When Roman saw her again that weekend at a house show, her cheek was still bruised from Brock backhanding her. He already knew it would be but it didn't make it any easier seeing it.
She might have been determined to say goodbye that Monday but that hadn't lasted long. She didn't ignore his texts and calls and apparently Brock wasn't smart enough to figure out that Roman wasn't gonna back down when it came to her so they had managed to keep a secret conversation going over the few days that had passed.
But there she was, right in front of him, and his heart broke for her when he looked at her bruised cheek. He somehow felt responsible even though Brock was the only one to blame for it.
"Gemma," he said sadly.
He brushed his thumb over the bruise and she flinched in pain.
"I'm sorry," he said. "How's your head."
He moved a hand behind her head to test the waters to see if she was still in pain. She had told him she had been dealing with a massive headache the entire Tuesday which was understandable. Roman of all people knew how hard Brock could hit when he got mad.
"It's alright," she said. "Only the cheek is still sore."
"I really wanna kill him right now," he said.
"I don't like it when you talk like that," she said.
"And I don't like seeing you like that," he said.
"I gotta go. Duty calls," she said. "You'll be smiling at the camera for me, right?"
"You know it," he said.
"And I'll come by your room tonight," she said.
"You better," he winked.
He was happy when he had her in his arms later that night in his hotel room. She seemed tired so instead of trying anything funny, he just held her as they lied in bed, stroking and caressing her body while dropping small kisses on her every so often.
"Roman," she said softly.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I didn't mean to walk out on you Monday," she said.
"I know you didn't. You were just scared," he said.
"I'm scared a lot," she said.
"I know that too. Hopefully not around me," he said.
"Never around you," she said.
She crawled up next to his body until her face was right in front of his.
"I don't wanna lose you," she said.
"You're not," he said.
"Wrestlemania is only a few weeks away," she reminded him.
"I know," he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her all the way up on top of him. "I don't know how or when but I'll find a way to get you out of there. You just gotta be patient."
"I can do that," she said.
"Patient and strong," he pulled her down for a kiss. "I got a key for you for my house. One day you'll be able to use it but I'd like for you to have it already."
The weeks flew by way too fast and he didn't get to spend much time with her. It seemed like Brock was everywhere as they moved towards Wrestlemania and suddenly the day arrived.
She was behind a camera as always and he acted professional like he was supposed to as he went down to the ring and had his ass handed to him by an angry Brock. Half the spots were not agreed on and he knew Brock was trying to teach him a lesson. A lesson he wouldn't be taught. He refused to back down.
He saw the scared look in her eyes when the show was finally over and he made it backstage. All that blood that had poured down his face after Brock had split him open. Of course she was scared. It was a warning from Brock to both of them.
It was hard for him to stand in the darkness on the balcony and look down at Brock's bus parked in the parking lot, well knowing she was inside that bus instead of with him in his hotel room where she was supposed to be. She only had one day left with the company. One day before she would disappear and he still hadn't come up with a plan.
He went into RAW early next day and he found her shortly after, or more like she found him. She stood in the doorway to an empty room and waved him over. He quickly looked both sides before moving to the room and closing the door behind him.
"Pretty girl," his lips found hers and he lifted her up.
"I only got two minutes," she said.
"Let's not waste them," he said.
His lips found hers again and he kissed the life out of her, well knowing this would be the last time in a way too long time he would get to feel her lips on his. Nothing seemed fair in that moment.
"I gotta go," she said way too soon.
He sighed and put her down on her feet, feeling how her hand slowly slid out of his as she moved towards the door.
"I love you, champ," she put on a real smile that made her eyes sparkle.
"I love you too, pretty girl," he smiled back. "And you better fucking believe you'll be with me soon again."
"I believe," she nodded. "You'll figure out something."
"I promise," he said.
She disappeared out of the door and he stayed behind for a couple of minutes, trying to get a hold of himself before walking back out. Also giving her a headstart so that no one would see them leave the room right after each other. Just as he came out, Vince came walking down the hallway.
"There you are. I've been looking for you," he said.
"What's up?" Roman asked.
"Come into my office," Vince answered.
Shortly after Roman found himself inside Vince's office while his boss smiled secretly at him.
"That was one hell of a match last night," Vince said.
"Thanks," Roman said.
"How's the head?" Vince asked.
"It's fine," Roman answered.
Vince leaned back in his seat with that secret smile once again appearing on his face.
"A match like that deserves a do over," he said.
"You're giving me a rematch?" Roman asked.
"April 27 in Saudi-Arabia," Vince answered.
He ran through the arena in search of her before the show. He wanted to share the news with her but he didn't find her. The show went on as planned and it wasn't until after, he finally saw her. He stopped in his tracks as he saw her walk out of the arena with Brock. It was really happening. She was leaving and she wasn't coming back next weekend for the house shows. She was leaving for good and she was expecting him to come up with a plan. He wasn't gonna let her down.