CHAPTER FOUR
Standing on a wooden stool, River examined Mark's knee, frowning. She prodded it gently, knowing he thought he could handle it but by the time she was done; it was going to feel like someone had set fire to his leg. She began; using steady, hard pressure to work at the tissue, sighing after twenty minutes. "I'm going to straddle your calves, alright?" When he just nodded, she awkwardly climbed onto the table and over his legs; working again. A quick glance up showed that he had split his lower lip and lowered her head.
He could handle it alright.
Mark was in a LOT of pain. Was this woman a professional torturer? Occasionally, a grunt escaped him, for the most part managing to remain silent. When she had sat on him, he found he could distract himself by studying her face. Those familiar blue eyes haunting him even now. "You don't remember me?" He asked, suddenly sitting up. He took her hand, pressing it to his face and still didn't see any familiarity in those eyes. "River, it's me." He groaned in both frustration and pain, pulling his leg away.
River was instantly up and backing away.
Standing up, Mark had to clutch the table, his knee suddenly going limp. "Why don't you remember me?" He demanded, shaking the feeling back into his leg before slowly advancing on her, frowning when she continued backing away until the wall met her. "River… I won't hurt you, darlin'. I could never hurt you."
River was TERRIFIED. What the hell was he talking about? She had never seen him before in her life until last night! And he was talking to her and touching her like he knew her! "I don't know what you're talking about." She said, trying to keep her tone even and calm. "I don't know you and you certainly don't know me!" She held out her hands to stop him, sighing in relief when he froze. "You must be mistaking me for someone else." She slid towards the door.
Mark caught her, a hand splayed on her stomach. "Darlin', we've known each other for-"
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY WIFE!"
"Shawn, we're just talking…" Mark gently pushed River behind him, out of harm's way. Shawn hadn't really lost him temper in years, when he had- Mark's green eyes narrowed, feeling like this was just a repeat of history. A history River didn't seem to recall.
"That's not what it looked like to me. Get out!"
"She's not done yet, so no." Mark folded his arms over his chest. "I'm not hurting her and I damn sure don't appreciate you making me out to be a monster when it's obvious I'm NOT."
Shawn frowned at the insinuation. He had known better then to bring her on the road, damn it, but what was he supposed to do? He wanted her with him all of the time, not just once a month. "Fine, keep your hands off her." He snapped, glancing at his wife before disappearing.
She wanted to follow Shawn, knowing damn well she couldn't though and swallowed hard. Moving away from Mark, River began cracking her knuckles nervously. "I'll finish your knee but do not talk to me or touch me again." She said firmly. If he did, she'd make sure every time he bent his knee it'd be nothing but agony. "I have no idea who you are and trying to convince me otherwise is pretty pointless."
"I'm sorry, darlin'." Mark's voice was low and sad. "You just remind me a lot of this woman I used to know, that's all. Her name was River too." He smiled sadly, getting back onto the table, knowing he had probably just scared the hell out of her. "I promise, I won't touch you again. I was out of line, darlin', I'm sorry."
River finished his massage, finally moving away, eyes fastening on the clock. "You'll need at least two more this week, a minimum of three a week until surgery. And it's going to hurt." She added as an afterthought, shaking her hair free and inwardly groaned; feeling a headache coming on. "I'd switch between ice packs and heat packs tonight to ease the pain a little."
"Got it, thank you River." He watched her back for a moment, finally vacating. He knew her, this was HIS River. And she was with Shawn fucking Michaels of all people, married to him nonetheless! Mark was about to do some investigating.
At the end of the night, River was not surprised in the lest when Shawn came for her. She just rushed into his arms and buried her face in his chest. "He kept saying he knew me and asking why I didn't remember him." She whispered against him, glad he was here; pressing against him snugly. "He scared the hell out of me, Shawn."
Shawn slowly pulled away, staring down into her scared blue eyes. He could feel his heart breaking when a few tears slid down her cheeks, brushing them away with the pads of his thumbs. "Sweetheart, come walk with me, let me explain to you why I want you keeping away from Mark." Lacing their fingers together, Shawn guided her outside. "Some odd years ago, there was a woman who worked here. She was in the wardrobe department, they dated a little I guess. Anyways, she took off one night and nobody heard from her again. Mark never got over it. Every time Stephanie hires a woman who doesn't work the show, but backstage, Mark pulls the same shit over. He always claims they know him, that they're this woman. Understand what I'm saying?"
If possible, River's eyes widened even more. "So he thinks… oh god, Shawn. Why don't they make him see a shrink or something?" She shook her head, knowing she wasn't going to be able to work with someone who was out of their mind. "He's never hurt any of these women, has he?" She asked suddenly, remembering him pulling her hand to his face and shivered.
"No, no of course not. Believe me, he would've been long gone if that ever happened." Shawn assured her, seeing her physically relax. "If he really bothers you that badly, got to Stephanie and tell her. She won't listen to me but maybe you can convince her, Riv." He kissed her trembling lips gently. "I'll go with you if you want me too."
"She told me I had to work on him." She said hesitantly, wondering if Stephanie would change her mind. "Why the hell would she put him with me if she knows he thinks new women are that missing girl?" She demanded angrily, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That's just stupid! In the cafeteria she said you had something against him, no kidding! He's insane." She groaned but smiled when he kissed her again. "Do you think she'll listen to me?"
"How bout we just forget it for now and if he starts in again, then we'll do something?" Shawn suggested. "We could go back to the hotel…" His voice dropped to a husky drawl. "Hop into the tub… rub each other down…" His lips were now traveling down her throat. "And make love until the sun comes up."
She shivered, this time for an entirely new reason. "Mmm sounds good." River purred, groaning when he lavished attention on one of her hot spots. "But if you keep that up, Mr. Michaels, we'll never get there because I'll jump you here." She teased, briefly contemplating it then stepped back. "Come on, you have a wife to make love too, all night." River stared at him; one hand on her hip, trying not to smile at the look on his face.
"How could I deny that?" Shawn lifted her over his shoulder, grinning when she laughed and hauled her towards the parking lot. Mentally, he was wiping a brow, knowing that had been a close one.
***
"Shawn… I think…" River groaned, pulling the remote control from under her back, not even wanting to know how that had gotten there and looked up to find him grinning at her. "The sun is up and we haven't been to bed." She had to giggle, even though certain parts of her were currently protesting the all night marathon they'd just had. Looking around the room, she arched an eyebrow. "This room is trashed." She whistled, shaking her head as she looked around for her pillow, spying it against the wall.
Smirking, Shawn watched his wife retrieve her pillow and scooted over on the bed to make room for her. Once she was settled back down, he draped an arm over her. "We can sleep for an hour or two now then a bit more on the plane." He whispered in her ear, a hand splayed against her stomach. "Have you called Hope to let her know?"
"Not yet." River yawned, snuggling into him.
"We'll do that tonight then."
***
River was exhausted when they got to the arena. They had called Hope to let her know she'd be joining them on the road in two week's time; which had gone over well, the thought making her smile wanly. Though sleeping on a plane wasn't comfortable. She felt like a sleep walker at the moment and it showed. In place of her customary jeans and a tee shirt, River had opted for comfort clothing: track pants and a hood sweatshirt. Her body was still telling her off with achy parts and a few interesting marks. "I think I'm the one in need of a massage."
"I'll give you one later, I promise." Shawn chuckled, glancing down at her. She looked tired. Good, he'd done his job then. "It shouldn't be too bad tonight, honey, it's just a house show."
River nodded, coming to a halt outside her door and turned her head up.
"I love you." He whispered, bending down to kiss her. "Mmm… coffee."
Smirking, she took another sip from her mug.
"Cena's waiting for you in there," Alex said by way of greeting, trying to ignore the singing from a room to his left, watching as Shawn walked away. "Apparently you made an impression. I also feel I should warn you, he's in one of his hyper moods."
How come that sounded ominous?
Hesitantly, River walked into her work room, arching an eyebrow at the sight of John Cena sitting on the table singing at the top of his lungs.
"Ice ice, baby. Johnny ice ice, baby."
He was singing Vanilla Ice, with his name. It was kind of cute, in a weird sort of way. "Um, John?"
"Hey homie! Erm, girl!" John grinned. "I need my arm looked at again, make sure I didn't pull anything. You know, my pec, yeah that. You look nice, have you ate? God, I'm so hungry I could probably eat a horse! Anyway, shall we get started?"
Dear Lord, did he ever stop to breathe? River could only nod, washing her hands before walking over to stand in front of him. "John, start singing again and this might hurt." She threatened sweetly when he started humming, her blue eyes sparkling with good natured humor.
John smiled sweetly, flexing his muscles at her.
Shirtless seemed to be a fashion statement around here, she idly thought. After a moment, River paused, looking into his grinning face. "There is nothing wrong with you, Cena."
"Thanks for checking me out, homie girl!" He winked, hopping down; laughing at the look on her face. "Oh come on, it was funny!"
A throat cleared behind them.
"Time to jet." John said in a loud; overly dramatic whisper. He tried side stepping Mark only to hear the giant chuckling.
"Where's the fire, boy?"
"Up your ass!"
John was going to have to die.
River had to clamp both hands over her mouth to keep from laughing, wondering if John was out of his mind. Which she then answered herself with a firm YES. When the moment had passed, she stared at Mark warily. "Can I help you?" She asked politely, keeping her tone professional; not wanting to encourage him into thinking he could pull the same stunt twice.
"Actually yes, I'm here for my knee. I'm leaving for a few days after tonight." He explained, knowing he was going to have to play this cool, the expression on her face was overly cautious. Great, he had made her think he was a psychotic. He couldn't touch her and he couldn't kill her husband. Not yet anyway.
River frowned, though inside a little person was dancing all over, he's leaving! "Okay. But if you're going, you need to find someone who can continue this or else we're just wasting our time." Not to mention killing off precious nerve endings in her fingertips. "Aggressive therapy is the only thing that's going to keep that knee going until you get surgery."
Why the hell did she even care? Because she was a good Christian, she had to remind herself, repeatedly.
"I'll be back in a few days, you said three times a week." Mark reminded, bursting her bubble. He dropped down on the table, his pant leg already up. "You look nice tonight." He commented, studying the track pants and heavy top, wondering if she was out of her mind. It was hotter then hell.
"I said a minimum!" She corrected with a slight scowl. "You actually need more than three sessions a week but…" Trailing off, River began the massage, wondering if he was going to split his lip again; trying not to smile. She was going to go to hell if she didn't stop thinking vindictive thoughts and then looked up. "Thank you by the way, for saying I look nice."
Mark chuckled, the sound a low rumble from his chest and nodded. "You're welcome, darlin'."
There were no two ways around it. She was going to wind up sitting on him. One, her knees were killing her. Two, she needed more pressure and this position wasn't cutting it. "Mark, I'm fixing to straddle you again." She sighed exasperatedly, getting to her feet. "Why is everyone grinning at me tonight?" RIver demanded, not amused by the look on his face. "Do I look funny?"
He couldn't stop himself from laughing at the perturbed look on her face. "Anyone ever tell you you're cute as hell when you're a bit upset?" He asked, snorting and laid back. "Go on darlin, you won't hurt nothing." Though he did grip the sides of the table, knowing he had just lied through his teeth. "DAMN!" He all but shouted after five minutes.
"Sorry." River murmured, trying not to grin. Served him right. She didn't dare look up at him, having considered sitting with her back to him but that would have meant straddling his- and now she was blushing. When Mark cursed again, she groaned, looking down at his legs and frowned. "Don't jerk your legs, I might not be a guy but it still hurts!"
"Sorry darlin'… fuck that hurts." Mark grunted, deciding he'd take a chair shot any day of the week, full force. A second later he was taking that back, watching her pink tongue wetting her lips.
That was torture.
"Language." She corrected absentmindedly, though she was fairly used to her victims AKA patients cursing, came with the territory. "Have you been applying compresses, Mark? Hmmm…" River paused, contemplating. "Maybe if we tried acupuncture." She let out a shriek when he bolted up right, beginning to topple before grabbing the front of his shirt. "Are you out of your mind?"
"Sorry." He grunted, catching her by the arms instinctively. Once River was back in place, he reluctantly laid back down. "How much longer?"
"I'm moving my position." She informed him, deciding she wasn't going to be flying off the table because he wanted to either knee her in the crotch or buck her off. "And another fifteen minutes or so, then you're free to go." Without another word, River moved so her back was too him, straddling his thighs. I'd advise taking some Tylenol when we're finished."
"Got it." Mark felt like she was torturing him both physically and sexually, was her pert ass as she leaned forward. Dear God, he was sick in the head. This was killing him. He knew her! He knew her very damn well! And she acted like he was some regular joe off the street. Right then and there he made a decision. He knew a certain person who would know for sure if this was River.
He was a twitcher and it was funny because he was trying not too. Deciding to distract Mark from the pain in his knee, River went with trigger point massage; giggling when he complained about a pain springing up elsewhere. "Deep breathing, Mark." She said, pressing for ten seconds then stopped; doing it again. "How's the knee?"
"I forgot about it." He admitted.
"That's the point."
"Where did you learn this?" He asked, inhaling deeply as she went back to his knee. When she said some college in San Antonio, he nodded. "Talking distracts me." He explained when she fell quiet again. "So what made you come to this crazy world?"
"Shawn." River said simply, her tone changing from casual to warm with that one word. "It was hard for us not being able to be together like we wanted. Me and our daughter at home while he's on the road most of the year; so he approached Stephanie about me joining the physical therapy crew." She inhaled, finally moving to get off of him; groaning as her feet touched the floor. The next time Shawn wanted an all night love making session, she might have to just say no.
Mark smiled, trying to put some warmth into it. That was damn near impossible though. "How'd you two meet?"
"He was there for me through a difficult time in my life and nature took it's course." She said quietly, smiling as she remembered it. "We got married almost straightaway." She lost herself in memories for a moment; shook her head and cleared her throat. "Well, ice and heat; alternate them." It was straight back to business.
That wasn't exactly a clear answer but Mark knew it was the best one he was getting. After thanking her, he walked out of the room, whipping out his cell phone. "Hey man, you ready for me to come see your ass?"
"I suppose. When you gonna be here?"
"Tonight. I'm leaving after the show."
"See ya then."