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Chapter 17

She was up bright and early the next morning and packed within minutes. Scarlett wanted nothing more than to just go home right now because after the whole fiasco the night before, she was craving her small home with little communication from the outside world. She pulled on a pair of worn jeans that had seen better days and a dark green full-sleeve t-shirt. Depositing Vitani into her carrier and picked up her duffel bag, Scarlett set out the door.

"Uff!"

Scarlett jumped back when a body fell through the door and she let out a muffled gasp as Seth lay at her feet, rubbing the back of his head and blinking the sleep out of his eyes. Her eyes widened as the man slowly stood up and stretched.

"Don't tell me you slept out in the hallway," she said horrified. He rubbed his eyes then looked at her, she could see the light bulb click on in his head before his eyes widened and he pulled her into a tight hug. A squeak emanated from her lips at the sudden movement and she had to hold on to him to regain her balance.

"Please don't ever ever ever ever ever do that again," he said. Scarlett blinked before she patted his back, his grip on her tightening if that was even possible. He let go of her and pulled back to look at her before he hugged her again.

"Seth," Scarlett said, trying to free herself.

"Please don't do that again. Running off like that. If you had ended up in the wrong place, God knows what would've happened to you," he told her, heaving a sigh. Scarlett looked down at her feet with a small frown on her face before looking back at him. He looked disheveled from sleeping leaning against her door and Scarlett couldn't help the guilt as it crept up on her. Roman and Dean had gotten a chance to talk to her last night but Seth hadn't heard or seen her since her disappearance from the arena. She felt her heart go out to him and without thinking much she wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him close. He returned it with equal enthusiasm and Scarlett smiled patting his back.

"You're a good man, Seth," she said to him softly, pulling back to look at his face.

"Please don't leave," he pleaded.

"You know I can't stay."

"Of course she can't," it was Dean's voice that spoke up and Scarlett turned around to see him leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Her heart leapt and Scarlett swallowed the lump in her throat. Black jeans were wrapped around his legs and a navy blue button up shirt was stretched across his torso with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows; his light brown hair falling haphazardly into his eyes. He was a sight to behold and Scarlett tore her gaze away from him to snuff the unusual feelings stirring within her. She saw him push away from the wall and walk closer towards them.

"Go freshen up, Seth. We'll meet you downstairs for breakfast," Dean told Seth, who nodded and departed after giving Scarlett a one armed hug. Scarlett gulped and she felt her face get hot when his sharp blue eyes turned to focus on her.

"Have you thought about what I said last night?" He asked. When she didn't answer, he let out a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair, something that she realized he did when he was getting frustrated.

"I don't want to let you go," she blurted, then mentally smacked herself for not being able to keep a hold on her tongue. His azure gaze slowly turned to her and Scarlett felt her cheeks heat up.

"I'm sure they reciprocate the sentiment," he told her.

Again with the "they", Scarlett thought feeling dejected.

"And that's why I'm going back," she told him.

"Back?"

"I'm not exactly earning big bucks like you now am I?" She asked, knowing that her tone had a hard edge to it than usual. His nonchalance was bothering her and she wasn't sure how to handle herself in that moment. Anger was an emotion she had kept at bay since the last five years.

"Scar," he began but Scarlett shook her head and walked past him heading to the elevators.

"Tell the others I will see them again sometime," she said over her shoulder, emphasizing the "they" and tightening her grip on the strap of her bag. Why was he retracting so much?

Why are you getting so upset, Scarlett? You knew this was going to happen the moment he saw your face. That treacherous voice in her minds whispered. Scarlett squeezed her eyes tightly and shook her head before stepping into the elevator. She turned around to see no sign of him and her heart tugged but she ignored it, instead pressing the "G" button and setting Vitani's carrier down. An arm blocked the doors from sliding to a close and Scarlett's eyes widened when she met the blue gaze of Dean Ambrose.

"Where do you think you're going?" He asked.

"Dean. I have to get back," she told him, refusing to look at him as he stepped into the elevator and allowed the doors to slide shut.

"Are you leaving because you have to or because of what happened last night?" He asked her, not looking happy at all. Scarlett swallowed and fiddled with her gloves.

"You leave now and you'll just show them that you're weak and vulnerable," he continued, getting the answer from her silence.

"And besides, I thought you were coming with me to Vegas," he said crossing his arms. Scarlett's gaze snapped up to him and she stared at him.

"What?"

"Weren't you the one telling me that you've always wanted to go to Las Vegas?" He asked. His eyes were lightening as a familiar sparkle began to shine through. Playful Dean was back in action.

"We…I...," Scarlett struggled to find the words to respond to his invitation, if it could even be called that.

"I have 2 weeks off and what better way to spend that time than showing you the perks of living in Vegas?" He asked her.

"Dean, I can't. I already owe you three so much money and plus I have to get back to my business to keep both myself and Vitani fed and safe," she told him softly. The elevator pinged and the doors opened. Dean bent down to pick up Vitani's carrier and headed out, Scarlett following him.

"You owe us nothing. It's the first time we've ever really spent our money on someone else and we're more than happy with it. As for your business, you can get back to it once we get back from Vegas," he told her, calling for one of the hotel staff and handing the younger man Vitani's carrier.

"Keep this little one safe, happy, and fed as well as the lady's luggage," he told the man. The man nodded and took Vitani's carrier as well as Scarlett's duffel bag from her, eliciting a protest before she was silenced by one look from Dean, and walking off to keep it somewhere safe.

"And how am I supposed to pay for lodging or food in Vegas?" She asked, shaking her head. "You and I both know it's going to take more than whatever two hundred dollars I have left."

"You and I both also know that you're not going there alone," he replied. It took a moment for her to understand and when she did, Scarlett frowned and stopped in her tracks.

"Absolutely not. You are not going to be paying for me," she said. He turned to look at her but when he didn't find her walking next to him, turned around to see her standing a few feet away. Making his way back to her, Dean placed his hand on the familiar small of her back and pushed her forward into motion.

"I'm not going to be paying for you at all. You'll be staying with me and I have a lady who keeps my kitchen fully stocked. So really, you won't be spending a penny unless you want to get something for yourself," he explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Stay…with you?" She asked, dumbfounded.

"Out of everything I said, that's what you picked up?" He asked shaking his head at her. Scarlett almost felt embarrassed but when she saw the humor in his eyes she gave him a hard look.

"I have a house with 4 bedrooms and no one to occupy them with. So why not make use of it?" He asked her shrugging as they entered the breakfast area. Several heads turned towards them and Scarlett froze at the sudden attention.

"Come on, let's keep it moving," Dean said, his hand sliding from her back to her waist as she unconsciously moved closer to him. They made their way to an empty table and sat down, Dean ordering them two coffees. Scarlett was more than aware of the eyes on her and she felt sweat break out on her forehead.

"The funny thing about humans is that we lose interest in stuff that doesn't matter to us quite quickly," Dean said, rolling his eyes. Scarlett tried to ignore them but she could feel herself shrinking as the eyes didn't seem to stray from her.

"Two black coffees, no sugar, no milk," the waiter said placing down two steaming mugs of coffee in front of them. The smell of the roasted coffee woke her senses and she inhaled deeply, wrapping her fingers around the mug and holding it close.

"Morning."

Scarlett and Dean turned their heads towards Roman who was walking up to them.

"Scar's coming with me to Vegas," Dean said to Roman, who raised an eyebrow at Dean once he was seated in his chair.

"No I'm not," Scarlett interjected and narrowing her eyes at Dean.

"I thought we just decided that," Dean told her.

"If he's taking you against your wish," Roman started.

"Of course he's not!" Scarlett interjected, only to realize her err when she saw the smug look on Dean's face and the amusement in Roman's eyes.

"See, she's coming of her own free will," Dean said, sniggering. Scarlett glared at them and looked back down at her coffee.

"Good morning!" Scarlett looked up and couldn't help the quirk of her lips as AJ all but skipped towards them. How she had so much energy in the morning, Scarlett would never know. She swooped down and gave Scarlett a tight hug, one that was returned just as equally before she turned to Dean.

"What are you two laughing about?" She inquired.

"Babygirl here is going to Vegas with this jackass," Roman said, chuckling when AJ's jaw dropped before she whooped and turned to an arriving Seth Rollins.

"Aha! Cough up, two tones!" She said grinning wickedly at Seth. The current WWE World Heavyweight Champion looked at her in confusion and AJ rolled her eyes before she pointed at Scarlett over her shoulder with her thumb.

"Scar's-."

"Scarlett!" Dean called out.

"Scarlett is going with Dean to Vegas," AJ said to Seth after sending a glare towards Dean. Seth's brown eyes widened and he looked from Scarlett to Dean.

"If he's taking you to Vegas with him against your wish," Seth started. And once again Scarlett, in her haste to make sure Dean didn't get any blame, spoke up without thinking.

"He's not!" Then she flinched when Dean smirked at her. She glared at him and kicked him under the table.

"Ouch!" Roman yelped bending down to rub his abused leg.

"Oh no! Sorry!" Scarlett said quickly, her annoyance shifting to embarrassment. Clearly she couldn't even kick the right person.

"Well, I hope you two enjoy your time off while we mortals work our asses off," Seth said as he pulled out his wallet and handed AJ her five bucks.

"You guys placed a bet?" Scarlett asked, shocked.

"I bet my favorite comic books that you would say yes. Had you said no, I would've kidnapped you and sent you off to Vegas in a cardboard box," AJ said pocketing her money before waving and leaving them.

"She was joking," Scarlett said watching AJ go then facing the three men. "Right?"

"AJ can be a scary woman when she wants to be," Seth said pulling up a chair and settling down as Roman left to help himself to some breakfast. Dean and Seth began to discuss some of the matches that Seth would be participating in while Scarlett zoned them out.

She knew for a fact that now there was no way Dean would not take her to Vegas with him. Having announced it to his friends and Scarlett's outbursts, she would have a hard time backing out from this. Scarlett thought back to her B&B and her brows furrowed, something that didn't go unnoticed by one of her table mates, remembering how much her business was suffering with her taking time off. Maybe she could get Dean to understand and take her back.

"Aren't you going to eat anything?" Seth asked, turning his attention towards her.

"Not hungry. You guys go on," she replied. Seth shrugged and left to get himself a plate while Dean's gaze settled on her.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" He asked.

"You know what's going on," she said to him resigned. He reached forward and took her gloved hand in his.

"Contrary to what people tend to think, I'm not going to force you to come with me. I just think it'll be nice for you to just relax for a bit," he said solemnly. Scarlett groaned and pulled her hand back, holding her head in her hands.

"Stop looking at me like that," she mumbled and heard him snigger. There was just no way she would ever be able to say no to him. Every time she tried to, he just went on to say things that had her second guessing herself and gave her that look. Regardless of his cheekiness, she had seen the understanding and warmth in his eyes that had sparked a small beacon of hope within her. There was a pleasant feeling that washed over her every time he looked at her like that or was close by. It was almost as if her heart and brain were constantly at war to tell her what she was truly feeling because all it did was leave Scarlett confused as ever with her emotions.

"Fine, but on one condition," she said.

"What?"

"I'm going back next week. Any more than that and I will more than likely have to raise prices to the point where no one will stop at my B&B hence end up on the streets," she said firmly. He looked conflicted and Scarlett kept her gaze on him, as much as it was upsetting her to see the shine leave those blue eyes, she had to choose between either going broke or upsetting him a little bit. She would make it up to him…somehow…hopefully.

"Deal. I'll go book tickets. Back in two minutes," he said finally, giving her a thumbs up as he stood and walked away.

"Wha-Dean!" She called after him, astonished at his sudden disappearance from her side, but he was already halfway across the room. Scarlett looked around and swallowed when she noticed the scatter of Superstars and Divas as they enjoyed their morning breakfast. Some would glance at her and look away quickly, other would ignore her, while some openly stared at her. Scarlett latched onto her coffee mug and pulled it close, hoping to become invisible.

"So you're still here, then?"

It almost felt as if someone had taken a bucket full of ice water and dumped it on her head as she heard the sickly sweet tone. Scarlett's brown gaze lifted to see the women who had been the driving factor behind the events of the night before.

"After last night, I thought you never would show your face again," Summer said.

"Please, I had nightmares the entire night. She should never show her face so that all of us can actually get sweeter dreams," Renee scoffed.

"Here's a piece of advice: go work in horror films. You'll ease their use for prosthetic make up to create monsters," Nikki said, her tone pure venom as she bent down to look Scarlett directly in the eyes.

"Nikki, be nice. The movie won't even film because she'll scare away the entire cast and crew," Brie chimed, pulling Nikki back so they were standing tall, towering over Scarlett's seated frame. The four of them cackled while hot tears stung Scarlett's eyes. Scarlett curled further within herself as the women laughed louder and began to walk away. Renee, however, turned back and came up to her.

"Oh and also. Stay away from Dean. He doesn't deserve a pathetic charity case like you," she said to Scarlett icily before she snatched the coffee mug from her hands and overturned it on Scarlett's head. Renee let out a laugh and walked away, as Scarlett reached blindly through her tears (and the coffee) for napkins.

"Here," a voice said as a gentle hand dabbed at her scarf and eyes. Once her vision cleared, she was met with a smiling face of another blonde woman. Scarlett pulled back and the woman's smile faltered before she held up her hands.

"Hey relax. I'm not going to do anything. Those girls are vile and I hate the way they treat everyone around here," she said sighing and placing her hand on Scarlett's shoulder gently. Scarlett glanced around to see several people frowning and she felt tears began to fill her eyes once more.

"There, there," the woman said as she patted Scarlett's shoulder gently.

"Nattie? Wha-Scarlett! What the hell happened?" Dean's voice went from confused to angry within seconds and Scarlett looked up to see a murderous look come over his face as he turned to look at the woman, Nattie, that was comforting her.

"Don't look at me like that. It was the usual culprits," Natalya responded as she stood up to face Dean.

"Dean," Scarlett whispered softly standing up slowly. He was by her side within seconds, his gaze softening and an arm around her waist.

"Let's go," he said gently leading her away. He threw Natalya an apologetic look, who returned it with an understanding smile, as they walked out of the breakfast area. Dean made sure to send a cold, icy glare towards the table where Summer, Renee, and The Bella Twins were sitting before they exited.

Scarlett was silent the entire way up to the room, tears slowly falling from her eyes. Every once in a while she would feel a shudder rush through her and Dean's arm would tighten around her waist. He led her into his room and locked it behind them once they had entered.

"I'm sorry, Scar," he said kneeling in front of her when she sat down on the edge of his bed. She didn't respond nor look at him, only tears that continuously escaped her big brown eyes. Dean reached up and wiped them away, finally getting her attention.

"You don't need to apologize," she said quietly, her voice shaky. She watched him through her tears, an array of emotions were passing over his face, and it became all too much for her. Scarlett reached forward and wrapped her arms gently around his neck.

Dean was momentarily stunned when she reached for him but the moment her arms locked around his neck, his arms wound around her waist and pulled her close as he stood up, almost lifting her off her feet. He held on to her tightly, giving her the comfort she needed as her body shook from the silent sobs and her own arms tightening around his neck. The smell of coffee permeated the air but he could hardly care less as he held her.

No he wasn't a saint, yes he had his own string of women, but all of them had been skin and bones. But Scarlett, she was all soft and warm. It was the first time he could feel her and it scared him how much he enjoyed having this physical contact with her. Never had he craved this contact with another woman as much as he did in that moment. He whispered words of comfort to her, rubbed her back, let his fingers dig ever so slightly into her hips.

Her shaking subsided and her breathing evened out, but neither of them let go of each other. It felt like hours had passed as they held on to each other, drawing the strengths and comfort they needed, when in reality it was just a small amount of time. It was a short while later that he felt her grip loosen and he pulled back from her. Her arms were looped around his neck as his were around her waist, their gazes connecting.

It was the first time she was seeing his eyes so blue and Scarlett let out a shaky breath. They were clear as the ocean and Scarlett wanted nothing more than to simply stare into them forever. Soothing and comforting those beautiful azure depths were. And they were locked on hers. There was a tingling sensation that was slowly firing through her, not the annoying one, but a rather pleasant one that made her giddy.

"OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR AMBROSE!"

And the moment was gone.

They both looked towards the door that was being banged continuously before looking back at each other. Coming to her senses, Scarlett's gaze widened with surprise and she immediately pulled away.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

"You don't need to apologize," he echoed. Scarlett's gaze flickered to him and she looked down shyly as her cheeks heated up, something that had nothing to do with the coffee.

"I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU DON'T OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR, I'M GOING TO BREAK IT OFF ITS FU-Oh."

Scarlett had been the one to move away from Dean and open the door, effectively causing Seth to fall silent.

"Why are you covered in coffee?" Seth asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Where the hell were you two?" Dean said glowering at the two.

"We were getting breakfast until Seth here got distracted by two gorgeous women," Roman said.

"And when we came back she was gone!" Seth said nodding towards Scarlett.

"You got distracted by girls when you should've been with Scarlett?" Dean asked incredulously. The other two shrugged at him and Scarlett could sense Dean's anger rising.

"You left her alone for two random girls? Left Scar alone for Summer and Renee to come take a swipe again!" Dean growled.

"What?! Don't tell me that it was one of them who did this!" Roman said stunned as he looked at Scarlett's coffee covered body.

"Oh god. What the fuck is wrong with them?" Seth huffed at the same time.

"I left for two minutes and you two couldn't even stay away from women for two minutes to keep Scarlett company!" Dean snapped. Following which the three of them began arguing and throwing useless blames at each other while Scarlett stood between them staring at them. Three grown men were fighting like children and Scarlett didn't know whether to laugh or try and stop them.

"Boys, enough," Scarlett said firmly when she'd had enough of them bickering. The trio immediately fell silent and looked at her.

"Can we talk about something else?" Scarlett asked sighing.

"Yes we can. But first, why don't you get cleaned up?" Dean suggested.

"WHY THE FUCK IS THIS DOOR CLOSED YOU FUCKING MORONS?"

"Oh for fuck's sake!" Dean growled throwing his hands up in the air while Roman roared with laughter and Seth opened the door with a cheeky grin on his face to reveal a fuming AJ.

"What do you want AJ? Scar was just going to get cleaned up," Dean said. AJ's anger turned to momentary shock before reverting to anger.

"With you three in the same room? I don't think so. She's coming with me to Paige and my room," AJ said, grabbing Scarlett's hand.

"What? Why?" Dean asked bewildered.

"Because there is too much testosterone around here. I can feel it and it's making my skin crawl. Now go do whatever you do!" AJ admonished, almost dragging Scarlett out the door as Dean began to protest and tried to block Scarlett from leaving. Roman held him back and Seth snickered as AJ and Dean had a glaring match.

"It's okay. She's right. I think I really do need some girl time," Scarlett said, primarily to Dean, as she placed a hand on his arm. His gaze softened as he looked at her and Scarlett nodded at him, eyes going wide in surprise when he leaned forward to kiss the top of her head.

"I'll see you soon," he said to her and Scarlett nodded at him. He didn't need to see her face to see that small shy smile on her lips as AJ tugged her along, the door shutting behind them.

A pretty action packed update. Emotions went wild, battle of insults, some sweet moments, etc. That Dean Ambrose though, really brings out a different side of hers doesn't he? Leave me your thoughts so I can read them and feel all warm and fuzzy. :P

Okay, who else died of cuteness overload with the latest episode of Agents of Shield? Fitz and Simmons always have me turning into a puddle of goo with their cuteness. *sighs dreamily*

Oh my word, I just remembered, predictions! Tell me your predictions for Payback and how excited are you for it? Tell me tell me! :P

Replied to all member reviews through PMs. Replies to guest readers down below! :)

Ta!

- K.

To Marina - Trust me, I enjoy life as a pessimist so that when something good happens, the joy knows no bounds and when things don't work out, you're ready for it. We know Scarlett's backstory but we're yet to hear Dean's backstory as well. They're very different personalities and somehow when they come together, they just work. Know what I mean? Exams. Haha. Ha. *starts crying*. Education feels like a conspiracy I tell you. Anywho, thanks for your lovely review. Always look forward to hearing from you :). xoxo

P.S.

In the middle of writing chapter 18...I am pretty darn excited. :P :P :P