A/N - I was close to just abandoning this story but when I saw the comments on the last chapter it made me change my mind, thank you so much to everyone who took the time to review, it really means a lot :)

Monday 3rd August

''One more, come on! You can do it!"

''You're fucking killing me!" Alexa complained, grimacing as she struggled to keep up her pace.

She was working out in the gym at the FCW building with Celeste, and now understood why the other women rarely joined her; she was a complete gym Nazi. Thankfully, she made it through the last set of squats before grabbing her bottle and gulping down a few mouthfuls of water.

''You did great!'' Celeste told her. ''Five minute break and then back to work.''

Alexa groaned, causing the other woman to let out a small laugh. She raised the bottle back to her lips and inclined her head to the doorway, where she found April and Shaul making their way inside.

''Lex, You're still standing.'' April teased, sending the other woman a grin. ''I'm impressed. I swear I nearly die every time I work out with her.''

''I'll definitely be sore tomorrow, that's for sure.'' Alexa laughed.

''From the workout?'' Shaul asked, a cheeky twinkle in her eyes. ''Or from all the sex you were having this weekend?''

Alexa choked on her drink as April and Celeste turned to look at her with identical shocked expressions. She quickly wiped at the water that had dribbled down her chin and tried her best to look nonchalant. ''What are you talking about?''

"Well, you are in an exceptionally good mood today." The younger woman observed as she eyed her.

''So?'' She snorted.

''So... that, and the huge hickey on your neck, brings me to the conclusion that you finally got laid.''

Alexa quickly pulled her hair over the left side of her neck so that it covered the offending mark; Shaul let out a cackle and high-fived the other two women. The door to the gym suddenly swung open and hit the wall with a loud bang, cutting off her response. They glanced over to the entrance and Alexa inwardly groaned when she saw Jon follow Colby inside.

''Ladies.'' The latter greeted as the pair walked past them, heading over to the benches.

''Well?''

''Yeah, who was it?''

''Anybody we know?''

''Nope.'' She replied with a smirk, her eyes still focused on Jon.

''Lex...'' Shaul whined, pouting at her old friend. ''Come on, give us something!''

''Holy shit, dude!''

Colby's exclamation made the three women turn around to see what was going on, their eyes gliding to the two men in the corner. Jon had removed his shirt, revealing several angry red lines running down the length of his back, accompanied by crescent shaped marks on his shoulders.

The man shrugged, his lips curling into a smug grin as his eyes snapped up to meet Alexa's briefly. ''Totally worth it, bro.''

After spending what felt like the entire day at the gym, Alexa had never been so grateful for her couch and a slice of pizza. Shaul had been the only one to notice the exchange between her and Jon at the gym, and made her spill everything in exchange for her silence on the matter.

''So, are you two together now or...''

She just shrugged as she picked at the crust of her pizza. ''We didn't really talk about it.''

Shaul cocked an eyebrow at her. "I bet you didn't."

"You don't think I'm a slut?'' Alexa asked softly. ''I've slept with Randy too... I don't want to get a reputation...''

"What the fuck, Lex? Of course not!" She insisted. ''You and Randy were in a long-term relationship and that was a long time ago. Anybody who knows you, knows that you're not the kind of person who just jumps into bed with someone just for the hell of it.''

''I'm not, or, at least, I wasn't... I don't know what's going on.''

''You need to talk to him, set things straight.''

She nodded, knowing that her friend was right. ''I know.''

The conversation came to an end and Alexa pulled out her phone as Shaul went to visit the bathroom, updating her Twitter.

RealSierra: Ate salad for dinner. Mostly croutons and tomatoes. Really, just one big, round crouton covered with tomato sauce. And cheese... I ate a pizza.

A small smile made its way onto her face when she found a text from Jon, she let out a snort when she read it.

I think I'll have to get you a scratching post for Christmas.

Or I could just keep using your back, if you're up for it, that is?

I could be persuaded...

I'm sure that won't be hard.

''You're texting lover boy, aren't you?''

Alexa glanced up as Shaul breezed into the room, jumping back onto the sofa and tucking her legs up. ''Maybe...''

Oh, it will be. Very hard.

Tuesday 9th August

''You hear about Melina and Gail?''

The two women had both been released from the company a few days before. On a personal level, Alexa found herself slightly pleased that they were gone, having had issues with both women in the past. But, on a professional level, she knew that they were two of the best female wrestlers that the WWE had and that losing them was a huge blow to the division.

Alexa balanced her cell phone between her shoulder and her ear as she grabbed her gym bag out of her car. ''Honestly, I can't say I'm too upset.''

Trish let out a snort from the other end of the phone. ''It's a shame, they were two of the best wrestlers there.''

''Yeah, well, if they had both dropped the attitude they might have lasted longer.'' She scoffed, making her way into the FCW building.

''True. So, anyway, I called to ask if you need a place to stay when you come up for Adam's appreciation night in September?''

''Oh, I hadn't really thought about it. I just assumed I'd book into a hotel or something.''

''Don't be stupid, you can stay with me and Ron! We've got plenty of room, plus it'll be nice to catch up properly.''

''You sure he won't mind?''

''Pfft, like he has a choice!''

Alexa snorted as she used her hip to shove open the door to the women's locker room. ''Cool, well I'll give you a call when I've booked my flight, let you know the details and stuff.''

''You haven't booked it yet?''

''Nope.''

''Nothing's changed, you still leave things until the last minute.''

''What can I say? I'm a creature of habit.''

After saying their goodbyes, she dropped her phone on top of her bag and turned around; jumping in surprise when she found Jon standing directly behind her. ''Jesus Christ, Jon!'' Her hand shot to her chest. ''You almost gave me a fucking heart attack!"

His deep chuckle echoed through the room. ''Sorry.''

''What do yo-''

Alexa was cut off when he backed her up against the wall, his lips crashing hard against hers. His hands roughly gripped her waist as she clawed at his back, a soft whimper escaping as he caught her bottom lip in his teeth and gently tugged. She pulled away after a few moments, gasping for breath and looked up to find him smirking down at her. She barely had time to register the feral look in his eyes before he dipped down and began to slowly trail kisses up her neck.

''Jon... we need to talk.'' She moved her hands up to rest on his shoulders, her nails digging into his leather jacket.

''Sounds serious.''

''I just want to make sure we're both on the same page.''

''Alright.'' He murmured, lips still skimming along her neck.

''Will you focus? Please?''

Sighing, he pulled away. ''Look, I like you. Quite a lot, actually, but I don't want a relationship. I've always sucked at them and I know it'll end badly...''

''We're friends. That doesn't have to change.'' She kept her eyes locked on his, trying to portray as much indifference as possible. ''Why don't we just keep it casual?''

''Casual?'' He cocked a brow at the suggestion.

''We don't have to put a label on anything... let's just go with the flow.'' She shrugged.

He thought it over for a second before regarding her with a smirk. ''You sure you'll be able to handle it?''

''Get over yourself, you're not that great.'' She scoffed.

''I've got marks on my back that say otherwise.''

''Maybe you should refresh my memory.''

Jon reached down and tangled his hands in her hair, pulling her to him. Their mouths were just about to meet when they were interrupted.

''Yo, Torres!?"

She let out a disappointed sigh and Jon stepped back from her just as Colby came barreling into the room, followed by another man.

''Lex, this is Matt Polinsky.'' He gestured to the man beside him with a smile. ''He's just been signed, I'm playing tour guide today.''

''Hey, it's great to meet you.'' Matt smiled, holding out a hand.

Alexa smiled, taking his offer in a handshake. ''Likewise... you know, you look kind of familiar, have we met before?''

''I don't think so, I'm sure I'd remember.'' His lips quirked into a smirk.

Her head cocked to the side for a few moments before her eyes widened in realization. ''Sterling James Keenan, right?'' At his nod, she continued. ''2003, Pennsylvania. Ring of Honor Retribution: Round Robin Challenge II...''

''Holy shit! No way, you're the chick who used to hang with Punk and Cabana!''

''Small world, huh? You look so much different now. Back then, you looked like Edge and John Morrison's love child!"

Colby let out a loud snort and Jon chuckled at the woman's comparison.

''That's... actually pretty accurate.'' Matt admitted with a grin. ''But, looking better now, I hope?''

She let her eyes travel up and down his figure, not even bothering to hide the fact that she was checking him out. ''Oh, yeah. Much better.''

Colby shook his head in amusement. ''We're going to head out tonight for a few drinks, if you two want to come?''

She nodded, shooting a sideways look at the Cincinnati native. ''Sure, I'm up for it.''

The double-meaning of her words was not lost on Jon, who smirked at her. ''I'll be there.''

''You look smokin', girl!"

Alexa snorted out a laugh as she finally reached the group who were crowded around a table at the bar, glancing down at her outfit. She wore a tight black skirt which reached mid-thigh, a pair of black suede ankle boots and an oversized white tee; the v-neckline cut low enough to show off her ample cleavage. Her hair had just been shoved up in a messy ponytail and her make-up was simple; just some thick black eyeliner and some foundation.

''Thanks, Trin.'' She glanced around at the faces around her. ''Hey, guys.''

Trinity, April, Celeste and Ariane were on one side of the table while Joe, Ettore and Matt took up the other side. Feeling herself deflate slightly when she couldn't see Jon, she excused herself to go and get a drink.

''Lex!"

Half-way to the bar, she was intercepted by Colby and a beautiful, dark-haired woman who she assumed to be his girlfriend.

''This is Leighla.'' He grinned happily. ''Leighla, this is Lex.''

''Nice to finally put a face to the name, this one doesn't shut up about you.'' Alexa smiled at the woman as he gestured to the man beside her.

Leighla laughed at the faint blush that started to cover her boyfriend's face, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. ''It's great to meet you too.''

After a few minutes of small talk she made her way towards the busy bar, patiently waiting to be served. Ten minutes later, she was still waiting. Huffing in exasperation, she was about to give up and head back to the table when she felt a strong hand on her back, keeping her in place. Seeing it was only Jon, she bit back the tongue lashing she had been planning and smiled up at him.

He leaned down and spoke into her ear. ''What do you want?''

Trying to ignore the effect his close proximity had on her she managed a reply, ''Vodka and Coke, please.''

He nodded and whistled, easily catching the bartenders attention. He ordered their drinks and casually rested his elbows on the bar, making the definition in his arms impossible to ignore. His faded jeans did nothing to hide the firm muscle of his thighs and a snug fitting shirt doing much the same for his chest under his patent black leather jacket.

She quickly tore her gaze away as he handed her the drink. ''Thank you.''

''No problem.'' His gaze raked hungrily over her body. "You look fucking hot, by the way.''

She took a sip of her drink before leaning closer to him, her lips curling into a smirk. ''You want to know a secret?''

''What?'' He rasped, eyes narrowing slightly.

Alexa leaned up and made sure her mouth was right next to his ear, before whispering. "I'm not wearing any underwear."

''You're evil.''

The husky tone of his voice sent a rush of heat through her body and she stepped back, a teasing glint in her eyes as she started to walk away. ''Catch you later.''

''Damn right you will.''

Hours later, Alexa had gone through more than a couple of drinks and was really starting to feel the effects. Their group had grown in numbers as the night went on. Jonathan and Jey Fatu, the Uso brothers, had joined them; Trinity had been excited to finally be able to introduce her new friend to her fiancé and his twin. Alexa thought they were both great guys and, much to everyone elses shock, had no trouble telling the two apart.

''What about you, Lex?''

''Yeah, ever get starstruck?''

All the women were huddled around one side of the table, while the guys took up the opposite side; both groups talking amongst themselves. The women's conversation had turned to people in the business that they most wanted to meet, or had met.

''I totally marked the fuck out when I met 'Taker.'' She admitted sheepishly.

Alexa's eyes were glued to the screen of her cell phone as she searched through her contacts for Eddie's number. She had just arrived at the arena for the Smackdown taping and had, so far, been unable to find the locker room, or anybody who could help her find it. She was just about to hit the call button, her finger hovering over the screen, when she walked headfirst into a very solid chest. She looked up and found herself staring into the eyes of The Undertaker

"Holy Shit! Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I was – oh God – sorry."

Mark Calaway's eyes twinkled in amusement. "Take a breath, darlin'." He chuckled as she visibly did as he asked and inhaled deeply. ''Where you headed in such a hurry?''

''Uh...I'm trying to find the women's locker room and, failing that, Eddie Guerrero.'' She told him with a small smile, not quite believing she was standing in front of the Phenom himself.

''I think I can help you there.'' He told her with a smile, before turning and pointing down the hallway. ''If you go down there and turn left, the locker room's the second door on the right.''

She raised an eyebrow. ''Do you make a habit of knowing where the women's locker room is?''

He shook his head and he let out a laugh. ''Not usually, but it's right next to the men's so I couldn't really miss it.''

''Well, I'd better go and get ready, I'm late enough as it it.'' Alexa told him, shifting her gym bag to her other shoulder. ''Sorry again for running into you.''

''I love the Undetaker.'' April declared, taking a small sip of her coke.

''He's awesome.'' Alexa grinned. ''And pretty hot for an old guy...''

''Gross, he's old enough to be your father.'' Ariane pointed out, lips turned up in disgust.

''And yet, not my father, so therefore, fair game.'' She waggled her eyebrows.

''Somehow, I don't think you're his type.'' Celeste told her, patting her shoulder in mock-sympathy.

"A girl can dream...'' She sighed dramatically. ''Oftentimes does, too... sweaty, thrusty dreams...'' She trailed off, noticing that all the guys across the table were gaping at her with varying looks of horror on their faces. ''Lighten up, guys. I'm just joshing.''

"No sweaty, thrusty dreams?" April asked hopefully.

"Nope." Alexa shook her head, her nose crinkling just a bit. "Although, they wouldn't be unwelcome."

"Jesus... You're a special kind of weird." Jon shook his head from across the table, an amused smile on his face.

''You love it.''

''Lex, can I ask you something?'' Ariane piped up. ''It's kind of personal...''

''Sure.'' Alexa shrugged.

Trinity fixed her friend with a stern look. ''Ari, no.''

''Oh, please, you want to know just a bad as the rest of us. She doesn't have to answer if she doesn't want to.''

The other woman leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. ''Fine. But, girl, I ain't helping you if she slaps you.''

''I was just curious.'' Ariane started, moving forward to rest her forearms on the table. ''When you were with Randy... did he ever do the 'Orton pose' after, you know, being intimate?''

Alexa stared at her for a moment before bursting into laughter. ''Surprisingly, no. But I did it a couple of times.''

The younger woman reached over to give her a high-five. ''Nice.''

Ariane had eventually grown bored of talking and after a few more drinks and a little persuasion, managed to drag Alexa over to the dance floor. Every so often, a sleazy-looking man kept approaching Ariane, trying to dance with her and not taking no for an answer. Each time, Alexa had to grab her hand and pull her to a different part of the dance floor but he kept following, obviously not getting the hint. Ariane was too polite to tell him to just get lost, but Alexa had no such qualms.

''Stop!" She shouted over the music, putting her hand out to stop him moving any closer to them. "Take the hint, she's not interested!"

"Is that because you want me all to yourself, dollface?" He yelled back, dancing over to her with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes and latched on to her friend's arm, turning them around to walk away. As she did so, the man drunkenly reached out and grabbed her ass making her stop dead in her tracks. Without thinking, she spun around and sent her fist flying, hitting him square in the face. She heard a sickening crunch and his hands immediately rose to his face to cup his nose.

''Ari, go back to the table, I've got this.''

Ariane muttered something unintelligible in response before darting off through the crowd. She quickly arrived back at the table, panic clear in her eyes. ''Some guy just grabbed Lex's ass so she punched him!"

''What?!''

''Seriously?''

Everyone turned towards the dance floor curiously, just able to see Alexa over in the corner. There was a tall man stood opposite her, hands cupping his nose as she cussed him out angrily.

''We should help her.'' Joe suggested, his eyes not leaving the scene.

Trinity snorted. ''Doesn't look like she needs much help.''

Alexa was glaring at the man in front of her as he stood, blood starting to drip through his fingers. ''What the fuck?''

She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him defiantly. ''What gives you the right to put your hands on me?''

''I was just having fun.'' He spat angrily, stepping towards her. ''You crazy fucking bitch!"

''I'm crazy?!" She asked in disbelief, standing her ground as he moved closer.

Jon's eyes darkened in ire as he rose from his seat, starting to move around the table to go and intervene if needed.

''You know what, you're not even worth the calories I'm burning by talking to you.'' Alexa quipped before turning around to make her way back to the table. She didn't get very far, the man reached out and grabbed hold of her arm from behind, swinging her around and pulling her to him.

Jon didn't waste any time and instinctively started to march towards the dance floor, closely followed by the rest of the men of the group.

''I suggest you let go of me before I kick your ass.'' She warned, trying to pull herself out of his tight grasp.

''A little thing like you? I don't thin-''

She watched in amusement as the man let out a pained cry and dropped to the ground mid-sentance; one arm clutching at himself where she had driven her knee up into his crotch. The other rubbing his throat, where she had elbowed him, leaving the man coughing as he frantically tried to catch his breath.

Alexa turned around after briefly admiring her handiwork; only to pause when she found Jon, Joe, Colby, Ettore, Matt and the twins standing directly in front of her. ''Uh, hey, guys...''

"You alright?" Joe asked, concern clear on his features.

''I'm okay.'' She shrugged. ''I handled it."

Colby snorted and looked down to where the man was still wheezing on the floor. ''Obviously.''

''Thanks for coming to my rescue, guys."

Matt scoffed and smiled down at her. ''I think that guy was more in need of rescuing than you were.''

Ettore gave her a hearty pat on the back. ''I'll grab you a drink, we can celebrate your badass-ness.''

After double checking that she was alright, everyone else ambled off, leaving her alone with Jon. Avoiding his intense gaze, she glanced down at her knuckles which were slowly starting to swell.

''You need to ice that.''

She shook her head, flexing her hand in front of her. ''It's fine...''

''I've got to say, I'm a little turned on right now.''

Her eyes snapped up to his and she let out a surprised laugh. ''Seriously?''

Jon nodded slowly, stepping closer and invading her personal space. She felt his minty breath fan across her face as he spoke lowly. ''I was on my way over here to kick his ass for you, but you did it yourself... it was really hot.''

''And you call me a weirdo...''

He chuckled, lifting his hand to caress her face before guiding her face to his, gently brushing his lips over hers. Nibbling gently on her lower lip, he deepened the kiss briefly before pulling away.

Alexa let out a quiet whine. ''Fucking tease.''

''Payback for earlier.'' He drawled into her ear. ''Besides, it's not teasing if I plan on following it through.''