way. Especially not around him.
Wade made his way from the ring and started stalking towards the ramp. He spied Kimber and glowered at her, barking, "Come on!"
"I'll meet you backstage when I'm good and ready." Kimber snapped back, "I'm not on your payroll, Barrett."
The Brit sneered at her before turning and storming back up the ramp and towards the curtain. Once he was gone from view the officials began to leave the ring, Sheamus the last to exit.
The reporter tentatively approached him, unsure of what to say or do. To her pleasant surprise the Irishman immediately went to her, putting an arm around her and drawing her firmly to his side.
"Ah'm sorry." he stated, clearly feeling badly, "Ah didn' know it was you, angel."
"It's all right." Kimber assured him, going so far as to offer him a small smile.
Her arm slipped around his waist, her head going to his chest, as the pair made their way up the ramp and towards the back.
They slipped behind the curtain and found a quiet corridor where they could be alone. As Kimber turned to him she noted the anger that still simmered in his eyes.
"Promise not to get angrier if I ask if you're all right?" she questioned with a teasing smile.
Sheamus inhaled, pulling her in close for a hug. His arms tightened deliciously tight around her and he felt better when he felt her smile against his chest.
"Ah'm fine." he assured her, "Ah just want Barrett to shut his gob."
"He will." Kimber told him, "When you put your boot in it."
"Damned right." Sheamus pulled back, smirking down at her.
His expression turned poignant as he cupped her cheeks and leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a deep kiss. Jaysus, he had missed her. Though he had only seen her that morning it felt like much longer.
Kimber gripped his wrists, the reporter eagerly returning the embrace. Her lips parted for his, allowing his tongue to enter and taste her. Hers met his, caressing and lapping. It felt so good to be near him again. To feel him. To kiss him.
Sheamus continued to feast on her lips for a few more minutes before the reporter finally pulled back.
"I need to get going." she replied regretfully.
"Think they'd get mad if Ah threw you over me shoulder and just walked right out of the arena?" Sheamus asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Probably." his girlfriend giggled, "Me? Not so much."
"No?" the Celtic Warrior cocked an eyebrow at her.
"Not really." Kimber leaned up and whispered conspiratorially, "Just between you and me, I like a man with a bit of a. . .dominate side."
"Oh you do, huh?" he slipped his arms around her, yanking her to his body.
Kimber's hands went to his chest, meaning to catch her balance. She couldn't help but enjoy feeling his muscular body, though.
She smiled sweetly up at him as she raised up on tiptoe, her lips mere inches from his, "Yeah, I do."
His fingers flexed from where they rested on her hips. He gave her one good tug and up she went for another thorough kiss.
She finally pulled back, looking regretful. She reached out and cupped his cheek, giving him a sad smile.
"I love you." she told him, "I'll call you tonight."
"You better." he told her, growing serious, "Ah love you, Kember."
He reluctantly let her go, watching with a frown as she turned and walked away. Once she had gone around the corner he turned away, hands going to his hair. He began to stalk the small space.
His anger hadn't left him during that time. It had only been seething, just waiting for it's chance to return. And return it had, blazing up from the pit of his stomach was over his body in scalding waves.
He could still hear Barrett's words: calling him a coward. He could still feel the fists as they drove into his face and body.
And now Kimber, his Kimber, was on her way back to that arsehole.
The Irishman looked off in the direction she had just left, eyes blazing and teeth grit. He wanted to go find Barrett and finish what they had started in the ring.
He wanted to go grab his girlfriend, throw her over his shoulder and leave with her. It hadn't all been a joke when he had suggested it. In fact, the more he thought about it the more the idea appealed to him.
He once again started pacing, but the more he stalked the angrier he got.
Coward. . .coward. . .coward. The word repeated itself like an evil chant in his head.
He closed his eyes, scrubbing his hand over his face.
Instantly he was taken back to a time about three years ago, when the Nexus had been running rampant over the WWE.
He had been arrogant; a real muppet. So sure of hisself back then. Thinking he could take on the world and all comers.
He had gone up to Evan Bourne backstage, who was nursing some injuries.
"All right, fella?" he has asked with a smirk, "You hurt? Yer neck gotcha? That RKO didn' mess you up, did it?"
He began to sneer, adding, "Well yer lucky it wasn' me, cause it would've been a lot worse."
He had looked up, the sneer instantaneously leaving his lips as he found the Nexus advancing, forming a slight semi-circle around Bourne.
"All right, lads." Sheamus had been quick to shift their attention, pointing to Evan, "Here is one of Cena's heroes right here. Actually he was just braggin' about how he helped jump you last week. You may wanna have a word wit' him."
And then, grinning, he had backed away; feeling right proud of himself as he watched those pack of wolves tear the smaller man apart.
Then, chuckling, he had knelt by the high flyer and taunted him, "Ahhh, little Evan Bourne. That'll teach you a lesson, won' it, fella?"
When he had looked up his chuckling had died in his throat as he realized that the Nexus had returned and were now circling him. They had made a grab for him and like a coward he had turned tail and ran away.
It had been the only time in his adult life where he had backed down from a fight. One time, but it had been enough to still shame him years later.
Sheamus opened his eyes, the blue depths filled with disgust. All for himself.
He just remembered looking up at them and flashing back to when he had been a pale, chubby, scared ginger lad. Looking up and finding himself face-to-face with a pack of childhood bullies. He had remembered feeling that fear, that helplessness, again and had instantly reacted on impulse.
Now he wished he had stayed and taken his lumps. It wouldn't have mattered if they had beat him to a bloody pulp, at least he could still feel some sense of honor.
But no, he had ran. Like a coward.
Coward. . .coward. . .coward. . .
The Irishman turned, gripping at his red spikes, his teeth gnashed. He spied a nearby garbage can and stormed over to it. As the rage and humiliation began to course through him he seized it and, bellowing, slammed it again and again against the wall. Over and over until it had dented in on itself.
Only then did he throw it aside, chest heaving and eyes filled with rage.
.
.
.
.
.
"So what do you think it looks like?" Siobhan asked as Kimber drove down the warm Tampa streets towards the address Wade had given them.
They had a few days off and Wade had insisted they spend them at his home. Showing off most likely, Kimber imagined.
"Ah bet he's got his own Red Room of Pain." Siobhan whispered conspiratorially to the reporter, causing Kimber to laugh.
"Don't you think you're letting your imagination run away with you?" she asked the redhead.
"Would you truly be surprised if he did?" Siobhan leaned back in her seat and looked at her shrewdly, "He's just the type, you know."
She looked out the window, a scowl forming as she went on, "Domineerin', rude, cares only for hisself. Oh Ah bet he gets off on tyin' up women."
She began to smirk, "That's probably the only way he can keep one around."
Kimber just shook her head, continuing to make her way. It wasn't long before they reached his house.
Actually, 'house' didn't even begin to describe it. 'Mansion' was a better description. The reporter stopped the car on the sandy colored, brick driveway and she and Siobhan sat, gaping up at it.
An iron and hedge fence circled the massive property. Beyond the gates Kimber could see a circular drive that lay before the home. Another iron gate, bordered by two palm trees, separated the drive from the actual house.
And what a house it was. Salmon colored with two stories, including a turret. The front door and neighboring patio were arched, as were the windows that framed the balcony that lay above the front door. Rust colored shingles adorned the roof.
"Wow." the Irishwoman breathed, unable to stop herself.
"I'll just let Wade know we're here." Kimber murmured as she slipped from her car and walked over to the intercom.
She hit the button and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
After about seven minutes, just when Kimber's irritation couldn't grow any more, she heard the Englishman's cocky voice filter out from the box.
"Kimberlynn, I presume." the arrogance coming off of him was maddening.
Kimber looked through the gate, towards the windows of the mansion. He had to have been watching, the conceited jerk.
"That's right." the reporter tried to keep her tone pleasant, despite the way her teeth clenched.
"Do come in, Kimber." the Englishman chuckled seconds before she heard the buzzer and the gates began to open.
The reporter rolled her eyes and turned, climbing back into the car.
"Ah never thought he'd answer." Siobhan muttered as the reporter slipped behind the wheel and began to drive through.
"You know Wade." Kimber murmured as she circled the drive and pulled up in front of the inner gate, "He likes to make a big deal out of everything."
"Did Ah tell you how much Ah'm not lookin' forward to this?" Siobhan stated as they climbed out of the car and began to collect their things.
"About a hundred times." Kimber gave her a smile, "And I have to say that I agree with you."
The two women gathered their bags and slipped through the inner gate as they made their way up to the front door.
"Ah swear, if he makes us ring the bell Ah'm goin' to get in yer car and crash it through his front door." Siobhan grumbled as they approached the mansion.
"I would probably risk the insurance spike just to see you do that." Kimber chuckled.
Luckily her car wasn't in danger. The second they reached the alcove the door opened, revealing a smirking Barrett.
He was decked out in a pair of jeans and black t-shirt. His arms were crossed over his chest as he looked from Siobhan to Kimber and back again.
"Well look what the cat dragged in." he chuckled.
"This isn' exactly a social visit, Barrett." Siobhan said coldly.
"Still, it's so good to see you again, Siobhan." he glanced Kimber's way and nodded, "And of course you, too, Kimber."
"Wade." Kimber nodded by way of greeting.
It came to no surprise that the Englishman didn't offer to take their bags for them. He did, however, step aside and let them enter.
The moment Kimber slipped into the foyer she drew to a stop, her eyes looking around in wonder.
Just like the outside of the house, the foyer, too, was impressive. White marble, complete with pillars. Light beige walls bordered in gold. Archways and even a circular staircase that resided by a tiny bar.
"It isn't much, but I like to call it home." Barrett grinned hugely, "I am a man of such humble means, of course."
"So where would you like to start?" Kimber asked as Siobhan got her camera ready.
"With a tour, of course." the Englishman looked like he couldn't wait to show off his home.
And show it off he did. For the next two hours he took them everywhere. From the tastefully decorated dining room, complete with antique dining table, chairs and sideboard along with oil paintings. To his massive kitchen what with it's marble floors, marble countertops, island that was as big as Kimber's car, insanely large fridge and a stove and set of ovens that would have been a chef's dream.
He showed off his bathroom that rivaled anything a four star hotel could come up with. When they got to his dimly lit and beautiful decorated bedroom his suggestive gaze had never left Siobhan's face. The camerawoman had tried her best to ignore him but Kimber could see the way her cheeks flushed and the way her camera continually focused on the bed.
Eventually the trio found themselves outside where Wade showed off his spacious, open back patio, complete with marble flooring and fireplace.
They walked across it to his enclosed pool. And what a sight that was. Waterfall Jacuzzi that led to the massive pool, complete with a waterslide and rock enclosure.
"Feel free to slip into your bathing suits, ladies." Wade smirked, eyes still on Siobhan, "Or not. Whichever is most comfortable for you."
"In yer dreams." Siobhan grumbled but Kimber could see the blush still high on her cheeks.
"I'll be more than happy to apply the sunscreen." Wade went on, his voice lowering, "We wouldn't want that beautiful pale skin of yours to burn."
"Keep it up, Barrett, and Ah'll shove yer arse into the pool." the Irishwoman threatened.
Wade laughed at her retort but kept a safe distance from her.
"Why don't I have the housekeeper prepare some drinks." the Englishman suggested, "Some ice tea, perhaps?"
"Thank you, Wade." Kimber said politely.
The wrestler nodded and turned, making his way back into the house. Once he was gone from view Siobhan lowered her camera with a growl.
"He's the most insufferable man!" she snapped, raking a hand through her red hair. An action that reminded Kimber at once of her older brother.
"Who is clearly taken with you." she replied gently.
Siobhan gave her a look, "Please, Kember, be serious. The only thing Wade's lookin' to do is get under my skin. Or clothes."
She shivered at that thought, but the reporter couldn't tell if it was from revulsion or something more.
Her blue eyes began to narrow, "And if he thinks Ah'll just fall at his feet he's got another thing comin'.
"He is the most arrogant, conceited, cocky-"
"Singing my praises, sweetheart?"
Siobhan gasped and the two spun around to find Wade standing there smirking, a tray of ice tea in his hands.
"Ah know what yer tryin' to do." Siobhan snapped as she picked up her camera and checked it out, conveniently not meeting his blue-green eyes, "Yer just tryin' to get at Sheamus. You think Ah'll go runnin' back and tell my big brother everythin' you've said and done."
"I'd rather you don't." Wade continued to grin at her as he passed Kimber a glass, "I would hope that what happens between us is our business."
"We don' have any business." Siobhan practically snatched the glass away when it was offered to her, "And besides, Ah can handle yer kind just fine all by myself."
"I look forward to it." Wade's gaze was practically smoldering as he sat the tray down and took a seat on one of the lounge chairs.
Kimber glanced nervously at Siobhan before taking up position in one of the opposite chairs. She took a sip of her tea and sat the glass on the small table between them.
"I thought maybe now would be a good time to talk about your time in the WWE." she stated, getting down to business, "And before."
The Englishman leaned back in his chair and began to grin, "It's clear that my record in the WWE speaks for itself. It'll only be a matter of time before I become World Heavyweight Champion.
"An honor a long time coming and richly deserved, I might say." he added, his smirk slowly twisting into a sneer of irritation, "I'll certainly make a better champion than that ginger wanker."
"Oi." Siobhan muttered from behind the lenses.
Wade looked at her, his smirk returning, "Sorry, sweetheart, I forgot you were here."
"Ah'll bet." Kimber could hear Siobhan grumble.
The reporter turned her attention back to Wade, going on, "Lets talk a little bit about your time before the WWE. When you were a bare-knuckled boxer.
"How did you get involved with that?"
There was a new light in Barrett's blue-green eyes now and his grin was beaming. It was clear this was a subject he enjoyed talking about.
"I was a rough kid growing up." he stated, actually looking proud, "I used to get into a lot of trouble and I wouldn't back down from fights."
"Surprise, surprise." Kimber heard Siobhan mutter under her breath.
Barrett apparently hadn't heard her and went on, "I got into a few brawls in some pubs back home.
"One night a man saw me and was naturally impressed with my skill and prowess." he went on, "He told me I could make a lot of money as a bare-knuckle fighter."
"And was he right?" Kimber inquired, "Is that kind of. . .scene, I guess I would call it, lucrative?"
"I made pretty good money." Wade nodded, his grin growing, "I was even a champion."
"But it's not without it's dangerous side, am I right?" Kimber leaned forward in her seat.
Wade shrugged, "It's no more dangerous than being here in the WWE."
"Well last I heard," Kimber mused, "Wrestles don't go around stabbing other wrestlers for their prize money."
To his credit, Barrett chuckled. He knew where she was going with her line of questions and comments.
"Let me ask you a question." he stated.
"I. . .um, I don't think. . ." Kimber looked over at Siobhan with uncertainty.
"Come on, Kimber, it's only fair." the Brit expressed, tone smooth, "Here you are trying to get to know me better. Don't you think I should be afforded the same opportunity?"
"I. . .I'm not really that interesting." the reporter chuckled self-consciously, "Trust me."
"Oh I don't know about that." Wade gave her a once over, "For example, what made you decide to become a reporter?"
When Kimber didn't answer right away the wrestler pursed his lips, pretending to pout, "I answered one of your questions, Kimber. Why don't you answer one of mine? Come on."
Kimber found herself grinning despite herself, "Let's just say I've always been naturally nosy."
That caused the Englishman to chuckle as he raised his glass to her, "And I've always been a natural opportunist."
"Mercenary, Ah'd say." Siobhan stated, this time a little louder.
"If you'd prefer, sweetheart." Wade gave her a dazzling smile.
Siobhan's eyes narrowed, but she remained silent.
Kimber looked back and forth between the pair, feeling the tension between them growing by leaps and bounds.
"So if we could get back to that incident-" the reporter paused, growing a bit hesitant, "It's okay if we discuss it, right?"
Again Wade shrugged. He didn't appear all that bothered by the subject matter.
"So what exactly did happen to you?" Kimber inquired.
"I must warn you that this is a rather unpleasant story." the Brit began, showing an uncharacteristic display of concern.
His eyes flashed to Siobhan for a few seconds and Kimber noticed the concern go up another notch. She caught the camerawoman's eye and Siobhan gave a small shrug, telling Kimber that it was up to her.
The reporter turned her attention back to Wade and nodded, "Please, go on."
"I spent several years bare-knuckle fighting across Europe." the wrestler began, "I had a lot of success and eventually got to fight for some pretty big money.
"I had one particular fight lined up with a highly notorious opponent in the town of Budapest, Hungary." he went on to explain, "Hungary is an ex-communist state in Eastern Europe. There is concrete everywhere you look, the sun never shines and the people are as tough as old boots.
"Basically, it is not the kind of place any of the other so called 'Superstars' would ever dare set foot, but that didn't phase me in the slightest." he added with a smirk.
Siobhan rolled her eyes.
"The build up to the fight was so big amongst members of the underworld that some termed it 'The Battle of Buda' which in my eyes made it the equivalent of Ali and Foreman's 'Rumble in the Jungle', only far more dangerous."
Kimber found herself leaning forward, entranced with the tale.
"My opponent had a reputation for fighting dirty, much like myself, and there was a rather intimidating atmosphere building around the town in the hours leading up to the fight." Barrett clarified, "The local police tend to turn a blind-eye to this sort of thing in Eastern-Europe which is why so many fights are staged over there. In fact, most of the local police force turned up to bet money on who was going to win.
"Speaking of money, there was also a rather substantial cash prize on the line for the winner of the fight." a dark gleam came to his eyes as he added, "A prize which I was going to make sure I'd be taking home no matter what."
"So what happened?" Kimber asked. She couldn't believe how fantastic this story was.
"Come fight time, we started brawling and to my surprise, it was actually turned out to be one of my easier fights." Wade stated, "It lasted about 3 minutes before my opponent's face was so smashed up that he couldn't see out of either eye and he had no choice but to say 'I quit' in his broken English.
"I had my hand raised, collected the winner's money and decided to get out of the area straight away and on the next plane back to the green hills of England." Barrett went on, "The place was crawling with a whole host of unsavory characters and every single one of them wanted to get their hands on the £20K winners prize that was now sitting in my bag."
He looked directly into the camera, his expression somber, "Having all those eyes burning a hole through you as you stand alone in some Eastern-European hell hole is a very sobering experience, let me tell you.
"Unfortunately, I hadn't planned my getaway well enough." the British wrestler stated with a surprising chuckle before adding, "As I walked through an alleyway in search of a taxi to the airport, I heard footsteps behind me and a split-second later, I was jumped from behind and stabbed in the back with an eight-inch blade."
An audible gasp rose up, Kimber and Wade instantly looking at Siobhan. The Irishwoman cleared her throat, trying to appear nonchalant, but they could see the red tint forming on her cheeks.
"I didn't know you cared, pet." Wade stated, his tone low and taking on a tender quality.
"A-Ah was just surprised, is all." the redheaded woman stammered.
Wade regarded her thoughtfully for a few seconds before turning his attention back to Kimber, "I remember feeling the initial pain of the wound, but it was very quickly masked by numbness as the pain endorphins kicked in.
"At this point, I was supposed to stay down on the ground in agony whilst my assailant made off with my winner's money, but things didn't quite work out like that." the British wrestler began to sneer, "I lost a lot of blood that day, but I wasn't about to lose a penny of my hard-earned cash."
"Tell me you didn't try and stop him." Kimber asked in alarm.
"I can't say too much about what happened next due to legal reasons, but what I will say is that if I've ended up with a 12 inch scar on my body, just imagine how the other guy ended up looking." Barrett smirked, "If you can't imagine it, just go and look at some minced beef next time you're in the supermarket and that should do the trick."
He once again regarded the camera lenses but it was like he was looking through it, directly to the young woman holding the camera, "Life for me has always been full of scars and scrapes, but I make sure that I leave any situation with the money in my pocket."
Siobhan swallowed.
"Did you continue fighting after that?" Kimber questioned.
Wade shrugged, "After I had properly healed, I did, some.
"But then I decided to gravitate more towards wrestling." he began to grin, "It's a little less dangerous and the pay is ten times better."
"And is that what matters most to you?" the reporter asked, "A bigger payday?"
"I would be lying if I said that wasn't important." the Brit nodded, "But there's something else I care just as much for."
His eyes again drifted to Siobhan, watching her silently.
"Becoming a World Champion." Kimber surmised, breaking the spell.
"The first British born World Champion." Wade stated, face filled with intent, "And it's going to happen at the Elimination Chamber."
"Aren' you forgettin' someone?" Siobhan couldn't help but ask.
Wade turned to her, glowering, "Sheamus is no threat."
"Don't you think you're underestimating him just a little bit?" Kimber questioned, feeling miffed on her boyfriend's behalf. Sheamus was definitely no slouch.
The wrestler fixed his narrowed gaze on her, "No, Kimber, I believe Sheamus has underestimated me. For the last time, too. Come the Elimination Chamber I will be walking out of there the World Heavyweight Champion. You can bank on that."
He leaned back in his seat, shaking his head, "Look I understand you'd like to think he's impervious, him being your boyfriend and all. But when it comes right down to it, he's just a man."
"And so are you." Siobhan quipped from behind the camera.
Wade's eyes flashed to her face for a moment before he once again turned his attention on the reporter. He leaned forward, blue-green gaze unwavering, "You have him on a sort of pedestal. You'd like to think your big, strong man can come out ahead in any fight. Again, understandable considering your past."
"What do you mean by that?" Kimber asked, her defenses going up.
"Well considering the sort you previously dated," the wrestler stated, "Any man that would treat you as something more than a punching bag would seem like a hero to you now."
"You are way out of line!" the reporter snapped as she jumped to her feet, "My personal life is off limits, Wade. Especially that part of it."
Wade rose to his feet, hands up in mock surrender, "Whether you choose to believe me or not, Kimber, I meant no disrespect."
"Yeah, right." Siobhan scoffed.
"Stay out of this." Wade ordered with a scowl, "I mean it, Siobhan. You've slagged me off every chance you've gotten and I'm bloody sick of it."
Siobhan blinked, surprised by harshness of his tone. She wisely decided to keep silent, though it was clear by the look on her face that she was smarting over the command.
The Brit turned back to Kimber, eyes narrowed, "For the record, any bastard who would raise his hand to a woman isn't a man at all. And one that I would gladly give a good thrashing to.
"Now on to the subject of your dear, darling Sheamus," he went on, some of the tension easing from his body and voice, "You'd like to think he's indestructible. But he's not. By the same token you'd like to think I'm easily disposable but I'm not."
"His time has come." he announced with conviction, "And so has mine. I will beat him. I will become the new World Heavyweight Champion. If you think otherwise then I have some bad news for you."
He looked back and forth between the two women, who remained silent.
Kimber's mind was racing. As were her emotions. The last thing she wanted to do was be reminded of Andrew. And the fact that Wade would bring him up-so indifferently even if he hadn't intentionally meant to harm her-still struck a considerable nerve with her.
A big part of the reason why she had been able to move on was because of Sheamus. Because of his love and patience with her. She knew she wouldn't have been able to come as half as far as she had if it weren't for him.
So to hear Barrett dismiss him so easily. . .it just really made her angry.
"And if you don't?" she asked evenly, "Beat him, I mean."
Wade grinned, "There's no chance in that happening."
"And if it does?" Siobhan jumped in, "Then what? What becomes of the great Wade Barrett then? Hmm?"
The Brit's gaze constricted as he focused on the Irishwoman. Kimber wanted to call out a warning to her friend, but didn't if only for the fact that she knew Barrett wouldn't lay a hand on her.
The redhead lowered the camera, sitting it down. Her own blue eyes were flashing with fire as she took a step towards the tall wrestler.
"So what are you goin' to do when you find yerself lookin' up from the mat at the Elimination Chamber?" Siobhan continued to press, "How are you goin' to feel when you realize that you've lost. Again."
Kimber could see Wade growing more and more enraged by the moment. His face and his ears were turning bright red and his hands were clenching and unclenching at his sides.
"How are you goin' to feel knowin' that my brother got the better of you. Again." Siobhan continued to press, taking another step towards him.
The air between the pair was practically electric. Especially when Barrett took his own step towards the redhead. Siobhan held her ground though, her chin going up another notch.
Suddenly Wade turned his back to her, his chest heaving. Kimber could see that he was trying very hard not to do whatever was going through his mind at that moment.
He suddenly wheeled on them, snarling, "Why don't you two just collect your bags and get out. Now!"
Kimber and Siobhan wasted no time hurrying back to the foyer to get their stuff.
They made their way outside, bags wheeling behind them. Suddenly Siobhan started to laugh. It caused Kimber to look over at her in surprise.
The Irishwoman's giggles subsided, though she kept the sly smile on her lips, "Ah knew that'd work."
Kimber blinked at her before she, too, began to grin. Giggling and linking her arm through the other woman's, they made their way back to the car.
She couldn't wait to go home to her guy and show him just how much she loved him.
.
.
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You can find the link to the pictures of the house I based Wade's mansion on, on my profile. Also, the recount of Wade getting his scar can also be found there, as well. :)