Wednesday 19th July

''Hey Darren, do you know when Lex is coming back from Chicago?''

The man paused his walk through the gym and turned to face the row of treadmills, where April was just finishing a run. ''I believe she's already back, but she's feeling under the weather so won't be back here for a few days.''

Jon's brows furrowed as he listened to the Englishman's reply before he turned to look down at Colby, who he was spotting for. ''Don't you think that's a little strange?''

''What?'' Colby asked, his face red as he strained.

''That Lex just happens to be sick at the same time Orton gets a hefty fine, and suspended for improper conduct.''

He lifted the weight back up onto the bracket and let out a sigh. ''I think you're reading too much into it, dude.''

Their musings were cut short as Darren wandered over to them, a small smile on his face. ''Good afternoon boys, you all set for your match Thursday?''

They both nodded and Colby grinned. ''It's going to be awesome.''

The older man chuckled before glancing at Jon, noticing the trouble expression on his face. ''What's the matter?''

''I was just wondering what was wrong with Lex?''

Darren's face instantly grew dark and a hint of anger appeared in his eyes, before it was quickly covered up with a forced smile. ''All I know is that she's not feeling well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some things I have to do.''

Colby and Jon both watched as he quickly walked away before turning to each other with suspicious looks.

''Still think I'm reading too much into it?''

Colby frowned and glanced up. ''Hey, April?''

She made her way over to them, a confused look on her face. ''What's up?''

''You were at Raw last night weren't you?''

''Yeah...''

''Did you happen to hear anything about Orton getting suspended?''

''Yeah, we know how you women like to gossip.'' Jon added with a smirk.

April scowled up at him. ''Not all women like to gossip, Jon.''

''So, you don't know anything?'' Colby clarified.

''I didn't say that.'' She gave them a sheepish look. ''I heard some people talking in catering, and apparently Randy and Punk got into a huge fight at the party after the pay-per-view.''

Alexa had spent the past three days hiding out at her house, fully intending to stay there until her face had healed. She had a hideous purple bruise under her eye and practically the entire left side of her face was swollen.

After arriving home on Monday morning, she had called Darren to tell him she would be taking some time off, explaining everything to him. After calming him down and insisting she was alright, he agreed to keep quiet and just tell people she was sick if they asked.

Immediately after escorting Alexa to her room and making sure she was okay, John and Phil had gone to see Vince to explain to him what had happened. He had been furious and, after a quick call to Alexa to corroborate their story, gave Randy a month-long suspension as well as a hefty fine.

Word had quickly gotten around about the scuffle between the two men, along with the news of Randy's punishment. Unfortunately for Alexa, this meant she had been inundated with messages from people who had been at the party and wanted to know what had happened.

Eventually she had just switched her phone off and hoped people would take the hint.

Wednesday evening found her clad in an old, oversized Hardy Boyz t-shirt and a pair of boy shorts, curled up on her sofa with her duvet while she watched The Little Mermaid. Despite being almost twenty-six, she was a huge fan of Disney movies and they never failed to cheer her up when she was feeling down.

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

Alexa unwrapped herself from the duvet and dragged herself over up, shuffling along the floor in her fluffy socks to answer the door. Her eyes widened when she found Jon and Colby standing there, fully expecting it to be Darren to come and check up on her.

''Uh, hey...'' She chewed on her lip worriedly.

Both of their smiles vanished as soon as their eyes landed on her; a concerned look appearing on Colby's face while Jon's expression turned dark.

"Who did that to you?" Jon asked lowly.

"It was nothing, just an accident.'' She told him softly.

Colby's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of something, and he moved forward to lift the sleeves of her shirt; revealing the bruises on her upper arms. ''Lex, these are finger marks...''

Alexa let out a sigh before spinning on her heel and headed back inside, leaving the door open for them to follow. She padded back into the living room and resumed her earlier position, cocooned in her duvet.

''Comfy?'' Colby asked with a smirk.

''Very.''

''What the fuck are you watching?'' Jon asked as he took up the space beside her, with Colby sitting down in the chair next to them.

''Little Mermaid.'' She shrugged, her eyes not leaving the screen. ''I wish I was a mermaid; no periods and I'd never have to wear pants again...''

Jon shook his head in amusement before fixing her with a serious look. ''Are you going to tell us what happened?'' He leaned over, snatched the remote from her hand and switched the television off.

She groaned and turned, her eyes flicking between the two. "It's not a big deal, can we just drop it?"

''If it's not a big deal, then why won't you just tell us.'' Colby questioned, raising an eyebrow.

''Fine.'' She huffed. ''Phil and Randy got into a fight, I tried to pull Randy off and his elbow caught me in the face... it was just an accident.''

''What about the bruises on your arms?''

"Uh, yeah, that wasn't an accident... Randy cornered me." She admitted, avoiding eye-contact with them. "He was drunk and… um, he didn't want to take 'no' for an answer... that's why they were fighting in the first place."

''Motherfucker...'' Jon's eyes darkened, his face contorting angrily. ''Please tell me Punk kicked his ass?''

''He did.'' She confirmed, smiling at the memory. ''I don't think I've ever seen him so pissed. As soon as Vince found out what happened, Randy got fined and suspended.''

''Punk didn't get in trouble?''

''No. Vince was going to fine him because he was the instigator, but he changed his mind when I threatened to get the police involved.''

Colby shook his head, letting out a small chuckle. ''Only you would threaten Vince McMahon.''

''Well it worked, plus, he said he admired my cojones.'' She told them, her lips curling into a grin. ''No offence, but why are you two even here?''

''We were worried.'' Jon stated simply, meeting her eyes with a small smile.

''We did try calling you.'' Colby pointed out.

''Oh, shit!" She exclaimed, quickly untangling herself from the duvet and dashing into the kitchen where she had left her phone. After grabbing it from the worktop, she made her way back into the living room and launched herself onto the sofa. ''I was meant to give Chris a call hours ago, he wanted to know if I could babysit the twins tomorrow.''

''People actually trust you to look after children?'' Colby teased.

Alexa looked up from her phone with a playful scowl. ''Hey, fuck you, I'm great with kids.''

Both men let out scoffs and Jon raised an eyebrow at her. ''Chris told us that you stuck his one year old son to a wall using duct tape, and then sent him a photo of it.''

''And how you taught his daughters to say 'mommy steals credit cards' when they're in a line at the checkout.'' Colby added.

Alexa let out a loud snort at that, remembering the angry phone call she had received from Jessica after a trip to Walmart. ''And yet, they keep asking me to look after them. I must be doing something right...'' She trailed off as she scrolled down through her text messages and typed out a couple of replies.

Still looking after the brats tomorrow, biatch? - Chris.

Of course, looking forward to it!

Hey, hope you're all good after the other night. I have a week off if you want to come back to Chi-town for a visit? Colt wants to see you too, he told me to ask if you'll do a podcast with him? - Phil.

I'll have to see if I can fit you in to my busy schedule... Tell Colt I'll do the podcast in exchange for a lapdance ;)

''I need to get going, Leighla's waiting for me.'' Colby told them as he rose from the chair. ''You coming?''

''Nah, I'll stay and keep Lex company.'' He glanced over at her, a hopeful look on on face. ''If you want me to, that is?''

Alexa felt butterflies begin to surface in her stomach at the thought of being alone with Jon but she just shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. ''Sure.''

Colby smirked and headed towards the door. ''Have fun kids, don't do anything I wouldn't do.''

''Dick.'' Jon muttered.

The front door clicked closed and after a few moments of awkward silence, she turned to face him, forcing out a smile. ''You want a drink?''

"How the fuck did this happen? I'm drunk."

Jon gazed over at her with a smirk. ''Well, what I think happened was you had a drink, and then you had another one, then another one...''

''This is all your fault.'' Alexa pouted at him. ''You're a bad influence.''

''I think you're the bad influence here, sweetheart.''

Unable to think of a reply, she just stuck her tongue out at him before heading into the kitchen to grab them both another beer. ''We should play a game.'' She suggested, flopping back down onto the sofa, swinging her legs up to rest on Jon's lap.

He eyed her bare legs appreciatively before cocking an eyebrow at her. ''Oh, yeah? What kind of game?''

''Not that kind of game, perv.'' She rolled her eyes. ''Like, twenty questions or something, so we can get to know each other better.''

''Fine... but I want to go first.''

''Most guys do.'' She quipped, earning a smirk from her companion.

''Okay, what did you think of me when you first saw me?''

Alexa took a long swig of her beer before replying impassively. ''I thought you were pretty cute.''

A smug grin appeared on his face as he thought of another question. ''Any secret talents?''

''Not really.'' She pondered. ''But I can fit thirty-two marshmallows in my mouth, if that counts.''

''That is pretty impressive.'' He conceded with a laugh, before his face turned serious. ''Uh... you and Punk...''

''Me and Punk, what?''

''Are you guys a thing?'' Jon asked, avoiding her gaze as he raised the bottle to his lips.

An incredulous splutter burst from her lips. ''Fuck no! Ewww, he's like a brother.''

He visibly relaxed, taking another gulp of his drink. ''Okay, if you could get a tattoo, what would you get and where?''

''What makes you think I don't already have any?''

''You just don't seem the type.'' He shrugs.

Alexa raised an eyebrow and planted her bottle down on the table before turning around. She reached back and swept her hair up, revealing the small Egyptian ankh that was inked at the base of her neck, below the scar from her neck surgery. She had to suppress the shiver than ran down her spine as he reached up and brushed a finger over it.

''Cute... I thought your scar would be bigger.'' Jon told her softly, his finger still lingering on her neck.

She let out a breathy laugh. ''Yeah, it is pretty disappointing, all things considered...''

''Still badass though, shows how tough you are... you got any more?''

''Scars?''

''Yeah.''

''Maybe... I'll show you mine if you show me yours.'' Alexa offered, wagging her eyebrows as she turned to face him.

Jon laughed, shifting his position on the sofa before pulling his shirt off, revealing his back to her. There were several scars scattered all over, but there was a particularly nasty looking one running down from the top of his back to just under his shoulder-blade.

''The big one I got in a 'Barbwire Death Match' in Germany, back around 2009.'' He told her, feeling her finger run down the length of it. ''We ended up so tangled in the barbed wire that it was in my hair, in my face and my arm was wrapped up in it - it took two or three guys with wire-cutters about ten minutes to get me out. I like the scar, though. It looks cool.''

''Must have hurt like a bitch.''

''It caused some nerve damage so I didn't actually feel that much.'' He said as he slipped his shirt back on. He showed her some of his other scars from his CZW days, explaining how each one came about before he told her it was her turn.

Alexa languidly stretched her right leg out across his lap, reaching down to yank off her sock. Jon leaned down to get a closer look at the light scar that twisted its way around her ankle and all the way up to her knee.

''When the fuck did you do a barbed wire match?'' He asked, a shocked look on his face.

''2006. ECW, One Night Stand. I was in a match with Terry Funk and Tommy Dreamer against Foley, Edge and Lita.''

''You got a copy of it?''

''You want to watch it now?'' She shot him a puzzled look after he nodded. ''Why?''

''Why not?''

After spending a few minutes trying to find the DVD while Jon got them more drinks from the kitchen, she slid the disc into the machine and pressed play before they took up their previous positions on the sofa.

''Do I look like a foot rest, woman?'' He asked, glancing down at her legs which were slung across his lap.

''Yes.''

He rolled his eyes as she aimed the remote at the screen, skipping through a good portion of the pay-per-view before stopping and pressing play. ''How did this match even come about? You weren't in ECW were you?''

''No, but that would've been totally awesome. I loved ECW.'' She gushed as they watched the promo the preceded the match. ''Belulah, Tommy's wife was supposed to be the third person for their team but she couldn't do it for some reason. So, since I was feuding with Lita at the time they had me do it instead.''

''And Vince was okay with you doing all the hardcore stuff?''

''He didn't exactly know what we planned on doing. We were all pissed off because we'd heard Vince had been saying that the match was going to be the shits, so we were determined to prove him wrong. I, somehow, managed to convince the guys to let me get involved with the cool stuff.''

''All right, all right, I did sell out... I sold out Madison Square Garden! All right, I know I said a lot of bad stuff about ECW and... I'm sorry. Because, there was a time when I loved ECW, when I respected ECW... back in the days when it was run by a visionary! Back in the days when it was owned by a true creative genius! Let's hear it, for Stephanie McMahon. Long live the Alliance! But, enough about me, I know who you guys paid to see... he is the co-holder of the Hardcore title, escorted to the ring by Lita, say hello to Edge!"

The pair made the short journey down to the ring, and after climbing inside, Edge grabbed the microphone from Mick.

''Listen, listen, listen... you don't want to mess with these idiots! You don't want to mess with the ECW fans because this is their night... this is like their Christmas... only their Santa Claus is Jewish, fat, bald... and he gives out an endless supply of bullshit! You know what, all of you idiots are going to go home and you're going to text your imaginary girlfriends about how good the show was. Then, after that, you're going to hop on the internet... and you're going to pleasure yourselves looking at pictures of my actual girlfriend! You're all pathetic!"

After sharing a rather graphic kiss, Lita took the microphone as the crowd started to chant; YOU'RE A CRACK WHORE.

''Speaking of pathetic, beside all of you people, let's talk about Terry Funk... and Tommy Dreamer; the innovator of silence! No, you know what, those two guys actually think they have a chance at beating you two! I mean, think about it, even I beat Tommy Dreamer. And when I sat on Tommy's face, I can guarantee that was more action in one night than all of you had in the entire year!''

This earned her another impassioned chant from the ECW audience; SHUT THE FUCK UP!

Terry Funk and Tommy Dreamer made their way down to the ring, accompanied by Belulah. After climbing inside, the three stood opposite their opponents and Belulah grabbed a microphone.

''Lita, Lita, Lita... I never thought I'd see the day, that the trash that comes out of your mouth is more disgusting than what you usually put in it! We all know how much you like threesomes, so why don't we make it official? Let's make it three on three!''

The crowd cheered in approval as Lita stepped towards the older woman challengingly.

''Oh no, no, not me... see, I happen to know someone who's eager to get their hands on you.. So, as an honorary member of ECW for tonight... Sierra!"

The crowd let out an ear-splitting cheer as 'Headstrong' by Trapt blasted from the speakers Sierra sauntered down the ramp.

''God, I look so young!" Alexa sighed wistfully as she watched her younger-self on the screen.

'Sierra' was dressed in a pair of cut-off denim shorts which complimented her gentle curves and long legs. She had teamed that with a form-fitting ECW tee and a pair of high-top Converse. Her dark hair hung in loose waves just below her shoulder blades and her make-up was simple; light red lipstick and some mascara to emphasize her eyes.

''Honestly, you still look pretty much the same... except I think you're probably in better shape now.''

''Are you saying I was fat before?'' She teased.

''No!" He quickly assured, eyes glued to the screen.

They continued to watch the match in relative silence, one of them occasionally breaking it with an odd comment or observation.

Alexa, however, was finding it extremely hard to concentrate on the television. One of Jon's hands had come up to rest on her leg; making her stomach pleasantly flip-flop as he traced delicate patterns on her skin.

Edge yanked Tommy out of the ring and the two men traded blows until the Canadian gained the upper hand. He hoisted Tommy up before unceremoniously dropping him groin-first on top the barricade. He grinned at his handiwork before sliding into the ring and rushing to the aid of his partner.

Sierra climbed into the ring just as Edge yanked Terry away from his ferocious attacks on Mick, ready to intervene and help her partner. She came to an abrupt halt as she watched Terry deal with the blonde by himself, sending the man down to the canvas after a fist to the face. She watched on as Terry aimed a kick to the younger man's ribs, unaware that behind them, Mick was untangling himself from the wire. The pair turned around and she quickly shoved Terry out of the way, noticing Mick about to throw the slab of barbed wire towards them.

This left her no time to get herself out of it's trajectory.

She went tumbling backwards as it hit her, slamming down on the mat with a thud as the metal-covered panel landed on top of her.

THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!

Mick called out something to Lita and the woman hopped off the apron, ducking down to grab something from under the ring. She passed a coiled section of wire up to Mick and he started to wrap it around his hand as Edge climbed back into the ring. Moving over to where Sierra lay under the wooden slab, he grabbed the edge and pulled; eliciting pained wails from the woman as the wire was dragged through her skin.

Terry appeared and Edge released his grip, turning his attention to the older man. The board fell to the mat beside Sierra, who was desperately trying to free her leg which was still caught up in the wire. While the referee crouched down to help her, Mick and Edge launched a violent attack on Terry; the barbed wire around Mick's hand turning his face into a crimson mask. Several medics rushed out and carted Terry away as he screamed in pain.

Sierra had shuffled over to the corner and slumped against it; her ankle was a bloody mess, she had a few gashes over her body and there was a deep cut just above her ear that was bleeding freely.

The two men were about to focus their attention on her when Tommy slid into the ring, only to be hit with a trashcan lid which Edge had procured. Lita passed Mick a barbed wire covered bat, which he then slammed down onto Tommy's back. Sierra watched on helplessly as Mick placed the bat on her partner's groin and Lita entered the ring. The two men each held a leg as the redhead jumped up and dropped her legs on top of the bat.

Sierra used to ropes to pull herself to her feet and hobbled towards Edge, delivering a hard slap to his face. Then, out of nowhere, Mick stepped in front of her wielding Mr Socko and slapped the Mandible Claw on her.

Tommy charged at them and broke it up, only to be attacked from behind by Edge. Sierra crawled back into the corner as he was dragged into the middle of the ring by Mick and Lita as the blonde moved over into the corner. They held him up and Edge ran towards them, hitting Tommy with a spear. Mick suggested that they cover him for the win, but Edge shook his head and grinned before sauntering over to Sierra.

The woman looked up at him apprehensively as he approached the corner, a sick smirk adorning his face. He reached down and grabbed her hair, pulling her face into his crotch as he thrust. The crowd booed as he pulled her into the middle of the ring and got her in the position for a pump-handle slam. Lita stood in front of her, taunting, while Edge made suggestive movements behind her.

There was a huge ovation as Terry made his way back to the ring through the crowd waving a barbed wire bat in the air. Edge dumped Sierra on the mat before turning to face the direction Terry was coming from. Taking advantage of the distraction, Tommy hit both men with low blows which kept them down long enough for Terry to re-enter the ring. Sierra chased Lita away as he unloaded with shots to the abdomen and back of Mick with the bat and then a couple of hard shots to Edge right after.

Terry moved over towards Sierra and handed her a lighter. A massive roar echoed through the crowd as she lit the barbed wire bat and a huge flame engulfed it.

He swung it towards Mick, hitting the man across the stomach as the crowd roared in delight. He hit him again, this time across the back, making his shirt start to set alight. He ducked through the ropes and a final hit with the bat from Terry sent him flying off the apron, and right onto the barbed wire board.

ECW! ECW! ECW!

The crowd was raucous Edge suddenly moved up behind Terry and shoved him off the apron, the man landing right on top of Mick on the barbed wire.

As Edge turned around, he was hit with a powerful DDT from Tommy, who then grabbed the coiled wire and looped it around the blonde's neck, choking him out. Lita ran in and broke up the submission after a few moments; she was rewarded with a vicious clothesline by Sierra.

The redhead fought back with some hard punches but was pulled off the other woman by Tommy, who then nailed her with the Dreamer Driver, much to the crowds approval.

Sierra stood and joined Tommy in the middle of the ring, grinning as she raised her partner's hand. As they posed, Edge moved up behind them and wrapped the wire around Tommy's head before planting him back first onto the canvas. Sierra moved over to check on him but was hit with a powerful spear from Edge.

With a twisted grin, he grabbed Sierra's legs and spread them before lowering himself on top of her for the pin.

1-2-3!

Jon turned away from the screen, his impressed gaze shifting to the woman beside him. Just when he thought he had her all figured out, she did something to surprise him. He knew she was a great wrestler, but watching her in that match had really blown him away; the girl could take a bump like nobody's business. Not many women would be able, let alone willing, to do some of the things she had done.

''What?'' Alexa questioned, starting to fidget nervously under his intense gaze.

''Nothing...'' His cloudy blue eyes flicked up to meet her violet orbs and his lips curved into a soft smile. Even with half of her face bruised and swollen, she was still one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen.

''Fuck it.'' Jon muttered.

Before she could ask what he meant, he leaned forward and his lips came crashing down on hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let out a sigh as his hand weaved into her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp. The sigh invited his tongue into her mouth, and he kissed her feverishly until they had to break apart for air. They sucked in a few frantic breaths before their lips crashed together again, eliciting a moan from the back of her throat. He smirked against her lips, his free hand raising to cup her cheek. Alexa flinched back sharply, letting out a hiss of pain as he made contact with her bruised face.

''Shit, sorry.'' He rasped, pulling back from her.

''Jon-'' Alexa begins, but he cut her off before she could continue.

Jon shook his head, swallowing thickly as he took in her flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips. ''You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that...''

''Uh...'' Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to think of something to say to him, her mind drawing a blank.

"Don't say anything." He said, pressing his forehead against hers as he closed his eyes. ''I'm sorry if I've fucked everything up...''

Alexa opened her mouth to reassure him but he lightly pressed his lips against hers before suddenly moving away from her. She remained rooted to her seat, watching as he grabbed his jacket from the back of the couch before he hastily left, the door closing with a soft click behind him.