Sheamus woke up the next morning with a sigh. He looked over to his left and began to grin. Kimber was buried under the blankets, only her wavy hair visible.
He carefully eased onto his side and reached out, gently plucking a strand of her hair and rubbing it between his fingers. He leaned forward and gave it a sniff, eyes closing. Her hair smelled so good. He wanted to bury his nose in it.
The lump under the blankets began to move and he quickly released her. He watched as, like a turtle, her head popped out. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sleepy, confused expression on her face.
She took one look at him and groaned, closing her eyes and slipping back under the covers.
"I want to stay here." her muffled voice called out.
Sheamus grinned and lifted the top of the blanket, looking down at her, "Comfortable are ya, angel?"
"Mm-hmm." the reporter closed her eyes and snuggled down deeper, "Come keep me company."
He needed no further prompting. The Irishman ducked under the blankets and allowed her to snuggled closer to him. They stayed there for a few moments, just enjoying the peace and quiet.
"Can we stay here all day?" she asked wistfully.
"Ah'd love to." he sighed regretfully, "But we have things to do."
"Ugh." she groaned, "You're right."
They eventually came out from under the blankets and looked at one another. Sheamus reached out and cupped her cheek, his expression reflective. She pressed a kiss against his hand and slowly sat up. He joined her and together they climbed out of the bed.
"So what exciting thing is going to happen on One Day With. . .today?" the Celtic Warrior asked.
"Layla has to go to the doctor." Kimber stated as she began to collect her clothes, "She's getting a check up on her ankle."
"She's lucky she didn' break it." Sheamus stated as he, too, grabbed a shirt and some jeans.
"I know, right?" Kimber looked over at him and shuddered, "She was so scared that night. I was, too, to be honest with you."
She offered a warm smile, adding, "But, thankfully, it was just a deep sprain. And, according to the doctors, she should be back to one hundred percent in no time."
The reporter disappeared into the bathroom but left the door open slightly so she could keep talking. While she did that Sheamus changed out of his pajama bottoms and put on his jeans and shirt. He added a vest to the mix, buttoning it up.
"I have to say," Kimber's voice called out through the ajar door, "I really admire her for still wrestling even with the injured ankle. The truth is, I'm in awe of her."
She came out of the bathroom, now dressed in the clothes she was wearing the night before, "I'm in awe of all of you, really. There's no way I could do what you guys do. It's amazing."
Sheamus grinned down at her and reached out, taking her hand. He planted a kiss on it before murmuring, "Well Ah'm in awe of you."
Kimber began to blush, but she did so with a smile.
"So, um," she cleared her throat, "What are you up to today?"
"Media." Sheamus stated, "Then the gym. Ya know, the usual."
"Life of a professional wrestler." Kimber smiled.
"Life of a professional wrestler." the Irishman agreed.
The reporter's smile faded, her expression growing sad. She really didn't want to leave him.
"I guess I should be going." she replied quietly, "You need to get ready and I have to go change my clothes and meet Layla."
"See ya tonight." Sheamus told her.
Kimber walked into his arms, holding him tightly, "I'll see you tonight."
"Thanks for the slumber party." the wrestler joked, causing her to giggle.
"Any time." the reporter pulled back and beamed, "And if you're lucky, next time I'll do your hair."
Sheamus chuckled, running a hand through his chaotic do. The strands were sticking up all over the place, even more so than usual.
Kimber laughed and gave him a kiss on the lips before finally bidding him goodbye. The wrestler watched her leave before eventually closing the door and heading to the bathroom to finish getting ready.
He left his hotel room a short time later, bag wheeling behind him. As he made his way down to the lobby he spotted Kimber leaving with Layla. He gave her a wave, one that she happily returned.
As he turned in his room key his handler, Martin, approached.
"Hey, fella." Sheamus greeted the other man with a hearty handshake.
"Sheamus." the PR rep nodded, though he didn't appear that happy.
"What's the matter?" the wrestler asked, brows knit.
"I. . ." Martin let out a sigh, glancing down at his cell phone nervously.
"What is it, Martin?" Sheamus demanded.
Without a word Martin handed over his phone. Sheamus looked at the smaller man in curiosity before turning his attention to the device. There was a video paused on it, clearly shot on a cell phone.
He hit the play button and began to watch. . .
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SmackDown finally arrived. And none too soon for the Celtic Warrior.
He was in the back, angrily pacing back and forth. After seeing the video, hearing that it was all over the web, his temper had kicked in full force.
He couldn't believe he had made it through all the media appointments without losing it. Getting to spend some much needed time in the gym had helped somewhat.
But being there now, knowing that Show was skulking about somewhere, he could feel his rage coming back full force.
He was gonna beat him within an inch of his life. And then, he was gonna take that inch.
He closed his eyes and struggled to breathe. But closing his eyes had been a bad idea. Because he could still see Show. Could still see him reach out that big, meaty hand of his and shove it against Kimber, knocking her to the ground. He could still see the lass, whose only crime had been that she wanted to make sure he was all right, fall to the ground. He could still see the surprise, the pain, in her face as she fell.
He opened his eyes and instantly everything around him turned red.
Out at ringside Michael Cole looked out over the crowd and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a very turbulent twenty-four hours for my guest at this time. Please welcome the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus!"
The fans began to cheer and Sheamus' music hit. Seconds later the Irishman began to make his way down to ringside.
He walked with a purpose, his features tight with resolve and unleashed anger. As he stepped into the ring he began to pace the length of it, all the while trying to get a hold on his raging temper.
"Sheamus," Cole greeted him, "It's apparent you're still very upset over what's transpired-we're gonna get the folks caught up to date now.
"Uh, last night, following Monday Night Raw you and a few of the Superstars and Divas went to a club here in San Diego to have a good time." the announcer went on.
Sheamus continued to stalk across the length of the ring. With each step he could feel his rage threatening to erupt.
Michael followed him with his eyes, the older man growing more and more nervous with each pass the Irishman made, "Re-reports have surfaced throughout the day today on that there was an incident in this club last night here in San Diego. And now we understand that there is video footage from a cell phone of this incident. We'd like to present that footage now."
Sheamus came to a stop at the ring ropes, leaning against them. He took a few deep breaths before turning his attention to the Titan Tron.
Suddenly the SmackDown logo disappeared and an interior shot of the club, Passions, came up.
He was at the bar, ordering drinks. After the bartender turned to fill them he leaned against the bar and looked out over the club.
He paused and something came over him. His face soften and a tender smile come to his lips.
He knew then that that was the moment he had spotted Kimber. And he would have reflected on that expression and what it mean if he wasn't so feckin' angry right now.
Suddenly there was Big Show. The massive wrestler hit him with a cheap shot, causing him to stagger and fall onto a nearby table. Both he and it hit the ground with a crash as people nearby began to scream. Some of them even began to call out, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Big Show slammed the table down onto his torso before delivering a few well placed kicks and punches. A small crowd began to gather and suddenly there was Kimber making her way to the front of the crowd, John, Layla, Kaitlyn and AJ with her.
Kimber started to go to him, to help him, when John grabbed her and held her back. He then made his way over to Show, who was grinning proudly and backing away.
The cell phone followed him and that's when Sheamus felt his temper reach almost well past boiling.
As Big Show started to make his way out of the club he walked by Kimber, who had gotten released and was trying to go to Sheamus' side. Show turned and, with a dark expression, reached his massive hand out and shoved the young woman.
The crowd began to boo and Sheamus' eyes constricted as he watched the young reporter cry out in surprise and fall to the ground. His gaze locked in on her face, watching as she gasped and flinched when she hit the ground, and it was all he could do not to tear the place up then and there.
He chose, instead, to commence with his pacing.
The video cut out and Michael went on, "Sheamus, that footage, uh, that footage had to be extremely difficult for you to wat-"
Whatever else he was going to say was cut off as Sheamus passed by and grabbed a hold of the microphone.
He came to a stop, eyes on the ground and voice filled with unleashed fury, "Cole, I don' think it's a good idea if you to be in this ring right now. Okay?"
The announcer needed no further prompting and he quickly hightailed it out of there.
Backstage Kimber was standing with Layla and a few other talent, watching on a monitor. She had cringed at the footage, namely when she had seen Sheamus attacked.
As the video cut out and they returned to the ring she took in the expression of the redheaded man and she swallowed nervously. He was so angry. It worried her. She didn't know what he would do in that state.
She had already seen the video early that day. The second she had, she had tried to get a hold of him but she kept getting his voice mail.
By showtime, and still no word from Sheamus, she just knew he had seen it. She had searched the building, trying to find him, but it had been to no avail.
She figured he needed to be alone and seeing her would only help to diffuse his temper. And by the looks of him now, he clearly didn't want it diffused.
He began to pace once more, "Ya know, there's a part of me that respects the fact that the Big Show had the stones to come on to my turf and throw hands last night.
"But what Ah can' respect is the fact that he would put his hands on a woman." some of his anger came through and he had to pause and gain control of himself once more, "A woman who is half his size and a quarter of his weight.'
He looked towards the stage, face red, "What kind of a man does that, Show? Puts his hands on a woman?
"The problem is, Show, Ah'm still standin'!" the Celtic Warrior stated, "So if ya want to put yer hands on someone, you put yer hands on me! This is yer opportunity to finish what you started right now!"
The crowd began to cheer at that.
"You see, at TLC, we all know it's all gonna be about the World Heavyweight Championship." the Irishman went on, "Bur right now, it's simply all about me kickin' yer giant arse!"
The arena erupted at that. But soon their cheers turned to boos as Big Show suddenly appeared on the Titan Tron.
He was grinning arrogantly, the title belt on his shoulder.
Sheamus looked up at him and it was all he could do to keep himself planted in that ring and not go tearing through the arena to find that arsehole.
"This is the thanks I get, you ungrateful ginger?" Show retorted, raising his thumb and first finger up, "I did you a favor. I held back this much so I didn't destroy you so bad you couldn't make it to TLC.
"Now at TLC it's gonna be a completely different story," the massive wrestler went on, "Because I am gonna take you out, and I'm gonna take you permanently. I knocked you out the first time. At TLC I'm gonna wrap a steel chair around your pasty neck. I'm going to retain my World Heavyweight Championship."
The Celtic Warrior started to walk the length of the ring. Though his anger was still there, a hint of a smirk began to tug at his lips.
"Sheamus," Big Show warned, "You don't want any part of me. If you think fighting me is a good idea, why don't you remember how I won this title."
"Ya know, Show," Sheamus began to grin then, "If yer too scared to come on down to this ring then just say yer too scared."
"I'm not scared, Sheamus!" Show bellowed, "I've got no reason to. You've got nothing to offer me. Nothing!"
"Ya know what, Show," the Irishman went on, "It seems like those stones Ah talked about earlier on, it seems they're a little more like pebbles. Why don'cha grow a backbone, fella, and come on down here because Ah'm just dyin' to show ya how a real Irishman does it."
The crowd cheered, some of them beginning to chant Sheamus' name.
To his credit, Show appeared unaffected. He even began to laugh.
"Why don't you ask your girlfriend how a real giant does it." he replied mockingly, "I'm sure she's still got a few bruises from when I sent her flying."
That did it. Sheamus threw the microphone to the canvas and climbed out of the ring. Enraged, he began to make his way up the ramp. He didn't care how long it took, he didn't care where the Big Show was. He was going to find him and beat the hell out of him.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Booker T suddenly came racing onto the stage, arms raised to keep the Irishman back, "Sheamus, Sheamus, stop! Sheamus, you can't do this! This has got to stop!"
Sheamus took a step back but that didn't deter his anger or his need to go find the Big Show.
"Get out of me way, Booker." he practically growled.
"I can't do that." the SmackDown GM was adamant, "I'm sorry, but this has got to stop. If you two keeping going this way we won't be able to have a match for TLC."
Sheamus turned away, fighting to control his temper. At this point, he wasn't really caring about trying to get his title back. He just wanted to beat the Big Show till he was black and blue.
"Look, I know you're mad." Booker went on, "And I don't blame you. But you're gonna have to stop.
"The only way I can ensure that you two make it to TLC is to have you both sign a No Contact contract later on tonight."
"A what?" Sheamus questioned him, confused.
"You heard me." Booker stated, "Later on tonight you and Big Show will go to that very ring and sign a No Contact contract. And if either one of you doesn't, the match at TLC is off."
Sheamus exhaled, scrubbing a hand over his face. Damn it! He didn't want that. No matter how much he wanted to kick Show's arse.
"Okay." he muttered, "Fine. Ah'll sign yer contract."
"All right." Booker nodded and led him to the back, "You're doing the right thing, Sheamus. You can't let Show trick you out of your match."
Sheamus nodded but didn't say anything else.
The GM left to go make the arrangements and redheaded man began to stalk the halls back towards his locker room.
He needed to be alone right now. In the mood he was in, it was best to avoid contact with everyone.
"Sheamus!"
The wrestler paused and closed his eyes. He didn't want to see her right now. Not when he was this angry.
He turned around and watched as Kimber approached him. The reporter was clearly concerned.
She came to stand before him and reached out, taking hold of his hand.
"How are you?" she asked as she studied him.
He couldn't help but smirk, "What do ya think, angel?"
"Not good." she surmised, "Sorry. Stupid question, I know."
He sighed and reluctantly pulled his hand free from hers. He turned away and scrubbed it over his face, frustrated by the entire situation.
Kimber seemed undeterred though, going on, "Booker has a point, though. You need to stop and wait until TLC."
Sheamus said nothing. He just kept his head bowed, eyes on the floor.
The reporter began to frown. She knew how angry he must have been. More than that, though, she knew how helpless he must have felt. And if there was one thing Sheamus hated above anything else, it was feeling helpless.
She tentatively approached him and leaned up, pressing a kiss against his cheek. She lingered for a few seconds more, her nose brushing against the side of his beard. He didn't respond but he didn't pull away, either, and she took comfort in that.
She stepped back, regretful, "I need to go. I have to find go find Layla and film the next segment of the show."
He nodded but didn't speak.
Kimber sighed and turned around, starting to make her way down the hall.
The Celtic Warrior blinked, something coming over him. His head jerked up sharply and he turned to her.
"Wait." he demanded as he began to approach, "What are you doin' walkin' the halls alone? Shouldn' security be followin' ya?"
"There's no signs of my stalker." she paused, shivering, "I hate that. I hate that word."
She turned away, hugging herself, as she admitted softly, "I hate this."
He pushed aside his anger and instead concentrated on her. He reached out and pulled her close for a hug. He could feel her shaking and it only seemed to spark his anger anew.
"Ah guess Ah'll have to be yer bodyguard." he joked down at her, trying to lighten the mood.
He felt her smile against his chest, her sweet laugher reaching his ears, "I like the sound of that."
After a few more minutes she pulled back and announced, "I better get going."
"Ah'm goin' wit' ya." he stated, his tone making it clear that it wasn't up for discussion.
Kimber didn't argue and allowed him to walk with her as they went in search of Layla.
The found the Diva a short time later; she was sitting at Catering, a salad in front of her. Joel was already there, filming her as she talked about her diet.
Layla looked up and began to grin as the pair approached, "Hey, you two."
Sheamus gave her a nod before turning his attention back to the reporter, "You'll be all right here, angel?"
"We won't let her out of our sights." Joel promised with a grin.
"Good." he nodded to the cameraman and gave Kimber's hand a squeeze before heading off.
"Be careful." she called after him.
He stopped and threw a grin over his shoulder, "What's the fun in that?"
She smiled after him as he left but that didn't stop the worry that welled up in her stomach.
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Sheamus found himself back in the ring later that night. It had been transformed what with a gray carpet and legal table. Two large, black leather desk chairs stood, one on each side.
He stepped up the table, eyes locked on the Big Show. It was all he could do not to go flying over the table and burying his fists into the other man's face.
Show, appearing just as set and determined, also stepped up to the table. The two men continued to stare daggers at one another.
Booker looked back and forth between them, worried the pair would come to blows at any moment.
"Sheamus," he called out, getting the redheaded man's attention at last, "If you refuse-if you wanna go ahead and disobeyed my no contact clause go right ahead. If you do that you will lose your title shot at TLC. It's up to you, man."
Sheamus narrowed his eyes at Booker, taking in his words. He turned back to his opponent and began to contemplate it. It would be worth it. It truly would. And he was sorely tempted.
Big Show was looking at him with a wide grin, silently daring him to do it.
"And Big Show," Booker didn't want to leave the massive wrestler out, "I don't know what you're smiling about, man. I know you got your ironclad contract. But I know another thing. You love that World Heavyweight championship."
"I do." Big Show continued to smirk as he hoisted the belt higher onto his shoulder.
"And I tell you what." The GM went on, "If you wanna do the same thing, just disobey my no contact clause-Big Show, you will be stripped of the World Heavyweight championship."
The fans began to cheer and Show found he could only look at Booker with stunned silence, his mouth hanging open. His eyes began to narrow, his mouth twisting in a snarl as he regarded the other man.
Booker, to his credit, appeared unafraid.
Sheamus pulled out his chair and took a seat, his eyes never wavering from the largest athlete in the world. Big Show looked at the title for a few moments before he, too, pulled out his chair and took a seat. The two men regarded one another evenly.
Booker stepped up the end of the table and picked up the clipboard that held the contract. He passed it over to Sheamus, along with a pen.
The Irishman took them both, setting the clipboard on the table. He flipped it open a few pages, studying the contents. It was all there in black and white, just as Booker had said. If he laid a hand on Big Show he would lose his shot at the title.
He tapped his fingers against the surface of the table, still of two minds of what to do. He wanted nothing more than to make arrogant champion pay. Especially for what he had done to Kimber. And it could be so easy to do. He was right there, sitting just a couple of feet away from him.
But Kimber had told him not to. She had said he had to think about his title shot. Here she had been the one to be hurt and she was worried about him.
He reached over and picked up the microphone, "Ya know, Show, since it's the holiday season let me put it to ya this way. Having to wait nine more days to kick yer arse is like having to wait nine days for Christmas.
"Ya know, Ah used to hate having to wait to open up my presents." the Celtic Warrior went on, his temper becoming more and more evident with each word, "But what Ah found out was that in the end it was actually worth it. In nine days time my Christmas comes early when Ah get the gift of beatin' you from head-to-toe with a steel chair."
That was met with cheers from the crowd.
"And in the end," the Irishman finished up, "Ah get the ultimate present: the World Heavyweight Championship."
Without further hesitation he picked up the pen and sighed his name. After that was done he handed both back to Booker.
He leaned back in his chair, hand rubbing his chin, as his eyes fell on Big Show. He watched intently as the World Champion took the contract and began to look it over. He arched his eyebrows and pursed his lips at one particular entry before glancing up at Booker.
"Show, it's legal." Booker stated, the GM past tired of Big Show's games.
Show continued to study the contract for a few seconds more before he reached over and picked up his mic.
"Ya know, Sheamus," the champion stated as he turned his attention onto the other man. "Christmas for you has really come early. The purpose of this contract is to make sure you make it to TLC in one piece. That's a Christmas present to you but you should be careful about what you wish for, fella.
"Now you hit me with that steel chair at Survivor Series, what, twenty-five? Thirty times? And I still got up, didn't I? What's gonna happen when a seven-foot, 500 lbs. giant swings a steel chair and destroys that Irish skin of your, fella?" Big Show's grin grew, "I only have to hit you once. The worst thing in the world you can do is ask for a chairs match against me at TLC.
"You should ask Booker to get out of this match. You should, but you're too stupid to realize what you're doing to yourself." the champion went on, "If I hit you with a steel chair, Sheamus, I'm going to change you forever. You're never gonna be the same. I might end your career at TLC. Happily, I might add. But I could end your career.
"The difference between you and me? I think things through. Got experience. You? You're all just vinegar and fire!" he went on, getting more and more worked up, "That Irish temper gets to you and you wanna fight, fella, you wanna fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Sheamus looked over at the other man and began to smirk, "You know, Show, do you realize how ridiculous you look right now? You talk about a fight. All Ah came to the WWE for was to fight.
"And the last two pay-per-views that we faced each other, you have to admit, have been the greatest fights of yer career. Ah made you relevant again, fella." he leaned in closer, looking deeper into the champion's eyes, "But Ah don' believe you have one more left in ya. And Ah believe deep down in the big belly of yers yer shakin'. You know this chairs match could be the end of you. You talk about the end of my career? Fella, I will gladly, gladly, end yer career at TLC."
Show glared at the other man, the wheels in his mind turning.
"Big Show?" Booker prompted.
The champion once again looked over the contract, though this time he did it will a little less swagger.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, he rose to his feet and flipped the table onto Sheamus, causing both it and the Irishman to go crashing to the canvas.
Sheamus hit the mat with thunderous force and grunted in pain as the table landed across his middle.
As he struggled to get out from under it and rise to his feet, Big Show quickly signed the contract, showing it to the SmackDown GM.
Sheamus came surging out from under the wreckage, red faced and overflowing with rage. He started to go for the other man, No Contact contract be damned, when Booker T jumped in front of him and tried to hold him back.
"Sheamus!" Booker told him even as Big Show laughed behind him and held up the contract, "Sheamus, calm down!"
Sheamus rubbed his jaw before once again taking off across the ring for Show.
Booker kept himself between the two men, his hands up to ward the irate Irishman off, "Sheamus, don't! Sheamus, don't!"
The Celtic Warrior continued to look at the larger man, murder flashing in his eyes.
"Sheamus, don't!" Booker yelled, "Sheamus!"
The redheaded man had to force himself to turn away for a second and try to leash in his temper. But he could hear the Big Show taunting him, calling for him to come on.
He spun back around and once again started to go for him when Booker grabbed the front of his shirt in a bid to keep him away.
Big Show was laughing and even began to do a little dance, egging him on.
"Big Show, chill!" the GM ordered at the other man.
"Come on, fella!" Sheamus bellowed to the champion, "Come on! Ah'm right here!"
Booker spun back around to face him, "Look, Sheamus-"
"Ah ought'a slap the hell out of ya!" Sheamus roared.
"Don't do it!" Booker all but pleaded with him, "Look here, Sheamus! Listen to me! Listen!"
Sheamus continued to glower at the Big Show, eyes wild. He had never felt so angry before in his life.
"Listen! Listen! Look!" Booker tried in vein to get his attention, "Look at me, Sheamus! You wanna take your frustrations out on somebody? I got somebody for you to do that with. Tonight you're in a match with Alberto Del Rio!"
The fans began to yell with excitement but Sheamus was still too keyed up to notice. All he wanted to do was charge across that ring and wipe the smile off of that arrogant arsehole's face.
"You wanna take your frustrations out on somebody? Do it on him!" Booker told him.
His words finally broke through the Irishman's wall of rage and he began to get control of himself. Breathing heavily, chest heaving, he glared holes in the other man.
"And I don't know what the hell you're laughing at!" Booker spun around and stalked towards the smiling champion, "Because you're gonna be in a match, too."
That finally wiped the smile off Show's face. He began to grow annoyed as he glared down at the GM.
Booker was unfazed, though, going on, "With the man who beat you in the middle of the ring in forty-five seconds! Daniel Bryan! And that match is next!"
The fans were on their feet as Daniel Bryan's theme came playing out over the arena. While the crew began to clear the wreckage from the ring Booker led Sheamus out onto the floor.
The Celtic Warrior passed one half of the tag team champions on the ramp and, jerking his thump over his shoulder towards the Big Show, muttered, "Kick his arse."
Daniel gave him a nod and Sheamus continued on up the ramp, onto the stage and towards the backstage area.
The second he got back there he discovered that Kimber was waiting for him. She made her way over to him, concern written across her pretty face.
"Are you all right?" she asked as she reached out to stroke his cheek.
He pulled way from her, though, body tense and eyes on the floor. The truth was, he was still very angry and he didn't want her to be around him in his current state.
"Ah'm all right." he muttered, his tone a little harsher than he had intended.
Kimber blinked and slowly took a step back. She could feel the tension coming off of him in waves and it made her a little uneasy.
Not that she thought he would turn his fury on her. She knew that wasn't the case. But it was clear he was on the edge and just spoiling for a fight. It worried her. She just didn't want him to do something he might regret later.
"Okay." she replied quietly, "I just wanted to make sure."
He finally looked up at her, his eyes still burning but also filled with remorse, "Ah just need to be alone right now."
And at that he turned and made his way down the hall and back towards his locker room.
The reporter watched after him. She leaned her head back against the wall and sighed sadly.
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Sheamus laid on his hotel bed later that night. Clad in only a pair of jeans, arms folded behind his head, he looked up at the ceiling pensively.
The fellas had wanted him to go out with them for a night at a local pub but his heart just wasn't in it. No, what he wanted most was to stay in and keep to himself. In his current mood he knew he wouldn't be good company to be around anyway.
A knock came from the door, causing him to blink and come out of his thoughts. His eyes began to constrict and he let out a growl as he rose from the bed.
He stalked over to the door, ready to let whomever it was have it. But when he opened it he drew to a stop, surprised.
Kimber stared up at him hopefully, her fingers knotted in front of her.
"I know you said you wanted to be alone," the reporter began, "But I just. . .I just wanted to check in on you."
She started to turn away, adding, "I can leave if you want me to-"
"No." Sheamus came forward and took her hand, leading her into his room, "No, don' go."
She offered a kind smile as she walked into the room and took a seat on his bed. She watched as he closed the door and leaned back against it. Her smile slowly faded away as she noticed he was frowning.
"Sheamus?" she asked in concern.
The Irishman bowed his head, rubbing his jaw, "Ah'm sorry for pushin' you away at the arena earlier. You were only tryin' to make sure Ah was all right and Ah just. . ."
He exhaled and looked up at her, shrugging, "Ah wasn't in a good place then. And Ah didn' want you to see me that way."
She began to smile gently and she held her hand out to him. He felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he straightened from the door and walked over to her. He took hold of her hand and sat down, bringing it to his lips and planting a warm kiss on the top of it.
"I understand." she told him, her other hand coming out to brush through his spiky hair, "And I don't blame you. I get it, Sheamus. I do."
He took her other hand and clasped them both in his, his thumbs rubbing against the tops of them. He stared down at them, trying to bring up the courage to talk about what had happened.
It was easy to bring Kimber out, get her to talk about what was going on with her. But for him, it was much harder. He was used to keeping his feelings to himself.
"You can talk to me." she caught his eyes and gave him a reassuring smile.
He cleared his throat, eyes going back to their joined hands, "Ah could've killed him, Kember. He played me. Ah should have caught it when he told me he thought things through. That should've tipped me off."
His features began to tighten as his voice grew harsh, "But Ah didn' catch on. He humiliated me and there wasn' a thing Ah could do about it. And he knew it."
Kimber brought their joined hands to her lips, kissing his knuckles before nuzzling them. She knew it had to be eating away at him. Knowing that Big Show had been able to one up him and there was nothing he could do about it until TLC.
"You'll get your chance." she assured him.
"It wasn' just that." he turned back to her, determined, "He put his hands on you."
Kimber swallowed, her eye briefly going to their joined hands, and murmured softly, "I know."
She released his hands only to take hold of his cheeks and stare deeply into his eyes, "I'm all right. To be honest, it surprised me more than it hurt me."
He started to protest but she leaned forwards, pressing her lips to his in a thorough kiss. It wasn't long until she felt his arms come around her and pull he closer to him, the kiss deepening.
Sheamus laid back on the bed, her on top. He buried his hands in her hair, holding her close as his mouth feverishly worked under hers.
The kiss soon ended and Kimber laid against his chest with a sigh. Sheamus looked up at the ceiling, one of his hands stroking her hair.
She lightly trailed her fingers over his bare chest , taking note of the pale skin and freckles. She found herself looking at it thoughtfully, her mind contemplating.
Sheamus looked down and noticed she was studying him. He began to smile and he murmured, "Yer allowed to do whatever you want. Go wild."
She looked up at him with uncertainty. He simply grinned and slipped his hands behind his head.
Kimber sat at his side, her hand tentatively reaching out to stroke his ribs. She felt him jump at her touch and she arched her eyebrows in silent question.
"It tickled." he told her with a boyish grin.
She smile gently before returning to his impressive torso. His body was so beautiful. She had always thought so. It was always a thrill for her, getting to see it, touch it.
Her fingers traveled to his pecks and she began to play connect the dots with his freckles. When she managed to spell out her name he began to chuckle.
"Brandin' me as yers, are ya?" he asked with a knowing look.
"Hey, a girl has to mark her territory." Kimber gave him a shrug and a smirk.
Her eyes went to his wide chest and she unconsciously licked her lips, thoughtful.
Sheamus noticed the movement and swallowed. Oh he hoped she was thinking the same thing he was.
Kimber slowly, hesitantly, leaned over, brushing her nose against his skin. The wrestler closed his eyes, giving a silent prayer of thanks.
He felt her warm, wet tongue come out to lave against his flesh and an involuntary groan worked its way up from the back of his throat.
Kimber paused, taking in his reaction, before leaning over to do it again. Soon her mouth was trailing over every inch of his chest, tasting him.
She braced her hand on his ribs as she continued her sweet assault, this time her tongue flicking across his nipple. She felt his muscles jump under her hand, heard his breath hiss between his teeth, and she smiled against him. She made another pass before coming to stay, loving him with lips and tongue.
Sheamus' hands clenched behind his head. He had to force himself to stay were he was and not grab for her. The need to do so was so great, it was practically killing him not to. He felt tiny beads of perspiration line his forehead at his effort.
And yet he stayed where he was. For her. Only for her.
She turned and gave his other nipple the same loving attention. He shut his eyes tightly, teeth clenched. He could feel desire beginning to heat his blood and he fought tooth and nail to hold it back.
This wasn't for him, he had to keep telling himself. It was for her. He wanted her to feel safe and secure with him. He wanted her to know that she could do whatever she wanted with him without repercussions.
She gave one more pass over his other peck and slowly rose, her eyes dark and filled with a sense of triumph. She had never felt more powerful or in control in her life. It was inspiring. It was like a drug to her.
She met his hooded gaze, seeing just how much she had affected him, and she slowly began to smile a feline smile. Sheamus at last removed one of his hands, reaching out to take up a strand of her hair.
"Ah bet you taste as good as ya look." he said absently as he continued to play with her hair.
He was grinning as he turned to look up at her but the smile quickly left his face as he noticed she hadn't joined in his mirth. In fact she looked down right timid.
He released her and slowly sat up, making sure to keep his movements careful and easy.
"Kember, Ah didn'. . ." his shook his head and tried to assure her, "Ah was just talkin'. We don' have to do anythin' you don' want to do."
Her gaze was hazy with thought. Something seemed to come over her, a sense of resolve as it were. She sat up and reached out, hands shaking as she slowly began to unbutton her shirt.
"Kember, ya don' have to." he stated as he gently reached out and covered both of her hands with one of his.
She met him, and though there was fear written across her face there was something else, too. Determination mixed with trust and a hint of lust.
"I want to." she replied, voice barely a whisper.
For a few, heart-stopping minutes they watched one another. Sheamus could see she had made up her mind. He just didn't want her to do anything she thought she had to do. Or something that might frighten her and take her back to that place five years ago.
"I want to." she repeated, her words sounding more sure.
"What do you want?" he needed to hear the words, needed to be sure. He also needed her to be sure of what she was asking him to do.
"I want. . ." her voice failed her and she had to take a deep breath before going on, "I want you to. . .to. . ."
Her eyes traveled down to her chest before looking back up at him, silently telling him what she wanted.
He slowly removed his hand, murmuring, "Any time you want to stop, we'll stop."
"I know." and she gave him a real, full smile.
Her movements were shaky, but she eventually managed to unbutton her shirt. She shrugged out of it, her black silk bra remaining. She looked down at it and swallowed, trying to will the courage to come.
She turned and met his gaze and she did feel it gradually come then. This was Sheamus. She was safe with him. She could trust him. She did trust him.
She reached behind her and undid the bra, slowly lowering it down her arms.
Sheamus' eyes went to her breasts, his gaze practically molten, and he swallowed. He was in awe. Completely in awe of this beautiful, trusting woman before him.
Her breasts were perfect, full. The nipples were a dusky pink. His palms began to twitch, the Irishman already thinking about touching her again. That one time hadn't been enough to sate his appetite.
"Yer beautiful." he told her sincerely, earning a shy smile from the woman.
Kimber felt her heart soar. She had been so nervous before, but to see the absolute wonderment and approval written on his face, it gave her courage.
She slowly laid down, tentative. Sheamus came to her side, his warm hand resting on her stomach.
"You just say the word." he told her soothingly, "One word and Ah'll stop."
"I know." she nodded.
"May Ah touch you?" his consideration and care brought tears to her eyes.
"Yes." she told him with a small smile.
His movements were measured and tender as he reached out and palmed her, testing the weight of her breast. He ran his thumb over the tip and Kimber flinched. He did it again and again, bringing the nipple to a tiny point.
"May Ah taste you?" the words were rough and low.
Kimber found she couldn't speak, too overcome with emotion. She could only nod at him.
He leaned over and she jumped slightly as she felt his mouth close around one taunt peak. He began to lave it with his tongue, soothing the skin with deep, suckling kisses.
Kimber closed her eyes and she felt sensation after sensation begin to well up inside of her. Her hand found it's way to the back of his head and she held it there, her silent way of allowing him to continue on.
And continue he did. He loved her breast, placing open mouth kisses and gentle nips against it. He rolled her nipple with his tongue and a shudder coursed through her body.
She felt so many sensations, it was almost overwhelming. The rough, wetness of his tongue. The brush of his teeth. His mustache and beard as they tickled her skin.
It wasn't scary, like she had feared. It wasn't scary at all. In fact she liked it. More than she would have felt possible.
He turned his head, burying his mouth in the valley between her breasts. He loved the skin there for a while before turning and giving the other breast the same meticulous attention.
He could hear her shuddered breathing. He felt her press a kiss against the top of his head and he found himself grinning against her flesh. He knew he had brought her pleasure and he couldn't keep the triumph coursing through his body at bay. He wanted to pound his chest and yell in victory.
As he pulled back, though, the smile on his lips instantly died. Worry began to come over him as he noticed that she was looking up at him with tears shining in her beautiful green eyes.
Instantly shame over came him and he started to pull away, apologizing, "Kember, Ah didn' hear you tell me to stop. Ah'm sorry, Ah didn'-"
"No." she whispered with a shake of her head. Two tears trailed down her cheeks but she had a watery smile on her lips.
"What is it, angel?" he asked her gently as he reached out and brushed the moisture away with his thumb.
"I just. . ." she looked up at the ceiling for a moment before closing her eyes.
At that moment he really was afraid. He was afraid that he had somehow lost her trust forever. The very thought twisted his gut; made him feel sick inside.
When she opened her eyes she looked disappointed.
"It was wonderful." she told him, sniffing and wiping at her eyes, "Truly, Sheamus. It was-it felt amazing. It did."
"So these are happy tears?" he cautiously questioned her.
She sighed, feeling like a disappointment, "I just. . .I'm so happy with how far I've been able to come. But I'm also so angry and sad that I'm still so afraid to go any farther. I feel like a failure."
"No." he breathed as he laid down and pulled her into his arms, stroking her back, "Kember, no. Don' think that way. Ah told you, Ah'll take this as slow as ya need to. Ah want you to feel safe with me. Safe and secure when we make love."
She pulled back, slightly trembling a little at the declaration. Though she had come to that realization, herself, a while ago hearing him voice it made it that much more real.
"So we are heading there." she surmised with a slow smile.
He began to grin, "Did ya have any doubts?"
A blush warmed her cheeks as she lowered her gaze and shyly shook her head.
He leaned forward, pressing a kiss against her temple. They stayed there for a few moments, enjoying the stillness.
Sheamus also had to try to not take so much enjoyment in the feeling of her naked breasts pressed up against his chest. Unfortunately for him, it feel too good.
"Do you want to stay the night?" he asked, hoping she would say yes but also hoping she would say no. He trusted himself to behave with her there but, Jaysus, it would be hard.
His eyes fell to the slight bulge in his pants and he couldn't help but smirk. Very hard.
Kimber pulled back, regretful, "I'd like to, but I promised Layla I would spend the evening with her and girls. They want to go clubbing."
She reached over and gave him her back as she put her bra and shirt back on. Sheamus frowned, missing the sight of all of that creamy, warm flesh.
He also sat up and sighed, raking a hand through his hair. He rose to his feet and walked with her to the door.
"Ah see how you are." he teased as opened it for her, "You just wanted to come here and use me. Ah'm nothin' but a cheap plaything to ya."
Kimber looked up at him and giggled, taking his hand.
He pulled free from her grasp and shook his head, feinting hurt, "No. You can' just come here and have yer wicked way wit' me and then waltz on out of here. Ah'm a man and Ah have needs."
Her giggling turned to full fledge laughter and Sheamus found himself grinning at the sound.
Their laughter soon faded and they stared at one another tenderly.
"I'll see you later." she promised.
"Ah'll hold ya to that." Sheamus warned with a smile.
He leaned down and they shared a kiss. Before it could grow heated, though, she pulled back. But both were breathless from the effort.
"Tomorrow." she told him before slipping out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Sheamus leaned back against it, scrubbing his hands over his face.
That had been difficult: letting her go. While he had wanted her in his bed-very much-he knew that, ultimately, it had been best for her to go.
The truth was, he didn't know if he could sleep beside her all night and not touch her. He had promised to take it slow and he had meant it. But he was a man after all. Not a saint. And she made too tempting an offering what with her beautiful face and soft skin.
He slowly began to smile. He had gotten to taste her. All that soft, silky flesh had been his to enjoy.
He had her gasps of pleasure. Had felt her tremble beneath him. Felt her small hand as she held him to her and allowed him to love her beautiful breasts.
He hadn't been lying when he told her their time was coming. And, if they continued on the way they were, it might be soon.
His smile turned into a full fledged grin. He couldn't wait to show her just how much she meant to him.
.
.
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I can't believe it. I completely forgot I had injured Layla in an earlier chapter, LOL. I figured I should touch on that, hehe.