Wow, so many reviews on the last chapter! I loved it! So, I assumed that you all loved the superstar auction as much as I did? Lol, goooood times! Okay, well, anyways, on with the chapter!

Chapter 32- The Verdict

Randy

My thoughts still lingered on Lora, and the vision of her in that remarkable green dress. It had been several days since the charity event, and we were in Kentucky, ready for the Raw that was happening tonight, but I couldn't her image out of my head. That night had been perfect in several ways. The first being that the auction raised just under two million dollars for "SHARE" woman's cancer benefits. And the woman that paid fifty-five thousand dollars for actually turned out to be a very nice woman, and we spent the next evening having an innocent dinner and enjoyed each others company immensely. However, the best thing from that night, was the after actions that Lora and I rushed back to the hotel for. Something that I would never get enough of. Not if it was always Lora. It amazes me how I went from sleeping with any women that even looked at me the right way, to only wanting Lora. I never thought it would ever happen.

I taped my finger on the glass counter, and the attendant smiled at me, and pulled out the object I was motioning towards. She handed it to me softly, and I gazed at it, inspecting it for perfection. I wouldn't accept anything less. I ran my fingers over it, trying my best to picture it where I wanted it. I bit back a smile, and I handed the item back to the clerk, and handed over my credit card and a small bag that contained a very important piece that I sneaked out of my hotel room. I paced by the counter, impatient to get to the arena, as the clerk rang up my sale. When she handed me the small bag, I slipped into my pocket, and rushed from the store.

Within the next twenty minutes, I was at the arena, and in search of John. I was not surprised when I found him in the free gym, working hard to keep up his stamina. I pushed the door out of my way, and went to his side. He did not notice me right away, because he was so involved in his workout. I lightly kicked his foot with my own, and his eyes popped open and met my gaze.

"Can we talk?" I asked, and then looked around the room at the semi-packed gym. "Alone?"

John's brows came together in confusion, but stood up from the leg bench anyway. I turned on my heel and left the gym, knowing John was behind me. I didn't stop again until I was in my locker room. John watched me as I paced the room, to on edge to sit down.

"Randy, man, what's up?" John asked, perching his body on the arm of the couch. I turned to look at him, and was about to open my mouth to reply when the door burst open. I glared in the direction of the noise, annoyed that I was interrupted, when I saw Adam and Matt coming into the room. I ran my hands over my head as Adam took a spot on the couch, and Matt beamed around at everyone. He had more energy that a small child sometimes.

"Guys," Matt said, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, "she said 'yes'!"

I stopped in my tracks, spinning around to face the smaller man. I heard the shocked reaction from John, and Adam laughed at Matt's enthusiasm. Frustration was building in my body, unwillingly, and growing stronger.

"You asked Edoin to marry you?" I managed to get out without my voice breaking.

"Yeah," Matt said, a dreamy look coming over his face. "After the auction. She wouldn't say anything at first, then all she could say was 'yes'."

I stared, gaping at him, for several moments. I couldn't stand being in the room any longer. Turning on the spot, and walked from the room. I tried to put as much distance between myself and the news as I could. I knew I should be happy for him, but right now, I felt like I missed the perfect spot. Moreover, I felt horrible for not being pleased for Matt, but I couldn't muster the feeling at the moment. I felt a hand grip around my forearm, and it turned me around. I looked down into John's face, seeing the confusion and concern on his face. He pulled me into a room, and it took me a few moments to realize that we were in John's locker room.

"What is wrong, Randy?" John asked, getting straight to the point. I shrugged my shoulders and sat down on his couch. "Don't give me that. Matt breaks the news that he and Edoin just got engaged and you flee from the room." John stopped his rant. However, it was too late to notice that he had his eyes narrowed at the couch, and before I could even move, John reached down with his quick speed, picking something up off the couch. I sat in silence as he held the small bag that must have slipped from my pocket when I sat down. He pulled out the small black box from the bag, and stared back up at me.

I held my breath as he pinched the lip with thumb and finger, and lifted the lid. And I knew what he was looking at. A size seven, three diamond, princess cut ring. The middle, equal-sided stone was the biggest of the three, with the smaller squared diamonds nestled on each side. They were set on a band of white gold; along the sides of the band was a delicate, hand-engraved design. It was settled in between the black velvet cushions in the box. The ring I had bought for Lora. I groaned and ran my hands over my face.

"This is why you got upset," John said, joining me on the couch. And by the tone of his voice, he wasn't asking a question. He was making a statement. "When did you get this?"

I sighed. "This afternoon. I had discreetly borrowed a ring of Lora's from our room and took it with me to get the right size. This is why I wanted to talk to you. But I can't ask her now."

John scoffed softly. "And why is that? Just because you think Matt stole your thunder?"

I glared at John. "No. This isn't about me. When I ask Lora, I don't want there to be any doubt or confusion in her mind. I don't want her to think that I'm only asking because I got the idea from Matt."

"Randy, you and I both know that Lora will not think of it that way. You ask her whenever you feel the time is right, no matter who else is getting married around you."

oo

I joined Lora in her titantron room an hour before the show was to start. Just being around her soothed my frustrations slightly. Just slightly. I was still peeved at Matt for making this so much more difficult than it should have been. I sat quietly in a chair next to the red-head, and watched her work while my brain flew a mile a minute. I knew she could tell something was bothering, but she wasn't pushing it. It was hard to sit here, in front of her, knowing what waited for her in my bag in my locker room.

"I've got a pap-smear appointment the Thursday after the trial. It'll be in Nebraska, where the next show is, so, we'll need to leave a right after the trial," Lora said, looking over her shoulder at me. I just nodded, not trusting my voice. I was still so lost in my thoughts. Not even the memory of Lora leading me to our room after the auction could diffuse the unruly disappointment that ran through my veins.

"Did you hear about Edoin and Matt?" Lora asked, as she paused from her work to smile softly. "I think it's so sweet. They are absolutely perfect for each other." Lora was unknowingly making me angrier. Just the mention of Matt and marriage in the same breath brought all of my frustrations back. I knew Lora was expecting a reply, but all I could manage was an unbecoming grunt. Lora slapped her pen on the table, sighed loudly, and turned towards me. "Okay, what is your problem?"

My head snapped to hers, taking in the look on her face. She was annoyed. "What are you talking about?"

"Ever since you walked in this room, you've been extra quiet, not trying to talk to me, and I'm not sure if you have been listening. If you don't want to stay here with me, then go back to your locker room. I won't be mad, and I might get this work finished." I gaped at her. I didn't know my silence had caused that much emotion to stir in her. She flipped her hair, and returned to her work. "You're acting like Garfield on a Monday."

All thought came to a stop on her last sentence. "What?" I heard the humor and laughter scratching in my throat. I had never been compared to a cranky cartoon cat character before. And the way Lora said it, with such reverence, just made it all the more funny. I covered my mouth with my hand as the first of the laughter came. I saw the light blush creep up on her cheeks, but she turned her head towards me, and raised her eyebrow in defiance. Gripping the arm of her chair, I rolled her closer to me. "I'm sorry for being so distracted."

She didn't look at me at first. I brushed my hand over her cheek, and smiled when her eyes fluttered softly. I was getting to her. I laced my fingers in her hair, and pulled her closer to me. I buried my nose in her soft red hair, and ran my fingers down her other cheek. "Forgiven," she murmured, leaning into my touch. And for a moment, I forgot about Matt, forgot about Edoin and forgot about the three carat diamond ring sitting unused in my bag; and not on Lora's finger.

Raw passed by in a blur. Matt didn't have a single clue why I had gotten so upset, and I had calmed down from the hour I had spent with Lora. I hated to get any joy from the "RKO" that we both knew was in store. The crowd reacted with such enthusiasm it sent a fresh wave a adreneline running through my veins. It could have gone horribly wrong if either of us made a single mistake. As Evan went for Air Bourne on me, I pushed myself off the mat, and caught him by the neck as he spun, and brought him down to the ring hard. Goosebumps erupted on my skin as the crowd yelled for us. And John's match with the able six men of Nexus was a sight to behold as well. He held his own for as long as he could, before the numbers game towered over him. It wasn't long after Justin Gabriel got the pin over John, and John started to rev back up to stand his ground that Stephen, or Sheamus, ran out to come to John's aid. The crowd reaction for him was stunningly loud. I didn't know where he and John stood behind the cameras, but I knew that for one night, they were united against a single threatening cause for the world.

oo

I woke up on Wednesday before Lora. We had been in North Carolina less than twenty-four hours, and it was finally the day for the trial. I slink out of bed, and went on and took my shower. I hoped today wasn't going to be as rough on Lora as I thought it would be. Erik's face cropped in my head, and a wave of anger washed over my body. Just the mere thought of his existence made me want to get my hands on something. I shut the water off, and wrapped a towel around my waist. Being as careful and as quiet as I could, I slipped from the bathroom, only to see that Lora was sitting up in bed, sending a text message on her phone.

"Good morning," I said, and she looked up at me and smiled. But I saw the troubled and scared look in her eyes. Which only backed up my feelings for Erik. I walked over to her, and pulled her up off the bed and into my arms. "Just think, tonight will be the beginning of us without having to worry about him."

Lora smiled again, this time it reached her eyes. She lifted a hand to my cheek, running her thumb over my lips. "I love you Randy."

The automatic and uncontrollable smile came to my face, as it always does when those words come from her. And again, I thought of the ring in my bag, and an overwhelming urge to claim her as my own, to see her wearing my ring, for the world to see took my senses. But, even as I thought that, I dismissed the idea. I was less than half-naked, and Lora was still worried about today. This wasn't the perfect time. And I wanted her to remember that moment for the rest of her life, no matter how selfish that sounded to me. I wanted it to be special for her. I wanted everything for her. So, instead, I lowered my face to hers, and brushed my lips across hers, resisting the urge to push her back down on the bed. She pulled away from me, holding my stare for a few more moments, before turning her back to me to gather her clothes for the day and headed for the bathroom.

An hour later, we were in a rental car, and I was driving the both of us to the local North Carolina courthouse. I looked over at Lora in the passenger seat; she had chosen a pair of black pants and a bright pink, silky top. And even in court-presentable clothes, she was stunningly gorgeous. It wouldn't be long before I asked her to be mine forever. She jumped slightly as we arrived at city hall. I noticed a shiny black sedan as I got out of the car, and waited for Lora to join me. I laced her fingers around my own, and walked her into the large stone building. When the wooden door shut loud behind us, I noticed a woman standing next to Lora's lawyer, with her back to us. Lora did as well, and she squeezed my hand softly. Stephanie McMahon turned on the spot, seeing us head in her direction, and smiled.

"What are you doing here Stephanie?" Lora asked, hugging her softly.

"I'm here representing the company. And I'm here for you," she said, laying a hand on Lora's arm. I knew how much it meant to her to have more support here on her behalf. I looked down at Lora, and saw the emotion building up inside her. I wanted this day over for her as soon as possible. She looked pale and I knew she didn't feel like herself.

Just then, a man came out of the closed doors that led to the court, and announced that our case was next. I rubbed circles on the back over Lora's hand with my thumb as we were led inside, with Stephanie following behind us. It was your typical courtroom. Five rows of plain wooden benches lined each side of the aisle. A small, beautifully carved wooden gate and fence blocked off the benches, and I saw that two mahogany tables stood on either side of the room, for the lawyer's representation. On the left side of the room was the jury's box. Twelve cushioned seats, split into two rows filled the box; that would remain empty in a case such as this. But in the very front of the room was the grand judge's bench, with a country and state flag hanging on either side of the desk. A handsome leather chair sat behind the desk, waiting for its occupant. A bailiff was standing in front of the flags, waiting for everyone to file in the room.

I passed through the gate with Lora, not wanting her to be alone, and we sat side by side in two leather chairs, with her lawyer on her other side. Stephanie slid into the first bench behind the fence on our side, sitting directly behind us. A door to our right opened, and Erik was escorted in by two other county cops. I found that I was pleased to see him in handcuffs. He looked in our direction, and I saw that Lora ducked her head, and played with my hand at she held in hers. I, however, never took my eyes off him. Erik glanced at me, seeing my stare, and quickly moved his attention elsewhere.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Calloway," the bailiff's voice echoed through out the room. A man in long black robes, and short graying-black hair swept into the room. He had an air of no nonsense about him. And I would hope that would go in our favor. He sat at his desk, and the rest of the room sat with him.

"Docket number 164: Pierce versus Gilbert. Plaintiff charges suggest repeated assault and battery, and attempted kidnapping," the bailiff read off a sheet of paper. "The defense can start the opening by making their case."

A scuffling noise sounded throughout the room as Erik's lawyer stood up. He sauntered to the middle of the court, and began his opening speech. And it did nothing for my anger management. He spoke of Lora as if she had been leading him on throughout their entire relationship. He was putting the blame on Lora. I had to physically clamp my mouth shut to keep my retorts to myself. That would not help the matter. He sat down and Lora's lawyer, Mr. Chapman, stood up.

"Miss Lora Jade Pierce here is a classic victim. She was in a relationship with this, Erik Gilbert, and towards the end it got violent between them. And she was smart enough to escape before things got worse for her safety. Or so she thought. Not even on the road, traveling constantly, was she safe from this man. He visited her once at work, trying to tear her life apart, and then followed them to North Carolina. And this is when he assaulted her, physically wounded her, and tried to take her away against her will. That it attempted kidnapping. I push for two years for the repeated domestic violence, and an additional five years for the case of attempted kidnapping. He is a persistent man, that puts her safety at risk."

He summed up everything I thought into a small speech. The judge read over all the statements from the event. He had listened intently to each lawyer's speech and we didn't have to sit there long before he banged his gavel for order and silence in the room.

"I have come to decision," Judge Calloway's voice boomed over the room. "In this case, there is clear danger towards Miss Pierce. Mr. Gilbert has intent on severely hurting this young woman, case proved in the repeated domestic violence reports. And in order to protect this woman's safety, I grant the plaintiff's sentencing. Erik Gilbert will spend two years in state jail for the charge of assault and battery. And another five years for attempted kidnapping. Also, when he is released, he is ordered to serve two more years of probation, including anger management classes. There will be a restraining order in place the day of release, that lasts the entire time of the probation period. Court is dismissed." He banged his gavel and stood to leave the room.

Relief rushed over me as I looked down at Lora. If my math was correct, she was Erik-safe for nine years. And the look on Lora's face showed that she was counting up the years as well. I leaned over in my seat and kissed her forehead. If I had brought the ring with me, I would have asked her now. The sheer look of relief and happiness made my heart expand.

But I would just have to wait for the perfect moment.

A/N

Thanks for reading! And 9 years of being erik-free! Woo! REVIEW please! =D

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