Author's Note: I really can't remember the last time I posted on this site and I apologize to my readers (Especially my readers of Closer to the Hart) but I assure you that the writing itch has returned and I'm ready to flood these books with updates. I just need a bit of time.

I'm sorry for abandoning you guys all this while. So I present, a new chapter

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, or the WWF or stuff like that. I only own Lacey Michaels and some other OC's I might make up along the way. This is a pure work of fiction and all these events occurred in my head.

Warning: This story contains certain themes, language and/or triggering scenes that may not be appropriate for all viewers. View discretion is advised. Don't say I didn't tell you so. You have been warned.

Chapter 7 – Dangerous Actions

"So why didn't any of you tell me Owen liked her?" Bret asked, running a hand through his hair.

"How can you not know? Her matches are literally the only ones he watches. He's almost always talking to her and he always carries along magazines with her picture in them. He's head over heels Bret"

"Fuck" Bret repeated again running his hands down his face. "Well, Lacey likes me so there's not much I can do in that regard" Bret said with a shrug, still reeling from the fact that his brother also had feelings for the girl he was growing closer to.

"True, but for Owen's sake I think it's best not to start anything with Lacey altogether. Trust me" Jim said. Bret raised an eyebrow.

"Why not? Owen isn't a crazy person. Eventually he'll move on if he finds out she doesn't reciprocate his feelings"

"He might, he might not. That's debatable. But the fact of the matter is, it won't be right for you to go after your brother's crush. If anything, let another guy do it. But not you"

Bret ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Why the fuck didn't you guys just mention anything all this time? I would've known to stay far away from her. Now she's stuck in my head, what should I do?"

Jim placed a comforting hand on his brother in law's shoulder. "I'm sorry man but bros before…" Bret glared at him before he could finish uttering that statement. "…right, sorry. But either way, you've gotta get over it man. Maintain the previous status quo, ignore her" Jim advised.

Easier said than done.

"I can't do that. She needs me" Bret said. "She actually needs me"

"What for?" Jim asked curiously.

"I… nevermind. You wouldn't get it" Bret said shaking it off. Plus Lacey trusted him. The last he wanted to do was to reveal her struggles to anyone. "I'm not leaving her Jim."

"It's not your choice to make Bret" Jim said. "You have to leave her. In the long run it'll be better for everyone."

Bret took in a deep sigh but said nothing more as he pushed past Jim and headed to his hotel room.

There was no way in hell he was going to leave a girl he was still so interested in finding more about. He wasn't gonna risk his happiness for his brother's. That's asinine. If he were in Owen's shoes he'd do the exact opposite.

That was why Owen was the nice Hart and he wasn't.

Bret let out a loud groan as he threw himself down on his bed. He was too old for this type of drama.

He guessed the next line of action was to actually talk to his brother.

Hopefully it would end up going well.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So you guys didn't have sex?" Chyna asked Lacey who was busy packing her bags in preparation for their journey to the next city.

"Chyna!"

"I'm just saying" She said defensively. "So how did it go? Did he put you in the sharpshooter?"

"Chyna!" Lacey yelled as she turned red leaving the older woman in hysterics. "God!"

"Okay, sorry" Chyna said amidst laughs. "I've gotta ask, you know? I mean you and ol' Htman are an odd pairing. Still don't understand how"

"We're not dating! We just went out for dinner and… talked afterwards." Lacey defended. Chyna gave her a knowing look. "And we almost kissed."

"How precious" The dark haired woman teased with a smile. "Well you and Bret, odd pairing but I know it'll work out. I hope he'll ask you out soon"

Well that caught her off guard for a second. The thought of her and Bret actually dating. To her, he seemed like a nice guy but he also seemed like he had some issues. He had also cornered and insulted her within the span of two days. But he also cared for her and treated her like a gentleman within that same span.

So, case in point, she felt she needed to get to know him better before she could make a concise decision.

"I don't know. I'm not really looking for a relationship right now. Plus I barely know the guy" Lacey said awkwardly rubbing her neck. "Plus he's kinda older than me."

"Oh come on, just sixteen years" Chyna teased. Lacey gave her a sarcastic smile in return which made the taller woman grin in amusement. "Okay, I see your point. Don't worry, you'll be fine. And you'll make the right decision. I trust you"

"Thanks Chyna." Lacey said with a small smile. "And I guess I will see him later tonight at the house show. We'll see how it goes from there." Lacey said as a faint hint of a blush appeared on her cheeks. Chyna gave her a knowing look but said nothing else on the matter as the ladies moved on to other things and got on the road, heading to the next city.

A couple of hours later, the ladies arrived heading straight to the arena in preparation for the house show. Chyna had to accompany DX to the ring for their match against the Bodydonnas while Lacey had a fun segment with Owen Hart in the ring where she was supposed to talk to him a bit and then super kick him.

She found it odd she had no segment with Bret but shook it off, after all it was a house show. Something to send the crowd home happy.

And speaking of the youngest Hart…

"Laceeyyyy!" Owen exclaimed excitedly as he lifted her up into a hug with an amused Jim Neidhart looking on beside him.

"Owennn! I missed you and all but my ribs!" Lacey choked out as Owen's eyes widened and he quickly set her down helping her stand upright. "Thanks" Lacey gasped as she tried catching her breath.

"I'm so sorry Lace, hope I didn't hurt you" Owen said, the fear prevalent in his eyes. Lacey shook her head no.

"Nah I'm okay. You can never hurt me" She said, flashing one of her warm smiles towards him. "Now I'm gonna give you a proper hug" She said as she leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his torso.

"Much better" Owen commented as the two laughed it off. "So what's up? Ready for our segment later?"

"Totes. Though I would've thought management would put me with Bret" Lacey pondered as the smile on Owen's face wavered a bit but went unnoticed by her.

It was however noticed by Jim Neidhart who cleared his throat and gave his two cents on the matter.

"Yeah but Bret got it scrapped in favor of Owen. He's actually not on the card tonight" Jim clarified. Lacey raised an eyebrow but didn't give it much thought and just shrugged. She was sure Bret had his reasons.

"Oh well, that's alright." Lacey said, getting over her initial disappointment. "So what's up King of Harts? Wanna go through the plans for the night?" Owen smiled happily and nodded. "Alrighty then" Lacey said as she locked hands with him. "Tootles Jim" She waved as she and Owen walked off. Jim watched on with a smile as he waved the youngsters off but in his heart he knew that in the upcoming weeks, shit was gonna hit the fence.

Meanwhile…

Bret paced back and forth as he watched the segment taking place between his brother and Lacey. It was simple segment. Owen had a match against D'Lo Brown and Lacey just decided to skip in and watch the match at ringside.

She posed as an inadvertent thorn to his side during the match as she walked around the ring with her title firmly strapped around her waist.

Initially, Owen didn't respond or seem to care until Lacey decided to hop onto the turnbuckle in a bid to distract Owen. Or at least that's what the fans initially thought.

She instead hopped into the ring and superkicked D'Lo in the face leading to a win by disqualification. Then immediately after that, she superkicked Owen in the face as the crowd went wild.

Giving out a maniacal laugh, she made her way to a mic and picked it up. The live crowd kept cheering for her heelish antics but eventually died down, giving her an avenue to speak.

"Bret, see you on Monday. Let's see how hard you can bring it to me" She said suggestively, dropping the mic as the crowd got riled up once more.

Bret, who watched from the gorilla position couldn't help but be captivated by the blonde. God this was going to be a difficult decision. Heck he had second thoughts already. Owen was a full grown adult, he could deal with rejection.

But could he deal with betrayal? Could he deal with his own brother usurping the girl he was so desperately crushing on? He didn't think so.

So with that, Bret was forced to make one of the hardest decisions he ever had to make; let Ashlyn go. Not only letting her go, but letting her know that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her anymore.

Sweet Jesus Christ.

"Bret!" She squealed as she walked up to him with Owen following her behind like a lost puppy. "Where have you been?"

"I…" Before he could utter another word, she engulfed him in a hug, her soft body pressing against his and God… He was still a man after all. He had no willpower to let her go. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her as well. "I've been around"

"What happened with the segment? I thought we were supposed to do it together" She asked with a pout. Bret had to think quickly on what excuse to give before giving out a sigh.

"I thought it would keep the fans pumped for the next episode of Raw if I was absent and just let you throw a little jab at me" Bret explained. Lacey let go of him and frowned, narrowing her eyes at him a bit. Bret gulped at the sight of that.

"Why do I feel that you're lying?" She said, looking into his eyes. Bret nearly gasped, wondering how she could tell so easily. He glanced over at his brother who just looked confused as he watched the interaction between his brother and his crush.

"Lacey…" Bret started, momentarily glancing at his brother who unsurprisingly, had his eyes fixed on the girl. "I'm not. I have no reason to"

She gave him the once over once again and sighed, leaving both him and his brother standing there as she walked away.

"Lacey wait…" Owen said as he tried running after his crush only to be stopped by his brother. "…hey, what gives?"

"I think you should leave her alone for a bit. She looked a bit sad." Bret said. Owen rolled his eyes.

"Only cause you made her sad." Owen shot back. Bret chuckled.

"You like her don't you?" Bret asked casually. His brother said nothing but crossed his hands over his chest and glared at him. "Are you gonna answer or…"

"What's it to you if I do?"

"Well, she is Shawn Michaels' sister, not to mention…"

"I don't care" Owen shot back. Bret felt a little stab in his chest once he heard his brother say that but decided to pay it no mind, he knew in the long run, he was doing the right thing no matter how shitty it made him feel inside.

"Sure you don't" Bret said with an eye roll. Owen narrowed his eyes at his brother.

"What are you getting at?" Owen asked. Bret laughed at his brother.

"I'm getting at the fact that you can do so much better than that broad" Bret said boldly, nearly wincing at his own words. Owen's mouth dropped wide open.

"What? You… how dare you? I thought you guys were friends. How dare you call her a broad you jackass?" Owen asked, his temper flaring up by the second as he balled his hand into a fist.

"Easy cowboy." Bret said, forcing a small laugh. "I had no idea you were into her. I wanted to have some fun with her. But I guess I can find another broad somewhere. Wouldn't wanna get a disease knowing who her brother is"

"You're sick Bret. So you mean everything you complimented her about was a lie? The wrestling skills, everything?" Owen asked. Bret paused for a moment, knowing that he was digging a deeper hole. But when he saw the look of anguish on his brother's face, he couldn't help but nod. This was his brother after all. "Could've fooled me. For a second, I thought you were into her"

"Oh please. She's not even up to quarter of the woman Julie was." Bret stated blankly as his brother gave him a look of confusion. "So you're into her huh?" Owen gave the back of his neck a little rub showing his clear nervousness.

"What's it to you? You don't think she's all that anyways" Owen said with a huff.

"Well, I'll give her this, she is a looker. And you two do seem to have a sort of friendship. If you really wanna try your luck with her, knock yourself out. As for me, I'm not gonna have anything to do with anyone related to Shawn Michaels"

Owen narrowed his eyes at Bret unsure of what to make of the situation. He had an inkling feeling that his brother had something for her but after hearing the outright disdain in Bret's voice, he began to think otherwise.

He also began to feel conflicted.

On one hand, he was relieved that his brother was no longer an issue in relation to Lacey, but on the other hand, hearing him talk about her like she was a piece of trash bothered him to no avail. It wasn't right.

"Never talk about her like that ever again" Owen warned before walking away trying to get his anger in check. Bret let out a painful sigh as he watched his brother walk away.

Despite not knowing Lacey for so long, he knew there was something there. It broke his heart to extinguish the little flame they had but he guessed it was for the best. He had settled his brother for now, but his next item on the agenda was gonna be a tough one; he had to get Lacey to hate him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Bret let out a sigh as he read the message on his phone. No one said this was ever going to be easy.

Bret, I'm scared. Is it okay if I come to your room? Even if I stay on the couch – Lacey

How was he supposed to reply that? He knew his conscience wouldn't let him be if he decided to leave her without a response or if he decided not to help her.

But Owen…

I have someone over right now. We're quite busy, if you know what I mean. – Bret

He was about to hit send but changed his mind mid-way. Lacey could be in actual danger. God, this was gonna be a lot harder than he thought.

How was he supposed to take care of her and stay away from her at the same time? It made his head run around in circles.

What's your room number? I'm coming over – Bret

Just this once. She needed him. Just this once, he was gonna be there for her.

Just this once.

201. Thanks a lot Bret – Lacey.

Bret sighed as he dressed up, put on his jacket and made his way over to Lacey's room, the whole time being reprimanded by his subconscious not to do so. He literally told his brother that evening that he had nothing to do with her yet here he was, running over to her room.

Worst brother in the world.

Once he got to her room, he knocked firmly on the door, careful to check his surroundings to ensure no one saw him.

Within seconds, the door flung open and there Lacey was, standing in a tight fitting blue lace nightgown. His eyes nearly bulged out of his socket at that sight but before he could react any more than that she quickly wrapped him in a tight hug with her arms around her stomach.

"Oh Bret, thank you, thank you, thank you!" She said, her voice shaky yet full of gratitude. Bret smiled lightly. The poor thing seemed terrified.

"Hey, I'm always here to help okay?" He assured as she unwrapped herself from him. "Now, let's get inside okay? You shouldn't be dressed like this out here in the hallway"

Lacey laughed at his statement but nonetheless obliged as they entered the room.

"Bret, you know I literally wear less in the ring right?" She asked with a little giggle. Bret smiled at her.

"Yeah, I do. And you look really cute in your gear" He commented not really realizing what he said until he heard her giggle again. "Uh not that I look or anything, just that…"

"It's alright Bret. You look pretty good in your gear too. Not many men can pull off pink" She said in a compliment and a slight tease.

"True" He agreed as they shared a laugh. Bret's continued mentally kicking himself on the basis that he really shouldn't be there at that time. "So what's up? Why did you need me suddenly? Is everything alright?" He asked, his voice laced with concern. Lacey sighed and grabbed her phone. Then she clicked a few buttons and showed it to Bret who suddenly got riled up.

Your new spread in the magazine is so fucking beautiful girl, I can't stop jerking off to it. - Scott

I can't wait to have you all to myself love - Scott

You wanna keep on ignoring me, fine - Scott

Next time we're in the same city together watch your back. I'm taking what I want from you whether you like it or not - Scott

"What the hell?" Bret cursed. "Lacey he can't keep doing this. It's harassment. Don't you wanna get Law Enforcement or...?"

"I'm sorry but no. If I do get them involved it could result in a scandal. The type of scandal that follows you everywhere and overshadows your career. I don't want it. Plus, he's making WCW a lot of money. If the execs find out I'm sure they'll cover it up. I don't wanna get into that Bret" Lacey confessed, sobbing. Bret remained quiet but pulled her into his chest. He absolutely hated to see her cry.

"I... I understand. It's alright, don't cry" He said, planting a kiss on her forehead. "C'mon, let's go the bed" He suggested, as he led her to her bed. He made sure to lock the door behind himself as he curled into bed with her. "Tell me when any of this becomes weird" Lacey giggled amidst tears.

"It's not weird. I feel good around you Bret" She confessed, placing her head on his chest. "I can't thank you enough for making your way here. I'm really grateful" She said, her voice laced in gratitude. "My only other option would've been Chyna but I don't think I wanna be that selfish to take her away from Hunter."

Bret chuckled. "She could do better"

"I agree" Lacey joked as they shared a laugh. Bret began to play with her hair as she continued talking. "I don't really have many friends in the Federation. I mostly just hang out with the DX guys." She said with a sigh.

"What about Owen?" Bret asked, as he was suddenly hit with a pang of guilt knowing that he was here, cuddling with the woman his brother wanted to be with. "You're friends right?"

"Oh definitely. Owen's really nice and all but we're only casual friends. It's not like he's gonna text me to hangout with him or something. That would be weird" She commented. Bret's stomach knotted at her statement. "I do like one thing about Owen though"

Bret's ear perked up at her last statement as he gazed at her in anticipation. "What do you like about Owen?"

"He's your brother. And I do like you" She purred seductively, gazing at Bret. Bret could feel his heart skipping a beat at her words. As they stared at each other he tried to ignore all the signs his body gave him and tried to control himself from doing something he would regret or even trying to think about doing something he would regret.

But he was only a man. And he was interested in Lacey. So he had to give in.

"Oh really? Well, I like you too." He confessed, mentally screaming at himself. "And I do like you being in my arms"

What was he doing?

Lacey looked at him suggestively then in a few swift movements, she straddled him. Bret's eyes widened at the beauty currently on top of him but couldn't do anything about it.

"Do you like me being in this position?" She purred once again.

"I... If you continue this woman, you'll put yourself into a situation you won't be able to get yourself out of" Bret teased, placing his hands on her waist. Lacey giggled. She leaned over and whispered into his right ear.

"There are so many situations I wanna be in with you..." She whispered, feeling good at the sudden movement she felt underneath herself. "...but I guess you're right, maybe I should stop before I get myself into something deeper" She said casually as she made an attempt to get off Bret only to be roughly flipped over by the Hitman. She smirked at him, knowing she had gotten him right where she wanted.

"I've not done this in a while so you shouldn't really be playing with me" Bret whispered into her ear. "And after your stunt on Sunday, you're asking for this"

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not" She said, biting her lip. "Do something about..." Before she could utter another word, Bret stripped her of her nightgown and made away with his clothes as well. He ignored all the cautionary voices in her head telling him about his brother and about how he was taking advantage of Lacey who was in a vulnerable state but he decided to ignore that and pursue the needs of the flesh. He wanted the girl. He wanted her so badly.

And he got what he wanted.

Sex this early in the story? Oh yeah. There's a lot in store for this book alright.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to review, follow and favorite. See you all again in the next chapter. Love and kisses.