Hey lovely readers!

Hope you're all well. I'm still trying to get over the rollercoaster on emotions that was Monday night Raw. They reunited! It was only for a while and Seth bailed, but The Shield reunited! Not gonna lie, when they stood toe to toe with the Wyatt's and Seth finally joined them, I teared up a bit. I have no shame. It was so good, just like the old days of The Shield. Amazing.

Sebastian101 - Holly's fear is due to Sheamus's instability and his rough nature in the ring. She's seen what he's done to others and fears he'll do it to her. Her lack of wrestling skills also make her feel vulnerable when with him as she can't defend herself. The tears stem from HHH and his lack of concern for her. Even though he's her brother, he is sending her into a situation she is highly uncomfortable with without a care. These are the reasons for her reactions.

Rileyjade – It's a subtle chemistry but it's definitely there.

Raquel the writer – Oooh I'm so glad you are. Thank you for the continued support.

Bells love Jazz – Thank you. Glad you're enjoying it.

Angelsdee327 – I can't have Dean being too sweet and sugary this early, can we? His sharpness was more for his concern over her drunken state. And I definitely plan to build on the relationship between Randy and Holly

Tantoune – Yeah Hunter is being a bit of a dick right now. But you're right, at least she has the hounds to keep her safe.

Hollarious969 – Theres definitely a connection between them, so he can't help but be supportive towards her.

Dutchangel1979 – Thank you! I'm glad you like my writing style. Thank you for the support and love you show this story

Crazy-wild-and-free – I'm dropping subtle hints about a connection between Dean and Holly. I love a good slow burn and the ability to build a relationship. People don't just fall in love like that in real life. they get to know each other first and the love builds from that so that's what I'm doing here. And the lipstick scene definitely reminds me of things I've done when drunk haha! I'm glad you liked her on his bed too. It was definitely something that made me smile.

This chapter is named after 'It's The Fear' by Within Temptation.

Holly Helmsley's Point Of View

I nervously stood in the gorilla, waiting as the match before my segment finished up. It was a simple tag match between the Prime Time Player and Los Matadores, but it was enough for me to watch and distract my mind from what I was about to do.

I was confronting Sheamus again. Was my brother fucking insane?!

Did he not see what happened last week? Did he not see the look of pure anger on the Irishman's face when I provoked him? He had been pissed… beyond pissed. He was so angry he was almost ready to lash out and hit a woman. And had The Shield not appeared when they did then he probably would have done just that.

Sheamus was unpredictable at the best of times, but even I knew it wasn't good to get on his wrong side. And now one week after teasing him and upsetting him, I was being ordered to go out there and try again.

It was like I had a death-wish, like Hunter was volunteering me for the Hunger Games or something. Why did it have to be me? Randy was the one in a feud with him, Kane was also co-Director of Operations, Big Show was more of a threat. At least those three could fight back when threatened.

But no, Hunter and Stephanie had chosen the weak little blonde to go out and argue with the big strong redhead.

This clearly seemed fair.

I just prayed The Shield would be out there and ready to fight should I need them. They were my only god-send here, my only hope. I had to believe that nothing would happen because they would swoop in and save me if Sheamus was pushed too far.

I watched Titus O'Neil pin Fernando for the win and the match was finally over. I knew I was next up, so as both tag teams made their way backstage, I took deep and calming breaths, closing my eyes and focusing on what needed to be done. I didn't like it, I was petrified, and I wanted to do nothing more than run away right now.

But this was the hand I'd been dealt, so I'd go out there and look the best that I could. Within seconds the sound guy hit The Authority's music, so I opened my eyes and, with every last ounce of courage I had, I walked out onto the stage.

I was greeted with a mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd as I made my way down the ramp, but this made sense considering I was an Authority member. I waved at the crowd as I reached the ring and walked around it, an empty chair in sight located beside JBL at the commentator's table. I smiled as I sat down and slipped on the pair of headphones I was handed.

"And we are joined by the co-Director of Operations, Holly Helmsley for this match," stated Michael Cole. "How are you, Holly?"

"Very well, thank you, Michael," I smiled. "Hello to JBL and Byron too."

"How are you after last week's events at Raw?" he asked. "The last thing we expected was The Shield to come out and help you. Just who are these men?"

"Well, Michael," I began. "They are our security, our bodyguards. Hunter has found them and, I have to say, they are doing their job wonderfully."

"Well we can agree to that after how they reacted to Sheamus last week," JBL said.

"I'm surprised you're out for the Celtic Warrior's match this week," said Cole. "What brings you here tonight?"

My dickhead of a brother, that's what!

"I feel Sheamus has been over stepping his mark lately, Cole," I said. "Bad-mouthing The Authority, talking ill of our wonderful WWE World Heavy Weight Champion, and I wasn't happy with how he received me last week. I'm just here to make sure he behaves. I don't want a repeat of the bad behaviour we witnessed last Monday."

"Of course," he said just as Sheamus's music began. "Let's see how Sheamus does tonight in his match against Dolph Ziggler."

I watched as Sheamus appeared on the stage and walked down the ramp towards the ring, briefcase in hand. I knew I had to keep a calm and relaxed composure since the cameras were on me. So I gripped the arms of my chair tightly in order to hide my shaking hands and kept my face neutral. Even the sight of him was enough to give me a fright.

He made his way into the ring, the crowd booing him as he lifted the briefcase to show it off, turning to face me so I could see the golden case clearly. He was purposely rubbing the fact he had it in my face, but I made sure to look unaffected.

"Sheamus is, of course, The Money In The Bank briefcase winner, Holly," said Cole. "He could soon very well be our new champion."

I scoffed. "I doubt it," I said. "The case doesn't guarantee you'll win the title. Randy Orton still has to be pinned and he won't go down without a fight. He's one of the greatest and strongest champions this company has ever seen so I don't think Sheamus will gain the belt that easily."

"Yeah, Michael," said JBL. "Holly makes a point. It's all good and well showing off the briefcase, but that belt is not promised. Sheamus has to earn it."

"Exactly, JBL," I smiled as Sheamus's music died and Ziggler's began. The noise of the crowd soon switched to cheers as Ziggler came into the ring. We all knew how well over he was with the crowd, and even I couldn't deny how talented the guy was in a fight. Sheamus put his briefcase down by the turnbuckle nearest me and the bell rang indicating the match had begun.

The two men soon locked up, Ziggler getting the upper-hand, pushing Sheamus back into the ropes and hitting him with a kick as he sprung forward.

"See? The guy can't even put up a decent fight against the likes of Dolph Ziggler," I argued. "What chance would he have against Orton?"

"Sheamus is a three time champion," Byron argued as Ziggler bounced off the ropes, hitting Sheamus with one hell of a clothesline. "He's done rather well for himself."

"It's hardly twelve, is it, Byron?" I said with folded arms as Sheamus got back to his feet. He growled at Ziggler, going in for a shoulder tackle. Ziggler wobbled on his feet so Sheamus picked him up, hitting him with White Noise. Dolph dropped down and Sheamus went in for a pin. Thankfully the Show Off kicked out at two.

"That seemed rather impressive to me," said Cole.

I simply rolled my eyes. "It was a fluke, Cole," I said. "It wouldn't be that simple against the champ."

The match continued back and forth for a while, Ziggler getting the upper-hand, then Sheamus, the fight pretty evenly matched. It wasn't until the Celtic Warrior had the Show Off up against the ropes, hitting him with the Beats Of The Bodhran against his chest, the crowd counting along with each hit, that I saw my opening to upset and annoy him.

It was a risky move, but I knew it would get the reaction Hunter wanted and it was sure to piss Sheamus off. So I took the chance. I silently prayed to God and I took a shot.

"And it's not like he deserves that briefcase," I said. "He's the last person here who deserves a chance at the title."

So I stood and took my headphones off, handing them swiftly to JBL and leaving the commentator's table. I could faintly hear them question me and shout me but I didn't look back to answer them. My eyes were too busy looking at the abandoned briefcase nestled neatly underneath the turnbuckle. I licked my lips, using the distraction of the Irishman holding Ziggler on the ropes and quietly grabbed it, clutching it against my chest.

The crowd clearly responded to this, allowing Sheamus time to see what was causing the commotion. He spotted me instantly, the rage rising in his face, turning red with anger. He threw the wounded Ziggler down on to the mat and jumped out of the ring. I attempted to run but he was already in front of me, blocking the way.

I gasped, jumping at the sight of him, stopping in my tracks. I swallowed… hard. Every nerve and every fear hit me at once as I looked into the Irishman's eyes seeing pure fury behind them. I felt like I'd just been hit by a car, every breath knocked out of me.

His jaw was tensed, his teeth gritted as he marched slowly towards me.

"Put. My. Briefcase. Down," he shouted to me, my feet backing up with each step he took towards me. I took deep breaths, trying my hardest not to shake, but I knew my fear was clear for all to see.

This was what I had feared from all this – me, one on one with him. Where Randy and my brother were able to defend themselves and fight back, I could do nothing. I had no wrestling skills, I had no way of attacking. I wasn't able to do RKOs and Pedigrees. And even if I could, he was twice my size, I would barely touch him, never mind knock him to the ground. I didn't stand a chance.

The strength of his stance, the glint in his eyes, the rage on his face. Yeah… I was fucked.

He launched forward, trying to grab me, a tiny scream leaving my mouth as I ducked out of the way, his fingers just skimming the skin of my arm. My heart was threatening to jump right out of my throat as I dashed away again, and I knew now would be a good time for some back-up.

Where's the fucking Shield when you want them?!

Then, as if my prayers were suddenly answered, that familiar music we'd all first heard last week suddenly filled the arena.

Sierra Hotel Echo India Lima Delta… Shield.

I visibly relaxed as they came marching down the staircase, the crowd cheering at their arrival. It was enough of a distraction to Shemaus that I was able to back away to a safe distance, hurrying to the barricade to meet The Shield. Their faces were stern and focused, clearly very unhappy.

Rollins hopped on over first, giving me a look over, making sure Sheamus hadn't touched me.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Way better now you guys are here," I said breathlessly.

Dean jumped over the barricade next, closely followed by Roman, the brunette immediately setting his eyes on Sheamus. I noticed his muscles flexing in his arms, his fingers twitching, his hands constantly balling into fists. He didn't look happy.

His eyes were hard, dark, focused on his target. Long gone was the Dean who teased me in the hotel room a week ago. Long gone was the kind Dean who'd offered me a tissue in Hunter's office only and hour or so before. This Dean was different, this Dean was cold, this Dean was pissed. He looked sort of… unstable.

His mouth was set into a tight line, his nostrils flared as he slowly stalked towards Sheamus, his eyes never leaving him. Seth stayed with me, grabbing my arm and pulling me back as Roman followed Dean, Sheamus's face dropping as he saw two thirds of The Shield about to surround him. The crowd were cheering, clearly enjoying what they were witnessing.

They were the lucky ones, because the whole situation was a lot more uncomfortable and a lot more unpredictable from where I was standing. The air felt tense, like we were walking on a knife's edge, as if the situation could flip at any moment.

"You think it's funny to try and grab a woman?" Dean asked, his head tilting questioningly.

"She has what's mine," Sheamus argued. "I wanted it back."

I held the briefcase tightly in my arms, knowing the whole thing had been stupid and risky. But this was what Hunter had wanted. He wanted the drama, he wanted a reaction, he wanted this kind of angry response from the Celtic Warrior in order for The Shield to come out.

"And you think attacking her and going for her is the right way to go about that?" Dean asked. "I don't take kindly to that kind of behaviour."

He flexed his fingers, hitting his fist against the palm of his hands in a threatening manner.

"All I want is my briefcase," he shouted. "If she has the audacity to take it then she should face the consequences."

It was amazing how quickly Sheamus had changed. He was happy to act the big and threatening man when it was just me, but no The Shield had arrived, he'd totally recoiled into himself.

Dean looked over at me, then back to Sheamus before he slowly walked to me again. Roman kept his position, staring Sheamus down and intimidating the man as Dean reached me, his arm and hand held out. I looked at it for a few seconds before understanding the hint. I held the briefcase up and quickly handed it to him.

He gave me a reassuring wink before he walked back over to the Irishman, throwing the briefcase so hard into his chest that it knocked Sheamus back a little.

I watched nervously as Dean took a step forward, standing toe to toe with his enemy, a smirk on his face. "There you go. It's yours," he said, loud enough so only us on the floor could hear. "Now get the fuck out of my sight."

I heard Sheamus growl, but he backed away, doing as Dean said. Dean and Roman stood their ground as the Celtic Warrior turned on his heel and marched angrily back up the ramp, The Shield's music hitting and sounding once again.

I let out a deep breath, my shoulders visibly relaxing as I saw the Irishman's pale form walk away. The segment was over and I wouldn't have to deal with that shit again. I hoped this was what Hunter wanted, I hoped it was good enough for him and that me going out there and shitting myself was worth it.

Medical staff came out then, quickly tending to Ziggler in the ring as the four of us made our way up the ramp.

"Thank you," I quietly whispered to Dean on our way up.

"Told you we'd be there, didn't I?" he smirked as we made it back stage.

And he did. They had made it. It had been touch and go for a few moments, but Seth, Dean and Roman had showed up just when I needed them and come through for me. Sure, I fucking hated what Hunter was putting me through, but at least I had the so-called Hounds Of Justice there to back me up when I needed the help.

Randy and Hunter were backstage when we got there, Randy rushing to me immediately.

"Shit, you okay?" he asked, placing a hand on my shoulder, looking me over for any damage.

"Apart from the unadulterated fear I had throughout that whole thing, I'm fine," I replied.

"I was about to rush out there myself," Randy said. "I didn't think those three were coming out for a moment there."

"Yeah, well we did," interjected Seth. "So you don't need to worry."

"We knew what we were doing, Orton," said Dean. "We weren't going to let her get hurt. What do you take us for?"

Randy glared at them as Roman patted me on the back. "Hope you're okay, baby girl."

"I'm good," I smiled weakly. "Thanks, guys."

They all nodded, Hunter congratulating them as they walked past him, heading to their locker room.

"Mother-fuckers," I heard Randy mutter under his breath. "Who do they think they are?"

I sighed, not really caring much in that moment to argue. I was tired and I was exhausted. The mixture of fear, the madness of it all, and the come down from the adrenaline I'd felt throughout the whole thing had made me want my bed more than anything. I was grateful Raw was finishing for the night.

"Holly, you did it again," Hunter smiled as he approached Randy and I and embraced me in a hug. I didn't hug him back. "That was fantastic, just what I wanted to see."

"Great," I mumbled.

"Let's go to my office, see where we can this from here," he smiled, but I just backed away from him.

"Look, I did what you asked. I went out there and provoked him," I said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I just want to go to the hotel and go the fuck to bed."

I didn't wait for an answer. I simply walked away.

I'd been through enough tonight. All I wanted to do was sleep and wake up to a brand new day, allowing myself to put tonight behind me.

Again, a huge thanks to Sebastianm101, rileyjade, Raquel the writer, Bells loves Jazz, angelsdee327, Tantoune, Hollarious969, dutchangel1979 and crazy-wild-and-free for their lovely reviews