Perversity

 

 

Chapter 1

 

He smelled of nicotine, whiskey, and leather.

 

Maybe a hint of cocoa butter too.

 

Terrified wasn’t the word to describe how Brinley felt.  She stood outside of the motel with a cigarette between her fingers, gripping the railing with her other hand tightly.  Her left hand.  That left hand had a sparkling diamond ring on her left ring finger that signified she was taken.  She belonged to someone.  Property.  It wasn’t a marriage out of love and devotion, not even close.  Brinley was trapped and there was no escape from the hell she was in, wishing there was some way out of this situation.

 

What if she made a run for it?  Just leave this all behind, this job that had gotten her into this predicament in the first place, and started over?  New identity, new life, new everything.  Was that possible to do?  Taking another drag of her cigarette, Brinley flicked ash over the balcony, her deep green eyes staring at the heavy falling rain.  So many times she had thought about doing it over the past year, ever since being forced into this sham of a marriage with her current husband.

 

It was at the beginning of 2013 when she started being pursued.  First, it started with single red roses being left at her workplace.  She didn’t think anything of it to begin with and kept doing her job, being a producer for WWE was a lot of work and Brinley knew she had a reputation to uphold when it came to her family.  That was two months’ worth.  No note.  No name.  Just the single red roses every Monday and Thursday nights every week. 

 

Then, the encounters started, mostly in dark dressing rooms with passionate kisses and the scent enveloped Brinley every time.  Cocoa butter, nicotine, and leather.  It wasn’t until the beginning of the fourth month that her secret admirer revealed himself to be none other than Dean Ambrose.  The romanticism behind the roses and passionate kisses turned to dust at that moment and Brinley wanted nothing to do with him.  Sensing this, Dean had crushed his mouth to hers and forced her into submission that night, threatening her brother’s, Chris Jericho, life if she didn’t comply.

 

“You wanted me before you knew who I was, Angel.  And you want me now, even if you won’t admit it.”

 

“No, I don’t!” Brinley had cried out, knowing there was no way to overpower Dean Ambrose.

 

The beginning of what she deemed to be hell.

 

Had it been a year since this hell started?  New Year’s Eve 2013 found her in Las Vegas, Nevada, being forced to elope with a man that frightened her.  For months, since he had been brought up from WWE’s developmental system to the main roster, Brinley had been targeted.  Her husband.  Boy did that leave a bitter taste in her mouth.  More like her captor since she was here against her will, even if she did agree to it.  Chris refused to speak to her after finding out she had married Dean, but he never questioned why.  She had been so convincing, claiming how much she loved Dean and wanted to be with him forever.

 

That was the farthest thing from the truth.

 

“You either marry me, or I’ll kill your brother, Angel.”

 

Angel.  That was the special nickname he had given her.

 

“Why?” She pleaded for answers, not understanding why he wanted to marry her in the first place. “Seducing me and forcing me into submission isn’t enough for you?”

 

“You only wish it was seduction and force.  Admit it, you want to fuck me and you won’t admit it to yourself.” His hand wrapped in black tape touched the side of her face, his fingers gliding down her cheek. “And I don’t have to tell you a fuckin’ reason why I wanna marry you.  Do you wanna hear something cliched like I love you?”

 

“But you don’t…”

 

“Of course I don’t!” He laughed, puffing on his cigarette with twinkling electric blues. “And I never will.  I want what I want and you’re gonna do what I want, or there will be consequences.” He started doing a little shuffle, rolling his shoulders, feeling extremely cocky and confident. “There are worst people to marry than me, you know.”

 

Gritting her teeth, Brinley couldn’t hold back and slapped the taste out of his mouth, that cigarette flying out of his hand as well. “I’ll never marry you!  I want nothing to do with you!  I want you to leave me the hell alone!”

 

A second later, his hand wrapped around her throat and her back pressed against the locked dressing room door, his mouth crashing on top of hers. “You will, or I’ll kill your brother and make it look like an accident.  I’m capable of it, I’m a sick guy, Angel.  A sick, dirty guy, who always gets what I fuckin’ want.”

 

“Please, please don’t do this, Dean…”

 

Her plea fell on deaf ears as he proceeded to undress the lower half of her body, like so many other times over the past year, and coerced her into another sexual bout with him.  Brinley cried the whole time, hating the confliction she felt every time she had sex with Dean Ambrose.  He always had to coerce her into sex with him, always smelling of nicotine, cocoa butter, and leather.  Whiskey as well whenever he met her in a motel room, the threat of hurting her brother being the reason for her submission.  It was also the reason she had met him at the all-night wedding chapel in Las Vegas, where he lived, on New Year’s Eve and willingly married him.

 

Brinley loved her brother so much.  They had grown up together, only a year apart, and were inseparable throughout their lives.  A lot of people thought they were twins besides her eye color, which came from their mother.  If anything ever happened to Chris, Brinley would never forgive herself, so she was a martyr for him.  Dean hated him with a passion and wanted him to suffer, using his sister to do it.  It was a miracle she had gotten through the ceremony without completely breaking down and begging the priest not to finish it.  Dean would’ve probably killed her and buried her in the desert for her insolence before going after Chris.

 

It made her wonder if Dean’s brothers in arms, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, knew the truth behind their marriage.  If they knew just how sick and demented Dean was.  They never treated her badly or talked down to her, it was always respect with them.  They even referred to her as their little sister, all because she was with their brother.  So many times Brinley wanted to take Seth or Roman aside to plead with them to get her away from Dean, to tell them how dangerous he was.  But that looming threat from Dean killing Chris weighed heavily on her and it was the reason she kept her mouth shut.

 

Taking another long drag of her cigarette, Brinley could feel the silent tears gliding down her cheeks and looked down at the bruises around her wrists.  Dean could be very rough in the bedroom and then other times, he acted as if he was making love to her.  The man was a conundrum and made Brinley’s head spin.  Now she was stuck with Dean, forever to be shackled to him for the rest of her life.  A man she wasn’t in love with who terrified her.  The worst part wasn’t until they got married that Brinley found out Dean’s name was really Jonathan.  It wasn’t Dean Ambrose, it was Jonathan Good.  So not only was she forced to marry a man she didn’t love or want, but she didn’t even know his actual name until the night they wedded!

 

Wiping tears away angrily, Brinley continued watching the rain fall long past her cigarette being gone and continued crying.  It was the only way to release all of her pent up anger and frustration at the situation she was in.  So many times she wanted to run to Chris, to beg him to help her, to tell him everything Dean was doing, but Brinley was scared to death Dean would follow through on his promise to end her brother.  Fear was very difficult to overcome and it was also what made her turn to walk back to the motel room she shared with Dean.

 

Only the moment she turned around, there he was standing in front of her in a pair of jersey shorts, shirtless, with a cigarette dangling from his lips. “Thought you took off on me.” He grunted in amusement, taking a drag of his cigarette and watched those green eyes flash at him. “Mmm…”

 

“And risk my brother’s life?  I would never do that to him.” Brinley spat in a low voice, not moving towards her husband and folded her arms in front of her chest. “Kinda hard for me to run off since I’m chained to you now through marriage, Ambrose.”

 

“Mmm, that you are.  Alllll mine, Angel, I got you hook, line, and sinker.” Jon chuckled wickedly, his electric eyes flashing just as lightning streaked the sky and closed the distance between them, sliding his fingertips down her cheek. “And as long as you’re good to me, I’ll be good to you.  Cross me and I’ll be your worst fuckin’ nightmare.”

 

“You already are.” Brinley remarked in a quieter voice, not wanting to wake the other people up staying here.  She had more respect than that. “You’re the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.”

 

He was amused at her words and it showed as he wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her against him, keeping his cigarette away from her.  The last thing he wanted to do was burn his newlywed bride and disfigure her beautiful face. “I could be the best thing, if you give me a chance.”

 

“Stop it.”

 

“Stop what?”

 

“Stop playing games with me, Dean.  I’ve known you for over a year now and I know you’re just screwing with me, trying to make me believe this situation will get better, when it never will.” Brinley tried to push away from him, but Dean had a vise grip around her waist, preventing her from moving. “I’m your possession, your toy, remember?” Fresh tears welled up in her eyes while staring up at him, hating how he towered over her and made her feel even smaller than she was, like she was two feet tall.

 

“You’re also like, middle-aged and weren’t spoken for until I came along.” He blew smoke right past her face, both of them watching it coil in the air before dissipating. “You should be on your knees giving me a ‘thank you’ blowjob from saving you from being a spinster, Angel.”

 

Why she had been single was beyond him because everything else aside, she was not an ugly woman by any means.  He knew why; he bet it had everything to do with big brother.  Oh, and her job, since there WAS supposed to be fraternizing rules, but…rules were meant to be broken as far as he was concerned.  Jon knew that better than most people, oh yes indeed.

 

“Not my fault you went after an older woman, pursued me the way you did, targeted me and for what?  I still don’t know the reason behind that.  Oh I forgot, you DON’T have a reason.  You’re just a selfish, inconsiderate DICKHEAD that does whatever the hell he wants, when he wants, and thinks the world revolves around you.” That grip on her wrist tightened and Brinley didn’t care, so much animosity and hatred for him boiling in her acid eyes.  Her golden blonde hair was currently down, hanging down her back in waves, dry since the motel they were staying at had an overhead to prevent them from being soaked. “I never asked or wanted you to strut along or save me.  I’d rather be a spinster than married to a piece of shit like you, Jonathan.  Never forget that.”

 

“You know, Brinnie,” Jon was still laughing, the fire she exuded didn’t bother him a bit and amused him actually.  Because he knew already at the end of the night, she’d be squirming beneath him as he pounded her in ways she never thought humanly possible, not even in her wildest dreams or imagination for that matter. “It’s not a good idea to poke and prod at the insane person, Angel.” Releasing her to move before her so she could see him, which required her looking up since he towered over her, his ice blues flashed dangerously. “It uh, shows the blonde…” Reaching out with his non-smoking hand, Jon played with her silky locks. “You know?”

 

Christ, Brinley hated how terrified this man made her feel, especially in moments like this.  That was one thing Dean didn’t like was being called by his real name.  If she didn’t call him Dean, his dander was UP and she didn’t understand why.  This man befuddled her in ways she didn’t think was feasible.  Now Brinley wasn’t a virgin by any stretch of imagination and she’d had her fair share of lovers and relationships, but never one she DIDN’T want.  And one that made her toes curl and gave her possibly the best sex of her life.  How was THAT possible when she hated this man?

 

“You are insane, I can’t disagree with you there.” Her voice had changed, lowered and quieted, the fire still there, just simmered for the moment.

 

“One of the many things you love about me, wifey dearest.”

 

For someone with a mouth on her, she sure was an interesting little contradiction.  He knew she wanted to go running for help, or scream for it, but she’d bow down with a look or a quiet threat.  Then, when they were alone, if pushed too far, Brinley had no problem snapping on him or even slapping the taste out of his mouth, knowing damn well if he was pushed, Jon could easily turn into a rabid dog.  He bet she struggled with that realization too, knowing she was pushing her luck but unable to help herself anyway.

 

“You hungry?  Want some grub, Angel?  Or maybe a protein shake?” He wiggled his hips, his cock flopping around in those shorts quite obviously since he was going commando.

 

Pleasing him as a wife was part of the agreement they had in order for Chris to stay safe.  She couldn’t just ACT like she was his wife in front of others, she had to play the part with him as well.  How Brinley managed to have sex with her captor and enjoy it, along with foreplay, was beyond her.  She just had to keep reminding herself Chris was safe as long as she played her part well.  A limp fish act would result in Dean not being happy and satisfied, then he would go after Chris.  One thing about Dean was there was no slouching in the bedroom and he had excellent stamina.  He took care of her needs and didn’t just think about his own, which surprised her since he was a selfish bastard.

 

“I could go for some actual food.” Jon drew her against him with his arm encircling her waist and her eyes didn’t leave his, though he did put her hand directly on his cock over those jersey shorts he had on. “If you really want a blowjob that badly, can we eat first at least?”

 

It was very easy, the body did not always follow the heart and the mind.  Both of those organs could be SCREAMING bloody murder, the person could be turned off in every which way, but with the right person, the body would fall in lust quickly.  Jon was no sag in the bedroom, something he prided himself on, and had made sure to get her body desperately in love with his touch prior to making her marry his crazy self.  Crazy sure, but not stupid; he knew exactly what he was doing.  Mostly.  Jon did have some impulse issues and acted on them, which usually worked out in his favor regardless.

 

“Sure Angel, what sounds good?  Anything your little heart desires.”

 

That was another thing about Dean.  He didn’t always make the decisions for everything and he wasn’t controlling either.  If she wanted to go out for the night with her friends in the company, he had no problem with it.  If he wanted a boy’s night out with his friends, she was more than happy to oblige.  That gave her a night without him to decompress and not be in constant fear due to his mercurial mood swings.  Right now, Dean was being sweet and obnoxious at the same time, a very weird combo indeed.

 

“Chinese sounds good.  They’re still open, I think.”

 

They were currently in New Orleans, Louisiana and the pay-per-view, Elimination Chamber, had been that night.  Dean had been on a high after the intense six-man tag match with the Shield versus the Wyatt Family and he had brought her to the motel for some rough sex.  Brinley could keep pace with his intensity and enjoyed the roughness, even if she’d never admit it outside of her own head.  She really had serious issues enjoying sex with a man she despised…it was all physical, but emotionally and mentally, she wanted nothing to do with her husband.

 

All that charity and freedom he gave her could be gone in the blink of an eye too.  Either because she pissed him off, an outside source pissed him off, or if he decided he just felt like being a jackass that night.  For the most part though, Jon knew not to be choking his wife with the leash and collar he had her on.  It was more fun to tease and maybe cut off her oxygen every now and then when Brinley needed a reminder of her place beneath his thumb and on his cock, but…he wasn’t so bad all things considered.

 

Only, he was. 

 

He was terrible.  Nasty.  Rough.  Dirty.  Jon had made it clear time and time again, and the day she screwed up, all freedom would be down the toilet. “Sounds great, let’s get ready and hit it.” He was already thinking about bringing home some sweet and sour sauce, just so he could slurp it off her pussy later.

 

There were several times Dean had choked her while engaging in rough sex and he had left some fingerprint bruises, but it was nothing makeup couldn’t cover.  Or since it was winter time, and unseasonally chilly at the moment, turtlenecks weren’t looked at as weird or trying to cover something up.  Pulling on some jeans and a sweater, a gift from her brother she carried with her on the road, Brinley slipped her coat on, zipping it up to make sure she was bundled.  She hated the cold, not believing the temperature drop in New Orleans, of all places.  Together, they walked out of the motel room with Dean grabbing her hand and leading them to the rental truck that would take them to a Chinese place that was open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Two hours later, Brinley was naked with sweet and sour sauce being poured on her pussy and Dean between her thighs, devouring both of them hungrily.  Ecstasy was not the word to describe how he made her feel…it was something more, something vile.  Brinley knew what it was.  She was his personal whore that he didn’t have to pay for.  Or was that a slut?  Either way, whenever Dean wanted her, even if it was through seduction methods, he did it and he knew exactly what to do and say to get her clothes off.  Earlier, he had been rough and almost mean with her, but after having Chinese food and some delicious foreplay, they were now engaged in what many would think to be lovemaking. 

 

Brinley knew better than to ever think Dean was capable of making love and just referred to it as soft or vanilla sex.  It was always sex, never lovemaking, because there was no love between them at all.  It still amazed Brinley how she could have sex and kiss this man during it, even though she feared for her life on a daily basis, as well as her brother’s.  Even after they were done, Dean didn’t get off of her and instead rolled them to where they were on their sides, lighting up a cigarette for them to share.  Something Dean enjoyed doing with her and Brinley didn’t have a problem with it since it was a way to come down from the sexual heights they’d reached together.

 

“Well, I don’t think I’ll ever look at sweet and sour sauce or Chinese food the same way again, thanks to you.”

 

“Yeah, you’ll look at it and get that tingle in your cunt, reminding you of what I did and how much you came from it.” Right into his greedy, nasty mouth and Jon grinned at her before smacking his lips, taking the cigarette from her when she had gotten a few puffs. “Ahhhh….” He blew a smoke ring towards the ceiling, reaching down to run his fingertip up along her still drenched slit and felt her body automatically respond, nudging her to open herself just a little bit until he slid a finger into her sticky, cum filled sex.  She was going to need to irrigate herself tonight with the shower nozzle for sure. “Mmm, delicious…” He popped that finger in his mouth, his eyes locked on hers.

 

“No, I’ll think how nasty I feel right now that I allowed you to do that to me and never want to taste sweet and sour sauce again.” Brinley remarked, rolling away from him to lay on her back and wished her thighs would stop trembling. 

 

Dean might’ve even ruined Chinese food for her as a whole with that stunt, but still, she let it happen.  Whatever he wanted, he got.  There was no fighting him because, in the end, he won.  He always won.  That sickened her and Brinley slid out of bed, needing to get away from him to cleanse herself of what just happened.

 

“I’m taking a shower.” Brinley informed him before walking into the bathroom, closing the door behind her, and turned the shower sprays on as hot as she could stand them.  Hot showers were her favorite because she convinced herself the hot water washed away all the sinful deeds she committed with Dean.  Stepping into the sprays, she hissed at the first sting of the water and pressed her hands against the wall, letting them cascade over her with her eyes closed.

 

Rolling his eyes, he left her alone, knowing she was probably bawling her pretty little eyeballs out under her crazy stupid hot stream.  Jon preferred cold showers and made the mistake of trying to slide into a shower with his wife, only to nearly burn his balls and left right away.  Now he followed the ‘if there’s steam, let her be’ rule and Brinley seemed to know it.  Folding an arm beneath his head, now on his back with his head all over her pillows, Jon enjoyed the stench of their sex and that sweet and sour sauce.  Maybe she wasn’t feeling it right now, but she would eventually, especially since he now was thinking that should be part of his normal diet at least once a week.

 

Chapter 2

 

Brinley was in the middle of sorting out the matches she’d been given, trying to make her deadline, when a pair of hands covered her eyes from behind. “Guess who?”

 

“Hmm, could it be The Doctor of Thuganomics?”

 

“Nope, guess again.”

 

“Hmm…what about the Lionheart?”

 

“Getting warmer, but a little too dated.”

 

“Hmm…what about Y2J, Chris Jericho, the best brother and wrestler in the world today?”

 

Chris grinned at that, uncovering her eyes and turned her around. “Ding – ding – ding!” He pulled her into his arms for a loving brotherly embrace, kissing the top of her head. “I don’t mean to distract you, but I wanted to let you know that Mom and Dad’s anniversary party is coming along nicely.  We’re going to really knock them on their ass with this one, Brin.”

 

A party she still hadn’t formerly invited her husband to yet. “Good, I can’t wait to surprise them.” Truthfully, she didn’t want Dean there, but since they were married, it would’ve looked really stupid not to invite him. Fuck, I have to tell him about it tonight.  It’s only a month away. “I took care of the deposits for the caterer and the flowers too.”

 

“Excellent!  I knew I could count on you.”

 

“Count on her for what?”

 

Christ, what the hell was he doing here?  Brinley plastered on a smile before turning to face none other than her husband and really hoped he either played along with this or Chris would get suspicious. “Our parents upcoming anniversary surprise party we’re throwing them.  I told you about it, remember, honey?”

 

“Nah, must’ve slipped your mind, Angel,” Jon left her hanging on purpose, his blue eyes landing on Chris who still had that stupid grin on his face. “Not that I’m surprised, you got a lot on your plate.”

 

That she did, but she was also a stickler for details.  Chris would never, EVER be able to wrap his head around his sister and Dean and didn’t want too.  However, she seemed happy enough with the guy, so he supposed that was what counted.  Or at least, that was what a good big brother was supposed to think and say, all positive vibes. “You going to make it?”

 

“With bells on.” Nobody was ever surprised when things slipped his mind, a lot of people didn’t realize how smart Jon was.

 

“Great, now if you both will excuse me, I need to make my deadlines or Vince will have my ass in a sling.”

 

She flashed a smile at both her brother and Dean before heading off with the papers in hand, checking her phone at the message from Michael Hayes.  The meeting would be starting in about ten minutes, so that gave her time to stop to use the bathroom, grab something to drink, and finish up last minute notes on the women’s match she was producing tonight.  Raw right after a pay-per-view event was normally hectic and Brinley embraced the chaos because it kept her mind focused on something other than her sham of marriage and the horrible situation she was stuck in.

 

She was a producer for the Raw shows.  Jon was moderately curious about what she did, exactly.  Last he knew, a producer helped in the direction of a show and helped plan the shots and everything, like angles used when in production.  Sometimes it seemed like Brinley did more than all that and his eyes narrowed as he watched her walk off, papers in her hand, wondering if she had taken on some extra duties or something as a way to keep him at bay.  If so, it was sort of working because some nights she brought her work home with her and Jon usually left her to it, respecting that she had a demanding position within the company.  Maybe he should investigate because if this woman was purposefully trying to cock block him, he would make sure it screwed Brinley right in the backside.

 

“Well fuck!” He was getting aroused just thinking about her bent over, juicy ass exposed, and groaned, shaking his head.

 

He could investigate all he wanted, but there were meetings that Brinley had to attend and she had a job to do.  Now when they asked Brinley if she could handle this or that match, producing more than one match on the show, she took it on because it showed initiative.  It also kept her busy and Dean on the backburner.  However, when the man came calling for her and demanded sex, Brinley didn’t turn him down.  There were times at the arena he would still pull her into dark dressing rooms just to have a quickie.  Quickies with Dean were longer than the average quickie, but still, she never denied him. 

 

In the beginning she had fought him tooth and nail, never forgetting the moment that light came on, four months after constant dark dressing room romps, and he had revealed himself to her.  Brinley had been mortified because she hated Dean; she didn’t respect the Shield and thought they were three rookies that had been brought up far too soon from developmental.  The way they destroyed their coworkers left and right, giving them black eyes and legitimate injuries…that was not acceptable.  They had big chips on their shoulders and she wanted nothing to do with them, going as far as denying Vince and Michael one night when they asked her to produce one of the Shield’s six-man tag matches.  Brinley refused, they respected it, and passed it along to someone else, never asking her again. 

 

That right there, those nights when she had basically sexed up a total stranger with minimal fuss after those first few times, told him she was a secret slut.  Now, Jon knew when she was in the right physical state; the woman was a damn hell cat, which was great because he had a huge sexual appetite.  He liked a variety of flavors in the bedroom.  However, the bottom line was he had busted his ASS to get where he was.  Jon had done some shady things over the years as well, especially when door after door was tossed up into his face.  That last bit hadn’t sat well with him at all, especially when he had more than paid his dues.  Jon had gotten tired of waiting and so had his friends; they had decided it was time to start taking what was theirs, even if by force.  Maybe he had gone a LITTLE overboard, not that they knew that, since they thought he was a lucky son of a bitch to land Brinley in the first place.  He just usually agreed with a knowing smirk. 

 

More like she was a lucky spinster sinking her claws in his young backside.

 

He’d been gentle and tender with her during those rendezvous and an amazing kisser, not to mention their chemistry was off the charts.  Brinley wouldn’t have minded so much if Dean was anyone else.  It had nothing to do with the fact he was a wrestler on the roster.  She hadn’t dated within the company since starting 5 years ago, at that point, but the fact it WAS Dean Ambrose bothered her.  The fact a pompous asshole had actually made her feel more alive than she’d ever felt in her life bothered her a lot.  Made her cum buckets full, probably more than she had with any other man – that bothered her a lot.  Not to mention, he legitimately terrified her.  All three of those men did.  They were not to be trifled with and Brinley hated that she’d been targeted by one of them.

 

“Why me?”

 

“You don’t need to know why, just know you ARE mine, Angel.”

 

That nickname left such a bad taste in her mouth.  She hated being called an angel by him because she wasn’t a saint by any stretch.  Even after a year of marriage, Brinley still didn’t know the reason why Dean had not only targeted and pursued her, but also forced her into marriage.  What did he have to gain by doing that?  The ONLY reasoning she could possibly think of was he wanted to get in good with her brother. 

 

The only problem was she knew, for a fact, her brother loathed the Shield men and did not go out of his way to help them or give them advice, anything of that nature.  Chris didn’t respect them, he didn’t fear them, and he had told her they didn’t have what it took to make it in this company from day one.  Brinley had to agree with him, though she really didn’t know much about any of their backgrounds or where they came from.  All she knew was Dean and Seth had come from the Indies, which was frowned upon in the company, because usually they were a lot harder to deal with.  Seth had attitude problems that nearly got him fired in developmental and Dean had refused to go participate in promo classes with the legendary Dusty Rhodes.  These men thought they knew it all in this business and, in Chris’s eyes, they didn’t know jack. 

 

Again, Brinley sided with her brother, who was a legend in this business and could spot talent a mile away.  They didn’t have the IT factor to him at the time when he’d gone down to developmental in Tampa to survey.  A lot of legends did it because they wanted to see what kind of stars the company was producing down there.  Matches were phenomenal, but it took more than having a solid match to make it in this business.  Storytelling and being able to talk and spit promos were also a huge factor as well as having charisma and looking good as well.  It was a lot of expectation and finally, after over a year of the Shield being in the company, Chris was finally starting to see the star quality in the men, especially Dean.

 

Dusty Rhodes was old-school and Jon respected the man for what he had done, but times had changed.  That hardworking, blue collar mantra didn’t work these days because it wasn’t true anymore.  No.  The people didn’t relate to the fat, old man who was now a WWE cash cow and puppet.  Jon knew because he had been one of those people.  Everything was hard, even with all the opportunities and advantages. 

 

For every one decent person with skills, there were hundreds more around the world.  Thanks to technology, one could pluck them from any corner of the world.  Jon would rather shoot his own promos and advertisements, refusing to take advice from a guy whose own kids were here because of who their daddy was.  Jon was firmly against nepotism.  Also, his brother-in-law could suck on his balls.  Right after a grueling, sweaty match, on a day he HADN’T shaved them, so they’d be all musky and rank.  Only the best for that arrogant prick!

 

“Oh hello boys…” Jon literally danced his way towards his faction mates, chuckling when Roman rolled his eyes.

 

“I don’t wanna know why you’re in such a jovial mood.  That look on your face is telling me I’m better off in the dark, bro.” Seth chuckled, gearing up for his match that night alongside Roman.  It would be a tag team match since Dean had disappeared during the match at the pay-per-view the previous night. “You ready for your run-in tonight?”

 

“Born ready.”

 

“Shield, are you ready for your segment?” A producer walked up to them with a camera crew behind him and it was game time.

 

Brinley watched the segment with a roll of her eyes, currently in catering sitting at a table with Nikki and Brie Bella.  They were her closest friends in the company.  Brie was married to Daniel Bryan, his real name was Bryan Danielson, and Nikki was currently in a relationship with John Cena.  Bryan and Dean were good friends already, prior to making it in the company, so there were a few double dates with Bryan and Brie.  If only the twins knew what was really going on, they would probably tear Dean apart starting with his balls and dick, but Brinley played the role of wife to perfection.  She hated lying to the twins, but it was a necessary evil to keep her brother, her family, safe.  God only knew what Dean would do to not only Chris, but the rest of her family if he was as sadistic and dirty as he claimed to be.

 

“So, I wanted to let you know that Bryan and I WILL be at the party next month for your parents.”

 

“John and I are coming too.  We’ve already got the scheduling figured out and it’ll work.” Nikki added excitedly, smiling from ear to ear.

 

“Okay, what’s got you smiling so wide tonight, girl?” Brinley demanded playfully, taking a bite out of her chicken salad drenched in honey mustard.

 

“Let’s just say John is taking me somewhere romantic for our upcoming anniversary and I am SO excited.” Nikki gushed, not able to get enough talking about her man and both Brie and Brinley rolled their eyes at her.

 

“Umm, doesn’t he take you on romantic getaways anyway?”

 

“Yeah, but this is for our ANNIVERSARY, girl!  Who knows, he may pop the question.”

 

Brinley highly doubted it since Cena was against marriage, which had been a constant struggle in their relationship.  She kept that to herself and congratulated Nikki, being the good best friend she needed to be.

 

Brie was going to say it because she was the twin and she had those explicit rights. “You know I love him Nik,” And she did because John was mostly a nice guy; he just had commitment issues and OCD problems galore. “But uh…don’t get your hopes up, okay?”

 

Nikki deflated a little before shaking her head and perking up. “No, I know, but I can’t help it, maybe things are changing.”

 

Brie gave Brinley a helpless look, both of them just shaking their heads.  Brinley and Brie were both married, though it was insane that Brinley was married to Dean Ambrose, of all people.  He was a total psycho and Brinley was…not.  Complete and total opposites, personality and all.  She was normal, sane, and had her act together, which was the polar opposite of that looney tune with the raggedy hair.

 

Of course, Brie did not say any of that in front of Brinley because she didn’t want to hurt the woman’s feelings.  She genuinely did not like Dean Ambrose – Jon – and her husband thought of him like a brother.  It was definitely an interesting dynamic between the two since Dean and Bryan were NOTHING alike.  In the ring, however, they were magic and created some amazing, unforgettable matches both together alone and in the tag team and six-man tag matches over the course of the past year. 

 

Brie honestly had no room to talk because when one looked at her and then at Bryan, who looked like a farm animal and was even dubbed one by JBL on commentary, with his long beard, there was questionable compatibility there too.   Brie was beautiful, a super model, with the perfect body and everything whereas Bryan was in great shape, but…they couldn’t have been more opposite.  However, when one got to know both of them and realized they had a lot of qualities that matched the other, it worked.  They were both nature fanatics and only ate organic food, amongst other things.

 

“Keep an open mind and remember, Rome wasn’t built in a year, sweetie.” Brinley bid the twins goodbye and headed out of catering to attend her next meeting, which would be the final one of the night before the show began.

 

Brie wasn’t keeping an open mind because she very firmly believed that Nikki and John would crash and burn.  It would be John’s fault since he just couldn’t bring himself to settle down in the way her twin desperately wished for.  She would bet a LOT of money on that.

 

This meeting would be with the two combatants that would be in the ring tonight for the match she had produced and finalized with Vince earlier.

 

Chapter 3

 

Right after that meeting was over with, Brinley had been on her way outside for a cigarette break, when she was yanked into a nearby dark dressing room and slammed against the door to effectively shut it. “If you think this will create some kind of nostalgia for me, you’re delusional, Ambrose.”

 

“Oh, I bet it does, come on, Angel…” His voice was hot and heavy against her neck as Jon buried his face against her until he could practically feel her pulse point against his lips, frantically pounding away. “I bet you liked it a lot better, our backroom trysts with the lights off and you could pretend I was anyone you wanted.” Not that her imagination would ever compare to the real life thing and they both knew it.  He’d love for her to deny it though, just so he could prove her wrong. “You don’t want a throwback, hmm?” Gliding his fingers down, above clothing, there was enough pressure that Brinley could feel what he was doing, where he was heading.

 

“No…”

 

Brinley really hated her body right now for betraying her because she could already feel her panties dampening at the feeling of where his fingers were.  Even after a year, this man’s sexual appetite was insatiable and she figured it would’ve died down by now.  No, if anything, it had increased and she could already feel the tears burning in her eyes.  If she denied him, Dean would go after her brother and that couldn’t happen.  This was his way of demanding her to submit to him, surrender, and it took every ounce of willpower not to fight him off or push him away.  Cocoa butter, nicotine, and leather…damn it that scent was surrounding her, making her heady.

 

“D-Don’t you have a match tonight?”

 

“No, just had a run-in and a backstage seg.  I’m free for the rest of the night…and I know you are too.”

 

Fuck. “How do you know that?” His evil chuckle resonated around the room as Dean continued teasing her with that finger while his lips danced on her neck, melting her from the inside out. “I-I thought you were someone decent in those trysts, someone I’d actually see myself with…not someone who forced me into submission.  You were so gentle with me and passionate, almost loving…I couldn’t help wanting what you offered me…”

 

Brinley was fighting a losing battle when it came to him.  She hadn’t completely realized it yet or else she’d stop with the outbursts and denials, with the tepid fighting she still did.  The day she did all that, became boring basically, Jon wasn’t sure what he would do.  If she knew what was good for her, if Brinley loved her family as much as she claimed, she’d continue keeping things spicy.

 

“Now beautiful, you realize what you just said, right?” Someone she could see herself with, someone decent…she had thought that about her darkness lover…and it had all changed when it was revealed to be HIM, then it had become forceful submission. “Seems like the only problem you have is me; you were all on board until you seen my handsome mug.” Jon planned on having a bunch of merchandise with his face all over it made for her and FORCING her to wear it. 

 

Lowering himself to his knees, he began tugging at her clothing with a snarl.  His glowing blues met hers from his place down below, daring her to do something stupid.  Brinley could do it right here and now.  Knee him right in the face and run out the door.

 

Chris. Her brother.  He would tan her backside raw if he ever found out what she was doing for his sake.  Chris could take care of himself, but at the same time, she knew Dean well enough that he would follow through with his threat.

 

“J-Just stop for a minute!” Leaning down, she removed her boots and then stepped out of her pants without him ripping them.  There was no reason or need for that. “You’re right, I was on board with it all until I saw it was you.  I never wanted you and I still don’t.  I never will, not the way you want me to.  But I can’t change that and I’ve made my choice.” Dropping down in front of him on her knees, Brinley kissed him this time and pushed his leather jacket off his shoulders, the kiss breaking long enough to remove the long sleeved black top he had on, before her lips met his again.  She was sore from last night, so all she could hope for was that Dean took it easy on her and claimed her gently in this dressing room. 

 

Just like every other time she ‘could do it right here and now’, she didn’t.  It was always a passing thought, a desperate fantasy and one Brinley could never act on.  Not only would he follow through on his threat, but Jon would do it in a very horrible manner.  He had described to her in great detail the many ways he could either make it quick and painless or draw it out until big brother was BEGGING for a merciful death.  Jon had a great imagination and he loved true crime; he bet on his whore of a mother he could get away with it too.

 

“For someone who doesn’t want me, you ah…” Jon licked his bottom lip, watching as she began undoing the front of his jeans. “You’re awfully fuckin’ eager, Angel.”

 

Brinley knew what her role in this was.  Dean loved playing games with her, putting her in certain positions that made her question her morals and everything she stood for.  It was always a test with him, to see what her breaking point would be, to see if she wouldn’t do what he demanded.  There were only a few times she absolutely refused to do what he wanted and one of them had been in an Uber on the way home from the airport. 

 

His home, not hers.  That house would never be ‘home’ to Brinley in Vegas.  Dean wanted to finger fuck her in the back of that Uber and she begged him not to do it.  Public pornography was not something she wanted to do, ever.  Joining the mile high club, on the other hand…she was guilty as charged on that one.

 

“I won’t let you hurt my family, so if I have to fuck you every single day and night to protect them, that’s what I’ll do.” Those details he had threatened her with in the beginning had scared the hell out of her and made Brinley question the man’s sanity.  Dean had even threatened her own life, her parents, not just Chris, all to get what he ultimately wanted, which was her. “Just…be gentle with me tonight, please.  That’s all I ask.”

 

“Aww, is my poor Angel hurting?” Maybe he HAD been a little rough on her, but Brinley knew how to complain if something hurt. 

 

The woman told him off frequently and had bitch slapped him a time or two when Jon had royally pissed her off.  It was hard to see her as a martyr during sex when Brinley was quite capable of shooting off at the mouth.  He stopped her from finishing with his pants, seeing the confusion on her face and he had to admit, it made him even harder if that were possible.  Groaning, Jon cocked his hips up just so she could feel the very noticeable bulge growing in his pants rapidly.

 

“Get out of here, Angel, we’ll pick this up later…” Be gentle with her…sure, Jon could do that, after maybe rubbing one out, so he didn’t maul her like he wanted to.  He lay there on the floor, watching as she hauled cookies out of there and growled once the door closed behind her, leaving him in darkness again.

 

Well, that was a first and Brinley was not complaining, making sure she didn’t look like she’d been in a heated moment with her husband prior to flying out of that dressing room.  Why did Dean let her go?  It wasn’t like him to have a change of heart like that.  Usually, he took what he wanted from her, but then again, it wasn’t often she asked him to be gentle with her either.  Shit.  Did she screw up?

 

What if he goes after Chris or our family? Brinley didn’t do anything wrong and had actually started taking the initiative in there, only for Dean to shut her down.  Did he not want her to take charge?  Maybe he wanted to be the one in charge all the time. Damn it! Pulling her phone out, with shaking hands, she pressed herself against the wall in the hallway of the arena and texted her husband. I’ll make it up to you tonight, just…please don’t go after my brother or my family.  I fucked up, I know I did, and I’ll make things right with you. Hopefully, that would sate him for the moment until they were back at the hotel later that night.

 

Actually, her voicing preferences and telling him if there was a physical issue with her, after their sexy times, was preferable.  Jon didn’t like broken toys, no man did.  Given he prided himself on making Mrs. Ambrose/Good cum buckets even when she was saying how much she despised him, the last thing he wanted to do was break her pussy.  It gave him the warm and fuzzies, making her cum buckets for his despicable self, and he imagined it gave her a lot of inner turmoil as well.

 

If I hurt you or your ladybits you need to let me know. He was not a mind reader and he knew very well he could do some serious damage if she was letting her wellbeing go unchecked.

 

You didn’t hurt me last night.  I’m just a little sore tonight after last night, that’s all.  No rough sex tonight unless you can’t be gentle, then no sex until tomorrow.  I hope that’s okay. Brinley did not want him to think that she was purposely trying to squeak her way out of sex when that wasn’t the case at all. 

 

She was lucky she wasn’t walking bowlegged after the two rough rounds of sex last night.  That was how Dean was.  Very rarely was he gentle, but he did have his moments.  Brinley sighed heavily, deciding a cigarette was in order and grabbed her coat before making her way outside, just needing a minute to herself and waiting to see if hubby dearest would comply for tonight or bother replying to her text.

 

He was smoking in an empty locker room, not caring if there were laws and rules against it.  It wasn’t HIM paying the fine, it was this company that thought they could snatch up all the talent in the world and then suppress it.  No, he wasn’t having that and had a dream, and he’d be damned if ANYONE stopped him or tried to prevent him from reaching what he wanted.  Jon considered the message she had sent back, contemplating what to do. 

 

Honestly, Jon could leave her alone and Brinley would probably appreciate that actually, but did he want to?  His face lit up when he inhaled, beginning to smile wickedly.  What if he was nice and gentle?  Gave her the night off?  Brinley detested him, but what if he could force her to at least like him sometimes?  No, not force, but seduce, as she would word it.  Seduce her with some nice gestures and sweet nothings. Chicks dig that shit, right?

 

You rile me up Angel, what can I say?  Epsom salt and a bath tonight. For her, not him.

 

Chewing her bottom lip, Brinley knew when to show her gratitude towards him and when to be a bitch.  Now was NOT the time to let her inner bitch out to play.  He was being kind to her by giving her the night off from sex, so the least she could do was thank him. Thank you and I’ll try not to rile you up in the future. HOW she did that was beyond her, but at least they weren’t at each other’s throats for the moment. 

 

It was hard to believe it’d been a little over a year since they’d gotten married and it still felt foreign.  They shared the same bed both on the road and at home, had sex almost every day and night, and it still didn’t feel as if they were actually married.

 

Chapter 4

 

Sure enough, later that night, Jon had taken her to a rather expensive looking hotel instead of the seedy ones on the outskirts of the city they normally stayed at.  He had gotten them a suite with a jacuzzi tub and everything.  He had stopped on the way there to grab her some Epsom salts too.  Helping Brinley out of her coat, Jon then bent down in front of her to take her boots off and then helped her undress, being slow and gentle. 

 

Where was her husband and who was this man that had taken over him?  Once she was fully nude, Brinley expected to be thrown on the bed, but instead, Dean guided her inside the bathroom and sat her down again while he ran her water for her, pouring the Epsom salts in it.  He went to walk out and she didn’t know what stopped her, but her hand reached out to stop him, grabbing his arm.  The questions were in his electric blues and she stood up to start undressing him, pressing her finger to his lips when he began to protest.

 

“The bath is big enough for both of us and besides, the Epsom salt will help you as much as it will me.  I’ll massage that shoulder that’s been bothering you too, if you want.”

 

Any other man would be incensed that his wife was basically saying ‘thank you’ for a bath, but Jon wasn’t any other man, he was more amused by it.  She had no idea that she sometimes had say in this relationship, at least on very specific points.  Brinley couldn’t leave him, he would never allow that, but if she didn’t feel up to snuff, or he had gotten too rough with her, she was allowed to open her mouth then.  She was genuinely surprised by the bath, hadn’t he said it via a text?  Yes, he had, and Jon was usually a man of his word, for both the good and the bad.  Very unfortunate for those who erred on the side of the bad.  He stopped her at his pants, grabbing her hands in his and squeezed gently.

 

“Get in the tub, woman, I’m gonna go pour you a glass of that wine you like.” Grab himself a beer or two while he was at it. “And order up some grub, so when we get out, we got food waiting.  Go on, in the tub.” Jon was already leaving, hearing her obeying and her sigh, figuring it was a good one since that water was hot, which was how she liked it.  He was gearing up for the scalding liquid, HATING hot showers and baths.  Hot tubs were fine since the temperature could be adjusted much better with them, however. “The shit I do…” He muttered, filling that glass for her and snagged two beers before heading back to her.

 

“Mmm, thank you…” She purred as soon as that wine glass slid into her hand and she leaned up to take a sip, having cooled the water off a bit.  Brinley knew how much he didn’t like hot baths, not compared to her, though hers was more of a cleansing ritual than anything.  Tonight, it was all about relaxation. “It’s not as hot as it was.  I added some cold water to cool it off a bit for you.”

 

He needed to relax and enjoy the bath as well, her green eyes watching him undress the rest of the way before getting into the tub with her.  The jets were on moments later and she heard him let out a groan of satisfaction as soon as one of them hit his lower back.  Dean was beat up from being on the road and in the ring on an almost nightly basis.  She set her wine glass down on the edge of the tub and moved to him, having said she would help him with his shoulder.  The only way to do that was straddling him, so that’s what Brinley did and she began working her fingers on his shoulder, not believing how knotted up he was.

 

“You need a deep tissue massage and possibly a visit to the chiropractor when we’re back in Vegas for our few days off.”

 

Two days to be exact and with travel time, it was more like a day, really.  Sometimes, it wasn’t even worth flying back to Vegas to sleep in their own bed when they were on the East coast.  So it was nice when shows were on the West coast since it made travel a lot better and easier for them.

 

Brinley was either ignorant or she was a blatant tease.  Either way, for someone who needed some TLC tonight, she was begging for a good, hard pounding, parking her delectable backside on him like this.  Her soft thighs on either side of his muscular ones, brushing herself against him in the water did not help matters any.

 

“Yeah, maybe.” Or perhaps his lovely wife was purposefully trying to hurt him because she was digging into those knots with gusto, instantly killing any potential erection.  Jon liked pain quite a bit, but not like this.  He preferred sharp pain, the kind that made one see red.  This was not that kind. “You having fun, Mrs. Ambrose?” He growled, taking a long pull from his beer when she stopped to peer into his face.

 

Brinley could tell she was hurting his shoulder by doing this and a slightly vindictive part of her wanted to keep going, just to cause him more pain.  However, her damn bleeding heart wouldn’t let her do it as her hands dropped from his shoulder, noticing how darkened his eyes were.  How could she want a man she despised and who blackmailed her into marrying him?  Who threatened her brother and her family if she didn’t comply with his wishes?  It had to be a physical thing, but every woman did want to be looked at the way Dean was currently looking at her.  A man desiring and wanting a woman, the hunger evident in those cerulean pools of his.

 

“Mr. Ambrose, I’m actually enjoying this bath time with you.  It’s not often I see this side of you…this gentle, caring side.” Gliding a washcloth up his arm and shoulder, Brinley began drizzling water down while their eyes did not leave each other. “How does that feel, my husband?”

 

Easy peasy, no man had ever copulated with her the way he did and no man ever would.  She may have complained about the roughness and being sore, but in those moments, there was usually nothing except adrenaline and pleasure.  The way Brinley came for him was a testament to that and he always had to leave a tip for the poor housekeepers cleaning up after them when they weren’t at home.

 

“Like water.” Jon deadpanned, snorting when her own green orbs focused on the little rivulets she was making. 

 

Any man would desire her.  His wife had a banging body and looks to match, with a fiery tongue and a heart of gold.  Brinley was not someone who took up with a gutter rat like him and he had known that early on, not that it had stopped Jon or made him reconsider his choice in actions.

 

“How does that feel?” That being her pussy and his palm now cupping her.

 

He enjoyed being a smartass.  She was trying to have a nice, rare moment with her husband and all he could think about was sex. “Like a hand on my pussy.” She deadpanned in return and pushed away from him to go back to the other side of the tub with a soft snort, taking the washcloth with her. 

 

Brinley meant what she said, she needed a break tonight and now she was starting to regret inviting him to join her in this luxurious bathtub.  Dean’s nostrils flared at what she just did and she didn’t care, sinking down into the water with the jets to work out the kinks and soreness in her body.  Dean was trying not to screw her and cause her more discomfort.  If being a jackass kept her from either purposefully teasing him and expecting him to be kind, or her just being a dimwit, he had no problem with being a jackass.  He was the literal bull in the China shop and he was very unapologetic about it. 

 

Tipping his head back, Jon shut his eyes and resumed focus on that jet hitting his lower back, bringing the beer back to his mouth. “How many times have I left you sore and shit?” He asked without looking at her, knowing he wasn’t a tiny man by any means.  Was it possible he had fornicated her raw, left maybe some weird tearing?  Jon didn’t like that, cracking his eyes studying her, wondering if she’d even tell him or if she’d be embarrassed and uncomfortable about it. “Like, any bleeding or anything?” He had seen and heard a LOT in his relatively short time, suddenly sitting upright.  Staring at her intently, Jon felt relieved when she shook her head in response. 

 

It was one thing to be a psycho, it was another to be a total dickhead to a pussy he owned.

 

“Believe me, if you hurt me that badly during sex, I’d make sure you know it.” Brinley had no problem telling him when she was hurt or sore. 

 

Since he was the only man she had sex with in the past almost two years now, her body had become acclimated to him.  Dean even enjoyed it when she was on her period, which Brinley thought was gross, but there was something animalistic about it to him.  He really was a sick, dirty man and Brinley had grown to accept that about her husband.  Dean was also the first man she’d ever had anal sex with and THAT had hurt at first. 

 

That was one of those rare instances where Jon had taken his time and eased her into it, even making her practice a few times with a dildo beforehand.  He had stood there and watched her do it too, then moved in front of her to start flicking her pussy with his tongue while she fucked her ass with a dildo.  That had happened a few times before Jon was finally ready for the main course.  It was…quite the experience, a lot of pressure, and Brinley had been prepped correctly, with lube and her body cleaned out, though some alcohol was involved.  There was no way in hell she would have anal sex for the first time without some liquid courage.

 

That was also the first time she had ever told him he needed to be gentle.  Brinley had even offered to make it up to him, which told him she had been nervous about denying him sex.  However, Dean let it slide for now, figuring he’d probably take her up on that offer at another time because that was just the kind of person he was.  He knew he had opened her world up to a variety of sexual experiences and sometimes, sex was messy, more than just cum and other bodily fluids coming out of specific areas. 

 

Sometimes, the mess just couldn’t be helped.

 

“I would hope so.” Jon was already missing her on his lap, but that was his libido talking since he had a very healthy sexual appetite.  Even though he was somewhat maniacal and devious, he wasn’t about to cheat on the wifey and bring something nasty home to her either.

 

Brinley wished he would cheat on her because then she wouldn’t have to meet his needs.  She didn’t love him.  She didn’t respect him.  Fear is what kept her with him.  It was a marriage based on fear and intimidation, not love and respect like it should’ve been.  There was one time she had told Dean to go find someone else to fuck because she hadn’t been in the mood for sex.  Dean did not like that suggestion at all and she’d never seen electricity spark in a man’s eyes before until that moment. 

 

She was sure she did that night and it was one of the detailed explanations he gave on what he would do to her brother if she didn’t give him what he wanted.  It was shortly after she discovered who her mystery arena lover was and Brinley wanted nothing to do with him.  Needless to say, Dean had a way with words, vivid imagery, and she’d given into him that night with tears rushing down her face he simply licked away. 

 

The look on his face in the tub was one of disappointment and Brinley knew what she had to do, finishing off her wine.  Keeping him satisfied like a good little wife should…his words…echoed into her mind as she moved back over to him, straddling him once again and captured his mouth with hers before he could utter a word. “Scoot down a little and let some of the water out.” Brinley spoke against his lips, enough water left in the tub for his lower half to barely be covered, but there was room for her to ride him comfortably without the water constricting her.

 

“Brinley…”

 

Kissing him again to cut him off, she sank all the way down on his cock without hesitation or second thoughts, her body instantly reacting and stretching for accommodation as her fingers buried in his wet hair. Keeping him satisfied is what I have to do. Maybe one day, Dean would tire of her or get bored and divorce her, then she’d be set free to be the true spinster he labeled her as. “I’m giving you what we both know you want, so shut up and enjoy your spinster wife fucking you, Ambrose.”

 

For someone who didn’t love, respect or really want him, she was quite eager to hop on his cock, even after complaining of soreness. “My OLD, spinster wife, you forgot that part.”

 

Brinley was older than him by a few years, definitely entering that fun time when she’d get asked all those questions about having kids and her biological clock ticking, things of that nature.  Jon knew she was telling herself it was to protect her family and herself, convincing herself that it wasn’t because she was starved for the best dick of her life.  Whatever helped her sleep peacefully at night, but Jon knew the truth deep down she wanted him in every way possible just the same as he did her.

 

“Don’t lie to yourself, Angel,” His hands had dropped to her hips, guiding her on him in the way he liked and knew it also stimulated her clit, whether she wanted to admit it or not. “You LOVE my cock fucking that pussy.  Nobody will EVER fuck you the way I do.”

 

“Whatever helps you sleep better at night, Dean.  Keep thinking what you want.” She leaned down, pressing her breasts against his wet chest and nipped his bottom lip with narrowed eyes. “If I had it my way, you’d never fuck me again.  There would be no sex with you or touching or anything.  And you know that deep down in that black heart of yours.”

 

Digging her nails into his chest, right over his heart, Brinley picked up the pace and used him for leverage to do it.  She did not care if she left marks on his skin at this rate, just wanting to get him off so he'd be satisfied for the night.  She meant what she said – if Dean didn’t threaten her the way he had, and still did, she wouldn’t be doing this.

 

“For the record, your dick isn’t the best I’ve had either.  It’s good, but it’s not the best.” That also wasn’t the first time Brinley told him that and it wouldn’t be the last either.  That just fueled him, spurred Dean on, and she could feel him tensing beneath her as a smirk curved her lips. 

 

If he could call her an old spinster, Brinley had every right to talk down to him too! 

 

She was lying through her pearly white teeth, trying to rile him up and damn if it wasn’t working!  If the woman had wanted a gentle fucking or a night off, she was flat out baiting Jon into skipping all of that.  That told him Brinley didn’t WANT a gentle night or a break; she wanted him to pound her raw until maybe she did actually get hurt.

 

“It will be the LAST dick you ever get, whether it’s the best or not, you lying little-!” Jon didn’t finish that sentence, grabbing her face with both hands and smashed her lips against his, feeling her front teeth cut into his lip and kissed her brutally, not caring if she got a little drop or two of his blood in her mouth.

 

That was the LEAST of the body fluids they exchanged over the past two years.

 

She tasted iron instantly, gripping his hair tightly in her fingers and matched the brutality of his kiss, the anger and resentment pouring forth from both of them.  When he started treating her with a shred of respect, Brinley would reciprocate.  She WAS Chris Jericho’s baby sister and had his same cocky nature, just toned down.

 

“I’m not lying about a fucking thing.  You only WISH I was.  You only WISH you were the best dick I’ve ever had and you’re NOT.  Get over yourself, Ambrose!” Damned if he didn’t feel fantastic, however. 

 

What would happen if she cheated on him?  Brinley had thought about doing that, going behind Dean’s back and having a one night stand with someone who wanted her for more than sex and whatever other reason her husband had.  Again, fear of the unknown, of what he would do if he found out, stopped her from going through with it.

 

He would kill her lover and then make good on his promises to murder her entire family.  Not only that, but Jon would make her watch the torment before finally putting each and every one of them out of their misery.  One by one.  Then he’d let her stew with the guilt and it would be A LOT.  Keep her locked in a cement basement with nothing except a bucket, bread and water, if he remembered until Brinley went insane and didn’t even remember her own name.  THEN, he’d finally kill her.  That is what would happen if she EVER cheated on him.  It was best for her to not even think about it, let alone ever do it, not if she wanted people to live, including herself.

 

A second later she was off of him, doing an ungainly float in the water as he stood up, a sheet of water falling off his own body.  Bending, Jon hauled her naked body up over his shoulder, stepping out of the tub carefully and then cracked his hand against her wet backside, heading for the bed. “You’re about to retract that statement, Angel.”

 

“Never!” Brinley’s world spun for a moment before she was flat on her back on the bed, defiance burning in her green eyes.  She backtracked on the bed away from him, as if there was any escape, still breathing heavily from their moment in the tub. “Fuck me as many times as you want, but you’ll never measure up to others I’ve been with, so suck on THAT, Jonathan!” He growled, pouncing on her like a panther and yanked her right back down beneath him, their eyes locked. “I’ll never help you again!” She pressed against his sore shoulder for added measure, making sure to dig her thumb into the knot just as he slammed inside of her.

 

Chapter 5

 

Walking bowlegged wasn’t the greatest feeling in the world, but it did showcase what Dean had done to her throughout the night.  Egging him on wasn’t a good idea either and Brinley didn’t care.  She had tried being nice to him, tried helping him out with his shoulder problem, tried having a nice bath, a moment, with her husband.  Brinley was holding up her end of the bargain and figured some gentle sex in the tub would be the ticket to give them what they both wanted.  That animosity and anger at him, however, had won out and her mouth had written checks her backside cashed dearly.  Calling her a spinster was bad enough, but adding old to the mix had enraged Brinley. 

 

She wasn’t a spinster anything, she was 35 years old, still in her prime, and he could go to hell! 

 

Sleeping on the plane was what she did the moment they boarded and she buckled up, giving Dean the window seat.  She had fresh bruises on her wrists and inner thighs from how rough they’d been with each other.  It wasn’t rape, she had been consensual and knew she’d lit a fire inside of him with the poisonous words she spewed.  Brinley was hoping she’d piss him off enough to where he’d just leave or deflate, so her plan hadn’t worked. 

 

They didn’t say a word to each other throughout the plane ride to Vegas, where she was forced to live, instead of back in Tampa.  Dean had even taken that away from her and she missed Tampa a lot, hating Vegas.  It was too hot and it wasn’t beautiful at all, not compared to Tampa.  They landed several hours later, once again in silence, and two hours later, due to how busy the airport was, they were finally on their way to Dean’s apartment until Thursday.

 

Back to prison I go. Brinley thought bitterly, keeping her shades over her eyes and got out as soon as he pulled into the complex garage to grab her bag.

 

Jon had every intention of leaving her alone, but she had NOT taken the hint.  She had insisted on dragging him into the bath with her and then teasing him, as if she couldn’t give him a massage without straddling him.  Of course, Brinley could have, yet she had CHOSEN that position on PURPOSE.  When a person played with fire, they got burnt.  Point. Blank. Period. Simple.  He had burnt her in all the best ways, egging on her fiery side so Brinley hurt him and he knew he had hurt her so good too.  His wife had soaked that bed and him, and Jon had loved every second of it.

 

“You gotta look so miserable?” He chided as she snatched her bag out of the trunk, whistling a happy tune himself because he was in a GREAT mood.  It was always great in Vegas, even with the other half of the country being cold as ice.  He loved Vegas, everything about it appealed to a grungy guy like himself and honestly, the City of Sin?  It was like it had been made for him.

 

Honestly, Brinley was not in the mood to argue and bait him today, positioning her purse over her shoulder, flashing a very phony smile his way. “There, better?” She didn’t wait for a response and headed up the stairs to unlock the gate, heading into the building.

 

Dean had given her all the log-in information to get into the apartment building, just in case she had to fly here without him, which rarely happened.  There’d been a few instances where he had media and appearances to do before she had to be on the road for production meetings and whatnot.  It was mostly during this time of year since they were smack dab in the middle of WrestleMania season. 

 

Walking down the stairs, Brinley felt Dean behind her and found their apartment, unlocking the door to push it open.  This place was so barren, so lifeless, it broke her heart and she missed her warm, loving home back in Tampa.  Brinley flat out refused to get rid of her house and was still paying for it with her own money, which Dean was surprisingly fine with.  The way he saw it, that could be their vacation home and she never wanted to kick him in the balls so hard in her life.  No, that was HER home that SHE bought and paid for all on her OWN!  This man lived in a one bedroom apartment that was small enough to be her living room and probably didn’t have a pot to piss in compared to her.

 

There was a mattress on the floor in the bedroom and an old, raggedy couch with an equally old coffee table that also served as his dining room area.  He was a firm believer in spartan living because he was rarely here, so why would Jon waste the money?  All this place to him was somewhere to crash and get his mail, also store his bike because he liked to go out to the desert and mountain bike from time to time.  He wasn’t pulling in the big bucks yet, so squandering his paychecks was out of the question.  If his wife wanted to spruce the place up, that was on her and Brinley could pay for it.

 

“Ohhh home sweet home…” He dropped his bag down onto the wooden floor with a thud, inhaling deeply. “Maybe I oughta crack a window.” It smelled like stale cigarettes and old socks.

 

Christ, Brinley missed her comfortable bed in Tampa and hated coming here, actually preferring to sleep in a hotel instead of this place.  Dean really was a penny pincher and she refused to dump any of her hard-earned money into this place.  No, they were barely here and this was not her home.  It never would be.

 

“Oh yeah sure, just crack open the window and let the AC out.” Brinley muttered, walking to the bedroom, if it could even be called that, and dropped her bag on the mattress. 

 

This was just…horrible!  There were no words to describe how truly awful this apartment was.  Brinley was too proud to invite Dean back to her home and knew he wouldn’t go because Tampa had a ‘film’ on it from his time in developmental.  That wasn’t her problem; Tampa was her home and always would be.  Tossing her stuff in the hamper, Brinley also missed having her own laundry room because in order to do laundry here, she either had to use the machines in the basement or go to a laundromat.

 

Maybe a bed frame at the very least wouldn’t be so bad to add…NO!  This isn’t my home!

 

“It’s February in Las Vegas, if we hit the 70’s, then you can have AC.” He informed her with a scowl, not minding the heat and fresh air. 

 

The AC stayed OFF because Jon was not cooling down an apartment in winter when the normal temperatures were in the 60’s.  Penny pincher in the truest sense and he refused to apologize for it.  He had grown up poor and knew what it was like to be buried under with overdue bills, to not be financially stable.  Now Jon was bouncing on it, a little bit; all it would take was one bad day and he'd be buried again, so it was always a good idea to save for a rainy day, something his old man had taught him.  He wanted that nest egg, just in case.  Jon just emptied the contents of his bag on the floor, watching as everything went rolling everywhere if it wasn’t clothing.  He began laughing when she groaned, seeing the look on her face.

 

“You got to loosen up a little, Angel.”

 

Brinley watched the stuff scatter EVERYWHERE, making the room even more of a trainwreck than before and immediately starting stuffing her things back into a bag. “You know what?  If YOU wanna live like a pig in this…FILTH, then you go right ahead.  Unlike you, I HAVE money where I can live comfortably in MY house in Tampa.  But I know you won’t let me leave the state of Nevada without your dumbass, so I’m going to a hotel.  I’m paying for a room by MYSELF and you can stew in this…this…PIGPEN for all I care, okay?  Okay!” Brinley went to stalk out of the bedroom and Dean blocked her way, actual tears filling her eyes. “I can’t live like this anymore, Dean!  You’ve been with WWE for a couple of years now, don’t you want a house for yourself?  Some place to really call home instead of…instead of living like this?  You’re not a hobo, you’re not poor, I know you have money and you’re hoarding it all.  But life is too short to live like this.  I REFUSE to live like this for one more day.” It’d been over a year of this type of living and Brinley was fed up, wanting something better since she was stuck with him.

 

“Guess what, I know exactly what people think of me in the WWE and it’s gonna take just one bad day and I’m back out on my ass again!” Jon snarled, not overly pleased with her assessment of his life, calling him a hobo and his apartment a pigpen. “I don’t have a big brother to fall back on if shit goes sideways, Brinley.” He moved to snatch her bag out of her hands, sending it flying back to the floor. “Now, if you want to discuss it like a grownup, I’m up for that,” He pressed his forehead against hers, blue eyes flashing dangerously. “But I’d really, REALLY check your fucking tone with me, girl.” Unlike you, I HAVE money.  Arrogant bitch!

 

Swallowing hard, Brinley knew when to back off and took a tentative step back, only for Dean to take one with her, his forehead not leaving hers. “I hate it here.  I hate this tiny apartment and…I want something more than this.  I want an actual bed, not just a mattress on the floor.  I want a place I can call home and I feel comfortable and safe in.” Her tone had changed to quiet and somber, feeling Dean trembling slightly. “I’m sorry for what I said.  Please calm down, I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that.” Brinley enjoyed the finer things life had to offer; she would be the first to admit she was a little materialistic.  Her shaking hands slowly slid up his arms and back down, not daring to move from the spot they were standing in. “And for the record, you should have more faith in yourself because I’ve seen you in the ring and you’re a brilliant wrestler.  You have talent and you’re not going anywhere.”

 

“You don’t LIKE me, so DON’T try to kiss my ass!” Jon grunted, pushing himself away from her rather forcefully. “You definitely don’t believe me or my friends deserve our spot.” He lit a cigarette, beginning to pace the messy floor away from her, though his eyes remained on her, rather like a giant predator. 

 

The company they worked for was a fishbowl.  Everyone knew everything about everyone else most of the time and rumors went wild.  It was one of the reasons he kept his personal life to himself because he wouldn’t feed into that trap.

 

“You want something better?” His tone had shifted, softened, and when she hesitantly nodded, he stopped pacing. “Get rid of your place in that armpit in Florida and I’ll get rid of this one.  We’ll find something else.” Together, like a properly married couple.

 

“What?” Brinley knew the gauntlet had just been thrown down and every part of her felt repulsed at the idea of sharing a house, a home, with this man.  He would get bored of her sooner or later, she was sure of it, and then she would be left with the clothes on her back and not much else. “T-That’s your ultimatum?  You want me to give up my house in Tampa before you buy a house for yourself?”

 

“Us.”

 

“Dean…” I can’t do this!  What the HELL? He was trying to take everything away from her, piece by piece, until she was broken. “No.  I’m not doing that.  You’ve taken my freedom away from me, my choices, I won’t let you take away the house I worked my ass off to get.  I’d rather slum it up with you until you get bored of me and kick me to the curb.  In the meantime, I’m not sleeping here tonight.  I’m going to a hotel and you can’t stop me.”

 

The smile on his face went downright crazy when she really threw down the gauntlet. “Here I was, compromising with you, and you just had to throw your ass around…” Jon tsked, the cigarette now firmly between his lips as he began approaching her. “You can’t slum it with me if you’re running to a hotel…” That would not be happening and a second later, he had Brinley with her arm behind her back, not hurting her at all, but if she decided she would twist or kick him, she’d wind up hurting herself because his grip was iron. “If you can’t play nice, wifey, then you don’t get to play at all.”

 

“Let go of me.” Brinley whimpered, not daring to move her arm because it would surely break with the angle it was at. “What are you gonna do, keep me here in this position until it’s time to go back on the road?” That crazy gleam in his eyes made her stomach twist violently.  It was the same gleam she saw the moment the light turned on in that dressing room, over a year ago, and he had revealed himself to her. “You’re not compromising anything with me.  You’re slowly ripping away everything that matters to me.  It’s not enough that you took away my freedom and my choice for marriage.  Now you want to take away the house I worked my ass off to achieve ON MY OWN.  Sooner or later, you will get bored and tired of me and move on to someone else, and I can’t WAIT for that day.  I’ll be the happiest old spinster bitch in Tampa because at least I’ll still have my home.”

 

“Not the point, spinster bitch!” Jon would never get bored of her and even if he did, he’d keep her around for other reasons. “I just offered to go half with you on a new place, something you’d even like, even though I don’t HAVE as much fucking money as YOU DO,” That had pricked him and he forced back down the irrational rage, letting go of her arm once they were over the mattress that was their ‘bed’. “See, if you’d just talk nicely, things would be a lot different.” If Brinley had said it politely, about keeping her place, without adding the slumming it up insult and then the hotel part, they wouldn’t be in this position, or rather…she wouldn’t.

 

They would never see eye to eye on anything and she had learned that the very hard way throughout the past year. “Forget it.  I don’t want a house with you.  I don’t want ANYTHING with you.  Just leave me the fuck alone and don’t touch me again.  Better yet, go fall off your damn precious Red Rocks and go splat!” Rubbing her arm where his iron grip had been, she dropped onto the mattress and refused to look up at him towering over her. 

 

Brinley was done with this argument and fight, deciding once Dean was asleep, she would sneak out and go to a hotel to get a proper night’s rest without him breathing down her neck.  She meant what she said, he couldn’t stop her.  Wiping stray tears away from her cheeks, Brinley immediately moved when he dropped down in front of her and scooted back, drawing her knees up to her chest with her arms wrapped around them.  At least he hadn’t broken her arm.

 

Of course, he hadn’t.  Jon had held it in a very specific place so SHE would break it if she got stupid.  He wasn’t that cruel.  Jon left her there to wallow in her self-pity, figuring he had been nice and offered a compromise and she had responded like a cunt, so he’d just treat her that way.  Maybe his wife had a humiliation and abuse kink, a degradation kink, and he could probably work with that if she did.  After getting their laundry around for a trip down to the machines in the basement, he figured some food would cheer Brinley up and set to work making…ramen.  He was feeding his belligerent woman ramen noodles because they made everything better.

 

Chapter 6

 

Brinley had wound up crying herself to sleep after Dean left the room, hating to cry in front of him.  What would it take to get him to let her go?  To divorce her?  To move on and threaten some other woman and their family?  When Dean walked in the room about an hour later, since he was taking care of laundry, she was fast asleep with a tear-streaked face, her blonde hair feathered over the pillow.  Brinley didn’t see him stalk out of the room or hear him curse a blue streak, tossing the ramen right in the sink. 

 

Not even a foghorn blown in her ear would wake her up right now, that was how exhausted she was.  Crying always took a lot out of Brinley and she decided she was done fighting with Dean for a while because it wasn’t worth sparking his temper.  From now on, she’d keep her mouth shut and her thoughts to herself about everything, let him choose it all, and satisfy him sexually just so he wouldn’t go after her family.

 

Except the idea of finding them a place would not vanish easily because, once Jon had an idea, it just didn’t disappear in the blink of an eye.  When she woke up the next morning, their slum had been tidied and laundry folded. “There’s coffee.” Jon greeted her from his place on the floor, a newspaper before him with sharpie circles on listings.  He had a bowl of cereal in hand and a mug of his own coffee beside him.  Brinley looked like hell warmed over…maybe it was time to invest in a bed after all.

 

“Mmmkay…” Brinley yawned out, trying to wake up and trudged into the kitchen to grab a cup of java, rubbing her eyeballs to get the sleep out of them. 

 

She had slept 12 hours straight and felt like the living dead.  Jetlag was a bitch at times and she was currently experiencing it.  Nothing java couldn’t handle and Brinley missed her expresso machine at home.  Pouring a healthy amount of creamer in the mug, Brinley stirred it up and took her first sip, groaning at how good it tasted.  She noticed the newspaper on the floor he was looking at and didn’t bother looking, just in case Dean didn’t want her to see what he was looking at.

 

“I’m gonna go take a shower, unless you want to take one first?”

 

"Got mine this morning after a workout.” His curls were all shiny right now. 

 

Jon looked up at her, scanning her face and eyes; it looked like Brinley had bawled herself to sleep.  There were tracks through what was left of her makeup from last night.  He sort of felt bad.  Emphasis on sort of.  Jon would see how she was to him after a shower before he decided one way or another what kind of day they were going to have.

 

“Okay.”

 

Taking her coffee with her, Brinley walked into the small bathroom and set her coffee on the counter, shutting the door.  She knew better than to flip the lock on it, remembering the last time she’d done it.  Dean hadn’t been amused when she tried locking him out during an argument, threatening her bodily harm if she ever did it again.  Of course, it was all talk since he’d never laid an abusive hand on her, just grabbed her harshly every once in a while and left bruises on her body during sex.  Dean used his words to get his points across and Brinley listened…most of the time. 

 

Shedding her clothes, she took another sip of coffee and turned the sprays on as hot as she could stand them, really needing a hot shower to wake up.  The problem with the apartment was there wasn’t a great amount of hot water, so she had to work fast and immediately started washing her hair and body, barely making it in time when the water turned cold.  Stepping out ten minutes later, she towel-dried her hair and wrapped it around her body before brushing her teeth and hair, feeling a little more alive. 

 

Her coffee was still hot too as Brinley sipped more of it before stepping into the bedroom to grab some clothes out of the dresser she had.  At the very least, Dean had gotten her one and had one for himself.  Once she was dressed in pajama pants and a tank top, Brinley reluctantly left the bedroom and finished her coffee, rinsing the mug out in the sink.

 

He took cold showers so whatever hot water they had was all hers. “You gonna eat something?” They had pop tarts and cereal, dry because Jon needed to go grocery shopping.  He figured they could do that after looking at some of these houses he had set appointments for.  Other places he was waiting on callbacks from leaving messages. “We’re going out today, Angel, and it is a beautiful 65 degrees out." Which meant shorts and a flannel over his tank top. “We’re getting a goddamn bed.” Also on his list of things to do today. “I didn’t fold your laundry, but I did wash it.” Sorted and separated, nothing stupid so her clothes didn't shrink.

 

“What?” Brinley turned to look at him, wondering if he was serious or just screwing with her and raised a brow, slowly walking into the living room to stare down at Dean questioningly. “We are?” What had changed his mind? “T-Thank you…” She meant that for the laundry part, but it came out in a bewildered tone.  Who was this and where was her Neanderthal husband?  Breakfast was the last thing on her mind currently as her eyes fixated on the paper, seeing circles on it and then finally met his eyes, not seeing a hint of mirth in them. “When do you want to leave, Dean?”

 

“Soon.  Made some appointments I gotta be punctual for.”

 

Figuring looking at renting and buying were both good options.  Not because he was planning on cutting her loose or anything, but Brinley was getting antsy lately.  Jon wasn't quite ready for his toy to be broken just yet, so some changes had to be made.  He had to get her back into a semi-healthy mental state, so he could continue on with his numerous game plans.  Every time Brinley got to the cracking point of doing something stupid, he'd just walk her back from the ledge.

 

Not only that, but getting an actual house and making it a home for them here in Vegas might also change her mind about keeping her own house in Tampa.  Maybe they would find the perfect house and she would fall absolutely in love with it.  Jon was playing dirty and being sneaky, not realizing Brinley had already decided to do whatever he wanted from now on. 

 

Maybe if she was compliant enough, she’d get boring for him and he’d cut her loose.  Fighting back just seemed to egg Dean on and Brinley hated the fighting and constant arguing. “Are you sure you want me to come with you?” He nodded with authority and she watched as he rose to his feet, towering over her. “I’ll go get ready then.  I won’t take that long.  Do you mind if we stop and grab something quick to eat before your first appointment?  Unless there’s not time and then I can wait until there’s a time gap to get something…”

 

On the contrary, being boring and compliant would not get her ‘cut loose’ at all; it would just encourage him to get more and more outrageous.  If Brinley thought he was off his rocker now, she’d probably rethink that if Jon had to get properly creative.  This all felt normal to him, though he knew it wasn’t.  It wasn’t so bad, not really, he had his good moments, but Brinley just liked to ignore them.  Like when she had the flu and he brought her Campbell’s chicken noodle soup, in the star shapes, and then spoon fed her, held her hair back while she hurled, the entire kit and kaboodle.  Of course, afterward, the first time Brinley had shown her claws, Jon had thrown the entire thing right back at her, reminding her that she NEEDED him and relied on him.

 

It was a love-hate relationship between them truly.

 

“You got to learn to love pop tarts….” They were wild berry, the best kind, and she made a face that had him snorting. “Fine, yeah, sure, whatever you want.  We got a little time, Angel.” Good day, no blowups in front of realtors or potential landlords.

 

Brinley decided on a pair of tan capris and a light rose colored short sleeved top that hung off one shoulder.  Twisting her blonde hair up, she then decided against it, leaving it down.  She’d bring a clip and a hair tie to pull it back if it got on her nerves too much.  Slipping into a pair of white sandals, she decided to do her makeup since they had some kind of appointments to make. 

 

Dean hadn’t told her and she really didn’t need to know, though it made her curious why he wanted her tagging along.  Foundation, concealer, golden rose eye shadow, fake lashes, and a nude lip with gloss completed her look, along with rose gold hoop earrings.  Nodding at her appearance in the cracked mirror, Brinley walked out of the bathroom and stopped at the sight of Dean, bare assed, right in front of her.

 

“I’ll wait for you in the living room whenever you’re ready to go.”

 

Sweet baby Jesus, his cock was instantly up and the way her eyes dropped to it, dismissed it, and moved on was a real kick in the ego.  Oh that bitch…Jon knew she LOVED being screwed by him, but her pride wouldn’t allow herself to admit it, hence her better other lovers insults.  Growling under his breath, Jon slipped into their bedroom to rifle in his clothes, tugging on a pair of denim shorts and a tank top before tossing a flannel over his shoulder just in case it decided to go from comfortable to nippy.

 

“We’ll show her later, buddy.” Jon informed his sadly deflated, unloved penis, groaning as he ran his fingers through his hair.  He popped into the bathroom long enough to brush his teeth before joining his shrew of a wife in the living room, once again eyeballing her. “You look nice.” Evil bitch is more like it.

 

“Thank you.” If Brinley was an evil bitch, then he was the devil incarnate. 

 

They really were a combustible element together that could erupt at any given moment.  However, the man could wear denim like no other and she did notice how they sculpted to his backside.  There was no doubt Dean was a very handsome man, but his mannerisms and callous nature was what turned her off most about him.  That and she was blackmailed into marrying him because she was protecting her family.  That was also a huge turn-off.

 

“Ready to go?” He nodded, opening the door for her and together, they walked out of the apartment building to head towards his truck. 

 

It really was a gorgeous day outside and she slid her shades on to block out the Vegas sun, moving her hair to drape over her shoulder.  Jon loved Vegas in the fall/winter season, it was less dry.  In the warmer months, he was one of those punks who slathered themselves in lotion because of the arid weather.  Factor in the sand that occasionally drifted in, weathering at one’s skin…he liked smelling good and his lotion was awesome.  He liked it when his skin and scars were all nice and soft.  Once in the truck, Jon turned on the radio to his favorite station, automatically lighting up a cigarette after rolling down the window.

 

“What do you want to eat, Angel?”

 

He wondered if people ever heard them fighting in that apartment.  Not like they did it ALL the time, but last night with Brinley’s spaz attack and freaking out, he had to wonder how thick those walls were.  Jon had just realized a bonus of a new place – they could scream at each other all they wanted…and be loud during sex.  Of course, he was looking forward to that the most.

 

“Starbucks is fine.  I’ll just grab a bagel and some banana bread with a coffee, if that’s okay.” Brinley pulled her own cigarettes out to light one up, rolling her own window down to enjoy the fresh air. 

 

Lotion was a must and she had lathered up after every hot shower she took, not wanting to dry her skin out.  Taking a drag of her smoke, she blew it out the window and flicked ash while he drove, not bothering to ask him about these appointments.  A new bed sounded amazing and Brinley wondered if they could get it before they had to leave tomorrow.  Their flight would be leaving at 9 AM, so they’d have to be at the airport no later than 7 AM to go through security and whatnot.  Dean pulled up into Starbucks and allowed her to give her order, pulling money out of her wallet to hand it over to him.  He snorted, blowing her off and had his card in hand, making Brinley put her money away.

 

“Thank you, you didn’t have to do that, Dean.”

 

“I know.”

 

Very rarely did he let her pay for anything when they were together.  Jon was a psychotic husband, but he was still a husband and even he knew she shouldn’t be paying for anything.  Being married to him was a lot of payment on Brinley’s part to begin with, it sometimes felt like adding insult to injury with everything else.

 

“We got to meet a realtor first, then we can go bed shopping.”

 

Jon had a few of these appointments scattered throughout the day.  He doubted she would mind being out of their scurvy apartment anyway.  He could smell her coffee and it was a lie; it smelled delicious, but it probably had something in it that would make him gag.  Glancing over at the cup, Jon eyeballed it suspiciously, narrowing his eyes.

 

“What weird shit did you order today, Angel?” Brinley had once tried something that had strawberry flavor in it; it most certainly did NOT taste like strawberries and Jon had never again touched anything with a Starbucks label on it, unless it was something he ordered personally.

 

That was coffee catfishing.

 

Did he just say realtor?  Good thing Brinley was wearing shades because her green eyes had nearly popped out of her skull.  They were going to see houses?  He gave her an ultimatum about her house in Tampa, didn’t he? “It’s a caramel ribbon crunch Frappuccino.  The last one I got was called a Dragon fruit drink and it was delicious.” That was the one Dean didn’t like because it had a bunch of pomegranates in it. 

 

He eyeballed her drink and she extended it to him, silently asking if he wanted to try it.  Dean reached for it and then looked back at the barista, ordering himself a regular coffee black with a shot of espresso.  Shrugging, Brinley went back to drinking her beverage happily and took the food, immediately starting to eat.

 

“So, a realtor, huh?  I thought you said you wouldn’t get a house unless I gave up mine in Tampa?”

 

“Sometimes, Brinley, you make it very fucking hard to be nice to you, you know that?” Jon didn’t even HAVE to be nice to her.  She was his prisoner / wife and she was lucky he didn’t park her in a hole somewhere nobody would find her. “I changed my mind, you can keep your damn house.”

 

It wasn’t like Brinley was using it anyway and, if he had his way, and he would, she wouldn’t unless she was bringing him home with her.  WHY anyone wanted to live in Satan’s sweaty ass crack was beyond him, but she loved it.  Probably because big brother lived in the same area along with her parents, if Jon had to guess.

 

“I was just asking, Dean.  Sorry.” Brinley leaned her head back against the seat and chewed on her food thoughtfully while he drove, making sure not to make a mess. 

 

That was one thing about Dean, he didn’t appreciate his truck being trashed and she didn’t like messes either.  Even though their bedroom looked like a tornado ripped through it currently, it was barely controlled chaos at best.  Tampa was home to her.  She grew up there her entire life and it wasn’t just her brother that was there, but her parents as well.  Did she bring up the anniversary party coming up next month?  No, Dean probably wouldn’t want to attend and she could easily come up with an excuse for him not to go.  Chris wouldn’t think anything of it; Brinley had gotten good at lying on her husband’s behalf to her family.

 

She was asking an incendiary question and why would she even bring that up after last night’s blow up?  It was like purposefully dredging up the bad just to ruin what could be a lovely day.  Jon hummed as he drove, putting that out of mind as he headed for the first house they’d be looking at.  He figured they didn’t need a load of rooms; it was just them and he had no desire to knock her up anytime soon.  Kids made things weird and awkward, especially if they were already a chaotic evil sort of person, which he was.  Not to mention, kids also tended to embolden their mothers into making choices that they shouldn’t, like running away to avoid exposing their crotch goblins to the malice.  Two bathrooms though; Brinley could have her own bathroom to steam up with her insanely hot water and he liked that idea.

 

“Here we are.” It even had a yard…with palm trees.

 

Brinley hated the tension between them, so when they got out of the truck, she moved to stand in front of him.  She pushed her sunglasses up to rest on top of her head and did the same with his before leaning up to brush her lips softly against his.  If this day was going to get any better between them, Brinley had to make the first move because Dean wouldn’t.  That wasn’t the type of man he was.

 

“I really am sorry, okay?  And doing this means a lot to me.” Any place had to be better than that shithole apartment they were living in right now. “You were right and I was wrong yesterday.  We’re in this together,” Whether she wanted to be or not. “So I changed my mind too.  If we find a house we both love, I’ll do it.  I’ll give up the house in Tampa and put the money towards our new home.”

 

He had already made the first move, two times in two days, and her response was to be ungrateful and throw herself at him.  Jon wasn’t inclined to give her a third.  However, Brinley apologizing for yesterday, along with today, made him cock an eyebrow down at her.  She was probably doing it because of what he had been doing to her for a year, keeping her under his thumb.  Brinley was playing nice with her captor basically.  Jon could never forget that part, all an act on her part so he wouldn’t hurt her or her family.

 

“Yeah?  What changed?” He asked finally, remembering how she had lost it last night.

 

“I’m exhausted, Dean.  I’m so exhausted from all the fighting and arguing with you.” Brinley admitted, smoothing down the shirt he had on with her hands, the plea in her own eyes. “I just want some peace between us and if you’re willing to compromise, I should do the same.  You just…stunned me yesterday when you gave me that ultimatum and I reacted poorly.  At the end of the day, we are married and it’s been over a year.  Whether I like it or not, my life is here in Vegas now when we’re not on the road for work with you.  I have to put Tampa behind me…and move on with our new life.” Making this man happy would ensure the safety of her family as well.  Brinley realized she was pushing Dean too hard lately and, if she continued doing it, he would end up doing something catastrophic. “I can’t promise we won’t ever fight and argue again, but…I’m done fighting you and this marriage.  I’m accepting it.  I’m…accepting you as my husband.”

 

No she wasn’t, she was just done for now.  Jon imagined in a few days, maybe a few weeks, she’d reach her snapping point again.  Considering he had already been thinking about NOT breaking her, backing off and keeping her mentally stable, then letting things get back to their ‘normal’, this was a welcomed change because Brinley would help him with his goals.

 

“Mmm…” Jon would have to think about her selling her house now, maybe letting her keep it wouldn’t be so bad.  It’d give them a place to crash when they were in the area and when she wanted to visit with her family. “Oh, there’s the realtor, we’ll talk more about this later, Angel.” Lowering his head, he brushed his lips against hers, his eyes wide open as he stared into her face, even as he kissed her.

 

She kept her eyes open as well, knowing they were calling a truce for the time being and felt a weight lift off her shoulders.  They would actually TALK and not fight or argue with each other too.  Brinley was determined to keep the peace between them for a while and took his hand, lacing their fingers together.  Dean laid on his charm with the realtor, both listening to the history of the house they were looking at.  In the end, this wasn’t the house for them and Brinley made sure to ask Dean his opinion, wanting him to like the house as much as her.  He didn’t like it either.  They thanked the realtor and took off to head to the next appointment, listening to classic rock on the radio on the way there. 

 

Chapter 7

 

It wasn’t until they arrived at the third house, which was about twenty minutes on the outskirts of the city, that Brinley felt a connection.  The house was two story, three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a huge four car garage, a fenced in backyard, a nicely sized front yard with a golf course across the way.  Once they were let inside, that was where the real love for this place happened and Brinley’s green eyes lit up. 

 

It was an open floor plan, plenty of space, stairs that lead up to the second floor, a huge kitchen, living room, and dining room, along with another room that could be used for anything.  The backyard had an in-ground pool, a hot tub to the side, and it looked extremely inviting, the stretch of yard in front of her incredible.  It also had palm trees in the back, one on each side, and she loved them since they reminded her of Tampa.

 

Pulling her aside from the realtor, Dean wanted to discuss this with his wife and the elation on her face, in her eyes, spoke volumes.  Brinley was just waiting for him to ask her opinion about this house and she couldn’t hold it in any more, telling him exactly what she thought. “I love this house, Dean.” Brinley kept her voice low while talking to him, grabbing his rough, calloused hands in hers. “There’s nothing about this house I don’t love, but I want to know what YOU think.  This isn’t just about me, it’s about us.” She caressed his face tenderly with her hand, being careful not to scratch him with her nails.

 

For a second, Jon could ALMOST believe she actually loved him and this was a GENUINE marriage where they were partners.  Equals.  Almost.  Jon decided to roll with it anyway, though he never forgot in the back of his mind that this was a prisoner/warden scenario.  However, Brinley couldn’t lie with those eyes, not to him, and she was genuinely in love with this house.  He had figured he’d be neutral about everything because he was so used to his spartan slumming.  Jon had never seen the reason for a house that wouldn’t be used all that much.  Now maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad having a proper home to come back to off the road.

 

“I think this is it, Angel, I like it too.” It was the first one Jon hadn’t shrugged off, he had truly been interested. “And a fully done basement, I could put a gym in…”

 

Dean wouldn’t be planning ahead like this unless he really liked the house as well.  She was his prisoner and that was undeniable, but he was also trying to make her more comfortable.  Compromising.  There was no way Brinley would ever love him and Dean would have to cope with that.  However, she had lived with him, on and off the road, for the past year, and now they were finally going to have an actual home to go to.

 

“I think it is too and I meant what I said.  I’ll do it, I’ll sell the house in Tampa and put it towards this one…towards our new home.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his. “And I love the idea of having our own private gym too.” Brinley worked out occasionally, though it was mostly on the treadmill, just to maintain her figure and make sure she didn’t pack on the pounds. “So, should we go make them an offer, my husband?”

 

“Yeah, contingent on an inspection.”

 

Jon didn’t trust anything because houses could look absolutely perfect and have something wrong with the pipes and plumbing.  Or a realtor could be hiding problems behind nice coats of paint.  If they were doing this, they’d do it right and the fact that Brinley was nodding her agreement told him she had done this before. 

 

Oh right, Florida – her house in Florida.

 

“And no, you’re not selling the house in Tampa.  Keep it.” Jon ignored the surprise in her green eyes, focusing instead on the house around them as she tucked her face into his shoulder, not sure what was going on in her mind. 

 

He wasn’t sure what was going on in his own half the time, to be fair.

 

Inspections were a must.  She had two different inspections done on the house in Tampa before she bought it, not about to be stuck with a lemon for the next 30 years of her life.  What Brinley also didn’t know was Jon had bought his mother a house he was still paying on, so he was a little skeptical about his credit score.  He’d bought it last year for his mother, getting her out of Piccadilly and into a nice, suburban home that she absolutely loved.  He didn’t talk to his mother often and Brinley had never met her mother-in-law, honestly not wanting or asking to. 

 

This wasn’t a marriage based on love and devotion, after all. 

 

The realtor blinked at the amount the Goods’ offered, jotting it down and then told them he’d be in touch after speaking to the owners.  They left the house as Brinley backtracked to the truck, looking up at it before finally slipping inside the passenger seat.  This would be their new home, together, using their names, credit scores, the whole shebang to buy it.

 

“So, instead of spending the money to get a bed now, since we may very well be homeowners soon, why not wait until we move out of the apartment and THEN get a new bed, along with furniture, all in one shot?” It didn’t make sense to buy a brand new bed for the scurvy apartment and she really didn’t want any of their new furniture in that place, truthfully.

 

“Because I want a goddamn bed now.”

 

Dear wife had put it into his head with her meltdown last night.  He raised a brow when Brinley got a look on her face that disappeared almost as soon as it had appeared, wondering what was going through her mind.  Jon listened as she finally explained what she was thinking, though she didn’t use ‘scummy’ or scurvy, or word it in a way to set him off, his blue eyes going thoughtful.

 

“You know it can take a while to close and shit…” Of course she knew, Brinley had bought her own place before and now she was TIED to him and this house for 30 years since they were buying this place together.  This was brilliant, why hadn’t Jon thought of it sooner? “You’re really okay with sleeping on a mattress until then?”

 

“We’re not here all that often and I’ve been dealing with it for a year.  I can handle it for another couple of months.” Brinley assured him softly, trying not to think about the fact they would be tied together for years with this house. 

 

It wouldn’t just be her tied to him, he would be tied to her as well.  Dean must’ve really been in this for the long haul and she didn’t understand why.  There she went with the questioning again.  Why?  Why her?  He didn’t love her; Dean wanted to possess her and keep her locked down to him for the rest of their lives. 

 

Maybe it was an obsession type of deal since he had started out with pulling her into dark dressing rooms to sex her up for 4 months.  Brinley would be lying if she didn’t admit she had started falling for her secret lover…until he revealed himself and then that had immediately been tossed out the window.  Dean terrified her, so that love she felt for her secret lover had turned into fear and he’d used that to his advantage against her.

 

“If you want a bed, get a bed, I don’t mind either way.  I was just thinking practical.” Especially since Dean was a penny pincher.

 

Part of his problem with her was the fact that when she hadn’t known who he was, Brinley had been all about those secret trysts once she realized he hadn’t been out to hurt her.  As soon as she had seen him, those moments were GONE and it had reinforced everything Jon already decided on.  Payback tended to be a bitch and all that, he was petty when his feelings got hurt and he was the first to admit it.  Granted, they never STAYED hurt for long and it usually flipped into amusement.

 

“It’s not like we’re gonna have a lot to move over here,” There wasn’t much in the apartment and Jon already figured she wouldn’t want the couch and old furniture in their new place, the light bulb in his head going off. “Oh, it’s because you don’t want to bring shit from the old place, isn’t it?”

 

This was already going south and Brinley knew silence wouldn’t work with Dean. “I just figured a new house should have new furniture.  Like you said earlier, if we’re doing this, we’re doing this the right way.” Something they both agreed on. “If you truly want a bed, let’s go get a bed and we can move it to the house if we get it.” Then, an idea popped into her head and she clapped her hands together. “Okay, I have a radical idea.  We can get a bed and then start furniture shopping.  If we don’t get that house, there are others we’ll be looking at anyway.  And if we find shit we want to buy now, we can just shove it in the apartment until we get a house.  I really wouldn’t mind having a place to sit in the apartment while watching TV.  What do you think?”

 

“Not afraid of being slum with you?” That was uncalled for and Jon knew it, but he was also pushing her to see where she was at today.  Brinley simply stared at him and said jack, which actually made him feel like he was a tiny child and she was trying to keep her patience, like a teacher or something.  This woman was a colossal pain in his ass! “Okay, we can…or we can put shit in storage if you want and at least we’ll have stuff when we get the okay.” He had seen her house in Tampa; Jon had stalked her a fair few times there and she had definitely downgraded being his wife and living here with him in Vegas.

 

He was purposely pushing her, testing her, and Brinley would not rise to any of it.  She simply smiled serenely at him and nodded, even going as far as reaching over to grab his hand to hold it. “Sounds good to me.  We can either use it in the apartment until we get the approval or put it in storage.  I don’t care either way.” Dean snorted, lighting up a cigarette while continuing to drive down the road towards the Strip.  What better stores would they find in Nevada besides Vegas? 

 

Her house in Tampa was off limits to Dean and she did not know he knew where she lived either.  Whenever they were in Tampa over the past year, she was adamant about staying in a hotel with him instead of bringing him home.  If she knew Dean was aware of her address and where her house was, Brinley would’ve immediately sold the place with or without his consent.  She wanted a place she could run off to in case things had gotten too out of hand or took a turn for the worse.  So far, nothing TOO bad had happened despite the threats that kept her locked to Dean like a ball and chain.

 

After several hours of furniture shopping, picking out some amazing pieces, and then having dinner at the casino, it was time to head back to the apartment.  They did find a bed and it was currently in the back of the truck that Dean would have to put together.  Would he do it tonight after all the running around they’d done today?  Brinley didn’t know and stared out the window up at the lights, wishing to see the stars in the sky. 

 

Dean had taken her out to the desert for New Year’s Eve, their one year wedding anniversary, and showed her the starry night sky before they had sex in the back of his truck.  He had a blowup mattress back there and everything, along with champagne and Jack Daniels, both dressed in their finest attire.  She had been wearing a golden short dress that was spaghetti strapped and he had been in an actual suit.  It should’ve been romantic with what he did, and in a way it had been, but Brinley hadn’t been in the best of moods.  With some heavy liquor and seduction, however, the night hadn’t been all that bad with Dean and she had screamed to the heavens for him when all was said and done, her voice echoing off the Red Rocks.

 

Her house was definitely not off-limits and he had been in it a few times when he had been actively stalking her.  Prior to deciding Jon would seduce her with those dressing room romps that she had loved up until she realized who was giving her the sexual experiences of a lifetime.  One couldn’t decide something was off-limits to someone who would kill their entire family.  Jon had never actually tested all that with her because, honestly, Tampa sucked and he had no interest in her house.  Jon put his muscles to use and got the bed up to their apartment and then assembled, singing along to AC/DC while he did so, aware of her folding and putting away the clothing he had washed.

 

“Ta da!” Jon announced about an hour and a half later, refusing to use the instructions until he was DONE.  Then just to doublecheck the thing was solid, he had jumped on it hard.

 

Standing up from the living room floor, Brinley walked in there and felt her jaw drop at the sight of the beautiful black bed staring back at her.  Black was the color to get since Dean didn’t like brown or white.  It was iron too, not wooden, so it was a lot more sturdy and easy to disassemble when the time came to move.

 

“Oh wow!”

 

Her bed at home was brown wood and sturdy, her house was full of color, though Brinley also enjoyed neutral colors too.  It was about 10 PM at night now and she walked over to press her hand on the bedding, nodding her approval.  It was a very nice clean mattress that had a foam layering to make it extra comfortable and soft.  Dean patted the spot beside him and she set the clothes down on the floor before getting in, laying down beside him, staring up at the ceiling.

 

“This is really nice.” Turning her head, her green eyes locked with electric blue and a genuine smile lit up her face. “Thank you.  You did a great job with…everything today, Dean.” She was in a pair of colorful cotton shorts and a matching tank top, something comfortable since she’d been dressed up all day.  Her face was devoid of makeup, so it was all natural beauty again and her hair was up in a messy bun on top of her head. “I wish we had another day off to just enjoy having an actual bed, you know?  But duty calls.”

 

“Who said we can’t enjoy it?” Sure, they had to be up bright and early, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t break it in.  Jon rolled to hover over her, using his knee to part her thighs. “It was a pretty good day.” It wasn’t like they didn’t have them; it just seemed like they were few and far between sometimes.  Brinley was still smiling, a real one, he was pretty sure anyway.  Jon had a habit of not fully trusting women because he knew just how scandalous they could be. “Tired, Angel?” It had also been a busy day and after last night, he wouldn’t be surprised if she were still exhausted.

 

He was calling to her.  Brinley knew that was what he wanted and it had been a very good day for them. “A little, but I’m surprised you’re not passed out by now.”

 

How early had Dean been up that morning?  She had slept until around 10 AM and he’d gotten a workout prior to showering.  Instead of shying away from him, Brinley slid her hands up his massive arms and down his bare chest, the scent of him surrounding her again.  There’d been no sex the previous night since she had slept a good 12 hours straight, so she knew Dean would not let her go night two without having sex.  They had an actual bed now and Brinley was in a stellar mood, his eyes captivating her like always. 

 

Leaning up, she softly brushed her lips against his chin, then his jaw, feeling him lower closer to her. “I think we should test this bed out to see just how sturdy it is for us…”

 

He had been up bright and early at 5 AM to do laundry, get in a workout and a newspaper from down the street.  Jon had sleeping in issues when he was focused on something and he had that bright idea last night about them getting a place of THEIR own, not just his and not just hers.  Even though Brinley had ‘ended’ that discussion, it hadn’t; it had just taken deeper root and now…now they had put in a contingent bid on a house and Jon was confident that everything was going to fall into his lap the way it should.  If it didn’t, he’d just bulldoze the world until it did as he wanted, that was just his way in life.  Raging bull in the China shop and all.

 

“I like the way you think, Angel…” Jon tipped his head back to give her better access to his neck, feeling those sharp little teeth of hers nipping at his pulse point and let out a hiss.

 

Chapter 8

 

Making him happy was the way to go. 

 

Things were a lot more peaceful and serene when they weren’t at each other’s throats.  Honestly, up until a few days ago, things hadn’t been all that bad with Dean.  For some reason, Brinley just…felt the need to fight him, to push his buttons, much like he had tried earlier in the truck.  They did that to each other, just to test and see how far they could push and prod before exploding.  After what Dean did for her today, for them, putting an offer on a new house they could really make their own and this beautiful bed he’d built…Brinley wanted to thank him properly.

 

“Roll over for me, handsome.” It had been a term of endearment she rarely used with him.

 

Dean shifted to lay on his back, pulling her with him until she was straddled on his lap.  Removing her tank top and dropping it to the floor, Brinley smiled down at him and captured his mouth in a passionate, burning kiss, their bare chests skin on skin pressed together with her nipples hardening instantly.  Her hand slid down to the side, stroking him beneath the shorts he’d changed into and Brinley broke the kiss, rubbing her nose against his.

 

“Mmm, you’re so hard, Dean…your wife wants a taste…”

 

Sometimes, it was tempting to fall into the ‘Does she mean it?’ game, knowing once upon a time she had.  When Jon was feeling particularly spiteful, he had a habit of shutting off the lights and making sure it was pitch black, taunting her about her former mystery lover while fucking her.  Obviously, he was the mystery lover, but it was his not so nice way of reminding Brinley that nothing had changed besides the mystery being gone.  However, not tonight, he was just going to take this all at face value and enjoy it, folding his arms beneath his head and cocked an eyebrow.

 

“Taste all you like, Angel…” Jon would never, ever turn down her ‘tasting’ him unless she was in a terrible mood because he had a feeling she could be a biter.  He had not married a little punk bitch, that was for sure.

 

Now Brinley would be the first to admit Dean had an amazing body and physique.  The man was chiseled out of stone and he also had a huge package.  It was the biggest and best she’d ever had, even though she taunted him with that not being the case.  Sometimes, she wondered if he believed her lies.  Those 4 months with her mystery lover had been incredible and he always left her wanting, craving, more. 

 

He always whispered to her, never using his real voice, and she begged him to show her who he was, only for him to chuckle softly and his response was in a whisper that patience was a virtue.  Then, he’d be gone, leaving her a trembling, sweaty, haphazard, satisfied mess.  She clung to him every time, not at all afraid, and it got to the point where she tried to find out who he was.  Who was the mystery man that had swept her away and made Brinley weak in the knees?  To think it was Dean all that time and a lot of their sexual encounters were slow and intense, with a lot of kissing and touching while they soared to heights only they could reach together.

 

~!~

 

“Why won’t you tell me who you are?”

 

“Believe me, Angel, you don’t wanna know me.”

 

“Yes I do.” Brinley had argued after yet another bout with him, both of them breathing heavily from the encounter while they dressed. “I-I like you and you like me or you wouldn’t keep doing this, keep pursuing me this way.”

 

“True.” He had chuckled softly, quietly, fingering her chin in the darkness before brushing his lips to hers. “I do like you a lot, I won’t deny that.”

 

Her green eyes had practically glowed through the darkness back at him. “Then tell me who you are.  If you really like me as much as you say you do, if you wanna be with me, then show me who you are.”

 

“Brinley, if I do that, everything changes, Angel.  Are you prepared for that?  You may not like who comes out of the darkness.”

 

“I don’t see how that’s possible since I can’t stop thinking about you and these trysts we’ve been having.” She caressed his face, trying to get a feel for who it could be with her touch alone. “Please, show me who you are.  Don’t hide from me anymore.  Whoever you are, it doesn’t matter to me.  All that matters is…is how you make me feel and how I make you feel.”

 

“And your brother?”

 

Brinley had frowned at the mention of Chris. “What does he have to do with this?”

 

“Would he be okay with all of this?”

 

“I don’t know and I don’t care.  This isn’t his business.”

 

“Hmm…” The man had stepped away from her, rubbing his hands together and her hands landed on his bare back, her forehead pressed against him. “You’re not making this easy, Angel…”

 

“I have to know who you are.  And I won’t stop pushing you until you show me.” Her arms wrapped around his waist, breathing in his scent of leather, cigarettes, and cocoa butter.  It was intoxicating.

 

“Mmm…you really are stubborn, you know that?”  His voice had gotten a little more profound, grittier, with a tinge of darkness. “You sure about this?  No second thoughts, no second guesses?  Because it all changes if I flip that switch on and you see who I am, Brinley.  I will ask you one more time – is this what you really want?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Turn the light on then.”

 

~!~

 

Why that memory flickered through her head while giving Dean a blowjob was beyond her, but it just fueled and spurred her on to make him cum in her mouth.  That was until he pulled her up right before he reached his end, almost violently kissing her and she pulled back, slowly shaking her head. “Why do you do that, Dean?  You never used to kiss me like that when you were pulling me in those dark dressing rooms.  You were gentle and passionate…and I want those kisses again.  I want moments like those again before everything changed.” Slowly, softly, passionately, Brinley kissed him, sprawled on top of him and buried her fingers in his hair, moaning at the feeling of his tongue against hers.  Dean sat upright, wrapping her legs around his waist, both of them completely naked, and continued kissing her, making her gasp in his mouth as soon as he slid home inside of her receptive body. “Oh god yes…”

 

Honestly, because as soon as those lights had come on, she changed her tune.  She had looked at him with such confusion and then dawning horror and disgust that those kisses had become an instant memory of better times between them.  Kissing her like that, the way she wanted, for him, was just Jon giving her what she wanted because it had lost meaning for him.  Brinley had thought he was a monster and so he had given her that guy instead, the one she loved to hate.  But not right now, he wasn’t about to ruin this moment between them, beginning to trail those gentle, tender loving kisses down the column of her throat.

 

Chris had warned her about the Shield prior to them coming to WWE, asking her to watch herself with them since she was a match producer.  He did not want them giving his sister any grief with the matches she put together alongside the others.  The Shield was a dangerous entity, so when that light flipped on, and she saw it was one of the Shield men, fear instantly gripped her insides. 

 

Brinley didn’t know what to think or how to react; she didn’t even want to breathe at the sight of none other than Dean Ambrose standing before her.  It was the first time she had officially met Dean, outside of the dark rendezvous they’d had over those 4 months, and Brinley remembered her heart hammering in her chest.  Her brother’s words echoed in her mind about the Shield men, to stay away from them, and that was what caused her to try to leave the room, but Dean had stopped her by planting his huge hand against the door.

 

“Please…please don’t hurt me…”

 

“Then don’t give me a reason to, Angel.  Didn’t I warn you?” His voice had changed to a sinister tone, his mouth directly in her ear. “Everything would change the moment you flipped that light on.”

 

Brinley almost wished she hadn’t turned the light on because after that night, everything changed, just as Dean warned her it would.  However, this moment with him, the way he was treating her and taking his time reminded her of those dark, passionate trysts between them.  Her head lulled back as he took a nipple in his mouth, leaving a trail of fire from her neck to her breasts, and her fingers delved into his red tinted blonde curls, moving in time with him.

 

“Dean, you feel so fucking good…just a little harder…” She moaned out in a plea, completely surrendering to him on this night.

 

“Mmm, but you know how I like it when you plead so soft and sweet for me, Angel…” Jon rumbled, bringing her breasts together in his strong hands, his mouth moving to each nipple back and forth, flicking his tongue at them. 

 

Whatever it was she had against him, well… best not to be thinking of that while he was making love to her because this could go from loving and tender to one of those rough nights she both loved and dreaded.  His hands gripped her backside, pulling her into him even more if possible feeling her picking up speed.  Trying to get him to go ‘just a little harder’, Jon smiled at the sense of urgency coming from her.

 

“You getting close, Angel, hmm?  Feeling like you might soak my cock with that sweetness of yours?”

 

“Y-Yes…YES!!” The window was wide open and she did not care who heard her at the moment, her eyes only for her husband. 

 

In this moment. 

 

Tomorrow would probably be different. 

 

Brinley would feel disgusted with herself for once again surrendering to him to make him happy.  Or maybe she’d just feel satisfied with that twinge between her thighs reminding her of how good the sex was.  Either way, they were definitely breaking this bed in tonight and Brinley ordered him to lay down, wanting to ride him.  Using his chest as leverage, digging her nails into his chest while riding him harder and faster, not caring about anything else except her building orgasm. 

 

It was close…so close she could taste it, smell it, sense it, and she began to flood his cock, just as Dean wanted, soaking him as well as his thighs while crying out in release.  Even while trembling, Brinley didn’t stop, refusing to be the only one who came tonight.  Then, Dean yanked her off his throbbing, pulsating cock and immediately set her pussy right on his mouth, forcing her to hold onto the iron headboard as he devoured her.

 

“DEAN!”

 

They were in an apartment and the neighbors could take notes for all Jon cared.  He had no problem in educating anyone who overheard them or was listening in, showing them how this was done.  Grinning against her pussy, Jon growled and sent those vibrations straight through her sensitive body, clit first.  He was keeping her where she was with one hand, the other hand busy exploring her delicious backside, urging her to ride his face.  They were going to break this bed in properly so whenever they crawled in it, they’d always remember the first night in THEIR bed, so SHE would always remember.

 

Jon was all about making those memories.

 

“C’mon now, again,” Jon ordered, lightly slapping her ass after she tried drowning him again. “One more, Angel, give me one more!”

 

“J-Jesus…”

 

Brinley couldn’t remember the last time she came so much because usually it was a one or two and done.  Not tonight.  Dean was making this last on purpose and his tongue felt too good to pull away from.  His hands on her body felt too good and she began rolling her hips, grinding her clit right against his tongue.

 

“Fuck, oh fuck!”

 

So much for being an old spinster, Brinley was showing she was young and vital with this performance tonight, even though that wasn’t even on her mind.  Nothing else mattered except cumming for her husband, who was urging her to do so.  This would be a night she wouldn’t soon forget and this bed would last with them for a good long while too.  Dean hadn’t been cheap when choosing a bed and made sure it could sustain A LOT of punishment.  One more time came shortly after the last and Brinley physically pulled away from him, collapsing on her back with her feet sprawled on his stomach, trying to catch her breath before she passed out.

 

“N-No m-more…I-I can’t t-take it…” Her body was nothing more than a sweaty heap and Brinley knew Dean wasn’t done with her yet.  Especially when he crawled over her, kissing her trembling lips and then helped her turn to where she was on all fours behind him.

 

“Oh yes you can!” Bending down so he could trail his tongue down along her spine, Jon hissed and nipped each bare ass cheek.  He growled, bringing his palms lightly down on them next, enjoying that delicious jiggle. “You got another one in you, Angel…” Gripping his dick, he ran the head up and down her soaked slit, easily spotting her own juices dripping down her inner thighs, glistening at him, teasing him almost and he licked his lips hungrily.  Dessert had been delicious, but now it was time for the main course. He kept with the teasing, purposefully grinding the tip of his cock against her clit, watching as she began quivering again. “You want this, Brin?  Hmm?” He pushed past her slick folds, just a hint, just enough to sheathe the barest hint of himself in her and then back out.

 

Any rational woman in her position would’ve shouted ‘fuck no!’, but Brinley had a lot on the line with this.  Denying Dean sex was not the way to handle him, especially since he had a very high sex drive.  He’d get it from her one way or another and honestly, he’d been very gentle and loving, which hadn’t happened in quite a while, tonight.  He was in a good mood, happy, which was the best version of Dean.  Brinley hated herself for giving in so easily.  For initiating what was happening between them.  She was supposed to despise this man, but somewhere deep in her heart, was that love she felt for the mystery lover who had shown her passion beyond her wildest dreams.  It was cliché, but also her truth.

 

“Please Dean, please fuck me and make me cum for you…” That was exactly what he wanted to hear, Brinley knew it, and that was what she wanted to happen.  Shutting her eyes the moment he slid inside of her fully and completely, her nails dug into the bedding as Dean proceeded to pound the stuffing out of her, making her scream for him all over again.

 

Any other woman would have given her eyeteeth, ripped them OUT herself, just for a night like this with him.  Jon had a LOT of women fans out there, some of them downright psycho, like the chick who had carved herself up for him.  That seemed like a lifetime ago, but… probably not for her backside, having to see it all the time.  He did alternate between pounding her and then deep, slow strokes, meant to give her a breather and heighten that anticipation, knowing all it would take was a few minutes of steady at the right speed and she’d go off like a geyser for him.  Jon was blue balling himself at this point, his balls screaming for release as sweat beaded more on his body, but he was denying himself.  Brinley, his delectable wife, would cum for him first and then he’d unload in her very willing, ready body.

 

It did not take long for her body, for Brinley, to surrender to him because her pussy was already very stimulated and sensitive.  In fact, the moment she did climax, Dean had lost the rest of his resolve and control, exploding right along with her, both of them crying out, their voices mixing together.  Brinley gripped the iron bars while Dean finished, coughing out from loss of breath and was pulled back with Dean in a sweaty heap on the bed, spooning behind her.  Her legs and thighs were trembling and she could feel him shaking slightly too, both of them in the afterglow and feeling aftershocks from the intense orgasms they endured.  Rolling, Brinley turned to face him and softly brushed her lips to his, feeling so guilty and so good at the same time.

 

An after sex cigarette followed another round of sex, then a shower, then packing for the road.  By the time they arrived at the airport early the next morning, Brinley was passed out as soon as they boarded the flight for the house shows that weekend.

 

Chapter 9

 

“Wait, you two are finally buying a house together?” Chris stared at his sister in shock, not believing she had finally convinced Ambrose to get out of that disgusting, one bedroom apartment. “Christ, how hard did you have to blow him to get him to change his mind?”

 

Brinley smacked him promptly on the arm, blushing furiously. “I didn’t!” Yes, yes she did and happily at that.  She really had serious issues and no amount of therapy would be able to solve what was going on in her head. “We had a talk and since we’ve been married over a year, I figured it was time to move on to bigger and better things.  He’s doing wonders in the company with the Shield and I know he’ll be a star even after the Shield splits up.”

 

“You think so?”

 

“I KNOW so.”

 

“Hmm…I gotta admit, maybe I was wrong about those boys.  You know how your brother is, I’m a judgmental dick when I wanna be.  I really thought you and Ambrose wouldn’t last two months into the marriage and now here we are, over a year later, during WrestleMania season.” Chris sounded almost in awe, standing outside with his sister while she had her nicotine fix. “So, the party is two weeks away and I’ve gotten just about every invitation we sent out.  It’s going to be a party unlike any other.  Just hope Mom and Dad don’t have a heart attack.”

 

She smacked him again. “Not funny, Christopher.  Don’t even joke about that happening.”

 

“So, you’re really going to convince your hubby dearest to wear a monkey suit for the occasion?” It was formal wear since the banquet hall they rented out had a required dress code.  This would be a very expensive party they were throwing their well-deserving parents to celebrate 35 years of marriage.

 

“Yes, we’re going suit and dress shopping on our next days off, actually.” Dean just didn’t know that yet.

 

“Yeah well, you know me, I got jokes for days.” Chris chuckled, shaking his head down at her, though he was still trying to wrap his head around Ambrose.  Dean Ambrose was a little cockroach and would never make something of himself outside of the Shield, that was plain to see.  He was almost like the comic relief.  However, he wasn’t saying that outside of his head, at least not to his baby sister who had married the ass clown. “Speaking of the party, and the hubby, is he really coming?” Given they apparently were buying a house together, he imagined it would be weird of Ambrose not to come, but weirder still if the man did. “I know you just said you’re going shopping and all, it’s just hard to imagine him, you know, black tie and all.”

 

Brinley agreed with her brother as far as the suit and tie went, but she firmly believed that Dean would be a big star in the company for years to come.  He had proven himself, alongside Seth and Roman, and in her eyes, he was the best out of the group.  She had been around this business for a long time and Brinley couldn’t remember the last time she saw such a force to be reckoned with in the ring when it came to Dean and his mannerisms.  Granted, some of them were questionable, but at the same time, he was different and unique compared to the cookie cutter developmental breed like Roman Reigns.  Seth Rollins, on the other hand, was spectacular in the ring as a high-flyer and brought energy in the ring.  He was a lot of fun to watch and she knew he would be a big star as well, possibly even bigger than Dean.  Nevertheless, the WWE had a force on their hands because all three men brought something to the table.  If the company was smart, they would be pushing each one of them individually as single’s competitors in the future once the Shield ran its course.

 

“Don’t worry, he’ll be all dolled up in a black suit and bowtie, just you watch.  He may even be more handsome than you, my dear brother.” She giggled at his scoff and hugged him, kissing his cheek. “I can’t wait to see the look on Mom and Dad’s faces when they walk in and we all scream surprise at them.”

 

“Yeah well, I’ve hired photographers and videographers, so…we’re going to have it from every angle.” That meant there would be a lot of laughs later on, after their parents had recovered from the shock.  However, their parents weren’t ones to get distressed about surprises either.  They’d probably laugh their backsides off once they realized what was going on, and cry, especially their mother. “And we’re keeping the booze minimal, champagne and beer only.” Their father only drank beer, but there was a drink limit at the bar, just because it was an anniversary, not a kegger. “That is what we agreed on, right?” Chris liked getting lit as much as the next guy, just not on a night like that.

 

“Sounds good to me, the last thing we need is a bunch of drunks making a mockery out of what’s supposed to be a celebration.  This is for our parents, no one else and I think the limit at the bar is a great idea.  Beer and champagne is more than enough.” They were definitely on the same page, even though Brinley did enjoy the occasional wine or bourbon.  She finished her cigarette, dropping it in her empty can of Pepsi she’d brought out with her and tossed it in the trashcan.  Littering was also not acceptable, the environment had enough problems to deal with.  Dean would just have to have his double rum and splash of coke after the party since that was his favorite, besides beer.  Her phone suddenly went off and she pulled it out, her eyes widening at the text message from Dean.

 

WE GOT IT.

 

“Oh my god.”

 

“What?”

 

Brinley had been excited about the house hunting and even talking about the possibility, but now it was very real and very scary. “Dean just texted me.  W-We got the house.” Locked in with him for 30 plus years…now that Brinley was alone out here with her brother, the harsh realization crashed over her like a tidal wave.

 

“Brin, are you all right, baby sister?” Chris didn’t like how pale she’d gone and wondered if it was just nerves from making a huge commitment like this.

“Y-Yeah…yeah I’m fine, great.” Brinley wasn’t any of those things.

 

Terrified, she wished she could tell her brother what was really going on.  His life was on the line, along with their parents and the rest of their family though.  Dean would kill them all if she uttered a word about the blackmail and had promised herself to keep the peace with her husband, no matter what.

 

“Well, congratulations are in order and when you have a housewarming party, you better invite me.” Chris kissed his sister’s forehead and headed back inside the arena, leaving her standing there to mull over the news.

 

We haven’t signed the papers yet.  There’s still time to convince him to put his name on the house only, right?  I can do that, I can convince him it would be best and lie and say my credit isn’t the greatest or something.  My name CANNOT go on that house! Brinley needed another cigarette and lit one up, beginning to pace.

 

Too late for that, far too late.  They had put in an offer together and they had done the online loan approval together as well.  Her name was going on it even if he had to force her to sign it by breaking her fingers.  Jon was doing this FOR her, goddamn right she’d sign the papers!  If Jon knew Brinley was already backtracking, trying to figure out how to avoid it, he would have ensured her Tampa property went up in flames, just so she’d have nowhere else to go except to her loving husband.  He was also making a giant commitment on something that did NOT earn him money, but was an actual money drain if everything went sideways, so they were both taking a huge risk with this house situation.

 

??? What’s taking her so long to respond?

 

Looking down at her phone, Brinley knew she had to respond to him or else he’d come hunt her down. Sorry, was talking to Chris about the anniversary party.  And that’s great! “No, no it’s really not…” She muttered, pressing the send button and tore a hand through her hair, staring up at the night sky.  Much like she had that night two weeks ago at the motel, Brinley contemplated running and could already feel the tears welling in her eyes. I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS!! One great day with Dean did not erase all the bad ones they’d had and the threats to her family.  He didn’t love her, Brinley was his possession and nothing more!  And now if she didn’t find a way out of this, Brinley would be stuck with Dean for the rest of her life in some form or fashion, even if they divorced one day. FYI, going dress shopping for you and me on our days off.  You need a suit and bow tie.  Black tie event.

 

For her parents’ anniversary party no doubt, and he rolled his eyes, smoking in the bathroom of the dressing room he was sharing with Roman and Seth, ignoring their chortling outside the door.  Jon had a window open and the vent on, figuring Vinnie could probably afford the fine since he was constantly paying for other superstar’s rehabilitation on the down low, BEFORE they wound up busted and all over TMZ anyway.  Yeah?  Need a date? He wasn’t exactly in a rush tonight, actually taking the time to text properly. We need to get a dog.  I want a dog.  Do you like dogs? Grinning slightly, Jon tried to imagine the look on his beautiful wife’s face as he blew smoke out the window. Do I have to wear a bow tie? Suit sure, but a bow tie? That would look stupid.

 

A tie, I’ll compromise with you and you’re going whether you want to or not.  You’re my husband and this is a very big deal for your in-laws and my parents.  It’s the required dress.  And I don’t think that’s a good idea, my husband.  Do you really think we have time for a dog with our busy schedules? There was no way they could get a dog, not right now! 

 

Who the hell would take care of the beast while they were gone?  Truthfully, Brinley didn’t like dogs all that much.  They were just like having a kid with needing shots, food, baths, etc.  No, she did not want a dog, but whatever Dean wanted, Dean usually got.  She rolled her eyes with a grunt, shaking her head and headed back into the arena now that she could breathe regularly again without hyperventilating.

 

Never said I didn’t want to go, but if you want to pretend I don’t and force the issue, I’m curious to see your commanding side.

 

“You fuckin’ fall in, bro?”

 

“Shut it!” Jon opened the door and smoke billowed out, he may have been chain smoking.  He grinned broadly, a cigarette between his teeth when Seth and Roman both began coughing, inhaling deeply. “Get that fresh air, boys!”

 

“You’re an,” Seth was coughing, laughing and coughing, waving a hand in front of his face. “ASS!”

 

Roman plucked the cancer stick from his friend’s mouth and promptly tossed it into the toilet, shoulder checking Dean on the way by. “That’s gross, you know that, right?  Brinnie probably doesn’t like kissing an ashtray.”

 

“Lies, she was sucking on my tongue earlier, she loves it.”

 

“She’s lying, trust me.”

 

I didn’t think you’d want to go in the first place.  You didn’t come to my last family function and I came up with an excuse for you.  Do you want me to do that for this one too?

 

Brinley really wouldn’t mind if he passed because it would be a night or two without Dean.  She didn’t get them often, so when the opportunity presented itself, she did whatever the man wanted.  Usually, that meant making an excuse for him not coming with her.  She nodded when John Laurinaitis stopped her in the hallway, telling her they had another meeting starting in five minutes.

 

“Sure, let me grab my notes and I’ll be right there, Johnny.” He nodded and she took off to grab her things from the producer’s office, turning just in time to nearly run into none other than Bray Wyatt. “Oh!”

 

~!~

 

Not realizing what his wife just walked into, he sent the next text. Nope.  Coming to this one.  What had the last family thing been?  Some holiday maybe, Jon wasn’t big on something like that and to be honest, he had also been in a mood all week the last time, pretty sure he had also been drunk a lot. It’ll do you good to show off your devilishly handsome hubby. Brinley would probably cry or something, he knew she relished her alone time.  Jon tucked his cell away, glancing at the clock and sighed, dropping down to start doing pushups. “On a scale of one to ten, how fucked up will I look in a monkey suit?”

 

“If you slick your hair back, it’ll be a solid ten.”

 

“Douchecanoe.”

 

~!~

 

“Mrs. Ambrose.” Wyatt was staring down at her intently, knowing exactly who she was.  

 

Everyone did.  The white collar worker had married the lunatic, a match made in some weird hell pit that had been brokered by the devil himself.  She stepped back and he simply stepped forward, very easily filling her space.

 

“It’s actually Mrs. Good, but everyone calls me Brinley, Bray.” She smiled softly, folding her arms in front of her chest. “You and I both know your beef with my husband is between the two of you.”

 

“Hmm, I suppose you’re right.  Sure you don’t wanna get involved and make Deanie boy jealous?” Bray wiggled his brows, smirking at her soft giggling. “I jest, honey.  You know I’m harmless when it comes to women.”

 

“Well, I would hope so.” The Wyatt Family wasn’t nearly as intimidating as they seemed, each of them friendly.  However, she knew the Shield legitimately had problems with the Wyatt Family and didn’t want any involvement in that. “Now, what can I do for you?  I have a meeting I’m late for, but if you’re quick, I can help you out first.”

 

“Came here to talk to you about my upcoming match, but if you don’t got the time now, I can come back later on.”

 

“If you wouldn’t mind, that would be great.” Her cell went off, knowing it was another text from Dean, and ignored it, always putting work first before anyone, especially him. “I should get going, but as soon as I have it finalized, you’ll be the first to know.”

 

“Sounds good, sorry for keepin’ you.”

 

“Not a problem, take care, Bray.” She walked out of the producer’s office and pulled her phone out, rolling her eyes at Dean’s message. Great.  My parents’ 35 year anniversary surprise party and he wants to go to that, but not a graduation for my nephew.  Makes a lot of sense, JON.  NOT!

 

It made perfect sense.  Jon didn’t need to impress her nephew nor did he want too. Her parents on the other hand, that was a whole different story and this was a big to-do, she and her brother had been working on it for a while now.  Even he knew 35 years of marital hell was a big deal.  He was a little curious if they looked like they were 200 or something from sucking the life out of each other.  Also, it was good to occasionally do something, just to surprise and maybe irritate Brinley for a little bit, because she generally – correctly – assumed he didn’t want to bother.

 

You should work in a skirt with no panties.  Just a blouse, bra and her skirt…maybe he’d actually pay attention in meetings where the talent was required.

 

That’s not happening.  Panties are a must, keep dreaming, Ambrose.

 

Stepping into the meeting that had already started, Brinley apologized and explained quickly about her run-in with Bray Wyatt.  They understood and gestured to her to take a seat before resuming the meeting.  Luckily, she had only missed the first few minutes, which was ideas being tossed around for the matches that night.  While the meeting was going on, she shut her phone off, her focus being completely on the meeting and her job.  Not her parents, not Dean, nobody and nothing else mattered besides this match she was producing tonight.  It was another Divas match pitting The Bella Twins against the current Diva’s champion AJ Lee & Tamina.  They also had her producer another match with Sheamus against Christian in a Memphis Street Fight, since they were in Memphis, Tennessee currently.  Once the meeting was over with, it was time to track down the Bella’s, AJ Lee, and Tamina to discuss what would happen during the match.  As long as the timing wasn’t off, everything else would run smoothly.

 

Chapter 10

 

Jon was going to get his hands on her schedule or something, figure out when her meetings were held just so he could screw her beforehand and steal those panties, or ruin them.  The idea of her sitting in a meeting with some creamy panties had his dick throbbing, especially since he knew she’d shift a little, maybe clench her thighs if they were soaked because of him.  That was a very, very hot little idea, one he wanted to make a reality soon.  Getting in a pre-match warmup, now it was time for another cigarette outside of the building and then maybe something to eat.  He smirked when he spotted his wife coming down the hall, looking very focused, which meant she had a task at hand.

 

“How was the meeting?  Productive?  Anything interesting?”

 

“Two matches, don’t have time to talk right now.” Deadlines had to be met and she sighed when Dean promptly stepped in her way, forcing her to give him her attention. “They have nothing to do with you.  I already told you I will never produce one of your matches.” Conflict of interest and all that.

 

“I’m aware, that’s not what I wanna talk to you about.”

 

Her stomach clenched, having a feeling she knew what he was referring to.  The house.  The party.  Maybe Brinley had pissed him off with what she texted him earlier. “Change your mind about the party?” He shook his head and she plastered a smile for him. “Excited about getting the house?” Another shake of his head.  Well, what the hell had Brinley missed?  Then the naughtier text slid into her mind and she could see the gears turning in Dean’s head. “I told you I’m not doing that.  You have a match to focus on, even if you are just ringside candy tonight.”

 

“Aww, you think I’m candy?” Jon already knew tonight was off the menu for the skirt thing, as much as he messed around with her, he wasn’t about to totally risk her job when she had responsibilities to do.  It’d be his luck that one of them would end up fired or suspended and that would be detrimental to basically his entire life. “Nah…I heard from a little birdie that Wyatt stopped in for a visit.” Wyatt was a giant pain in his left testicle and the man had no business bothering his wife. 

 

THAT was a conflict of interest as far as Jon was concerned.

 

“Yeah, he was wondering about his match tonight and I told him I’d let him know as soon as it was finished.” Dean had slowly backed her up by pushing on her stomach until they were out of the middle of the hallway and against the wall.  He had his arm hover over her head, those electric blues narrowed slightly down at her. “I don’t have a problem with Bray and he was professional.” Unlike SOME people Brinley could name because the Shield tended to bust balls if they didn’t like something that was in the script.  It was three on one, so they normally got their way if they wanted something changed. “Whatever happens between you and Bray and the Wyatts isn’t my business or concern.  Leave me out of it, Dean.”

 

“Can’t, Angel, seems like a conflict of interest there if you’re helping him out or if he’s coming to you, especially since you’re married to me.”

 

Brinley couldn’t help HIM with his matches or anything like that, but she could help someone he was actively feuding with on screen and behind the scenes.  That was a big conflict of interest.  If she were truly impartial, she would have seen about recusing herself from that entire situation and he knew she could do it.  Brinley wouldn’t have been the first official dancing too close to those flames.  Of course, some of those who hadn’t, who had said no, had been dragged into said flames and that was food for thought, his eyes lighting up as Jon studied her face.

 

“Dean, I’m not doing his match.  Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m producing the Divas tag match and the Sheamus match tonight.” Now Brinley was getting frustrated, folding her arms in front of her chest. “You will not dictate to me how I do my job.  That is one thing you DON’T have control over is my career.  I will work with whoever I want in this company.  I’ve been here a hell of a lot longer than you, remember that, BOY.” Bray wasn’t her family or her husband, he was a coworker, so it was NOT a conflict of interest at all! “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do and so do you.  Stay out of my career or I will make you regret it.” Storming away from him, Brinley cursed the heavens above for thinking she could go one solid week without fighting and arguing with her husband.  Dean knew just what to say to push her buttons and now she was thoroughly pissed off and annoyed with him. I hope he’s fucking happy and I will work with Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Family if I want to!

 

So, if she wasn’t producing the match then WHY was Wyatt coming to her about it?  Didn’t Brinley realize she made no sense or this entire situation?  Jon’s eyes narrowed as he watched her walk away, not appreciating the threat she had just made.  He didn’t like threats, especially ones that were probably tailored towards his career.  In fact, he tended to do some outrageous things when people messed with his career, what he had worked for almost his entire life, his one and only dream, one and only true love.  Brinley, his sweet Angel, had just put her toe over a line she probably shouldn’t have.

 

Naturally, Brinley could not complain or bitch to her friends about what happened with Dean.  One, it would make her sound petty and two, they were supposed to be the perfect, happy married couple.  That was how they were portrayed within the company.  So in love, so happy – Lies, so many lies.  Brinley did not care what the consequence would be for mouthing off to Dean because he had angered her.  She was part of the production team, so it didn’t matter who Bray went to and Bray hadn’t meant to go directly to her either.  He just happened to walk into the production team’s office the same time she’d been in there grabbing her notes!  Pure coincidence, yet Dean was making it sound like she was working directly with Bray Wyatt and betraying him or something!  The man had several screws loose and needed to get his act together.  One thing about Brinley was her career was the most important thing to her, aside from her family, so if Dean screwed with it in any way, she would retaliate by screwing with his career. 

 

So, if he was smart, he wouldn’t tussle with her and just leave her career alone.

 

“We’re going out dancing tonight.”

 

“And you’re coming with us for a girl’s night.”

 

“Just the three of us?” Brinley breathed a silent sigh of relief because she really didn’t want to deal with Dean tonight at the motel.

 

“Hell yeah!” Nikki grinned, wrapping an arm around Brinley’s shoulders and kissed the side of her head. “Let’s paint the town red, you in?”

 

“Like I wouldn’t be?” Dean would have to stew by himself tonight because she was going out with the ladies and decided to be a good wife, informing him via text message. Going out with the Bella’s tonight and riding with them to the next arena.  See you tomorrow sometime. “I’ll just crash with you guys tonight and then ride to the next area if that’s okay?”

 

Nikki and Brie nodded, not thinking anything of it since they did that frequently.  Dean would ride with Seth and Roman whenever she rode with the Bella’s or some of her other friends in the company, including her brother, of course.

 

That right there proved Brinley was NOT living in total fear for herself or her family.  She was very capable and willing to put her career over her family.  Jon would have found that interesting to know, but it was in his best interest to keep her on the road with him, where he could keep her pert backside under his eyeballing and thumbs, and hands…and lips, and everything else she loved to hate about him. Have fun.  Bryan and I are also going out.  Interesting coincidence huh? Actually, they weren’t, but they would because it was easy to persuade his buddy to go out when his wifey was out with the girls due to boredom.

 

If you say so.  Enjoy. Good, Dean would be busy with Bryan for the evening and anyone else who wanted to tag along. 

 

Brinley knew it wouldn’t be just Bryan, Seth would probably end up joining them as well. 

 

Bryan was friends with them as well, especially Seth.  It was an Indies thing where the boys stuck together and had each other’s backs.  When Jon was down in developmental, Bryan had warned him ahead of time not to ask anyone anything, for favors and whatnot.  Jon, in turn, had relayed that message to both Seth and Roman, so they all protected each other from the corrupt system that was WWE.  That warning had served them well because it was a dog eat dog world encased in a fishbowl where everyone could usually be in his business.  They had fought and struggled to get where they were, finally TAKING what kept being denied them.  Jon had no problems in asserting himself and doing whatever it took to keep what he felt was rightly his.

 

~!~

 

Three shots and three beers in, Brinley was feeling really good and pulled the twins out onto the dance floor of the club they were in.  They had dolled her up, so she had on a mini red dress that went two inches above the knee, sleeveless and clung to her curves like saran wrap.  Her blonde hair was curled and hanging loosely down her back and over her shoulders, her makeup done to perfection.  Smoky eyes, red glossy lips, and red high heels on her feet that strapped up her calves.  It was more Nikki than anything, the woman had amazing, sexy taste and Brinley was in her element with them, letting her hair down.  She had also taken her wedding ring off for the evening, at the behest of Nikki, who wanted her to enjoy a night out without worrying about the ball and chain.  Brie refused to take hers off and Brinley knew why because she actually loved her husband and he felt the same way about her.  That wasn’t her and Dean at all.  It could’ve been, possibly, if he hadn’t threatened to kill her brother and her family.  Brinley hadn’t thought twice about it, dropping the diamond ring in her purse and off they went to party it up in Memphis.

 

She should have thought twice about it because she was ruining that perfect marriage image they had very openly.  Jon had instantly noticed the lack of sparkle on THAT finger when he and the guys strolled in.  He wasn’t on pussy patrol, he had good pussy tethered to him in Brinley, but he wasn’t about to tell Seth he couldn’t get his fuck on.

 

“Why this place?”

 

“Because it’s popular with the crew and people leave us the fuck alone.”

 

Bryan wasn’t comfortable in a place like this and raised a brow at the sight of his wife dancing with Nikki and Brinley, chuckling. “Out of all the places you had to choose man…” He pointed them out abruptly, not realizing Dean had once again spied on his wife in order to discover where she was headed tonight with the twins. “Why don’t we go find another place and leave them be?” It was supposed to be a girl’s night out for his wife and Bryan didn’t want to ruin that by being here.

 

“Nah man, Dean’s right.  This place is good.” Seth argued, his half blonde, half black hair pulled back in a neat bun at the nape of his neck.

 

“Oh great, look who decided to come crash the party!” Nikki crowed, spotting Dean, Bryan, and Seth right away, shaking her head with a smile on her face.

 

Brinley turned to see what Nikki was pointing at, after doing another shot, and inwardly groaned at the sight of her husband staring back at them. “Oh great.  I thought it was supposed to be a girl’s night out for us?”

 

“Don’t look at me.” Brie held her hands up, a little tipsy from the shots. “I didn’t tell Bryan where we were going.”

 

“I didn’t tell Dean either.”

 

“Why do you call him that by the way?” Nikki was curious, deciding now was the best time to ask. “His actual name is Jon, right?”

 

Brinley nodded, taking a seat at their table. “Yeah, but he prefers me calling him Dean for some reason.  I don’t mind it, it’s who he is.”

 

“That’s so weird.  I could never call Bryan ‘Daniel’.  It just doesn’t sound right.” Brie popped a peanut in her mouth she cracked open, the girls taking a small break from dancing.

 

“So when you guys fuck…”

 

“Nikki!”

 

“What?  We’re best friends here and I’m curious.  So, when you guys fuck, do you call him that too?”

 

Brinley knew it would seem really strange if she answered that question with a yes, so she opted for a little white lie. “Of course not.  I know his name is Jon and when we’re intimate, he’s Jon to me.  I mainly call him Dean when we’re on the road, though at home, I do slip up occasionally.” Lies, all lies.

 

“Oh….” Nikki and Brie exchanged knowing looks, both of them nodding their heads in sync. “He's one of those guys who still does the old school shit.  What was it called?”

 

“Kayfabe, I think.”

 

“Such a dumb word, it makes no sense.”

 

Did she enjoy pretending she was single on these nights?  Jon wondered to himself while continuing to eyeball her across the way, without making it seem too obvious.  Did she ever pick up younger men with her cougar ass?

 

Brinley thought about it several times and even had a few advances made towards her.  Nothing too bad, just some harmless flirting and then she would reveal she was married and they’d walk away rejected.  There were some very good looking men, even hotter than Dean, and she’d been sorely tempted to break the marriage vow.  Dean didn’t love her.  Dean didn’t respect her.  She was convinced he only forced her into marriage to him to get closer to her brother, an icon in this business. 

 

Chris knew all there was to know about this business, which was why she’d been hesitant to work in WWE in the first place when the job was offered to her.  Brinley got hired by her own merits, no one else; she had worked her tail off to get to where she was today HERSELF.  Her brother never once gave a recommendation or anything because he didn’t want her earning her spot due to his name.  He wanted her to make a name for herself and, even though she wasn’t on television as a character or wrestler, her contributions as a producer were second to none.  Vince loved her, had even tried convincing her to be on television a time or two, and Brinley had respectfully declined the old man with a humble smile. 

 

Chapter 11

 

Now there were a few wrestlers she had tangled with sexually over the past five years, one of them being none other than the Undertaker, Mark Calaway.  It had been a small fling, a night here and there, but once he stopped coming on the road except once a year for WrestleMania, that faded quickly and she had moved on.  That was a secret Brinley would take to the grave and NOBODY except Brie knew of it because she confided the information to her dearest friend.  Nikki was a blabbermouth, so Brinley made Brie swear to her to never utter a word about her little trysts with Mark and Brie had kept that secret.

 

“You’re right, social media has completely crumbled kayfabe, but that’s what he wants me to call him and again, I don’t take issue with it.”

 

“But isn’t that confusing as hell for you?  Have you ever screamed ‘Dean’ during sex?”

 

Brinley smirked, taking a swig of her beer. “I plead the fifth on that one.”

 

“Oh she has!  Doing a little wrestling role play with the husband?” Nikki teased, giggling when Brie sputtered on the next round.  Even though they were talking about the guys, they had been virtually forgotten since they had disappeared somewhere.

 

Dean and Bryan were now playing wingman for Seth currently.

 

“Wait, what was his indie name?  You ever use that one?”

 

Brinley didn’t even know what Jon’s Indie name was and shook her head. “Can’t say that I have.  I don’t even know what it is.”

 

Both Brie and Nikki looked at each other before back at their friend. “You DO know he was in the Indies, right?”

 

“Of course, I do.  I just…never watched any of his Indie stuff.  We really don’t talk much about wrestling when we’re home…” That was true for the most part. “Do you guys know what it is?”

 

“Jon Moxley.” Brie answered, leaning back against the booth with her arms folded in front of her chest. “Bryan calls him ‘Mox’ all the time.  You never noticed that?”

 

“Come to think of it…” Brinley had heard Bryan say that a time or two, not realizing he’d been referring to her husband by that name. “Huh.” In her defense, she tried not to pay too much attention to what Dean did or his conversations with people.  She didn’t care much about what was discussed, but now she felt like an idiot not even knowing her husband’s former Indie name. “Jon Moxley, huh?” That name was so much better than Dean Ambrose.  She really liked how it rolled off her tongue and wondered what he would do if she called him that. He’d probably be pissed. “You’re giving me ideas, girls.”

 

Nikki grinned wickedly, her eyes lighting up. “I dare you to fuck him tonight and call him by that name.”

 

“Jon or Moxley?”

 

“Both.”

 

“What’s your bet?” Brinley had a feeling sex would happen just because they were in the same place, even if they were separated at the moment.  It was inevitable.

 

The twins laid it all out, all of them giggling as they went over the details.  Basically, Brinley needed to call out Moxley for sure and then Jon was just bonus points. “He was interesting as uh, Moxley,” Brie said slowly, beginning to dance in place as a song she liked came on. “Not that he can get away with even half of it here in the WWE.”

 

“Yeah, no kidding.  John said he was ruining his body.  Or had ruined it.” Nikki looked at Brinley for verification. “Is it true he sewed his nipple back on?  Does it still get hard?”

 

THAT made her spew her beer right into her hand, immediately grabbing one of the napkins. “What?!” Brinley croaked out, not meaning it to sound like a demon coming out of her, but she had done that and burped at the same time. “I-I’m sorry, repeat that?  What do you mean he had to sew his nipple back on?”

 

“He used to work for a company called CZW.  Combat Zone Wrestling.  He was in what they call death matches and…you really don’t know any of this, do you?” Brie sounded in awe, wondering what exactly Jon and Brinley talked about when they first got together before marriage. “He’s never talked about his Indie days to you at all?”

 

“No.” Her eyes were wide at this revelation. “He had to sew his nipple back on after a match?” Jesus, what else had the man done to his body? “Oh man, he has a scar on his right shoulder blade that I always wondered about, but I never asked about it.  He also has tiny scars on his legs.  I just figured it was from wrestling or maybe a surgery he had in the past.” Brinley spotted her husband just then, alongside Bryan and Seth, all of them talking to a woman at the bar that was dressed even sexier than her.

 

“Bryan told me that the first time they wrestled together, they instantly clicked and he was one of the best opponents in his life.  They became fast friends, had more matches in the Indies, and he thinks of him like a brother.” Brie smiled warmly, placing a hand on Brinley’s. “I know he’s different and I was shocked when you told me you two got married, but after seeing you with him for a year…I’ve never seen him so happy.  You make him a better person, Brin.  Bryan has even noticed the change in him too.”

 

“Really?” That had to be a lie.  Or Jon put on a very good performance for his friend because he was a psycho and a manipulator. “Well, I do what I can.  Come on, let’s go dance some more.”

 

Change of subject was in order, Brinley didn’t want to talk about her husband Dean Ambrose, Jon Moxley, Jonathan Good, whatever the hell his name was.  Only she did.  Deep down she was a little curious about the man who had sewn his own nipple back on.  That story alone aroused curiosity in people, even if they weren’t into wrestling, it was just crazy sounding.

 

Currently, Bryan and Jon were doing a ‘routine’, being the obnoxious assholes without coming on too strong while Seth was all apologetic and dropping his ‘I’m so sorry, but you’re hot’ smiles at the woman he was interested in.  Jon was the first to be ‘evicted’ and when he walked away the arrogant look disappeared into a genuinely amused smile and he shook his head, heading to the bar to grab a beer.  Bryan would be next and then Seth would get his chance to sweet talk that little honey solo.  Nice looking woman, young though…too young for him.  He liked them a little older, a little more experienced, a little…hmm, he sipped his beer, electric blues scanning the area.  Where’d his cougar go?

 

His cougar was currently dancing on the floor, having the time of her life with the Bella twins and laughed at something Nikki whispered to her.  She turned while dancing, her eyes immediately locking on her husband from the dance floor and she didn’t stop moving.  There he sat with a beer in his hand, leaning against the bar and those eyes were on her as well.  It was supposed to be a girl’s night, so she continued dancing until the song ended, nodding when the twins told her they were taking a break.  Brie had found her husband, or rather Bryan had found her, so she was occupied and Nikki was on her phone texting her own man.  Jon hadn’t moved from his place at the bar and his eyes remained on Brinley, and she did have a bet to uphold with her friends.  Making her way from the table, she didn’t stop until she was in front of him, taking his beer to take a pull from it and then leaned up to softly kiss him, taking his hand to press just beneath the short dress she had on.

 

“Wanna get dirty with me, Jon?” Brinley had no panties on, so what he touched was pure flesh.

 

What the actual fuck?  Jon?  Now he was Jon to her?  Jon could not, for the life of him, keep his mouth from hitting the floor because this was very much unlike the uptight spinster bitch he had married and he was now going to have to stalk her nights out with the girls because his Angel was NOT wearing panties.  She had come out to a club, in a short dress, with NO PANTIES!  He didn’t know if he was more livid or turned on, definitely some weird combination of the two.

 

“Where the fuck,” Jon hissed, snatching back the beer to drain it and then whoever had been about to get that shot of…he downed it, hissing again, it was Maker’s Mark whiskey, the cheapskate. “Are your panties, Brinley?” He was guiding her away from the bar, his grip on her about as tight as the front of his pants, which had NO room thanks to his raging hard on.  

 

Dance floor, he couldn’t murder her there, right?  WHY was she giggling?  He was going to murder her.  Fuck her.  Then murder her.

 

“Does it matter?  Come on, this dress is REALLY tight and I didn’t want to show any panty lines.  A woman needs to BREATHE once in a while, Jon.” Oh, Brinley didn’t know why, but she enjoyed the fire in those electric blues of his as he yanked her against him on the dance floor. “I thought I’d get all nice and tipsy, hot and sweaty, and then go back to our room and surprise you since you were adamant about me not wearing any at the arena earlier.” Draping her arms around his neck, she pressed herself against him, brushing his lips again. “What’s the difference between there and here?  You wanted me without panties, you got me without panties.” She started moving with him since the song was slow, rubbing the back of his heated neck. “You wanted to treat me like a slut at the arena, so here’s your chance since I’m willing to get down and dirty with you,” She could not resist the next part, her mouth right by his ear. “Moxley.”

 

YES IT FUCKING MATTERED!  She was RAPE BAIT!  She was EASY ACCESS!  She was his goddamn WIFE and she was running around without anything beneath that dress he had every intention of burning.  It was a weird contradiction, Jon mused, as he basically dragged her off the dance floor and towards the back, towards the bathrooms.  He was PISSED at her for this, for giving him crap about his fantasies, but she had NO problem in acting them out when she wasn’t expecting him to be around.  Like a slut! “You don’t know Moxley, Angel,” He snarled, not sure which he wanted to do more, snap her neck or fuck her silly. “You wouldn’t like him.” Shoving her into the bathroom, Jon tossed his thumb over his shoulder at the one single person in there. “Get the fuck out.”

 

“Uh…yeah, sure…”

 

Dean locked that door behind the dude and wasted no time in bending her over the sink, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror as he hoisted that oh so tight dress up over her curvy hips. “You’re being naughty, Angel…”

 

There was no way in hell he was screwing her in the bathroom at a club!  What the hell?!  Brinley immediately twisted around and shoved him away from her, not very far, but enough while pulling her dress back down. “NO!  You’re not fucking me here, have you lost your goddamn mind?!  How dare you manhandle me like that!” She slapped him hard across the face, the smack echoing around the bathroom and Brinley sobered up quickly, her hand stinging while he tongued the inside of his cheek. “When I asked you to get dirty with me, I meant take me back to the motel and have your way with me.  Not. Fucking. Here.  Even I’M not that big of a slut that I’d allow you to fuck me in a disgusting bathroom at a club!” The arenas were different and she hadn’t been expecting those rendezvous to occur, and then didn’t care because the sex had felt very good. “Be pissed at me all you want, JON, but I’m a grown ass woman and if I wanna dress this way to go out for a night of fun with my friends, you can’t do a damn thing about it!”

 

That grown ass woman was eating her words about ten seconds later when Jon had her pinned up against that door and was balls deep in her dripping pussy.  She had literally put his hand on her bare pussy surrounded by people and he bet someone had seen it.  Usually, that did not go unnoticed by EVERYONE, there was always just one person who would be questioning what they saw for the rest of the night.  In this case, his wife guiding his hand to her snatch.  So, for her to flip her switch on him, yeah…He wasn’t having it.

 

“What was that, Angel?” She was glaring at him, her eyes still glassy, but Brinley was also moaning behind his palm, her body wasn’t on board with her words, that was for sure. “You don’t like it when it’s really dirty, do you?  The down and nasty shit…you too good for that after what you pulled out there?” Jon pressed his forehead against hers, this was not the most disgusting place he had ever had sex, this was actually pretty nice. “You are fucking dripping, Brinley, tell me how you’re not that big of a slut, MY slut!” He could feel her juices coating him and every time he pulled almost out of her, it seemed like more flooded them both, getting the front of his pants and their thighs.

 

Brinley could not fight him off even if she tried, refusing to move with him while he had his way with her against the door.  It didn’t feel good, none of it did, but her body had betrayed her again.  No, she didn’t appreciate being raped in a bathroom at a club.  Just because she dressed a little sexier than normal tonight did NOT mean she wanted to be treated like one!  By her own husband, at that!  She didn’t even climax for him as Dean exploded, just wishing for this to be over and done with.  The moment she was on shaky legs, she punched him as hard as she could right in the mouth, then nailed him in his balls, making him drop in front of her.

 

“I’m NOT your slut, you mother fucker and if you EVER manhandle me like this again, I’ll fucking kill you in your SLEEP!  And I’m not signing those papers to the house, you can get FUCKED!”

 

Kneeing him in the face for good measure, Brinley stormed out of the bathroom and right out of the club as fast as she could, after grabbing her purse, her face a mess of tears.  Getting into her rental she had followed the Bella’s over in, Brinley started hitting the steering wheel as hard as she could, crying her eyes out, not believing what just happened.  Her husband had raped her…he actually raped her in that bathroom and she was trembling from head to toe, in shock by what just happened.  Shakily, she turned over the ignition and wiped her face off the best she could before pulling out of there to head back to the motel.  She was NOT staying here with him, no way in hell, not after he manhandled and raped her.  Swallowing hard, Brinley quickly grabbed her belongings and then headed out again, deciding she would be driving to the next location just to get as far away from Dean as possible. 

 

It didn’t matter if she teased him or not, she had said no, he didn’t listen, forced himself on her…Pulling over on the side of the road, Brinley was out tossing her cookies and emptying the contents of her stomach moments later, more tears rushing down her face. “H-He’s never touching me again…never again…Chris…”

 

The shock had worn off from what happened and Brinley managed to pull herself up to get back in the car, continuing to drive while crying.  Her cell phone was going off with Nikki telling her that someone had attacked her husband in the bathroom at the club.  Nobody had seen who it was though.  That was laughable and Brinley didn’t bother responding, shutting her phone completely off.  Screw everyone right now, she needed time to think what her next move would be because, unfortunately, she was stuck with a psychotic bastard.

 

“Breathe, I just need to breathe right now…”

 

Rape was laughable.  At least it had been by her husband, who Brinley had blatantly come on too out in public, pulling his hand to touch the bare flesh of her pussy.  Jon was not amused at all, refusing help with his blackeye, but then again, maybe he was a little.  She was a cock teasing slut who had gotten all high and mighty when what she had been offering had been taken.  He retreated for the night, figuring he’d let her drunk ass have the rest of the night because tomorrow, there would either be an apology or something, or that house in Tampa was going up in flames.  Jon was not above giving her a warning.

 

Scared for her family, his ass!  Brinley would watch them all die if it meant she could cling to her hypocritical principals, such as look but don’t touch.

 

Chapter 12

 

The last thing Brinley wanted to do was go to the arena for this house show, but she didn’t have a choice.  She had a job to do and not even being raped by her husband would stop her from doing it.  Brinley had scrubbed herself with scalding hot water, using a fake name for her hotel room, so Dean wouldn’t find her.  Not right away.  She needed time away from him to think and process what happened.  No matter what he said, no matter what she did, he had raped her in that bathroom.  Brinley said no and he had taken what he wanted anyway, even if she did tease him.  She had told Dean to take her back to their motel room and he didn’t listen.  Nightmares had plagued her, so Brinley didn’t sleep well needless to say. 

 

If Dean thought for a second she would apologize for what she did to him, he would be waiting for a long time because he deserved what she did after raping her.  In fact, he was lucky his balls were still intact.  Pulling the wedding ring out, Brinley promptly dropped it back into her purse and decided she would not be wearing it.  The ring made her physically sick just looking at it, reminding her of that night in Vegas when he had taken her freedom away.  Closing her eyes, Brinley took a deep breath, grabbed her keys, and headed out of the hotel to head to the arena, slipping shades over her eyes taking the back staircase.

 

He hadn’t taken a damn thing she hadn’t been willing to give and that was evident by the fact that Brinley still fought with him.  She had beaten his ass in a bathroom!  The woman was blind if she honestly thought Jon had taken anything from her!  She gave him grief at every turn, went out partying with her girlfriends and acted like a slut, that was more freedom than a lot of women in ‘normal’ marriages had.  One could not claim to be scared on one hand while with the other, bashing a nose in and defying the person they were supposedly scared of.  Point, blank, period.

 

“You look like you slept wonderfully…” Jon commented when she rounded the last corner, halting on the small landing that segued into the next stair level.  She looked like hell.  So did he, he had a jacked up eye and wasn’t hiding it, his blue eyes carefully neutral as he studied her.  No wedding ring.  Of course not.

 

Brinley froze at the sight of him, feeling as if her heart had just plummeted down to her stomach.  This wasn’t the only stairwell she could take, how did he know she was even here?  She had used a fake alias and everything!  Did Dean have a radar on her or a tracker on her she wasn’t aware of?  Probably, she wouldn’t put it past him. “S-Stay away from me.” Legitimate fear filled her green eyes when he took a step and then she backtracked one, right back up the stairs. 

 

She would’ve given him sex last night, but not in the bathroom at a club.  No, he had manhandled her, scared her, and then raped her.  At the arenas, it was seduction and she caved to him, so it was consensual, but this had been full-on rape.  It also taught Brinley a lesson that she would never go out dressed like that again with the Bella’s as long as she lived.  Panties were a must from now on, no short mini dresses or anything that would deem her a slut.

 

Legitimately, Jon did not consider it rape because she had been teasing and offering herself to him.  Just because Brinley suddenly changed her mind, supposedly, didn’t mean a damn thing to him once he had passed that point.  She played hard to get, then royal slut and tease, and there were consequences to actions.  She had gotten the stuffing pounded out of her against a door and he had gotten jacked in the face, consequences for them both.

 

“Don’t tell me you’re suddenly afraid of me, not after all the shit you like to do and spew!” Jon didn’t believe she was afraid at all, he thought she was having a morning after moment and would probably be back to her usual, snappy self within a few days. “You should feel lucky it was me and not some random jackass who’d fuck you and then dump your ass in a garbage pail.” He informed her seriously, still trying to wrap his head around how very much unlike herself she had been last night.  Afraid…no, she was not.

 

“You don’t know me at all then.  You crossed a line last night that can never be uncrossed, JON.  So yeah, I’m terrified of you now.  Congratulations, now stay the hell away from me!”

 

She took off up the stairs as fast as she could, slamming the door shut and was thankful she had boots on today instead of heels.  Running in heels would’ve sucked. Dean was chasing her, she could feel it and didn’t dare look behind her as she took the staircase, jumping down some of them just to give herself as much time and space as possible.  Once in the parking garage, Brinley made a beeline for her rental car, nearly getting hit by someone and shouted out an apology before unlocking her car.  Just a little further and she would be away from here and her psychotic husband.

 

Apparently, his wife needed a reminder of the reason she was in this marriage.  Jon stroked his chin as he came to a halt, watching her taking off out of the parking lot like her ass was on fire.  He tugged a coin out of his front pocket, eyeballing it before finally flipping it.  It landed tails up and he began laughing, nodding his head and pocketed it again.  He had been feeling spiteful, banking her parents’ anniversary party on heads since statistically that was what was likely to land.  Her parents were lucky and the party safe…she could kiss her house goodbye though.  That bitch was going up in flames…or exploding.  Gas leaks and kabooms were a thing and she didn’t live there, so it wasn’t like she was monitoring for any issues.

 

That’d be perfect. 

 

~!~

 

Her house was gone.

 

A fire had started from inside and it had gone up in flames with a pending investigation.  Brinley was numb while she sat in her hotel room, silent tears falling down her cheeks.  For the past week, she had not spoken a word to Dean and didn’t go home with him either.  The paperwork for the house had to be finalized and she had been steadfast in not signing on with him, ignoring the various text messages he sent her way.  She was tempted to block his number, but that might’ve been pushing him over his limit.  Apparently, it had because she knew Dean was the one who destroyed her beautiful home in Tampa. 

 

It was a warning – a clear message sent that he was not to be trifled with.  Pulling out her wedding ring from the bottom of her purse, Brinley slipped it back on while crying the entire time, hating how much weight it carried on her finger…on her.  She had to go back to him…she had to return and pretend they were in love and nothing was wrong, that he hadn’t raped and terrified her.  Also, Dean knew better than to taunt her about what he did, he was smart and crafty, only saying the bare minimum in text messages, but there was such a thing as subtle threats.

 

After the house show that night, Brinley checked out of her room and drove to the motel she knew Dean was staying at.  It took every fiber of her being to raise her hand to knock on the door, waiting for him to answer, and he did moments later with just a pair of jersey shorts on, a cigarette dangling out of his mouth.  No words were spoken between them, there didn’t need to be any.  The ring was back on her finger and she stepped inside once he pushed open the door further to let her in, her body cringing as soon as it shut behind them.  Back into the lion’s den she went and it was all to protect her family, especially after that clear message he sent her.

 

Subtle sure, but nothing incriminating.  The only person in the world outside of himself who knew they were even threats would be her.  Jon didn’t say a word to her, just shut the door and didn’t bother touching her.  He didn’t need too and, honestly, after the bullshit she had given him this past week, he was afraid he might actually hurt her.  Brinley had FORCED this on him, FORCED him to remind her that he wasn’t all there in the head.  Apparently, she had gotten used to him being lax and needed this reminder that while he might’ve temporarily caged the beast, he was still a vicious one.  Someone who went from relatively normal to raving lunatic on a whim.  Her wedding ring was back on, so there was that at least.  His bruised eye was healing, it wasn’t all jacked up anymore, but it wasn’t gone either while he stood there staring down at her.

 

“Get off the fucking wall, Brinley, I’m not going to fucking touch you.”

 

Resigning herself to her fate, Brinley knew what she had to do to make things right with Dean, to hopefully steer him away from his psychotic nature.  This man had raped her and she was about to apologize for it.  In what universe did that make sense?  There was no escape and no other choice in the matter, especially in the foul mood he was in.  Pushing herself off the wall, Brinley walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him while pressing her body to his.

 

“I’m sorry.” She murmured, feeling nauseous at those words, but Brinley stuffed it all down and pulled back to stare into his eyes. “You were right.  I was acting like a slut that night and…I deserved what you did to me and how you treated me.  If I want to be treated like a lady, then I needed to act like it.  I crossed the line that night and you had every right to do what you did to me, Dean.  I asked you to get down and dirty with me and that’s what you did.  I promise to never dress or act like that again, okay?  So please…please forgive me and let me make it up to you.  I’ll do anything you want me to do.” I’m your slut and your prisoner, after all.

 

Now this was just her acting like a slut.  Jon already knew making it up, anything he wanted, was likely sexual and his nostrils flared as he reached up to pry her arms off of him. “Not interested.” He informed her coldly, shaking his head.  Spending a week without her because she had been hiding from him, not wearing her ring, Brinley had basically gave everyone the impression that they were on the rocks, then coupled with him getting ‘beaten up’ at that club…there were rumors galore. “You don’t make shit up with sex, Brinley!  Isn’t acting that way what got us in this mess, hmm?” He retreated from her, picking up a cigarette he had been contemplating and lit it. “When was the last time you ate?” She looked like hell warmed over.  Like she hadn’t slept.  Oh yeah, he had torched her house, that would explain it.

 

“I’m not hungry.  I nibbled a bit at the arena, but that’s it.” She kept her voice quiet, giving him the space he wanted and wondered if maybe coming here had been a mistake. NO!  You have to be here or else he’ll kill your family!  Look at the mess you created already!

 

Nobody had questioned her about their relationship either because they were minding their own business or they didn’t care.  Nikki and Brie had messaged her asking if she was all right and Brinley had responded with a ‘never better’.  Nothing more had been said.  They had left her alone as well.  Dean must’ve done serious damage control since she had kept to herself for the past week and that couldn’t have been easy for him.

 

“I-I’m gonna go change for bed, if that’s okay.”

 

He waved her off and Brinley had to hold back tears, not wanting to upset him anymore than he already was.  She changed into her pajama pants and tank top before splashing cold water on her face to get herself together.  Apologizing to her husband for raping her…that was a new low even for her.  Brinley walked out of the bathroom ten minutes later with Dean still at the window and lay down, covering up with the blanket.  Hopefully, a nightmare didn’t plague her tonight from that night at the club.

 

Before she decided to pull that stunt, Jon really hadn’t cared when she’d go do her own thing with her friends.  He hadn’t cared when she’d throw her ass around a little bit, it had been amusing most of the time.  However, that incident at the club, seeing what Brinley was like when he wasn’t around, how whorish she got when drinking, which she rarely did with him, had not done either of them any favors.  It was like all that freedom he gave her meant absolutely dick to her, which contradicted how she liked to remind him that she did things to protect her family, yeah…she did things all right!  Snorting, he dropped down on the bed and pulled his Styrofoam container of takeout back on his lap, resuming his meal while his eyes remained on the television.

 

“Where were you all week?” Who had she been with?  That was another one on his mind since he now officially had zero trust.  Brinley had shown a side of herself he hadn’t even been aware existed.  Jon glanced down at her, reaching out to roll her on her back with his non-fork wielding hand.

 

“Hotels, by myself.” Just the feeling of his hand on her made Brinley involuntarily tremble and she couldn’t stop the reaction, staring at the ceiling.  She’d never cheated on her husband, though she had thought about doing it a time or two.  Dean didn’t need to know that, however.  She was taking those bad thoughts to the grave with her. “I wasn’t with anyone else.  I was alone.” He grunted again and it was obvious he didn’t believe her, which was her own fault for acting the way she did with him.  If Dean thought she acted that slutty when out with the Bella’s, he was wrong. 

 

Sure, she dressed a little provocatively and sometimes she didn’t wear panties, but Brinley had never gone up to a man and put his hand on her bare flesh.  The ONLY reason she did that was because of what Dean said to her at the arena earlier that night in the text message.  She thought he would enjoy having his wife bare for him and had made sure she didn’t flash anyone throughout the night.  Brinley would never do anything like that with him again and vowed to leave the place immediately if Dean walked in the next time she was out with the Bella’s. 

 

There would be a next time since she refused to give up her friendship with those girls and others because of him.

 

Chapter 13

 

Given how much Jon disgusted her unless he was fornicating her, he had no idea what she did when he wasn’t around.  Brinley always came across tight assed, so her not wearing panties out CLUBBING, when date rape drugs and assaults were a serious thing, had him questioning a lot about her. “So,” Change of subject was in order, not about to lose his temper again. “About not signing on the house, Angel...” She had best have changed her mind about that one because they had to get to that immediately.  Jon had done that FOR HER, she wanted out of the slummy apartment, so he had done something nice and she had defecated all over him!

 

Closing her eyes, Brinley had to talk herself down mentally and would be doing a lot of that in the future, especially after this psychotic bastard had burnt her beautiful home to the ground. “I’ll sign the papers, Jon.  I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” Take more of my freedom away, if there’s anything left of it.

 

He’d done it.  He had broken her temporarily by burning her house down.  Her only hope was them somehow linking Dean – no, Jon – to the fire and sending him up the river for arson, but knowing Jon, he had covered his tracks perfectly.  His hand moved to her knee to gently squeeze it on top of the blanket Brinley had on and once again, she tensed involuntarily, doing everything in her power to keep the tears at bay.

 

“Since when am I Jon?” She had also called him Moxley at that club, which had dimly registered that night, but the no panties and her putting his hand on her bare box in a crowded club had overloaded his mind. 

 

Jon had only processing power enough for one thing at a time.  No panties had been that one thing.  How the hell did she know about that?  Brinley had made it very clear she found him disgusting; she was repulsed by the Shield and hadn’t given a flying fig about anything regarding him prior to the WWE.  Even then, she didn’t care, just aware because they happened to work for the same company.

 

“I’m not going to hurt you, goddamn it, all this time and I’ve never hurt you seriously and now you’re fucking terrified?!”

        

“Brie pointed out that it’s weird I call you Dean when that’s not your real name.  And…Nikki told me about some of your past in the Indies as the name Jon Moxley.  If you want people to keep believing we’re a loving married couple, I should start calling you Jon outside of the arenas.  Dean makes sense when we’re working, but not outside when that’s not even your real name.” Talking actually helped her calm down and relax a little, his hand not moving from the spot he had it. 

 

He was right.  Surprisingly, Jon had never hurt her or put his hands on her in a violent way…until a week ago at the club.  She still had a small bruise on her arm from where he grabbed and dragged her into the bathroom.  However, her body was naturally reacting to his touch because of the rape and there was nothing Brinley could do about it, there was nothing she could do to control it either.

 

“I’m sorry, I’ll try harder not to be scared…” What more could she say at this point? 

 

“I don’t give a flying fuck what those snatches point out, I don’t WANT to be called Jon!  I didn’t even like it before the WWE!” Granted, he didn’t like Dean either, he thought it was stupid, but they had refused to let him use the name he had used in the Indies, the cocksuckers. “Nobody has questioned it until this past week,” He gave her a pointed look because it was on HER that things were being questioned because Brinley had decided to run off on him for the entire week. “So no, you’re not calling me Jon.” Why her body was reacting scared of him was beyond him because her body had been wetter than a slip and slide, her juices had coated him.  Brinley had been turned the hell on.  She was making this a mental problem in his book.

 

“I’m calling you Jon and you’re going to deal with it.  I’ll call you Dean at the arenas, but you’re Jon, that’s your name, just like I’m Brinley.  You don’t see Brie calling Bryan Daniel, do you?  It’s WEIRD and kayfabe died when social media was invented.  For the record, I actually prefer your name instead of that frat boy name anyway.  Dean does not suit you at all.  Jon seems more like your style, more you.  You’re anything but a frat boy.” He was not going to let her sleep and she needed a cigarette, so Brinley was up out of bed, just so he didn’t have his hand on her.  Lighting up a cigarette, she stared out the window and knew she’d have to do damage control. “People think you’re weird and I’m weirder for marrying you, so I’ll just tell them you needed downtime to yourself.  Easy peasy, they won’t question it.  And if they do, I’ll just tell them it’s none of their business.” Taking a drag of her cigarette, Brinley felt him walking up behind her and tried getting the nicotine to make her relax. 

 

Maybe some Xanax was in order.

 

“Have you ever tried not being stupid?  Like, seriously, is it hard for you?” Considering Brinley had run from him for a week and then cowered like a little bitch here in this room, hugging that wall and shaking when Jon so much looked at her, she was acting awfully ballsy all of a sudden.  He rolled out of the bed just in case his bipolar wife decided he’d make a great ashtray and tried putting that cigarette out on his skin somewhere.  Lord knew he deserved it, he was just saying whatever came to his mind and nothing was very nice right now because he was feeling salty. “Again, I don’t give a flying fuck about what your fucking friends do!  MY friends call me Mox, so no, it’s not fuckin’ weird.  You’re letting them put stupid ideas and shit into your head and you need to stop.  We’re NOT them.” Obviously!  He doubted Bryan would ever set someone’s house on fire!  His eyes narrowed at her when her own narrowed up at him, scowling when she actually didn’t even back down, even when he moved so he was suddenly in her face. “You make no sense.” But the damn anger was out of his tone, now it was admiration for her balls and confusion. “And you’re not stupid, I shouldn’t have said that.”

 

“No, I AM stupid.” Brinley blew more smoke out, not caring that the window wasn’t open and looked away from him, trying to ignore how close he was to her. “I’m stupid for allowing this to go as far as it has.  I’m stupid for not pushing you away the first night you pulled me into that dressing room.  I’m stupid for thinking, for a second, I could make this work and find a shred of happiness somewhere in this fucked up arrangement.  There’s no happiness.  There’s no love.  There’s no respect.  I’m here for your pleasure and your sick, demented enjoyment because it’s all about you.  I get that now.  Took a while, but I got it.” She started laughing, the sound completely broken and heartbreaking. “And now…now I’m being forced to sign onto a house I don’t want with a man I despise and hate with all of my heart and soul, all to protect my family.  I’m being forced into all of this because of my STUPID actions.  So yeah, I am VERY stupid, you got that right.” A man who had raped her after forcing her into a marriage with him based on horrible threats and promises to hurt the ones she loved most.

 

“Maybe, you’re awfully brave all of a sudden, you ever think you should get checked for bipolar issues?  Maybe a little time in a mental hospital would do you some good, too bad they outlawed shock therapy.” Not that Jon actually condoned it; that was just wrong and cruel, even by his messed up standards. “You ever think that I have no respect for you because of you?  The minute that light switch came on, anything good you felt about me went sideways, Brinley, and I hadn’t even done a fucking thing to you!  You just automatically despised me and I never got why.” He had never screwed with her, hadn’t really looked at her, nothing, but as soon as those lights flipped, she had looked so disgusted and mortified.

 

No wonder he didn’t respect her!

 

“What the hell are you talking about?  I was in SHOCK!  You never even gave me a chance, you just assumed the look on my face was disgust.  It was shock, Jon.  I was in shock that it was you, one of the Shield guys.” Why were they discussing that night anyway?  Jon had shown his true colors to her right away, forcing her into submission with seduction tactics and immediately threatened her brother if she didn’t do what he wanted.  What kind of man did that? “My brother warned me to stay away from you guys, so it was shock and fear.  And go ahead and put me in a mental hospital.  At least I’d be away from you and then you’d really be up shit’s creek without a paddle as far as my brother and family goes.  I didn’t despise you until you threatened my brother and my family.  THEN I despised you.  YOU did that, not me.  YOUR fault, not mine.”

 

Chris.  Chris had warned her.  Jon did not feel bad at all anymore, his eyes narrowing again. “Time for all little girls to shut their pie holes and go to bed.” He singsonged down at her, reaching for his cigarettes because he felt the need to chain smoke suddenly and lit one.  Grunting, he peeled off his shirt and stormed over to the mini fridge, pulling out a beer and cracked it open, downing it.  Brinley was a lying little spinster and he was tired of her again already. “And I swear to all that is holy if you fucking open your mouth again to argue and lie, I’ll duct tape your entire fucking head just to shut you up.” He had been there, he had SEEN her face before he had opened his mouth. “I’m not kidding.” Jon had apologized for calling her stupid and everything; he was stupid, he wasn’t apologizing to himself.

 

Taking the blanket and pillow off the bed, she proceeded to lay down on the carpeted floor next to the bed, flat out refusing to share one with him.  If he wanted to force her to stay in the same room with him, that did NOT mean she had to share the bed with him. “Don’t fucking touch me, Jon.” That was all she had to say to him as she settled down on her side, covering up and let silent tears fall from the corners of her eyes soaking into the pillow. 

 

A snort told her he wasn’t planning on it and Brinley decided she would be sleeping on the floor in their motel rooms from now on.  The new house had more than one bedroom and she would be designating one of them for herself.  Just because she was married to this asshole against her will did NOT mean they had to act like a married couple behind closed doors.  He could go find pussy elsewhere, he wasn’t touching her again.

 

Please no nightmares, please no nightmares tonight.

 

She had nightmares.  Brinley was having one currently while he stared down at her.  She would wake herself up with them and then fall back into sleep again.  Jon stayed up, watching her and didn’t touch her.  Again, she had been all scared and then flipped off, gave him crap, the woman had no sense of self-preservation or common sense.  He had burnt her house to a crisp and her family was in his crosshairs, but she was still pushing his buttons.  Jon made a mental note not to have any children with her, they’d wind up producing stupid, psycho babies.  He whipped out his cell phone, recording the next night terror she had, the whimpering and everything it came with, the jerky motions too.  The second she said his name, in fear, he ended the recording, frowning.  

 

Hmm…cautiously, he moved onto the floor, sitting beside her and slowly placed a hand on her arm. “You’re safe, Brinley…”

 

His touch made her tremble further in her sleep, so he pulled his hand away and she relaxed again, somewhat, the trembling not as profound as it was.  Her body knew his touch and wanted nothing to do with it, with him.  Her eyes opened when she felt Jon spoon up against her, wrapping his arms around her to hold her and heard his voice whisper that she was safe.  No, no she wasn’t.  This wasn’t safe.  She was in danger and in the arms of a psychopath that had burnt her house down, all to send a message to her.  All Brinley wanted to do was get as far away from him as she possibly could, but that wasn’t an option for her.  She cringed as his lips pressed against her neck and shoulder gently, her eyes closing again.  Was this his way of reacclimating her body to his touch, to make her less afraid?  It wasn’t working, Jon was just making things worse and she didn’t move besides the tensing and cringing, slowly lulling herself back to sleep.

 

And in her sleep, her body began relaxing finally.  He had NOT raped her and while he may have gotten rough with her over the past year, her body had never trembled or shaken when he touched her.  Her body probably had a LOT of good memories burnt into it.  Eventually, Brinley had rolled so her face was pressing against him and he kept lightly running his fingers up and down her arm. It made absolutely no sense, her being so afraid and yet still so ballsy to lip off to him, no sense at all.  She had no survival instinct.

 

Why was Jon on the floor with her?  Brinley had managed to get some sleep and woke up in the arms of her husband, on the floor with her.  She did remember waking up with him kissing on her neck and shoulders, touching her, but other than that, nothing else.  Fully dressed, so they didn’t have sex.  She would definitely remember if they had.  Pulling back a little to study his sleeping face, Brinley knew the only way to overcome what happened, what he did to her, was to face it head on.  Moving in to kiss him, she stopped herself and instead got up from the floor to take a scalding hot shower. 

 

No, she wasn’t ready for that yet and scrubbed herself until her skin was red.

 

Chapter 14

 

Going back to Vegas with Jon was interesting. 

 

Even though they had a nice, warm, cozy new bed to sleep in, Brinley wanted nothing to do with it.  She slept out in the living room on the floor and Jon joined her, just like in the motels.  The papers were signed and the house was a done deal.  Closing would commence within a month, shortly after WrestleMania.  That was frightening to think about and Brinley had been in somewhat of a daze after signing the papers.  Thirty years…she was stuck with this man for at least the next 30 damn years of her life!  More furniture shopping commenced after that and she pretended to care what they bought, but honestly, her heart wasn’t in it.  She tried to put effort and thought into it, but…nothing came. 

 

Even with her house burning down in Tampa, the show had to go on and the surprise party arrived before Brinley was ready for it.  Still, she DID put effort into how she looked for the evening and stepped out of the bathroom of the hotel room her and Jon were staying in.  The dress was a mermaid style dress that hugged her curves and then flared out at the bottom with sparkling ivy leaves throughout it.  It was sleeveless, had a V-shaped neckline, but didn’t show off any cleavage at all.  She had silver and emerald leaf earrings that matched and her hair was done professionally earlier in the day with a ton of spiral blonde curls piled on top of her head.  An emerald necklace around her neck, bracelet, and of course her wedding ring, Brinley was about as ready as she was getting.

 

“Are you ready to…oh wow…” The moment she looked up and saw her husband, for the first time, in a full suit with a black tie, a wave of warmth spread throughout her body.  Jon looked exceptional in a suit and she walked over to him, seeing his tie needed to be fixed. “Here, let me help you with this.”

 

Jon had been struggling with the damn thing; he had worn suits before, but he had aways skipped the tie.  It was a choking hazard as far as he was concerned and felt like they were constricting him even though they weren’t.  However, for this event, and given he had to do damage control on their marriage, PLUS wanting to calm her panicky tits down…he was doing the entire shebang.  Hell, he had even done something with his usual curly, mop of hair and had it slicked back with gel.

 

“Thank you.” He murmured quietly once she was done, watching those beautiful green eyes flickering to his hair and he reached up, almost to touch it and then stopped himself. “It’s uh, gelled…so it don’t go popping up or something.” He said after a moment, turning away from her to study himself in the mirror.  Honestly, Jon didn’t even recognize himself and he stepped aside when she moved closer, surveying them both. “You look beautiful, Angel.”

 

“Thank you.  You look…incredible tonight, Jon.” He even shaved and she reached up to touch his face with the back of her hand gently, really hoping they had a great night out for her parents’ anniversary. “I should’ve probably said this sooner, but there’s no hard liquor at the party.  We decided on beer, there’s a limit, and champagne.” He shrugged, not seeming to mind it and that made her smile more prominently. “There’s a few people coming that drink a little too heavily in our family and Chris is one of them, so we decided it would be best to limit everyone.”

 

“Got it.  Tie straightened out?”

 

She smoothed it out with her hand, tucking it in and then leaned up to brush her lips softly against his. “My way of thanking you for coming tonight and being my date.” Brinley extended her hand to him and grabbed her clutch before they headed out for what would be a very memorable evening.  She had to get into the mindset, switch into loving wife mode, and slid into the waiting limousine that would take them to the venue. 

 

Tonight was all about her parents and celebrating them, nothing else mattered, not even her burnt to a crisp home.

 

Brinley really was going to keep pushing this ‘Jon’ name, explicitly against his wishes, and he was getting tired of reminding her.  Naturally, tonight, he would answer to that because he wasn’t trying to embarrass her in front of her family.  Not unless she REALLY, really pissed him off and then all bets were off.  Their 35^th anniversary would be malarkey on the floor if she went out of her way to screw with him.  Drumming his fingers on his kneecap in the limo, Jon watched the scenery fly by.  He was expecting someone to say something about her house, wondering how that would go.  The party was for her parents, but conversation usually didn’t stay on the same topic and there was only so much a person could discuss before changing the subject.

 

“You making a speech or something tonight?” He asked finally, glancing over at her.

 

“Yes.”

 

Brinley meant what she said, she would never call him Dean again unless they were at work.  Other than that, he was Jon to her and it would remain that way, whether he liked it or not.  Brinley and Jon hadn’t spoken to each other much, but there was a lot of touching and he refused to sleep without her, even if it meant on the floor.  He knew better than to move her because of the nightmares she still had.  They didn’t occur every night, but still plagued her once or twice a week, depending on how thick the tension was between them.  There was a lot of packing and silence with just the radio playing since they would be moving into their new house in just a month’s time.  Not to mention, WrestleMania was upon them in just a few weeks, so it was chaotic at the arenas during Raw and Smackdown! shows.

 

“I only mention you once in it, if that’s what you’re worried about, Jon.”

 

He snorted at her, shaking his head once. “No, B, it’s not.  I was just wondering cause isn’t that something that happens at this shit?  People go over all those wonderful, heartwarming memories and shit?” And these old fucks, his in-laws, had like over 35 years’ worth of marital memories. 

 

Who knew how many before marriage?  Jon had met their kids, he probably should’ve spiked the drinks as payback because they had borne a bastard son and a bitch of a daughter.  He had no experience with any of that and he was kind of glad about it.  This sounded like a hassle the way she had fretted over it. 

 

“Usually.  Don’t worry, you can leave early if you want, just like we agreed on.  I figured you’d eat and then bounce, which I’m fine with.” More than fine with, actually. 

 

There was also dancing, but Brinley didn’t expect Jon to dance with her.  He would sit there, plaster a smile on his face to act like the loving husband he wasn’t, and that would be the end of it.  Brinley planned on leaving him high and dry to converse with the rest of her family, so it would be up to him if he tagged along by her side or not.  Another snort from him and she was done talking, clasping her hands in her lap while staring out the window, sitting as far away from him as the limousine would allow.

 

She really was pushing it for someone who had just had her house burnt down.  This was why he couldn’t take her ‘fear’ seriously; Jon really couldn’t, not for very long. “I’m not leaving early, Angel,” He informed her after another round of silence, not bothering to look at her.  He could feel her tensing from all that distance away. “What kind of husband would I be to bail on such a big occasion, hmm?” Her brother didn’t like him, Brinley had made that clear that one night, and she despised the ground he walked on.  As IF he would miss this! “I’m hoping you’ll be on your best behavior and show your family just how madly in love we still are after a year.  We have a LOT to live up too…like 35 years…that’s a lot, hard to beat.”

 

“Don’t worry, they won’t suspect a thing and think we’re more in love than ever.  Just don’t be surprised if my mother starts asking about grandchildren.” That made Jon look like he just swallowed a lemon and she shrugged, already knowing the question was coming. “I hope you’re on your best behavior tonight too and you don’t ruin this special night with your temper and attitude.”

 

She did fear him, but Brinley also spoke her mind and tensed when his arm reached over to snake around her waist, pulling her tightly against his side.  There was a reason for him doing that because they had come to a stop and the driver had opened the door, with him stepping out extending his hand to her.  Plastering on a smile, Brinley took his hand and stepped out as well, thanking the driver before walking inside the venue with her husband. 

 

Everything was warm and elegant the moment they stepped inside and Brinley genuinely smiled in what felt like forever, her emerald eyes sparkling.  Everything was set up exactly the way her and Chris mapped it out, the Irvine children and heirs.  It wasn’t tacky or over the top, it was graceful and elegant, the colors blending well together, which was their wedding colors all those years ago.  There were chandeliers hanging above them and the dance floor was near the front with the DJ already set up.  Chris would also be performing a special song with his band, Fozzy, later in the evening and Brinley was looking forward to that.

 

“This is amazing…everything is perfect.”

 

“Yeah, you did a great job, toots.” Jon was being obnoxious on purpose, but the only one who could hear him was her and he flashed the most charming smile ever down at her when she cocked an eyebrow up at him. “If you don’t behave the way a loving wife should,” He rumbled, his voice low enough that even she had to strain to pick it up. “I will fucking set fire to this entire building with everyone inside, kiddos included.” Dropping a peck on the tip of her nose for good measure.  

 

If Brinley wanted HIM to be nice, she was going to be nice and that included minding her obnoxious, shrew tongue.  Nobody liked the mother hen, know it all, better than thou, condescension and his wife had that down to an ART.  Brinley could utilize it as a weapon against him so quickly it was a surprise he hadn’t strangled her yet.  All she had to do was stop at best behavior, but she took it further and that was a dick move.

 

“Oh god, he did come…”

 

Jessica elbowed her husband discreetly. “Behave.”

 

The horror in her eyes just amused him and she felt a lump form in her throat, knowing he meant what he said.  He’d do it.  He’d kill everyone here if she didn’t play the doting, loving wife part and make him out to be the best husband in the world. “You’re psychotic and I wish I’d never met you.” Brinley whispered, smiling serenely through the tears in her eyes.  She even touched his face with her hand, pure hatred boiling, and walked away to go to greet her brother and sister-in-law, hugging them both.

 

“Everything is so beautiful, Brin.  You and Chris really nailed it out of the park.”

 

“Couldn’t have done it without you either, Jess.  I know you’ve been making phone calls for Christopher and whatnot.” Brinley chuckled, immediately pulling herself together and passed the tears in her eyes off as happy ones.  She was terrified of Jon and he hadn’t helped with that threat he just gave her.  Burning this place down with everyone inside of it…a shiver of dread shot down her spine. “Anyway, people should start arriving now, so I’ll go check and make sure the food is being prepared.”

 

Jessica stopped Brinley from walking away, placing her hands on her shoulders. “You need to breathe, Brin.  You’ve been through an ordeal with your house and everything.  Why don’t you take a seat and we’ll take care of the catering part?  Have a glass of wine.  Chris added wine to the drinking menu, forgot to tell you that.”

 

“Okay.”

 

THAT right there is what kept getting her into trouble.  She literally could not shut her mouth for two seconds!  Brinley had to always have that input about how terrible he was and everything else.  If she’d learn to keep her mouth closed, Jon would leave her alone most of the time.  Maybe she thought it was amusing, maybe his little panty skipping, slut wife secretly got off on talking down to him.  That would explain a LOT about her and her penchant for seeking his verbal abuse and threats.

 

“Angel, she’s right, you need to breathe.” Jon was right there with her, concern in his tone as he placed his hand on the small of her back.

 

“Yeah, see?” Jessica was all smiles, she didn’t know Jon well enough to judge him and tried not to base her opinions on Chris’s assessment because Chris could be a cocky butt toad sometimes. “I’ll go get us some wine.  Jon, would you like a glass?”

 

“I’d love one, Jessica.” Jon returned the smile, taking Brinley by her hand. “Come on, let’s have a seat and you can take a minute.”

 

Nodding, Brinley let him guide her over to a table to sit down, immediately pulling her hand out of his the moment Jessica and Chris were gone.  She did not want this man touching her, he made her skin crawl, but she was discreet about how she did it.  Not one word was spoken to Jon and she smiled again when Jessica brought her some wine, thanking her before downing half of it.

 

“Stressed?”

 

“You don’t know the half of it.” The rest of the wine was gone and Brinley set the glass on the table, just trying to breathe and not show her fear when it came to her husband.

 

“I’m sure it was a shock to both of you.  Right, Jon?”

 

He nodded, his eyes on his wife, who was pushing his buttons with each passing second.  Didn’t she take him seriously?  Maybe he’d have to do something catastrophic tonight to get his point across. “We bought a house together, so hopefully, that’ll cheer her up some.”

 

“Oh really?!  Chris, honey, did you hear that?  They bought a house in Vegas!”

 

“The outskirts of the city, actually.  Right across from a golf course.” Brinley chimed in, feeling nauseous again and grabbed Jon’s hand to lace their fingers together, refusing to let him out of her sight tonight after his threat.  He was NOT going to ruin this night for her parents and family! “We’re very happy with it, aren’t we, handsome?” She leaned her head on his shoulder, careful not to smudge her makeup.

 

“Yeah, she mentioned it, I think.” Brinley had and Chris was secretly hoping it had been a bad dream.  

 

Didn’t she receive the text message when they were talking out in a parking lot or something?  So, it wasn’t a joke and he put on a smile, nodding down at scumbag. Chris did not like this jackass and he never would.  The fact that they were good, the Shield, was not the point.  They had bullied their way to their spot and hadn’t earned it like everyone else, like HE had.

 

“Oh yeah, we close on it in a month, we’ve been out furniture shopping, the works.” Jon chuckled, kissing the top of her hair.  

 

Now THIS was better and if Brinley could behave, so could he.  His eyes landed on some kids, Chris and Jessica’s kids.  Sometimes he forgot he was an Uncle by marriage, which was also weird.

 

“How many bedrooms?” Jessica asked, sitting down at the table with them and didn’t care what her husband thought of Jon.  He seemed to be a well put together young man and made Brinley happy by the looks of it.  That was all that mattered to her was her sister-in-law’s happiness when it came down to it.

 

“Three – no four.  Well, technically you could make it a four bedroom since it has a sunroom of sorts.”

 

Jessica grinned at the sound of that, sipping some of her own wine. “I see, that’s a lot of bedrooms for just the two of you…”

 

Here it comes.  I knew this was coming. Brinley braced herself for the next inevitable question from Jessica.

 

“Kids in the cards, then?”

 

Chris promptly snorted wine right up his nose, cursing a blue streak and took off to the bathroom past the kids.

 

“Someday, yeah.  Not right away, but you know…a few years down the road possibly.” Brinley did not dare look at Jon, not wanting to see the look on his face at the moment and really wished she hadn’t finished her wine so fast.

 

Sometimes, Chris acted like such a child and Jessica rolled her eyes at his retreating form, shaking her head. “Don’t mind your brother, he’s still getting used to the two of you together and married.”

 

“He’s not the only one.  Feels like it’s been a whirlwind, right, hubby dearest?” Brinley kissed his cheek for added effect, thankful her lipstick was non-smear and waterproof.

 

Chapter 15

 

Jon was DYING and he couldn’t even SHOW it, his face slightly pink as he struggled to reign in his laughter.  Oh shit, that had been worth this entire thing, just to see that arrogant cocksucker snort wine up his nose!  He knew from experience, alcohol going UP instead of down hurt like nobody’s business. “It’s been a year already, Angel, definitely not long enough.” He sipped his wine, timing his next words very carefully.  Like, when Chris was back in earshot, looking red faced and in pain. “I was thinking in a few years or so, we could try for a rugrat or two.  Between the two of us, we’d make some cute babies.”

 

Chris was mentally cursing all over again, his nose burning and opened his mouth to say something, but one look from his wife and he immediately clamped his lips shut.  He knew better than to upset her, especially tonight of all nights.

 

“I don’t doubt it, especially those beautiful blue eyes of yours.” Brinley did mean that because Jon had beautiful blue eyes. “Some blue eyed angels would be wonderful with you.  I’ve always wanted to be a Mom.”

 

“Really?” Jessica grinned, excitement shining in her eyes and had to admit they would have beautiful children, just like her and Chris did. “Just make sure you’re ready and don’t let others pressure you into doing it before you’re ready.  That’s the only advice I can really give.”

 

“Yeah, no need to rush, sis.” Chris chimed in, walking over and dropped a kiss on top of her head. “You still got time.”

 

Not really considering she was already 35 and that was when women usually stopped having babies.  Jon called her a cougar for a reason, along with an old spinster, the bastard. “Then again, I am 35 already, so we may not have kids.  That ship might’ve sailed already.”

 

“Aww don’t say that!  I want you to be a Mom.” Jessica hugged Brinley tightly, her heart breaking at those words. “It’s never too late, you hear me?  There’s 50 year old women out there having kids and they’re perfectly fine.”

 

“Yeah, you’re right.”

 

“Then again, there’s women out there that aren’t mothers and they’re perfectly fine too.” Chris did NOT want her procreating with Dean Ambrose, the thought making his stomach churn “You two do what YOU want, regardless of if you have kids or not.”

 

“Well, Jon did want to get a dog, so maybe we’ll have fur babies instead of actual babies instead.”

 

“Oh, we could have both, babies and a dog, maybe rear them all together.”

 

Jon knew once a woman hit 35, that clock had started running out.  It wasn’t impossible, it was just higher risk and all that.  They could always freeze her eggs if she really wanted children down the road.  He flashed his wife with a grin, but she had those poker eyes going.  Jon couldn’t read them and he was now quite curious about what she really, truly thought about this conversation.  He’d bet his next paycheck Brinley was planning on going and getting fixed, just to avoid any risk of winding up pregnant with his demon spawn.

 

Deep down, it completely broke her heart that Brinley would never be able to have children and it was all thanks to Jon.  She never wanted children with a psycho, who would no doubt hurt the kids just to spite her.  Her dream of being a mother had been flushed down the toilet the moment he pulled her into the dressing rooms at the arenas and started this whole fiasco.  Those poker eyes of hers were burning strong and she nodded with a smile, really needing to change the subject.

 

“Yeah, that would be great.” Brinley stood up from the table and went to greet her nieces and nephews, giving them all big hugs.  At least she had them and it just solidified to Brinley how important her family was…and she would do anything to protect them, even if it meant giving up her own hopes and dreams. Maybe in the next life I’ll be a mother.

 

Or maybe he needed to knock her up and settle her down some.  Jon leaned back in the chair, sipping his wine as his blue eyes remained fastened on his wife, watching how she interacted with kids.  No doubt she’d be a terrible mother, she’d scold them incessantly and throw out unnecessary commentary that would hurt their poor little feelings.  Obviously, HE couldn’t have kids; Jon would pass on the crazy.

 

“You got a look,” Jessica commented, knowing it wasn’t always easy being the ‘outsider’ in a big family.  She had been there once, quite some time ago. “Imagining her barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen?”

 

Now THAT was kind of offensive to women everywhere and he shook his head. “Hell no, more like pregnant, behind a desk, still busting her ass.”

 

“Sounds like Brinley.”

 

Chris had to bite his tongue AGAIN.

 

People started to file in with Brinley greeting them, shaking hands and giving hugs, playing the hostess to perfection.  Chris was doing the same thing since this was their party and both introduced their spouses to those who hadn’t met them yet.  More Jon than Jessica since Jessica knew pretty much everyone in the family.  Jon really didn’t, especially since they had eloped and didn’t have a proper wedding.  Before long, it was time to surprise the guests of honor and it was absolutely epic, everything went perfectly with the surprise.  There were over 60 people here easy and they all shouted ‘SURPRISE!’ at the glowing couple. 

 

Charlie and Brianna Irvine were dressed to the nines, tears in their eyes at all their loved ones and hugged their children closely, not believing what they’d done for them.  Chris and Brinley were very blessed to have doting, loving parents and Brinley had dreamed of having a marriage just like theirs, but instead, she wound up in a spider’s web, unable to escape.  Once everything was settled down, the food was brought out and it was a four course meal that both her and Chris planned meticulously.  Wine, champagne, and beer were also served and she sat at the table with her husband, parents, Chris, Jessica, and their children.  That was their table and the others were filled with loved ones, both friends and family.

 

This was beyond his realm of normal.  Jon could not remember ever attending anything like this before.  Well, he and the guys had gone out to some fancy restaurants when they had gotten out of developmental hell and blown through a seven course meal, but they had gone in their everyday attire and not used their best manners.  That had been them celebrating and making a mockery out of something they didn’t really understand and still didn’t.  Why bring it out separately and make people wait?  He never got it.

 

“I can’t believe you two managed to pull this off, thank you so much!” Brianna leaned across the table to take Brinley by the hand, squeezing gently.

 

“Anything for you, Momma.” Brinley squeezed her hand back in return, smiling widely at her loving parents. “Both of you, I love you both so much.”

 

“We love you too, baby girl.” Charlie raised his glass of beer in a toast and chuckled at his blushing daughter. “We love both of you, our baby boy too.”

 

Brianna stood up to walk over, hugging both Chris and Brinley tightly as photographs were snapped by the professional photographers.  They sat back down to resume their meal and halfway through the courses, it was Brinley’s turn to give her speech.  A microphone was set in her hand and she stood up from the table, tapping her glass to gain everyone’s attention. “Thank you everyone for coming out tonight to celebrate our beautiful, wonderful parents, Charlie and Brianna.  These two have stuck by me and my brother through thick and thin, they are the best grandparents anyone could ask for, they have huge hearts of gold and it’s amazing that they’ve been together for 35 years,” She paused for the applauding, then continued. “You know, I always admired my parents and I know Christopher can attest to this too.  We’ve always both wanted to find that special someone that made our heart skip a beat, that completed us in every way the way our parents have.  And I stand here tonight wanting them to know that we both have found what they have, or close enough to it in our spouses, my amazing husband, Jon and my brother’s stunning wife, Jessica.”

 

“Our parents were high school sweethearts and through hell and high water, made their marriage the best they could.  I’m sure there were hard times and they persevered through them all, including putting myself and Christopher through school.  Him wrestling and me regular college.  Thank you for that, Mom and Dad.  We probably don’t tell you enough how proud we are to be your kids and how much we truly love you, so I hope tonight, you understand that and believe it.  Thank you for giving us life, for always standing by our sides, even when we drove you crazy or did things you didn’t necessarily agree with.  Your love never faltered, it only strengthened and so tonight, I want to raise a glass in celebration of your love, your devotion, and your marriage of an amazing 35 years.” Tears filled her eyes as she raised her glass along with everyone, a single one sliding down her cheek. “Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad, we love you.”

 

Setting the microphone down on the table, she walked over and hugged both of her parents tightly as they stood up, along with Chris, who hugged her tightly as well. “You did perfectly, Brin.  I knew you were the one to give that speech.” Chris whispered in her ear, kissing her forehead softly.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Everyone was applauding that beautiful speech, how heartwarming and touching it was, including Jon.  However, given her horrible habit of adding something insulting, condescending, or negative at the end of her little sentences, little speeches, he wasn’t entirely sure how he should take that ‘or close enough to it’.  He supposed it could be taken that there was just NO way of replicating what their parents had, and most people probably did.  He, however, had experience with Brinley’s sharp, shrewish tongue, gathering by all the people who seemed to adore her mother that she had NOT taken after her mother.  She was just a hint too salty.  Maybe Jon would give her the benefit of doubt, see where the night led them.  He applauded along with everyone else, the smile never leaving his face.  

 

When Brinley finally made her way back to her seat, by him, he stood up to pull her chair out for her, bending down to brush his lips against her cheek. “Beautiful speech, Angel.”

 

“Thank you.” Brinley didn’t tense when he did that, too consumed with love for her parents and overwhelmed with emotion from her speech.  She had spent a great deal of time writing that over the past few weeks, so she was glad it had come out perfectly without any flaws or stumbling of words.  Sitting down, Jon pushed her chair in for her and she held her wine glass up to his, clinking their glasses together before taking a sip.

 

Dessert came and went, then it was time to dance and really party it up.  Charlie and Brianna were the first dance with everyone joining in once their song was over with.  Then Fozzy had performed, rocking the place with everyone enjoying themselves.  Finally, it was just the regular DJ and Brinley had stepped outside for a cigarette, staring up at the night sky.  Everything had gone perfectly and Jon didn’t have to burn the place to the ground because she’d played her part to perfection.  The loving wife, even acknowledging him in her speech, though any words said about him and marriage did not exist and they were not meaningful.  She had added them for Chris and Jessica, more than anything.  Taking a drag of her cigarette, Brinley shut her eyes to relish the quiet moment, leaning over the railing of the veranda and stared down at the diamond on her left ring finger, immediately turning it to where she couldn’t see it.  In this moment, she just didn’t want to look at it and took another pull.

 

Jon was busy charming the ever loving hell out of her mother, his mother-in-law, showing off that he DID possess the ability to dance.  He just preferred not too if he could get away with it.  Brianna had begun grilling him about his marriage to her daughter, apparently the old broad felt slighted and miffed about the elopement and his reclusiveness, so…he did his best to smooth that over.  He could charm a snake if he wanted too; he had done it to a shrew time and time again, his wife, so he could do it with her mother too.  Brianna was decidedly NOT a shrew, she wasn’t even miffed.  It turned out, she was just curious and as long as Brianna was happy, he had the old bat’s blessing.  A blessing he hadn’t asked for nor did he want. That was weird and he was shaking his head as he stepped out for a cigarette on the veranda.

 

“I’ll let her know, Mom!” Jon wasn’t ever going to get used to that, she was now ‘Mom’, just like for Jessica. “Your Mom was asking if you wanted to dance with her.” Apparently that was a thing.

 

“I’ll be in there after I finish this.”

 

Jon had been dancing with her mother and Brinley had prayed the entire time he wouldn’t upset her or do something.  That fear he’d hurt her family would always be in the back recesses of her mind as she continued looking up at the sky, feeling him join her side with his own cigarette.  Brinley didn’t know what to say to him, so she remained quiet, not wanting to upset him in any way.

 

“I don’t want a dog.  I don’t think it would be responsible for us to have an animal while we’re on the road so much.  So if you get a dog, it’s your responsibility, I want nothing to do with it.” She flicked the cigarette over the balcony after finishing it, figuring she might as well get that out of the way. “No kids either.  Ever.” Not with him.

 

“You really can’t help yourself, can you?” Jon sighed, leaning on the railing and stared out at the nighttime skyline while smoking his cigarette. “You know, you could have started all that when we were anywhere but here, but you just can’t stop yourself.” Glancing at her, aware nobody else had come out after him, the silver ashtray gave him a great reflection of the doors behind him. “It’s like you have to pick a fight, all the time, Brinley.” Her offering all that would have been best served AWAY from her family, but instead, she had decided to try pushing his buttons while they were here, with her family only feet from them.

 

“Yes well, you couldn’t help yourself threatening to burn this place to the ground if I didn’t behave earlier.  So you can’t help yourself either.” Brinley remarked coolly, keeping her voice low just in case someone else came waltzing out here. “And it was on my mind after that talk we had with Jess and Chris earlier, so…that’s all I wanted to say to you.  I’m going to go dance with my mother and have fun with my family, Jon.” Clapping his shoulder, she headed off the veranda and back inside, plastering the smile on her face again as her mother guided her onto the dance floor.

 

“He’s such a nice young man.  I only wish we could’ve had a wedding for you, a proper one, sweetheart.  Maybe for your 10 year anniversary, we can?”

 

“Yeah, maybe, Momma.” NOT. FUCKING. LIKELY.

 

Yeah, he was planning on NOT setting another fire because that would have sparked coincidence investigating.  However, there was a lot of other things he could do and she was pushing it.  Jon danced with his sister-in-law while his wife and mother-in-law danced, working on charming her next.  Jessica got the complaints Chris had about Shield and the rookies bulldozing their way, but she tried to stay out of it.  She knew how hard it had been for Chris early on, especially given his size, and she knew he was a firm believer in people paying their dues and moving up the way it had ‘always been done’, but she was also aware times were changing.  So were people and the young bucks, they weren’t taking the rejection lying down anymore.  They were out actively forcing themselves into the scene, not wasting their chance because someone else deemed them unworthy.  Everything changed, especially in this industry.  She was SO glad she stayed the hell out of it.  Jon as a person, off-camera, seemed rather nice actually and he had her laughing hysterically at a joke he made.

 

Chapter 16

 

By the time that dance was over, Jon had received an invitation for him and Brinley to the younger Irvine’s house over the following weekend for a beach barbecue and Jessica had INSISTED on putting them up in one of the many guest rooms.  Naturally, Jon had extended the same courtesy, once they closed on the house of course.

 

“Now, time to dance with your man since you two haven’t danced together yet.” Brianna ordered, crooking her finger at her son-in-law and pushed her daughter into him gently, grinning from ear to ear.  She was so happy that her daughter found the love of her life and hopefully, grandchildren wouldn’t be far behind.

 

It was a slow song and Brinley knew better than to defy her mother or walk away from Jon. “Shall we, Mr. Good?” She placed her hand on his broad shoulder, feeling his arm wrap around her, and their hands clasped as they began moving around the dance floor.  The song was ‘I’ll Be Good’ by Jaymes Young.  The lyrics poured over both of them as their eyes remained locked, gliding around the dance floor and it was as if the world had disappeared around them.  Jon twirled her and dipped her before raising her back up into his arms, the dance continuing.  There was a small smile on both of their faces as they continued moving together, her fingers moving to lace around his neck and his forehead rest against hers while they continued dancing.

 

Jon was actually paying attention to the words of the song as he danced with his wife, idly wondering if she had done this on purpose.  Brinley had her hands in all the details of this shindig, right down to the menu planning, so it made sense that she would put a song on the playlist that was…potentially aimed his way.  Basically, if he was a movie villain with a character redemption arc, this song would play as a montage of him doing bad things.  Then realizing what he was doing, how it was hurting people, and then discovering his ‘good’ side.  Or maybe he had watched way too many animated cartoons as a kid.  Not that Jon voiced his thoughts, she had pricked at him enough for one night and he wasn’t up for another round just yet.

 

If he tried to be a better man, would she notice?  Or even care?

 

Where THAT had come from was beyond him.

 

On the other hand, the DJ chose all the music and it was a mixture of all genres, even the chicken dance and children ones too.  This just happened to come on at the moment when her mother wanted them to dance together.  If they had a wedding song, that would be it.  No AC/DC or classic rock…this song mirrored everything about both of them.  Some eyes were on them, so Brinley decided maybe this would smooth things over with him and softly kissed her husband, wrapping her arms around his neck when he returned it.  Things couldn’t get too heated as she slowly broke it, her eyes conveying to him why she just did that, even though it looked like they were in love.

 

All for looks, all for shits and giggles, and Jon was very aware of it.  Personally, he never would have made this a wedding song because it implied things he wasn’t bothering to continue thinking about.  Regret for one, becoming a better person for two.  He didn’t regret a damn thing; he’d set her house on fire all over again just to prove his point.  Jon also wasn’t looking to be a better man because he had tried that route once, played by all the rules and it had all been kicked back in his face, leaving him eating dirt.  No thanks.  Good people rarely got anywhere in this world when there were others further up the food chain trying to squish them back down.  It was dog eat dog and sometimes, it got messy.

 

However, he did return the kiss, telegraphing what Brinley wanted everyone in this room to think.  

 

That they were heads over heels in love with each other.

 

Around midnight, the party was finally over and everyone piled into their respective vehicles to head to various hotels, besides those that actually did live in Tampa.  Brinley slid into the limousine, after bidding her family farewell, and had no idea Jon had made plans with them already on their behalf.  She cracked the window and lit up a cigarette, not able to wait to get out of this dress and the shoes because her dogs were barking up a storm.  She was not surprised Jon immediately took the tie off and unbuttoned the shirt, also lighting up his own smoke.

 

“A suit really makes you that uncomfortable, huh?” Brinley jested, chuckling as he stuck his middle finger up at her and continued getting more comfortable, even pulling the dress shirt out that was tucked in his pants, unfastening the wrists to roll them up his arms since the jacket was off. “I’ll be honest, I can’t wait to get out of this dress and these shoes.”

 

He eyed those heels, he bet her feet were killing her though he did love the dress.  It was flattering and hugged her curves without being indecent, even though the neckline plunged just a little, her cleavage was still hidden while giving the impression it wasn’t almost, he liked it.  She looked gorgeous, sexy, and still elegant. “You can take the heels off and I’ll carry you inside.” Jon offered finally, moving to light his own cigarette and then rifled around in the mini bar of the limo and he eyeballed what was in the small single shot bottles, finally tugging out a whiskey and uncapped it, knocking it back easily.  To be honest, he didn’t expect Brinley to take him up on it, but he would, if she wanted to get out of those shoes right now.

 

“You will?” Brinley contemplated it and shrugged, figuring it wasn’t the worse thing in the world for her husband to carry her up to their hotel room. “Okay, I’ll take you up on that offer.”

 

Sliding the shoes off her feet, she groaned, hissing out while stretching and flexing her toes in the pantyhose she had on.  They were tan and sheer, but Jon couldn’t see them due to the length of the dress.  Bringing one foot up, she started to rub it while continuing to smoke her cigarette, staring out the window.  Tonight had been magical for the most part and she was proud of herself and Chris for pulling off such an event when they were busy with work.  It just proved that if family truly wanted to do things for each other, they would make the time and effort, regardless of what was going on in their lives.

 

“I did well tonight, right?”

 

“Yeah, you did, Angel.” Jon answered quietly, finally looking over at her while blowing smoke out the window. “It was a good speech.” One thing he did know that maybe could make him relate to her right now was how to elicit a response from an audience and that was what Brinley had done tonight.  Granted, the speech had been made for her parents, but she had had an audience who had reacted positively. “I don’t think there was one dry eye in the house.” Except maybe him, but Jon didn’t have the emotional attachment to these people that everyone else did.  He had applauded and enjoyed it, it had been heartfelt and well written.

 

That wasn’t what she meant, but she smiled at his compliment nevertheless and decided, for once, not to correct him. “Thank you.” Brinley could tell he was satisfied by how the entire night went and that was good enough for her. 

 

They arrived at the hotel as the limousine pulled up to the front of the building and the driver once again opened the door for them.  Jon slid out and then, just as he said he would, leaned down to lift his wife in his arms with her heels dangling off her fingertips.  She trusted he wouldn’t drop her, Jon was built like a brickhouse and his muscles just weren’t for show either.  He carried her to the elevator, stepping on it, and held Brinley against him while they made the trip upstairs.  Once the elevator dinged, Jon headed down the hallway to their suite and he turned to where she could slide the keycard into the slot, opening the door for him to carry her inside, kicking it shut behind him.  There was no trembling or fear radiating from her like there had been two weeks ago, no tensing either from being touched, so that was a plus.

 

Given it had actually been a decent night once they got over the smarminess of her and him threatening her and her family, Jon felt no inclination to drop her.  Now, if she had kept smarminess up, he would have found a mud puddle and since it was spring, there were plenty, and given her a pig bath in this beautiful dress. “There you go.”

 

He deposited her gently on her feet, stepping away to begin removing his monkey suit.  Jon had bought it outright, figuring he needed at least ONE good outfit on occasions she might drag him too, or funerals.  Black basically covered everything and once the vest was off, he reached up to mess up his carefully gelled hair.

 

“What?” His wife looked amused with him almost.

 

“Nothing.  I’m gonna go get out of this dress and take the thousand bobby pins out of my hair.”

 

The man looked amazing with his hair gelled back, but there was also something to be said about the haphazard look too.  What the hell was she thinking right now?!  Pushing that firmly in the back of her mind, Brinley headed into the bathroom to take her dress and makeup off.  It really was a beautiful dress and she planned on putting plastic over it as soon as they returned to Vegas.  She would probably never wear it again, but it would be a nice memento from tonight.  Hanging the dress up on the door, she pulled on a cotton robe and started the process of plucking the bobby pins out of her hair, wincing every so often due to the copious amounts of hairspray.  A shower was definitely in order once they were all out of her hair and she didn’t start the water until she was sure she was bobby pin free.  It was time to wash all the hairspray and gunk out of her hair, as well as her makeup.  Whatever the shower didn’t remove, she would finish it up after cleansing.

 

Jon had watched her remove each and every one of those bobby pins, a little amused when her hair would take on a weird shape, not falling flat, but instead out in angles and squares due to the amounts of product she had used. “You missed a few,” He pointed out once she seemed to be finished, blue eyes locked on them and stepped forward to gently remove them, being mindful not to go tugging on her blonde hair too much.  The things women did to make themselves look beautiful could sometimes be a bit much. “Don’t these hurt?” He held the bobby pin up, eyeballing it.

 

Chuckling softly, Brinley shook her head and looked back into the mirror, the robe falling open a little when she bent closer to find another one that was camouflaged in her hair. “They don’t hurt going in, as weird as that sounds, but coming out is another story.  It hurts a little, but beauty is pain, as that old saying goes.” Her hair was extremely curly at the moment with each bobby pin that came out and Jon found another one, moving closer to her to help out and she smiled at him in the reflection.  Brinley turned, sliding her hands through his gel-filled hair and made a face at how grimy it felt against her hand. “I’m not the only one who needs a shower.  I wouldn’t sleep with that stuff in your hair, if I were you.”

 

“That is a stupid saying, beauty is pain.” Ignoring her mother henning because he was a grown man who already knew that; Jon took his own hair very seriously, mostly because he knew he was going to lose it, receding hairline and all. “Not that I don’t appreciate the effort, and the pain,” Because she had looked stunning tonight.  Brinley still did, she was softer and with her hair down, the sharp angles of her face softened as well, giving her an almost dreamy sort of look. “And are you kidding?  I just need a hair wash, the rest of me is still clean and smells good!” He was definitely taking a shower, needing to wash all that pristine off himself.

 

“You’re right on all accounts.” Brinley did not dare point out his receding hairline, which wasn’t that bad right now, but she knew eventually, Jon would either go bald or have very little hair.  He was very attached to his hair and she wanted to continue the nice evening they were having.  No sense in bringing up that sore subject to him, not unless he pissed her off. “Am I all clear?” She tilted her head to him, feeling his fingers in her hair gently massaging her scalp and her eyes closed momentarily because that actually felt really good. 

 

He gave her the green light and she walked over to start the sprays, completely naked under the robe, and suddenly she felt self-conscious.  Jon had seen her naked a million times, but after what happened between them at the club a few weeks ago…Brinley didn’t want him to see her naked.  However, he remained standing there and she didn’t want to waste the water, so she quickly dropped the towel before hopping into the shower, closing the curtain.  Indeed there was no use pointing out what he already knew.  

 

He used to have long, luscious, always dyed locks of his own, but when he realized he was going to be one of THOSE men, he had chopped it off, hoping to slow the balding process down.  At the time, his logic had been the extra weight was pulling on the line and…he hadn’t always been the brightest bulb in the box, pretty fried in his earlier years.  Hearing it from his wife would have royally sucked and definitely ruined the good moods they both seemed to have going on right now.  Jon had noticed she didn’t even flinch when he got close to her, let alone when he had been touching her.  He did notice the hesitation when it came time to drop that robe and inwardly sighed.  For someone who had been teasing and bringing it on herself, Brinley was awfully shy and conflicted.  Contemplating joining her, without permission, Jon inwardly sighed AGAIN for the umpteenth time it felt like.

 

“How hot is the water?” He’d just test it out first, get a feel for potential thoughts on him joining her.

 

He wanted to join her.  Brinley didn’t want that to happen, but she couldn’t avoid him forever.  She couldn’t avoid sex with him forever either. “It’s not scalding like I normally do.” She answered, congratulating herself on keeping her voice neutral and calm while sliding her fingers through her hair. 

 

There was no way she’d invite Jon to join her, so if he was doing it, he’d do it on his own.  Sure enough, a minute later, that shower curtain pulled back, making her blink some water out of her eyes to look at him.  Brinley fought back the urge to cover herself up, knowing she was being ridiculous since this was her husband.  Without a word, she stepped aside to let him join her and grabbed her loofah with her body wash to start lathering up while Jon did the same thing with his own stuff.

 

“Does it feel okay to you?  I can always make it a little cooler if you want, Jon.”

 

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY????? He had a preferred name and she refused to use it all because of those cunt twins!  Brinley was definitely not having any more girls night out with them anytime in the near future because they put stupid ideas in her head. “No.” He grunted, turning away from her so he didn’t snap on her.  As far as he was concerned, his real name was for people who respected him and weren’t in this business.  She definitely did not respect him let alone LIKE him.  Jon was something disgusting to her most of the time. “I’d rather you not call me by any name if you’re not going to use what I prefer, Brinley.” She didn’t do pet names like he did, not unless she was showing off for other people and then that’s all it ever was, a damn show.

 

“Why does it bother you so much?” Brinley reached out to touch his back, feeling him tense and sighed heavily, her eyes zeroing in on the scar on his right shoulder blade.  It was jagged and long, and her fingertip started at the top and slid down, remembering what Nikki had told her about Jon Moxley.  What else had this man done to his body?  Closing her eyes, Brinley knew he had his reasons and she didn’t want to fight with him. “Please, just one night I don’t want to fight and argue with you.  Does it really mean that much to you that I call you Dean?” He turned to face her, his hair hanging in his eyes a little, and she moved it aside to stare into them. “Okay.  Okay, you win, Dean.  I won’t call you Jon unless it’s absolutely necessary.  I still like Jon better, but if that’s what you want me to do, fine, I’ll respect your wishes.”

 

Chapter 17

 

“Dean.” He requested quietly, nodding when she did.  

 

He wasn’t ‘Jon’ to her at all.  More like gum on the bottom of her shoe that no matter how many times she scraped it off, he was still there, still clinging.  He’d be there for the next 30 years guaranteed in one way or another.  Providing one of them didn’t lose their minds completely, snap, and kill the other one.  Jon glanced down when he realized Brinley was playing idly with his nipple, raising a brow.  It was the one that had been ‘sliced’ off by accident during a match and he looked at her in amusement.

 

“I don’t think it works anymore,” it definitely did not get as perky as the other one. “Ring accident.”

 

“You really can’t tell the difference.” Brinley felt the other one, rubbing them both at the same time and had a feeling there was possible nerve damage in the one he had nearly severed off. “Nikki told me about some of your work in the Indies and it sounds terrifying.  She said you worked for a company called CZW?  I can’t remember what those letters stand for, but…it sounded like you went through a brutal ordeal there compared to WWE.” Maybe that was why he didn’t like being called Jon because it reminded him of those darker times in his career as Jon Moxley.  Maybe he did enjoy being Dean Ambrose and who was she to disrespect him by calling him a name he hated? “I want to know more about you, Dean.  About your time in the Indies and your past, in general.  When you’re ready to tell me about it, of course, I won’t push you for anything.  But you are my husband and I felt really stupid talking to the Bella’s at the club and not knowing anything Nikki was talking about when it came to you.  If anyone should know about your past, wrestling or otherwise, it should be your wife.  I don’t want to know just Dean Ambrose, I want to know Jon Moxley and Good too, and I’ll leave it at that.”

 

Yeah, he was over the Bella twins, not giving a flying rat’s behind about one of them being married to one of his best friends.  Jon didn’t go putting stupid thoughts in Bryan’s head to take home to his wife, he’d appreciate the same back.  Then Brinley got to the part about wanting to know him, even as Jon Moxley and Good, and he reconsidered.  Reconsidered her, not the name thing or the Bella’s.  It should be his wife…his wife who didn’t even like him half the time, not even a third of the time, who was terrified of him and disgusted by his mere presence.

 

“Why?” Jon asked finally, his tone coming out wary because he wasn’t sure if she meant it or was trying to spoon feed him her fake behavior as a ‘good wife’; he had some serious trust issues.  It only made sense since he gave out serious trust issues in return.

 

“Because I feel like I’m married to a stranger and that’s not a good feeling, Dean.  I feel like one of those damn Vegas marriages that happens when two people get piss poor drunk and they wake up the next morning and don’t remember what they did.  You know more about me than I do about you, I know that for a fact.” She started lathering her hair up with shampoo, scrubbing all of that hairspray and other product out of her hair that was used at the salon earlier. “And since it’s been over a year and we’re not ending this marriage for at least the next 30 to 35 years, I feel like it’s time I start getting to know my husband.” She wasn’t disgusted by him at all, that was all in Jon’s head and that was his issue.  Terrified, yes absolutely and she wouldn’t deny it either. “I think it might even make us get along better if we know more about each other and actually TRY to make this marriage, you know, a real marriage instead of an arrangement.” Brinley was careful with her words while explaining this to Jon, not wanting to upset him in any way. “When I talk to my friends about you, I want to feel like I KNOW who I’m talking about instead of pretending and lying all the time.  It’s exhausting.”

 

Remaining quiet while reflecting all that, Jon repeatedly turned those words over in his head.  Brinley really wanted to try making this work.  On the one hand, that seemed pretty messed up given she didn't want this at all.  On the other hand, he understood why.  She was stuck with his psycho ass, willing and capable of destroying her world and the people in it.  This was…to his advantage, actually.

 

“Okay, what do you want to know?” He caved finally, having been cleaning his own body and hair while she did hers.

 

“Well, for starters, I want to know how you started in the wrestling business.  What made you want to be a wrestler?  Where did you train?  That name Jon Moxley, where did it come from?  Start from as far back as you are willing to go because I know you don’t like talking about your personal stuff.  So, let’s stick with wrestling.” For example, Brinley had always been a fan at a very young age and would always watch it with her brother. 

 

Every Saturday night, their father would turn wrestling on and they would spend the time laughing, eating popcorn, and watching the athletes perform on the television screen.  Chris was a lot older than her, but he never once made a big deal about watching wrestling with his baby sister.  She grew up around it, so it wasn’t surprising that she was involved in the business now. 

 

For the next hour, while they finished showering and dressed, Jon told her about the HWA school in Cincinnati he’d attended.  Les Thatcher’s Main Event Pro-Wrestling Camp.  He had found the ad on the back of a flyer on a telephone pole, of all places, and the moment he saw it, he knew that was where he was going and he would be a professional wrestler, come hell or high water.  Cody Hawk was his trainer and she sort of recognized the name, sitting on the bed while he paced back and forth, animated with his hands while smoking, getting fired up talking about wrestling.  It was captivating and Brinley laughed at some of the jokes he told while describing HWA, the type of environment it was and how it had used to be a developmental territory for WWE…until right after he found the school.

 

This moment, this night, proved one thing to Brinley, which was Jon was born to be a professional wrestler.  He was meant to be in WWE, even if it took him a while to accomplish that goal.  He was passionate and driven about wrestling, his blue eyes were lit up like the stars glistening in the sky.  She listened to every word, soaking in every description and everything he’d been through as far as HWA went.  That didn’t include the rest of his Indie days, just the HWA side of it.  His darker, grittier days would have to be saved for another night since it was a lot to talk about as far as his training went.  When Jon started, there was no stopping him and Brinley didn’t want him to.  She stood up from the bed, stubbing her third cigarette out and moved to stand in front of him before straddling his lap, knowing she’d have to make the first move.  He’d been gentle and patient with her for the past two weeks after what happened at the club between them. 

 

Softly, she kissed his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck and felt his arms instantly tighten around her, burying her fingers in his slightly damp curls. “Mmm, thank you, Dean.”

 

“For what?”

 

“For telling me about the real you.  I know it’s just a little piece of it, but…I feel like I know you better now than I ever have.  And this gives me something to build on as we move forward with our marriage.” Brinley pressed her forehead against his, caressing him lovingly with her hands and he kissed her this time a little hotter and more passionately, making her moan in his mouth. “I want you, Dean…I want to make love to you and get our marriage back on track.  Do you?”

 

So the trick, apparently, was to open up and talk to the woman he coerced into marriage and she’d genuinely want to make things work.  If Jon ever went to prison over this situation or anything else he may or may not have done, he was writing a book on how to induce Stockholm Syndrome. “Yes…” It’d be so much easier if he didn’t have to fight her constantly and there were other benefits that were rapidly leaving his mind as she kissed down his neck.

 

Whether she liked it or not, Brinley was stuck with Jon for the rest of her life and he made sure of it by burning her house down and threatening her family.  Burning her house down had sent the message if she didn’t start cooperating and accepting this marriage, this arrangement, he would do something more catastrophic.  It wasn’t Stockholm’s Syndrome so much as survival and protecting her loved ones.  Honestly, Jon was incredible in the bedroom and very giving, they connected very well sexually, so that was half the battle.  Opening up to her the way he did tonight, Brinley found herself intrigued and wanting to know more about her husband. 

 

Did he rape her that night at the club?  She had said no and he took her anyway, so yes, it was rape.  However, it was also a grey area since she had spurred him on and teased him the way she had.  Jon had never laid a hand on her up until that point in a violent manner, she had gotten under his skin a little TOO much that night and Brinley would never do that again.  Also, if she wanted these nightmares to stop, getting back into the saddle with him again was the only solution she could come up with.

 

“Dean…” It was nothing more than a breathy moan as he attacked the spot on her neck that always turned her to putty, feeling him lifting her to guide her down on the bed while his lips remained sealed to that spot.  Apparently, two weeks had been too long for both of them to go without sex because Jon didn’t waste time, sliding right into her receptive body and she trembled, not out of fear, but from sheer desire and want. “Yes, oh yes…”

 

This was how it started, when the victim began justifying and assigning reasoning to the abuser’s actions and there was no two ways about it.  Dean, Jon, whoever he wanted to be at the time, was an abuser.  Maybe not physically abusive, but he was mentally and emotionally there, especially when she acted up and he’d spew vile threats at her, manipulating her into calming down and behaving.  Brinley was reasoning away his behavior with things SHE had done that may have provoked it.  It was a survival mechanism and she was beginning to utilize it.

 

“Mmm, feels like home.” Jon rumbled against her warm skin before running his tongue to her pulse point, nipping there with a low growl.

 

Two weeks had been WAY too long.

 

This was what she wanted that night she teased him in the club.  She wanted him to bring her back to their hotel room to go dirty and crazy on each other in the best of ways.  Jon had been angry with her and let his temper override everything else, forcefully taking her right against that door and traumatizing Brinley.  After the sex was over with and Jon passed out, Brinley snaked away from him out of bed to go take another shower, this time scalding.  While he slept, she sobbed her heart out in there, scrubbing her skin raw.  She’d just willingly let her rapist husband have sex with her again and she hated herself for it, reminding herself it was for her family. 

 

If she didn’t make this marriage work, he would go after Chris and then her parents…everyone she loved and cared about was in the crossfire.  Flashbacks of that night at the club, how he animalistically took her without her consent, the vile words he spewed into her ear while raping her…it was going to take a hell of a lot longer than two weeks to get over something like that, if she ever did.  Still, Brinley had a role to play and felt disgusting sliding back into bed beside him, his arm instantly finding her while still fast asleep.  There was no escaping him, not if she didn’t want every single member of her family dead and possibly her too. 

 

A few hours later, Jon had woken her up with more sex, spoon fucking her, and Brinley faced away from him, still moving with him.  She just had to keep him sexually satisfied, giving her body to him whenever he called for it, and everything would be fine.  Her heart was under lock and key, he’d never have that.  Jon had her body and that was it, not her heart, soul and mind, those were still all hers and would remain hers, no matter how hard he tried breaking her.  The first time she hadn’t faked anything, but this time, Brinley was not in the mood and knew better than to push him away, so she faked getting off just to satisfy her husband.  It wasn’t the first time and it would not be the last.

 

Jon was very unaware of his wife’s faking abilities.  Women were able to purposefully clench and tighten themselves, doing it fast enough or however they did it, to fake an orgasm still pretty much felt like an orgasm to him and she had been pretty drenched, so…he always took it as a win.  Brinley was usually wet for him, he had no idea that sometimes, she fantasized about prior lovers, prior coworker lovers.  Sometimes she was just MORE wet or gushed and he figured it was like with men and cum, sometimes there was a lot, sometimes there was a little.

 

He was in a great mood the following morning, unaware his wife was lying through her teeth, for now.  Brinley wouldn’t be able to get away with it for very long, he could be a total dipshit and not recognize a fake orgasm, but could read body language and pick up on facial and vocal cues.  It might take him a bit, but he would start realizing something wasn’t right and then that focus that made him deadly came into play.  Jon was easily distracted and impulsive, but when that all disappeared and tunnel vision took over, he became a problem.

 

She’d gotten away with it for a year now and there were times she did really enjoy sex with Jon, actually cumming for him.  He was great in bed, but after what he did to her at the club…Brinley was faking it until she made it.  There was zero passion or desire to be with him intimately and the only reason she initiated sex in the first place was to get on his good side again.  Sex always worked with Jon.  He was easy to manipulate that way and she had used it to her advantage.  What else was she supposed to do?  Keeping fighting him until he wound up killing her one day and her family?  No, this was a much better solution and Brinley enjoyed keeping her head attached to her shoulders.  If she had it her way, he would never find out what she was doing and pulling behind his back.

 

More packing was what awaited them in Vegas and Brinley focused on the task at hand, keeping busy.  Eventually, nightfall came and so did bedtime with Jon initiating sex, so she went along with it.  Was she a whore for doing this?  Possibly, but in her mind, it was all about survival and she faked it with the best of them, once again doing what she had to do in order to satisfy him.  The rough sex had returned and she took it, also getting him to open up more about his past in the Indies.  His CZW adventures were…insane, to put it mildly, and now she understood where this man’s insanity stemmed from.  Jon truly was a psychopath, a masochist, and Brinley was even more determined to make him as happy as a lark, by any means necessary.

 

Sex wasn’t where she had to worry.  Brinley could fake that all day long and he wouldn’t notice.  It was everywhere else that was her concern.  She had gotten away with her questioning about his past in regard to his career because the twins had brought that up to her.  Jon supposed it was part and parcel for her to be somewhat curious about it, on top of needing to know, to avoid any more awkward conversations where she – his WIFE – was the odd man out.

 

Chapter 18

 

“I cannot WAIT until this shit is over!” Before all the furniture shopping, this apartment had been BARE BONES.  Brinley had washed everything they bought and if it couldn’t be washed, it had to be spot cleaned or disinfected.  Jon supposed he didn’t blame her, but the place was a clutter of packing boxes and most of these things they had just recently bought. “What the fuck were we thinking, Angel?”

 

“I’m thinking we should’ve waited until AFTER we moved into the house with the bare minimum we had and THEN did the shopping.”

 

It made no sense the way they did it and she leaned her head back against the wall, sweat dripping down the sides of her face.  Her hair was up, Brinley was in a tank top and cotton shorts, and it was hotter than hell in here because Jon enjoyed the Vegas heat.  He wasn’t a fan of air-conditioning and she had news for him, when they moved into this new house, he would be keeping the AC on or she would find a way to hurt him.  She absolutely loathed being hot and sweaty like this, the bandana around her forehead soaked from all the packing and moving around.

 

“Just think, we have to go back on the road tomorrow for work, but at least we got almost all of the packing done.  Ugh, I need a shower, I feel completely gross and disgusting…”

She had SAID that at the beginning, about waiting to shop, but he had been adamant about the bed because Brinley had lost her mind over the apartment as a whole.  How scummy and gross it was sleeping on a mattress on the floor.  He had been trying to do something nice for her in his own screwed up way.  Jon wasn’t a fan of AC in a tiny apartment, it would make the entire thing freezing.  It was like there were only two options, blazing hot or freezing cold.  There was NO comfortable in between with that piece of trash air conditioning unit.

 

“I think I’m just gonna throw out the canned goods…” He had been going through all the cupboards and on top of them, reaching places she would have had to stand on counters for. “This shit expired…a while ago…is canned food even still good when it expires?”

 

“Why don’t we drop it off at a homeless shelter instead?  That’s very wasteful and canned goods can last way past their expiration date.” Brinley looked over at him from where she sat, not getting up to join him because she was dying of heat right now.  Granted, Florida heat was just as bad, but she had air-conditioning there.  Jon shrugged and started to put the canned goods in bags, setting them to the side when he felt like they were heavy enough. “I don’t know about you, but I’m throwing in the towel for tonight.” It was going on 7 PM and she was starving, knowing they’d either have to order something or go out. “Wanna order a pizza?  I don’t really feel like going out tonight since we have an early flight tomorrow, Dean.”

 

Honestly, he wouldn’t have thought about a homeless shelter simply because Jon didn’t care.  He was a very selfish person, driven by his own motivations and wants, his own machinations. “We can do that, deep dish for me, Angel.”

 

Jon had preferences that she had learned over their year and some change marriage, such as a lot of toppings and deep dish.  It didn’t matter if it came out soggy, he always washed it down with beer anyway.  Speaking of beer, he turned to open the fridge, pulling out a cold long neck and popped it before turning to look at her.  Brinley was miserable again and he inwardly sighed, his eyes following sweat rolling down her neck and shoulders, finally going to turn on the AC.  They wouldn’t be here much longer, he’d deal with the icebox feeling for now for her.

 

Little things like what he did just now almost made Brinley forget what kind of nutjob she was married to.  It wasn’t the big things like getting a house or a bed or a suit for a formal function…Jon had turned the AC on for her because he saw how miserable and hot she was.  It was moments like that when she started second-guessing how she felt about Jon.  Of course, he’d always do or say something to ruin those feelings and then she’d be back at square one again. 

 

That was before the incident at the club happened, everything had changed for her after that night.  No matter how nice he was to her, or thoughtful and sweet, Brinley did not want to be with a man who not only threatened her family, but also manhandled and raped her.  Still, she had to show gratitude and stood up from the floor to walk over to Jon, after he closed the window, softly kissing him.

 

“Thank you and I’ll make sure to get the best damn deep dish pizza Vegas has to offer.” She nodded when he rattled off a specific place and kissed him again, this time a little deeper. “Wanna take a cold shower with me to cool off?”

 

Any sane woman wouldn’t have started second-guessing based on a random act of kindness.  It was his duty as a husband to take care of her.  In a normal, loving relationship, that AC would have been on to entirely avoid her dealing with all that misery, on top of having to pack, risking a heat stroke in Vegas.

 

“You already know the heat doesn’t bother me the way it does you.” That was messed up because he couldn’t STAND hot showers, but he LOVED the arid heat here.  Jon had a feeling it had to do with the humidity.  However, he wasn’t about to turn that offer down either, running his hands down her arms, feeling her damp skin and nodded, knowing she probably needed to get the feeling of gross sweat off her skin. “You going to make it, Angel?”

 

“I’m fine, just a little overheated is all.  If it gets too cold in here, don’t hesitate to turn the AC off, okay?  Don’t want you freezing your balls off or anything.” He nodded to acknowledge her and Brinley took his hand, guiding him to the bathroom for that cold shower together. 

 

It was not a surprise that Jon could have sex in cold showers and Brinley endured it, all to make sure he was completely satisfied and sated.

 

~!~

 

WrestleMania came and went almost in the blink of an eye. 

 

Time was flying by so fast, Brinley was just trying to keep up with it.  After WrestleMania was the brutal post-Mania Europe tour, where Jon was gone for two weeks and only a select number of producers flew over with the crew.  It couldn’t have come at a worse time because they were moving into their new house while Jon was gone overseas with the company.  Therefore, they had to hire a moving crew because there was no way in hell Brinley could move their belongings to the new place by herself.  Jon had been in a horrible mood for the majority of March and Brinley tried to do everything she could to keep him happy, but it wasn’t enough. 

 

The two week break was beautiful for her and she welcomed it with open arms, feeling like she was free for the first time in so long.  Even though she was moving boxes and organizing things in the new house, Jon wasn’t there breathing down her neck and Brinley wished for more time frames like this.  Sometimes, she wished she didn’t work in WWE, just so she didn’t have to see Jon all that often.  Staying at home doing a nine-to-five job or working for another company that traveled would’ve been the best scenario for her, given her situation.

 

Also, another great thing about Jon being gone was no nightmares had plagued her and Brinley had slept better than she had in a long time.

 

Jon was NOT happy with being away from his wife for that long, knowing fully well she was probably doing stupid things.  He would never forget that night at the club, how he had learned about the way she behaved when he wasn’t around and that fueled some intense paranoia in him.  Brinley was susceptible to other people’s opinions and influences, which he didn’t like because he didn’t need his already headstrong woman to become any worse.  She got herself lit and acted like an unmarried slut…and he didn’t share.  Ever.  Even if this wasn’t a proper marriage, Jon wasn’t sharing her.  He didn’t fuck anyone else except Brinley, so he expected the same in return.

 

Send nudes. He’d be home soon enough, but goddamn was he bored and overly tired.  WWE always went over the top for their European fans simply because they didn’t get the same amount of attention and time that people in the States did.

 

She sighed heavily, really not wanting to do that.  Brinley wasn’t comfortable sending nudes through the phone because Jon could very well use them against her in the future.  She would not put it past him to do it.  Did she ignore him and pretend she didn’t receive the message or simply deny him what he wanted?  Christ, Chris was over there with him too…groaning, Brinley knew she had no choice in the matter and wished he’d just leave her alone while he was overseas.

 

Coming right up. She sent back, chewing her thumbnail and removed the robe she had on, fresh out of the shower. “I am NOT putting my face in any of them.  He can get fucked if he doesn’t like it.” Brinley muttered before snapping a few shots of her vagina, which was freshly groomed and then some shots of her breasts.  If her face wasn’t in the shots, there was no way for him to use them against her should everything go completely south. “Here jackass, here’s your fucking photos, now leave me the hell alone.” Sending them, she put the robe back on and felt disgusted with herself for doing that.

 

He didn’t need to see her face.  All it would take was his cell falling into the wrong hands and his wife would become an Internet porn model, no thanks.  Jon was sharing a room with a few other guys, so he excused himself to the bathroom, long enough to send her a picture of what she had done to him.  He had a very nice cock, if he did say so himself.  Above average in length and girth, nice head, he kept everything trimmed well-groomed, not about to choke her on pubic hairs.

 

See what you did?

 

Would she be up for sexting?  Jon was tormenting himself at this point because it wasn’t like he could hog the bathroom to get himself off.  Groaning, he headed back out when someone banged on the door, shaking his head.  Had he mentioned how much he hated these tours?

 

Mmm, you asked for them, you knew what would happen. “Ugh…” Brinley was currently on their new couch in the house, binging on Netflix with a quart of ice cream in her lap.  The last thing she wanted to do was sext Jon. “He’s not going to leave me alone, is he?  What time is it over there even?”

 

It was going on 6 PM in Vegas, so she could only imagine how messed up the time was over in Europe.  The more she thought about it, the more she really contemplated if quitting WWE was the right thing to do.  If she wanted to have an affair, she could since Jon was constantly on the road working.  Did Brinley want to risk the safety of her family though for some dick?  No, she immediately dismissed the idea and leaned her head back, knowing she’d just have to relish the times when she could stay home while WWE did these tours overseas.  Still, quitting WWE and finding a different job to put more space between them was definitely a viable option.  What would Jon think of her doing that though?

 

On a different topic, would you be mad if I got a different job and left WWE?

 

Was she serious?  Jon scowled at his cell, the boner instantly deflating because if she was asking, then she had been thinking about this pretty hard and for a while.  He wasn’t about to put something really bad in a text message though, knowing Brinley could screenshot and use it against him.  Jon NEVER did that, he wasn’t a total fool.

 

I would be a little disappointed and miss you like crazy. He finally sent back, very diplomatically, his blue eyes narrowed at his screen as he stared at that message. Why would you want to anyway?  You love your job and it keeps us together. And Brinley knew he wouldn’t like it, he wouldn’t be able to have her under his thumb.  There were other reasons of course, but she didn’t need to know about them.

 

“Flat lie, Jonathan.  You wouldn’t miss me at all.  You just wanna control me.  God, I hate him so much!” Brinley growled, trying to figure out ways to stay away from him while being married.  The only other way she could think of was having a baby…and she really, REALLY did not want to procreate with him. Honestly, the job is getting a little stressful for me with the traveling.  It’s wearing on me.  I’m not saying I’m gonna do it, I just wanted your thoughts on the idea. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, fuckface.” She muttered, standing up from the couch to put the ice cream in the freezer and wondered what her brother would think.  It wasn’t like she’d leave the wrestling industry as a whole, she could just go work for a different organization like Impact or an Indie company. “Gotta keep the psycho happy, Brin, or he’ll end up doing something insane and you know it.” If you don’t want me to do it, I won’t do it.  It’s whatever you want, Dean.

 

Oh, you dirty bitch, he thought since he couldn’t very well say what he was thinking out loud, not with other people in the room.  His cheapskate ways had screwed him on some jerking off AND cussing out his wife time. “I’m gonna go smoke.” Jon announced, pushing himself off his bed and swiped his smokes and keycard, slipping out the door quickly.  He headed outside for the smoking section and parked on top of an empty table, his bare feet on the bench his backside was meant to go and lit a cigarette.  Letting the nicotine filter through his system, Jon took a moment before finally replying to his shrew wife. I’d rather you didn’t, you know I’d miss you and we’d hardly see each other.  I bet Chris would miss you too. That right there was her answer. Don’t fucking even think it.

 

“Oh you fucking asshole!  Bringing up my brother like that!” Brinley was pissed and had to set her phone down for a minute to breathe, not wanting to break it.  She loved her Android and did not want to go get another one because Jon pissed her off.  He’d taken enough away from her as it was. Then I won’t.  I’m sorry if I upset you. That left such a bad taste in her mouth as soon as she sent the message to him.  Brinley busted out the wine and poured herself a much needed glass, filling it to the rim before taking a long sip. “I’m not saying I’d miss him.  Fuck that.  I’m lying enough as it is, including when we bone.”

 

Since all of her things had burnt to a crisp in the fire, besides what she had here, Brinley had gone shopping while Jon was gone and treated herself…with his credit card.  He’d be pissed when he got the bill in the mail, but since he wanted to go burn her house down, she figured he owed her.  That made her giggle wickedly while sipping more of her wine.

 

Goddamn right he had mentioned her brother, it would be a terrible shame if something happened to that royal jackass.  Jon would not shed a tear over something happening to Chris or feel one shred of guilt. You didn’t, Angel.  I just want you to be happy, whatever you decide to do. He was smirking, that cigarette firmly between his lips as he sent that back, knowing she was reading the hidden messages in his very innocent messages.

 

They’d definitely be having a face to face when he got back home though.  What had put THIS idea into her head?  She loved her job, even he knew that, and Jon also knew she was under contract for a bit longer.  He could almost imagine the pissed off, sour expression on Brinley’s face right now, snickering softly as he blew smoke out his nostrils.

 

Miss me yet? Probably not.  She was probably enjoying her alone time.

 

Immensely!  Brinley did NOT want to answer that next text and knew she had to.  There was no choice.  She was contracted to WWE for another 4 years…4 long years…which meant stuck with Jon for at least that length of time.  Now, unlike the wrestlers, the backstage people, like her, could negotiate their way out of a contract because they weren’t on television, so they weren’t as needed or protected as the Superstars.

 

How very sweet of you and of course I do, Shnookums.  Do you miss me too? “Not in this damn lifetime.” Brinley was laughing as soon as she sent that, knowing she’d never called him that term of endearment before and moved into the bedroom to take her robe off, needing a nice, soft nightgown she’d bought a few days ago.

 

“What the actual shit?” He was talking to nobody since it was just him out here and he tossed the stub of his cigarette into the standing ashtray.  Rereading that message, he lit another one. “What the fuck…” Shnookums? Yeah, no.  Not digging that one, Pet. Jon very rarely used that word, but it was a point blank warning not to be needling him.  She had already tested his patience and temper with this job change idea. I’ll be home soon. And if she wanted the peace to remain in their house, she’d chill out and behave herself. Hang out with the girls lately? Would it be a terrible thing if he wished those twins disappeared next?

 

Nope, been hammering out the house as much as possible since I have the time off, Dean.  Sorry, I thought Shnookums was cute, but I won’t use it again.

 

Brinley knew he was skeptical of the twins after that fiasco at the club, but honestly, they hadn’t done anything wrong.  She was the one who decided to wear the mini dress with no panties.  Nikki had pointed out the fact she had panty lines and Brinley had taken them off.  It wasn’t the first time she had gone bare in a dress and it wouldn’t be the last.  It just wouldn’t be for a while, not after being assaulted by her own husband.

 

“God, can’t he just go to bed already or go do something?  Maybe find a chick over there to fuck her life up instead of mine!” Wishful thinking and hoping on her part, but a girl could dream and wish for it. And please don’t call me that either.  Not digging being called an animal, thanks.

 

GOOD! He did not like that name at all.  It put stereotypical valley wives in his head, those who used the really stupid pet names with their significant others.  The airheaded blondes who were as vapid as they were beautiful. Fair. He sent back, figuring they had an understanding now.

 

If he would have known she was wishing for him to go fuck another woman, Jon would have laughed her to hell and back.  He had been a manwhore before her, no doubt about it, but once he had decided he wanted HER, he had stopped with all that.  That was one thing about him that maybe was good, he wasn’t bringing home anything to his obsession, his wife, and he sure wouldn’t allow Brinley to do it either.  They really were until death.

 

I’m going to bed. He had to be up in a few hours anyway, the time change was messing with him so badly. Don’t work too hard.

 

“Hallelujah, praise Jesus!” Brinley wouldn’t have to cater to the text messages anymore and thought about turning her phone off, deciding against it.  Knowing Jon, he would hop on the first flight here to check and make sure everything was all right if she didn’t answer him within a few hours. I won’t.  Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite. “I hope he does have bedbugs, fucking prick.” She muttered, sending a kissing emoji before closing out the text messages and rolled her eyes, hating that she had to play this part. 

 

Part of her wondered if there really was any way, any escape, and Brinley thought about calling Mark Calaway for help.  Then again, she didn’t want to drag anyone else into this mess she had created for herself by screwing around with Jon in the first place.  This was her mess and she had to find a way out of it herself.  Pushing those thoughts out of her head, Brinley finished her rather large glass of wine and continued with the house, rather enjoying the space, how big it was, and it felt as close to a home as she’d ever get.

 

Chapter 19

 

Her paranoia was way unfounded because he couldn’t just bail on a European tour to check on her.  Now, if Brinley had said she was leaving him or something, or some stupid social media post showed her out doing ridiculous antics she shouldn’t be, that was a different ballgame.  Not texting him back within so many hours, not a big deal.  There was a serious time difference between them, he was aware of that.  Jon was also aware of the fact that she was likely enjoying him not being up her backside.  She may not have been aware of it, but there had been a few nights she had been whimpering in her sleep and he had a feeling it had to do with that night at the club.  Honestly, it was starting to bother him and not in the ‘I’m annoyed’ way, more like a pinprick of guilt he had no business feeling.  

 

At all.

 

Those nightmares only came on whenever Jon was around her and Brinley knew why.  It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out, so Brinley had started taking some sleeping pills to help cope with them.  They’d have sex and then she’d pop one to help her fall asleep at night.  Sometimes they worked and kept the nightmares at bay.  Other times they didn’t.  It was a coping mechanism to try to get over what he did to her that night in the club.  At the very least, her body wasn’t reacting in a negative way towards him whenever Jon wanted to get intimate or else they probably wouldn’t have had sex again.  Again, wishful thinking since Jon loved sex and Brinley knew he wouldn’t let her go too long without giving it to him.

 

While Jon was gone, Brinley had finally broken down about her house.  She’d been going through the things she’d brought to Vegas, after marrying Jon, and it hit her like a ton of bricks.  Her home, her memories, had all been burnt and turned to ashes.  Jon had done that to her.  It just solidified her hatred for the man that much more and reminded her of why she would never, ever think of him as anything more than a monster.  He didn’t care about anyone except himself and his needs.  He was the most selfish, inconsiderate piece of garbage on the planet and she was stuck with him!  Those memories, everything she had collected over the years of her life, were gone and they could never be replicated or replaced.

 

She hated Vegas.  She hated it here.  She hated this house, no matter how beautiful she’d made it…it wasn’t home to her.  No place ever would be again.  This house felt cold, no matter how much furniture and décor was put into it.  It was cold because that what their marriage was – cold and desolate, all one-sided.  Brinley didn’t love him and Jon didn’t love her.  They’d never once uttered the L word to each other and it would never happen. 

 

Forced to be with him because of his threats, she was a body for him to fuck, to control, to do with as he pleased and nothing more.  Just to make sure her depression didn’t get out of hand, Brinley had gone to the doctor while he was on the tour and gotten some depression and anxiety pills, just to help her cope with everything.  If popping pills was the only way to cope and deal with this situation, so be it, she’d do it.

 

When Jon came home, Brinley was all smiles and actually ran to him as soon as he got out of the Uber, jumping into his arms to passionately kiss him.  Happy pills were a beautiful thing and it veiled how she really felt about him, her disdain and hatred also tamed for the most part.  Something told her Jon hadn’t been expecting this type of reception, but it was all Brinley could do in order to survive through this.  He carried her inside their new house for the first time, her legs around his waist, and proceeded to fuck her right against the front door, her voice echoing throughout the house, singing his praises and faking it the entire damn time.

 

No, no he hadn’t, but all things considered Jon wasn’t immediately bitching about it.  However, afterwards, after they had christened a lot of the rooms in their house, Jon was thinking about it, her reaction to him being gone for two weeks and that Stepford wife smile on her face.  He was laying on the massive, comfortable couch he still couldn’t believe he had dropped over a grand on, smoking a cigarette in nothing except a pair of boxer briefs, replaying that over and over in his head.  Brinley had come running and launched herself at him, but there had been something wrong about the whole situation.  Huffing, he pushed himself up and began walking around the house; she had unpacked and decorated while he was gone, and he took it all in.

 

Why did this all feel so irrevocably wrong?

 

It was all wrong.  Everything about this was wrong.  Threatening her family and forcing her to marry him under duress…Jon had crossed so many lines and this was what he wanted.  He didn’t say a word about how she had to cope with the situation she was forced in.  Brinley was only human and could only take so much.  If he didn’t want her exploding and showing the real her, and how she truly felt about all of this, pills were the answer.  Depression pills forced her to be happy, to hide the depression and emotional pain, and the Xanax was for her anxiety, to help her cope with having sex with her psychotic husband. 

 

Currently, Brinley was in the bedroom, finishing hanging the clothes she’d taken out of the dryer and smiled at him as soon as he walked in. “Everything okay?  Getting used to the new place?  It took me a minute to adjust too, it’ll just take time, Dean.”

 

“What’s going on with you?”

 

Ever since that night at the club and then at the anniversary of her parents, Brinley had been an entirely different woman.  At the time, he had reveled in it because he was so tired of her nitpicking, adding the ‘if I were you’s’ and condescension she had a habit of spewing.  He had ENJOYED not hearing her snark and it had felt like a win.  However, Jon was realizing he actually missed all of it because it was more real, more Brinley.  Now, he had a woman who was acting like the perfectly happy, loving housewife and, while that was all well and fine in public, he was realizing he didn’t WANT that behind closed doors.

 

Sometimes, Jon was such an indecisive prick.

 

“What do you mean?” Brinley gasped when Jon suddenly grabbed her roughly by the upper arms, forcing her to stop what she was doing to look up at him.  Holy hell, he had just scared her by doing that and she froze, afraid if she even breathed wrong, he would hurt her.  This man was capable of anything and had a very mercurial mood. “Dean…” Maybe he didn’t like the house as much as he thought and was regretting sinking the next 30 plus years of his life into this place. “There’s nothing going on with me…and your grip is really tight, so can you loosen it please?”

 

What did Jon expect?  He had threatened to burn down her parents’ anniversary party if she wasn’t the perfect wife!  He had burnt her home to a crisp all because she had pissed him off!  What did this man honestly expect her to do? Keep fighting him and being snarky and have her head ripped off? 

 

Even though he was scaring the hell out of her right now, Brinley was hoping to diffuse the situation and leaned forward to brush her lips against his Adam’s apple. “Do you want more sex?  Tell me what you want and it’s yours, just…don’t hurt me, please…”

 

“Oh you’re pathetic!”

 

Promptly, he dropped her very unceremoniously on the bed, backing off of her and shook his head.  An ugly expression spread across his face as an even unpleasant thought entered his mind, blue eyes narrowing and turning cold until they were nothing but slits of pure ice.  Brinley was still scared of him and he was now getting an inkling that turning to sex, something she DIDN’T want with him because she was afraid of him, was how she was also ensuring he didn’t ‘hurt’ her again.

 

“I have NEVER hurt you!” Scared her, sure, but outside of that one night when her drunken slutty backside had been begging for it, he had never laid a finger on her. “All things considered, Brinley, given I’m a fuckin’ psycho, I’ve been pretty goddamn GOOD to you!”

 

And now she was laughing. 

 

Brinley could not help it or hold it in, the sound completely bone chilling with her own eyes narrowing. “Good to me?  You’ve been good to me?  Really?” Not even the strongest pills in the world would stop the next set of words from coming out of her mouth. “YOU’RE FULL OF FUCKING SHIT, JON!!  You’ve been NOTHING but cruel and heartless to me!!  Forcing me to marry you by threatening my family and my loved ones!!  BURNING MY FUCKING HOUSE DOWN!!  I KNOW IT WAS YOU!!” Brinley screamed, not able to hold it in any longer and the hatred, the animosity, the anger burned brightly in her acid eyes. “You raped me in that club.  I told you no and you took what you wanted anyway!!  YOU FUCKING RAPED ME!!  And then you caused me to have nightmares – nightmares that have forced me to take sleeping pills to hopefully keep them away.  My skin crawls every time you touch me, so I did what I had to do to get through this.  Until you get bored and tired of me.  I’m taking depression and anxiety pills to COPE with being FORCED to be here with your DISGUSTING ASS!!  THEN YOU FORCED ME TO BUY THIS GODFORSAKEN HOUSE WITH YOU AFTER BURNING MINE DOWN!!  All because I pissed you off!  So excuse the fuck out of me if all I’m trying to do is SURVIVE this goddamn marriage and protect my family from your psychotic ASS!!  So please, EXPLAIN to me how exactly you’ve been GOOD to me because I don’t see it and I never fucking WILL.”

 

He stood there, quietly smoking his cigarette while she raged at him, his stoic expression never changing, even when she began screaming, spewing her hatred at him.  To be fair, she wasn’t wrong, except maybe at the rape part.  Jon still held that she had wanted it.  Nobody did what she did and expected to not get fucked; nobody was that unbelievably stupid.  No panties, at a crowded club, with drinks flowing and sexual energy everywhere…stupidity at its finest.  Then to basically FORCE his hand to FEEL her nakedness, she had been asking for it.  So, Brinley had raped his hand.  That was where he stood.  Everything ELSE, however, she was dead on.

 

“Yeah, so, the part where I’ve been good to you, Angel,” Pausing, a second later he had her off the bed and pinned to a wall, just like he had that night at the club, only they were both clothed and she wasn’t begging to be fucked.  No, she was begging for him to lose his temper and mind. “I HAVEN’T hurt anyone, I think that’s pretty fucking nice of me all things considered.  Now, what pills?”

 

“Depression and anxiety.” Brinley answered, not caring if he knew because they were her medication, not his. “Because I couldn’t stand the thought of fucking you after what you did to me at that club.  It’s the only way I’ve been able to let you fuck me.  Depression should speak for itself.  I had a breakdown while you were gone over the fact you burnt my house down, so I went to the doctor, and they prescribed me pills that make me happy-go-lucky.  Your perfect, compliant, Stepford housewife that does anything you want and puts your happiness first.  That’s what you wanted, right, Jon?  A compliant, OBEDIENT little housewife who you can control and manipulate with scare tactics.  What’s wrong?  Gonna hit me now?  Go ahead, you’ve already taken everything away from me that I ever loved and cared about.  Burning my memories, years’ worth that I can NEVER replace or get back.  Raping me, all because I teased you a little in a club.  Such a BIG man you are, huh?  Go ahead, do whatever the fuck you want to me, but just remember, all you’ll ever have of me is my body, not my mind, my soul, and DAMN SURE not my heart!  I could never love a pathetic, DISGUSTING excuse for a man like you, not in a million goddamn years!  THIS IS ALL YOUR DOING, SO DEAL WITH IT, ASSHOLE!!”

 

For as many times as he would have LIKED to slap her venomous mouth, Jon hadn’t and he wasn’t about to start now.  Even though he could probably say she was hysteric and he was just trying to snap her out of it.  He bent down, brushing his nose against hers and inhaled, finally pushing away from her.

 

“If it makes you feel any better, Mrs. Good, I don’t love you either…” At all and he snorted, watching as she wiped tears from her face. “But, I like you.  You got pluck.” Tweaking her nose before walking out of the bedroom, Jon acted like she hadn’t totally lost her temper on him.  

 

Honestly, he wouldn’t be surprised if she threw something heavy at the back of his head.

 

THAT was his response to all of that?  He liked her and she had pluck?  What the HELL?!  Brinley could only stand there before feeling her legs give out, her back sliding down the wall until her backside hit the carpeted floor, more tears falling down her cheeks.  Jon had come storming in here, demanding to know what was going on with her, she was honest with him, brutally honest, and THAT was all he had to say? Jesus Christ, I really did marry a psychopath!

 

Her hands were trembling, her anxiety up, and Brinley couldn’t move from where she sat for a while, just trying to calm down.  Eventually, she did rise to her feet and popped an anxiety pill before laying down in bed, waiting for it to kick in.  He didn’t love her, but he liked her…WHAT SENSE DID THAT MAKE?!  Then, a horrible thought crossed her mind as her eyes closed and all Brinley could do was pray he didn’t hurt her family after that horrible outburst from her.

 

Any other man would have hit his breaking point and probably hit her.  Any DECENT man would have been appalled instantly at him, hating himself for doing it and tried to help her, apologizing up and down, left and right.  An abuser would have apologized and not meant it, and then cleaned her up and promised not to do it again, but he would.  Jon, on the other hand, had asked and she had been truthful with him.  He was both annoyed by it, mostly the part with the pills Brinley was now popping like they were Pez candies, and amused, by everything else.  Getting to work getting supper going, he figured something fattening would be good for her, and him.  Jon made sure to add a little bit of beer to it as well, knowing the alcohol would actually burn off, but he was definitely getting plastered tonight.

 

Wifey had gotten him thinking and that was bad.

 

Chapter 20

 

A few hours later, they sat at their new dining room table in silence and shared their first meal together in their new house.  It should’ve been a momentous occasion, but honestly, this was the absolute last thing Brinley wanted to do.  Still, she needed to eat and didn’t say a word to Jon.  They had said more than enough to each other and she didn’t want to give him even more of a reason to hurt Chris or her family.  It was best to just stay silent and not speak unless she was spoken to. 

 

After a very tense, quiet dinner, Brinley started putting the food away in the tubber ware containers she had bought, even though the food would more than likely go bad by the time they returned.  Their flight was leaving in the morning at 8 AM, there was no rest for the wicked and Brinley couldn’t believe it hadn’t even been 12 hours since Jon came home.  It felt like a lifetime, though most of the day had been spent having sex with him.  Once dinner was cleaned up, along with the counter and stove, Brinley started on the dishes while Jon merely sat at the island in front of her, lighting up a fresh cigarette.

 

“This is a really nice house, so can you please start smoking outside, so you don’t ruin the walls and ceilings with the smoke?” There, Brinley was speaking to him and tried like hell to keep her voice level.

 

“Nah, that’s what having it professionally cleaned is for.” He argued, knowing the smoke wasn’t overly bothering her since there was some amazing ventilation in this place.  When she reminded him that cost money, he snorted and blew smoke up at the ceiling, letting her know exactly what he thought about that. “What’s the fucking point of having all this money and shit if I’m not using it?  Hmm?  I’ll have someone come do the walls and shit every so often, keep your panties on…or are you not wearing them again?”

 

Brinley slammed something in that sink, sending water and bubbles everywhere and he got up to get himself another beer.  One thing Jon prided himself on was his ability to get plastered and still get to work.  It was like some internal badass clock that just never let him down.  Kind of like a mother with her baby, constantly aware and able to be instantly up if the thing so much as mewled, but with beer.

 

That was UNCALLED FOR!  Brinley did not bother dignifying that with a response and pulled the plate out of the sink, thankful she hadn’t broken it.  Fine, if Jon wanted the walls to go to hell in this new house, that was on him.  She wouldn’t be contributing to it and would continue smoking outside on the patio.  They had a lovely patio set with a fireplace out there and a nice big fenced in backyard with a hot tub and inground pool.  They both worked, she had been in both during her two weeks off and they had been absolutely lovely.  Brinley could feel him standing right behind her while she continued doing the dishes, refusing to acknowledge him and felt the tip of his nose brush against the side of her neck.

 

“If you want to fuck me again, just say it, so we can get it over with, Jon.”

 

“Hate to break it to you, Angel,” Jon open mouthed kissed the back of her neck after lifting her hair and then laughed, his breath hot against her skin before stepping away from her, popping the top of his fresh beer. “It’s not always about what’s between your legs, contrary to your personal opinion.” The woman was a slut offering herself to him at a drop of hat, for any reason that suited him.  She honestly thought that was the main reason he even wanted her and he began laughing harder. “Shit!” He had just snorted his beer and he was still laughing, getting out of stabbing range because of the knife she had just washed and was about to rinse, adding to his own pain with a puff on his cigarette and another try on the beer. “Your pussy isn’t…isn’t all that great, Brinley.  It’s good and all, but contrary to what you think, it’s usually you jumping me lately, not the other way around.” Fuck his nose and her hand actually clenched around the knife she was rinsing very, very slowly. “Put it in the strainer.”

 

“All to keep you happy and satisfied, so you don’t go and burn someone else’s house to the fucking ground or hurt my family.  That’s the ONLY reason I fuck you, you know.  If you think for a second I desire your psychotic ass, you’re delusional.  No wonder I’ve had to fake a lot of the orgasms you’ve given me.” Oh boy, did that really just pop out of her mouth?  Brinley surprised even herself and Jon snorted more beer, cursing up a storm and using his freedom of speech, making her laugh now.  Good, served him right for being a complete jackass! “From now on, you can use Rosey Palm and her five Aunts to get off.  I’m not sleeping in the same bed as you either, jackass.” Finishing up the dishes, she drained the water and grabbed the towel to dry her hands off. “So eat that, Chuckles.”

 

On one hand, he had asked for this…no, he had BEGGED for it!  Jon had been sick of the Stepford wife bullshit, it was BORING and he was not well-suited for boring, at all.  Not even in his personal life, his marital life, apparently.  Most people would want serene and tranquil, nope, not Dean Ambrose; he had to have everything volatile and boy had she just done that, upset everything.

 

“Oh you lying little bitch!” It came out a harsh whisper, choking on beer, snorting it up and out his nose. 

 

Jon was a bit on the raspy side due to snorting his beer.  There was no way she was faking orgasms, not all of them anyway and he didn’t know if he wanted to prove her lying ass wrong or go to town with the dish soap on that beautiful, hateful mouth of hers.  A second later, Brinley had done a very un-Brinley like thing and taken off running, so he chased.

 

“Stay away from me!!” Brinley screamed, slamming his arm right into the sliding glass door that was off the kitchen and heard Jon growl behind her. 

 

Her eyes landed on the pool and she didn’t think twice about it, diving right into the cold water.  She was a fast swimmer and knew he’d come in after her, hearing the splash moments later, cursing at the fact she hurt his arm.  Jon wasn’t nearly as fast as her and Brinley got out of the pool, racing back into the house while he still remained in the pool, closing and locking the door behind her.  She flew to one of the guest rooms as fast as she could, finding one of the closets and hid inside, locking the door behind her.  Christ, her heart was thundering in her ears and she was legitimately scared by what he might do to her after what she said.

 

God please, please just make him leave me alone! She silently prayed, clasping her hands tightly and silently prayed, covering her mouth with her hand, so he wouldn’t even be able to hear her breathing.

 

“YOU FUCKING TRYING LOCKING ME OUT OF MY OWN GODDAMN HOUSE?!” When he had just gotten home today, no less!  Jon was NOT amused at all and began tossing his shoulder at the door, which turned out to be a mistake before it was the same arm she had gotten with that damn sliding glass door.  He had to break into his own house…he was PISSED. “BRINLEY!” He was going to DROWN her in that pool, already envisioning her body swollen from the water, looking all puffy with her blonde hair tinted green from the chlorine, just dead floating there while he was off performing in a ring somewhere.  It’d be a tragic accident. “FUCK!” He began slamming his shoulder into the wall, pretty sure it was dislocated and let out a BELLOW of pain when he felt it pop back into place. “FUCK!”

 

She cringed at his bellowing, true fear gripping her insides and knew there was no way out of here.  Brinley wouldn’t make it to the garage in time to jump in the car and get the hell out of here until he cooled off.  He was pissed, she could hear the deadly intentions in his tone, and looked around in the darkened closet.  There had to be someplace to hide in here away from him.  He’d check the closets, she was such an idiot for coming in here in the first place.  This reminded her of a horror movie, where the killer was stalking his prey and that prey refused to die, slithering like a snake away from him.  Ultimately, the killer usually caught his prey and Brinley was the prey for Jon.  She jumped when she heard the door being kicked in, even though it wasn’t locked and he was in the room now, she could hear his heavy breathing and cursing.

 

Don’t breathe, don’t you dare breathe or move.

 

“You fucking DICK, Brinley!  You fucking asshole!” Jon began kicking open doors, the heavy, solid wood doing its job of holding its own and not breaking. He finally stopped outside the guest room, drumming his fingertips against the door, reaching down to open the door.  It didn’t.  It was locked. “Come out moon, come out wishing star…” He sang under his breath, knowing he was sick in the head for singing some song from some Disney movie about a stuffed bear, but there it was.  He remembered being forced to watch that at an afterschool center, the song had apparently stuck in his head all this time.  Jon walked into their bathroom, eyeballing her belongings and finally returned, kneeling down to begin picking the lock. “Come out, come out, wherever you are…” He couldn’t sing to save his life and he parked his backside on the boring, plain bed, staring directly at the closet. “So…am I supposed to come in there with a knife or something and stab you?  Or…did you ever see that movie, See No Evil, with Jacobs?  He force-fed a cell phone to a broad hiding in a closet, it was pretty sick.” He lit a cigarette, his legs spread and forearms now resting on his knees as he leaned forward. “Get out of there, Brinley.”

 

Did she speak up or remain quiet, silent?  He really was sick singing a children’s song of some kind to her while kicking in doors, trying to locate her. “Who are you, Bray Wyatt now?  You know you stole his gimmick just now, right?” That made him scowl as she flipped the lock and opened the door, stepping out of the closet cautiously. “He sings that song ‘I’ve got the whole world in my hands’, remember?”

 

Brinley didn’t care if she broke his arm, he deserved it after the vile, nasty things he said to her.  This was the room she’d be sleeping in from now on.  He could have the big king-sized master bedroom all to himself.  Her clothes were in this closet for a reason and she didn’t bother doing anything with his, figuring he’d just toss them in a corner or something.

 

“Are you done chasing me or do you wanna keep this going, Ambrose?”

 

“YOU’RE the one who escalated it, fuckstick, not me!” Jon snapped back, not moving from his spot on the bed as he eyed her with a sneer. “For a scared broad who was hiding in a closet, you got a brass set right now, don’t you?”

 

Wasn’t this what had led to her being a Stepford wife?  This woman infuriated him like nobody else ever had, even when she was letting him know how much she hated him and apparently now how much he sucked in bed, unable to get her slutty body off. However, Jon also preferred her this way, which made him sick in the head and the scowl turned into an amused grin.

 

“You need to breathe, you look ready to faint,” Brinley could say what she wanted; she had been terrified and he offered her the cigarette. “I have yet to hit you and I don’t see myself starting anytime soon.” Even though she did need that pert backside paddled.

 

“You were acting like a psycho chasing me like a killer would its prey!  What did you expect me to do?” She remarked, hesitantly reaching out for the cigarette and snagged it from him, taking a very deep, long drag of it.  Her anxiety was up again and she couldn’t take another pill, trying like hell to slow her racing heart. “You burned my house down because I pissed you off, so god only knows what you’re capable of.  I wouldn’t put it past you to harm me physically since you already have mentally and emotionally, asshole.” Brinley took another drag and handed it back to him, moving cautiously around the bed towards the window, not taking her eyes off him.

 

“Nah Angel, you got me all wrong, I don’t break my toys.”

 

Dropping backwards on the bed, hooking an arm beneath his head, Jon smoked and stared at her shrewdly.  He bet she would lose her mind if she knew some of the things rolling around in his head, about his motives and all that other fun stuff.  She’d lose her mind and probably try, maybe even succeed, in killing him.  That would be interesting and maybe in about 10 years, when he had finally worn her down and was getting bored, he’d light that fire under her just to watch it all burn down.

 

“If it makes you feel any better, it was really, REALLY beautiful once those flames really took off.”

 

Those words cut her deeply, rocked her, and felt her hatred for him burn stronger than ever. “You already did break me, but I pieced myself back together again.  And I will continue to do that, no matter how many times you shatter me, Jon.” Brinley would not allow this sadistic bastard to be the end of her.  She deserved a better end than the likes of Jon Good. “Just know that every time you’ve fucked me, it wasn’t you I saw.  It was others that I’ve fucked, that were better than you.  It was their dick I wished was inside of me instead of yours.  Pretty sad your wife has to picture other men while you fuck her just so she can either achieve orgasm or fake it.” She started laughing, once again the sound bone-chilling and pointed at the door. “I’m done toying with you for tonight, little man.  So get out of my room, I pay for half of this house, so this is my bedroom and you’re not welcome in it.  EVER.”

 

Well, given what he had just said to her, Jon supposed he deserved that.  He had thrown her house in her face, basically admitted to what he had done without directly admitting to it, and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.  All Brinley had left were her words and he gave her a very pitying look, shaking his head.  She had already said she faked her orgasms, there really wasn’t much more she could throw sexually at him to hurt his already injured pride there.

 

“I bet you have a mile long list of them too, those past lovers, it explains why you’re so goddamn loose.” Okay, maybe he was a little spiteful, they had that in common tonight and he pushed himself off the bed, walking over to tower over her. “I’ll let you have your room tonight, Angel, maybe schedule some surgery to tighten shit up the next time we’re here, huh?  Would you like that?” He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose, having every intention of removing every goddamn lock from every room in the house. “You can lie all you want,” his mouth moved to her ear, feeling her tensing. “But I remember how you gushed for the man you didn’t know in those dark rooms, how you came apart for him… for me.”

 

“That was before I knew what a psychotic bastard you are.  Now, I want nothing to do with you.  And my shit is tight enough, but thanks for the recommendation.  Maybe you should check and see if your junk still works properly since you can’t seem to get your wife off these days.  Maybe a little Viagra might straighten you out.” Brinley knew she was treading on thin ice and didn’t give a damn, not after what he said to her. “Don’t worry, you won’t be getting any loose pussy for a long time.  I suggest you find it elsewhere because this pussy is officially CLOSED.” Brinley shoved him away from her with authority, using as much strength as she could and her hand twitched at her side, every part of her wanting to belt him one right across his face.  Watching him walk out the door, she slammed it shut, flipping the lock on it and finally let the heartbreaking tears cascade down her cheeks. 

 

Thirty years…she had 30 plus years left of this…and this was just the first night in the new house.

 

What a WONDERFUL first night in their new home.

 

Jon slept on the couch, chain smoking until he fell asleep, surrounded by his overflowing ashtray and empty beers.  He was up with his alarm however, no matter how fucked up he got, he didn’t miss those alarms.  Years of practice with that.  He groaned, swinging his legs until they touched the floor and began rubbing at his scalp, fingers tangling in his curls.  After a second, he was up, scratching his nuts as he padded his naked backside to the bathroom for a quick piss and a handwash.  Yawning a few times more, Jon made his way to the guest room to wake his wife up, realized she had locked it and sighed.  It was too early to pick a damn lock and his throbbing shoulder reminded him that he probably shouldn’t be screwing around with any kind of door anymore.  So he knocked instead, a few times, hearing her grouchy ‘fuck off’ before doing so to start coffee.

 

Twenty minutes later, Brinley stumbled out of her room with her bags in hand, tossing it at the front door before walking over to grab a quick cup of coffee.  It smelled like a stale ashtray in this house and she wrinkled her nose, not bothering to hide her disgust.  If Jon wasn’t ready to leave in twenty minutes, she would leave without him, refusing to miss her flight because of him.  Sure enough, he was ready to go with two bags in hand, same as her, as they headed into the garage to hop into his truck to take them to the airport.  Brinley was tempted to drive herself in her own car, but decided against it and sipped her coffee, rolling down the window to let the fresh air flow over her.

 

The old adage of ‘careful what you wish for’ had gone through his head.  Jon had wished for her to not act like a facsimile of a woman and she had delivered in spades.  Brinley had gone above and beyond her normal shrew like crap and into suicidal territory.  He was quiet as he drove, his own coffee in the center console cupholder; he wasn’t a very cheery morning person to begin with and she had given him a lot to think about.  Pills…she was on pills for depression and anxiety, who knew what else and it never occurred to him that those things could be an issue.  Jon knew exactly where those things could lead as well.

 

“What exactly are you taking, your pills?” He asked quietly, finally breaking the silence.

 

“None of your business.” Brinley refused to answer that and knew if he went to her doctor, HIPPA would interfere with him finding out the answers too. “I already told you what I’m taking them for and that’s all you need to know.”

 

Round two would be commencing today between them, she could feel it while continuing to stare out the window.  The pills were to keep her sanity in check because without them, there was no functioning in this marriage without completely losing her mind.  Brinley had already had suicidal thoughts, which was why she had gotten help because she didn’t want to die.  Her stubbornness would not allow Jon to be her undoing and her end.

 

“Don’t talk to me, okay?  Just drive and leave me alone.”

 

If round two commenced, it would be because she was the one who started it. “One of these days, I bet I turn into a woman beater.” To be fair, he bet this woman could drive most men to that end.  Jon could envision grabbing her by the back of her neck and bashing her head into the dashboard a few times.  Her entire face would be bruised and bloodied up, she’d probably be concussed.  The imagery was pretty vivid and it was a good thing most of the stuff he thought about never left his head.

 

It just stayed there, locked up with the rest of the crazy.

 

“Do what you want, I don’t care.  Just know if my brother ever finds out what you’ve done to me, you’re dead meat, Ambrose.”

 

Jon’s hands tightened on the steering wheel at the mention of her brother.

 

Chapter 21

 

“Now, onto the next order of business for tonight.  The Shield is done.”

 

That made Brinley’s head snap up so fast, she nearly gave herself whiplash. “I’m sorry, what?”

 

Vince chuckled at the shocked expression on all of the producer’s faces, including his own son-in-law, Paul Levesque, but most knew better as Triple H. “You heard me right.  We’re splitting The Shield up tonight on Raw to close the show out.”

 

June 2, 2014 would forever be remembered in the annals of WWE history as the night one of the greatest factions in the company was destroyed by one of their own.  It was compelling storytelling for sure and Vince looked happy as a lark to see it happen.  He explained that there was really nowhere left for The Shield to go.  They had faced and beaten the Wyatt Family.  At the pay-per-view event, the previous night, they had taken out the legendary Evolution in a clean sweep.  There were no more six-man tag matches they could do to up the ante and it was time for these men to branch out on their own.  Seth Rollins would be part of the Authority, which was the biggest heel faction in the company at the moment.  Roman Reigns would be catapulted to stardom and as for Dean Ambrose…he would be feuding with Seth until the company, or Vince rather, decided to keep him around or cut him loose.

Brinley swallowed hard, knowing Jon was the odd man out with this entire situation and he would be in survival mode from here on out.  If he couldn’t win over the crowd, since he would be a babyface instead of a heel, he would be future endeavored or possibly sent back down to developmental.  It had been nearly three months since the blowout at their house and things were all right for the most part, even though no sex had happened since that day.  Brinley still slept in her own room whenever they were home, which wasn’t often, and she took a sleeping pill every night that she was forced to share a bed with her husband.  At least she wasn’t sleeping on the floors of the motel rooms anymore.

 

“Brinley,” Vince addressed her directly. “We haven’t run it by Dean yet.”

 

Nobody was quite sure what to say to the man.  Reigns, he had a big future here, Vince was already envisioning his next Hulk Hogan, his next John Cena, in the young man.  Rollins had talent and was able to turn a crowd on him just by breathing, that was great heel work right there.  Ambrose…was, and always had been, a wild card and the man also had no problem in making his opinions known, and his opinions usually clashed with Vince’s.

 

“I’ll do it.” Paul offered after a long moment, not entirely sure if he agreed with this decision.  The Shield was a fan favorite, moneymaking faction, it seemed a little preemptive to kill the golden goose.

 

“Dean will be fine with it.” She sincerely hoped. “I think all three of them are going to be huge Superstars in the company and pave their way.” Even though she loathed her husband, Brinley could not deny the star power Jon had.  He also had quite the fan following from his Indie days, so that would help his popularity considerably.

 

Vince raised a brow, wondering if she was speaking diplomatically or out of hope that her husband didn’t disappoint.  Maybe it was a mixture of both. “Why do you say that?  I agree with Seth and Roman being huge Superstars, but you truly feel Dean has what it takes?  I know he’s your husband…”

 

“Vince, husband or not, the man is extremely talented in the ring and there’s nobody else like him in this company.  If I were you, I wouldn’t underestimate Dean Ambrose or Jon Good.  They’re going to surprise you, watch and see.” Brinley stated confidently, winking over at Paul, who had a smirk on his face.  He agreed with her, there was something special and unique about Dean Ambrose that nobody else could replicate. “I’ll even go as far as to say within three months’ time, he’ll be selling more merchandise than anyone else, including Seth and Roman.”

 

Now THAT was a bold declaration, but Vince recalled her saying the same thing about a few of the other Superstars as well in the past. “Hmm…all right, we’ll give him a fair shot and see what happens, Brinley.  Paul, go bring The Shield in here for the meeting.  I want to tell them in person what will happen tonight and lay out the reasoning behind it.”

 

Paul nodded, heading out the door to go retrieve the faction.

 

The trio eventually meandered in, laughing amongst themselves with Jon popping bubblegum a little on the obnoxious side.  His blue eyes assessed the room, it was a lot of people eyeballing them and he spotted his wife.  Wife was a polite term, they were more like roommates at this point, which all things considered was probably not a bad thing.  This wasn’t a marriage of love and respect, all that stuff, it was forced on her and he just had his reasons.

 

He always had reasons.

“You three want to sit down?”

 

Leaning against a wall, Jon folded his arms over his chest while Roman and Seth parked it.  Roman, bless the big guy, was a company man through and through.  However, there wasn’t anyone else he would want watching his six either.

 

For the next hour, everyone was silent while Vince explained to the Shield what would be happening tonight on Raw.  They had waited until the absolute last possible minute to tell these three because they tended to gang up three on one if they didn’t like something creative came up with for them.  These three were extremely protective of The Shield, the brand they created.  Dean, Seth, and Roman all sat/stood there stoically, listening to every word the old man had to say, and Brinley refused to meet her husband’s eyes.  She had no idea what he was thinking, but she could garner several guesses.  This was NOT her idea at all.  They didn’t come up with the ideas, they only executed whatever the writers and Vince came up with.  Their job revolved around putting together the matches with the wrestlers for that particular match, that was it.

 

“So, that is what’s going to happen and why.  Do you gentlemen have any questions?”

 

Dean, Seth, and Roman all shared looks with each other, silently asking with their eyes if they agreed with this.  They all nodded their head once at the same time before Roman cleared his throat, steepling his hands in his lap. “Sounds good, boss, we’re on board with it and understand why it’s gotta be done.” His eyes moved to Seth, who had excitement in his eyes and then up at Dean, who had a complete poker face on currently. “So, last night was the end for us then.”

 

“Or a new beginning, if you wanna look at it that way.” Seth grinned, not able to wait to get this show underway and rubbed his hands together.

 

Brinley had to bite back a smile because Seth looked like a kid in a candy store or someone who just hit the jackpot.

 

“Very well then, you three are dismissed and…good luck to the three of you with the future.” Vince stood up, shaking each of their hands.

 

They ambled out like they had come in, chattering amongst themselves with Seth animatedly bouncing.

 

“You’re a fuckin’ spaz, Sethie.” Jon popped his gum, reaching out to flick his friend’s head, not giving a flying fuck that those people in the room could still see and hear them.  His ass was one of his best assets anyway.

 

“I’m excited!  EXCITED!”

 

He was happy for his friends, a little hesitant about himself because he knew he was the odd man out.  Jon didn’t necessarily fit Vince’s ideas and he also wasn’t a ‘yes man’.  He could sell merchandise and gain attention, but that only meant so much in this increasingly shrinking, oversaturated pond.  He had noted Brinley had been very expressionless for the most part in there, wondering if she had known this was coming.  Probably not, it would have been something Vince would consider a conflict of interest because she could have told him about it.

 

Brinley hadn’t known about it until that day in the earlier meeting before they were brought inside.  The fact Vince was eager to learn her stance on the Shield was a little surprising, though.  Once the production meeting was finished, it was time for a much needed smoke break.  It was summer, so she had on a colorful sundress that had a mix of pink and orange, a tye-dye style that was sleeveless and she had on matching pink sandals to go with it.  Maybe being nice to Jon tonight was in her best interest since he was about to have a rough time.  It’d been 4 months since the whole club incident happened and her nightmares were gone, for the most part. 

 

They only sprung up every once in a while when Jon would yell at her about something, like seeing his very HUGE credit card bill she racked up on him.  Brinley had simply looked at him pointedly and said since he wanted to burn her house down with everything she owned, he would be replacing some of it out of his own pocket.  Jon had been pissed because it meant having to dip into his account to pay the hefty bill and she had zero fucks to give, not after he had burnt her house down. 

 

Pulling her phone out, she scrolled down to Jon’s name and took a deep breath before deciding to send him a message in what felt like ages. I know you’re busy right now, but do you maybe wanna go out for dinner tonight after the show?  My treat.

 

Of ALL the people to text him, Brinley wasn’t in the first fifty guesses he would have made.  He would have guessed a debt collector from his youth before he assumed SHE was messaging him. However, she was and Jon stared down at his cell, wondering if he had gotten mickied or something, if he was high.

 

Yeah. Sounds good.

 

Hmm, maybe she was planning on trying to serve him divorce papers or something, given how boring their marriage had been over the past 4 months.  Boring was probably not the correct term, she might say peaceful, for the most part.  He usually left her the hell alone, except when that massive bill had come in and then he couldn’t even argue with her when she had informed him it was only fair he paid to replace what he had destroyed.

 

To everyone else, they were the perfect, happy and in love married couple that had their shit together.  Behind closed doors was an entirely different story, however.  Brinley was lonely.  She didn’t go out with the twins or anyone anymore because of the club fiasco.  She was miserable and hated her life, the depression pills only did so much for her.  Life was boring with a capital B, so she was having a talk with Jon tonight about that.  It probably wouldn’t be the best night to talk about this, but she was fed up after 3 months of living like roommates.

 

Forget dinner, we just need to have a talk and I’m not in the mood to go out anywhere.  See you after the show. Brinley finished her cigarette and flicked it into the distance, heading back inside to track down the Divas that would be performing in the ring that night.

 

Everything went off without a hitch to end the show. 

 

Seth Rollins had beaten the hell out of Roman and Dean with a steel chair, more Dean than Roman, and left them broken messes in the ring.  Each chair shot Dean had gotten made Brinley cringe and she had to look away after the 10^th one, not able to watch the brutality.  Even her brother, who was standing nearby, had said that many chair shots to the back was uncalled for. 

 

For some reason, Brinley was angry, irrationally angry that Seth had done that to her husband, when a few chair shots would’ve more than sufficed. “What the fuck was that?” She demanded as soon as Paul and Randy came through the curtain with a smug looking Seth, her arms folded in front of her chest tightly. “Paul, what the fuck was that out there just now?”

 

Paul didn’t even know because the script had called for just a few chair shots and Seth…Seth had gone overboard with it. “Brinley…”

 

“Hey, we sold the story, all right?  You should be thanking me and so should Deano!  We’re gonna make bank with this storyline, toots, don’t worry about it!” Seth boasted, clapping her shoulder with his hand and Brinley immediately shrugged it off, her eyes nothing more than acidic orbs.

 

“Yeah, Dean will repay you with interest, I’m sure of that.  If I were you, I’d get out of here before he comes through that curtain and starts repaying you now for your generosity.” Even though Brinley didn’t love Jon, the way this man callously beat him down with that steel chair had made her stomach twist violently.

 

“You heard her, boy, get moving.” Chris was right behind his sister, placing his hands on her shoulders and dared Seth to say one bad word to her.  She wasn’t just anyone in this company, she was a producer and very well respected with a great reputation.

 

Seth snorted, not saying a word and stalked away from them, throwing his hands up in the air.

 

Seth – no, Colby – was at the top of Jon’s shit list right now, there was NO brotherly love or affection when he finally made it through that curtain.  A FEW chair shots had turned into like a million and that little rat bastard had gone whole hog.  He had OVER sold the entire damn thing. “Angel, dinner is definitely off…” Jon informed her, having gotten that message, but he was making a joke, his teeth gnashing as he looked around for his good buddy.

 

“Dean…” The man was holding his back and Chris bet that didn’t feel so good right now. “Look, you’re hurting and-”

 

“Fuck, I’m not hurting, I do this shit for fun, it fuckin’ gets me off.” Jon was already moving past his brother-in-law, planning on doing the money shot right in Seth’s face, with his fist.

        

“Um…” Chris looked down at Brinley, his blue eyes wide. “Well, sis, have fun with that.”

 

Dean made it around the corner before he legitimately had to stop, closing his eyes as he leaned against the wall.  He smelled his wife’s sweet perfume before he seen her, running a hand down his face, sweat coming with said hand. “You look mad, Angel, you okay?” He asked, his voice a lot softer than it was three seconds ago.

 

Why was she starting to tear up?  Why did this bother her so much? “No, no I’m not okay.” She cupped his sweaty face in her hands, pure concern and worry in her eyes for him.  For her husband. “And we’re getting dinner and eating at the motel while you ice your back.” Her voice was just as quiet, seeing how much pain he was in and knew once the adrenaline wore off, Jon was really going to be hurting. “I gave Seth a piece of my fucking mind when he got back here for what he did to you out there.” It was uncalled for, unnecessary, when the message of the night was betrayal.  Seth didn’t have to give Jon multiple chair shots, just a few would’ve sent the message loud and clear and Jon would’ve sold it like a professional. “Come on, we’re leaving.”

 

“Take care of him, Brin.  Don’t worry about anything else right now.” Road Dogg Jesse James instructed, one of the producers backstage and she nodded at him while walking with Jon down the hallway.

 

If this didn’t put Dean Ambrose over with the crowd, once he did go after Seth, nothing would.

 

He just nodded, knowing damn well once all this high wore off, his night was going to suck major balls. “Lemme grab my shit, Angel.” Jon was betting that butt weasel had taken off already.

 

Yes, yes he had, to go out and celebrate a very successful night.  Once he got over his butt hurt, Dean would see the value in what had happened and how well Seth had sold it for him.  He had done it FOR Dean, to help him get over!  The man was set!  He’d just give his friend a few days to get over it and everything would be right as rain.

 

Chapter 22

 

Once Jon had his bag, he let her guide his arm around her, realizing Brinley had been tearing up.  She had been…upset, for him? “Thank you, Brinley.” This woman was a constant mystery to him and he set his bag in the trunk when she popped it, turning to look down at her, reaching to cup her face in his hand. “And thank you for letting that fuck toad have it.”

 

It wasn’t for show either because she was his wife.  Brinley was legitimately pissed at Seth for taking things way too far with her husband out in the ring. “I didn’t think he was going to stop.” The tears were back and she couldn’t look away from him, not even when a single tear slid down her cheek, his thumb swiping it away. “Every part of me wanted to run down to that ring, take the chair, and start beating him with it to see how much he likes it.  I’m shocked you’re able to function and walk after a beating like that, Jon.” He wasn’t Dean Ambrose to her right now, he was Jon Good, the man who had gotten beaten almost to a pulp with a steel chair tonight. “I was worried you might have to go to the hospital because of internal bleeding or something.” Seth had not been soft with those chair shots either.

 

He didn’t even register the use of his real name because he was more focused on everything else she was saying and the fact that she was crying over him.  THAT was new and later on, when his mind wasn’t still in a fog induced by tonight, he would probably wonder if she was acting again.  She had pulled off the happy housewife shtick and faked a lot of happy times from sex, so…Jon knew she was a stellar actress.  That would all be later, if at all.  Right now, he was kind of pleased with this reaction, in a weird way, it was…touching.

 

“No…I don’t think that’ll be required, Angel.” Gently pulling her into him, Jon kissed the top of her head, feeling tears beginning to soak the front of his already sweaty top. “I’ll be fine, Brin.”

 

What was wrong with her?  Shouldn’t she have been jumping for joy at Jon’s pain?  After everything he did to her, put her through, Brinley should’ve been laughing in his face and happy that Seth had beaten him like a dog with a steel chair.  Was it loneliness?  The feeling of being isolated from everyone because she was so miserable and didn’t want to add misery to her friends or anyone else around her, was that the reason for how she was feeling now?  Or maybe, just maybe, deep down inside, Brinley still wished and hoped for that same mystery man who had made her see stars to return. 

 

Those 4 months of being with him, her mystery man, had made her the happiest she’d been in so long.  Brinley was stupid and crazy for doing it, but she had managed to fall for the mystery man, which was why she didn’t fight him off every time she was pulled into a dark dressing room.  The sex had been incredible and then…then it all came crashing down with his threats towards her family the moment Jon revealed himself to her.  Slowly pulling back to look up into his pain-filled eyes, she saw it, the vulnerability, and leaned up to softly brush her lips against his, caressing his face with her hand. “I’m just relieved you’re okay.  I’m driving tonight so you can rest and I’ll try to be quick about food.  Any preferences?”

 

“Something greasy and salty.” Bad combination, but after tonight, he was allowed to be a little kid and reach for the comfort food that fast food places offered. “And a shake…” Jon chuckled when she nodded, bending down to brush his lips against hers this time, noting she didn’t flinch away or cringe.  

 

Something had changed and he wasn’t sure what, but he wasn’t questioning anything right now.  If they fought tonight, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he would lose.  His wife would whoop his ass tonight, that was just a plain fact.  Quietly, they both slid into the car and he leaned his seat back as far as he could go, gingerly stretching.  He needed a hot shower and then a lot of icing, maybe some of that pain relief cream he carried at the bottom of his bag.  Jon was also going to have to ask her to eyeball his back for any potential serious bruising he might miss, wondering how strong her stomach was.

 

Whatever he needed, Brinley would be there for him for tonight.  It took about an hour since traffic was horrible to get through, but eventually, they made it back to the hotel.  She instructed Jon to get into the shower, to loosen those muscles up, and frowned at the red welts on his back as he undressed, gingerly gliding her fingertips over them.  He’d take a quick shower and then he could eat while she doused his back with the cream he had told her about that was in his bag.  Ice would follow that and she’d already called ahead of time to make sure they have plenty of ice packs. 

 

This wasn’t one of the grungy motels he liked to frequent, Brinley was tired of those and told him if he didn’t start getting them bedbug free rooms, she would get her own room.  That didn’t set well with him and Jon had listened to her, apparently taking her threat to heart.  Once he finished and was out of the shower, with just a towel wrapped around his lower body, Brinley was changed into her own pajamas and guided him over to the bed to lay down on his stomach.

 

“Here’s your food.” She handed him the double cheeseburger with his favorite chocolate and vanilla milkshake, and could see the swelling forming on his back already. Jesus Christ, this is going to be bad in the morning. Rubbing the salve in her hands, Brinley very carefully began spreading it on all the welts, being as gentle as possible and winced when Jon actually let out a low groan. “Sorry, sorry, I’m trying to be gentle, Jon…”

 

“I know, you’re fine.”

 

She was being as careful and gentle as she could, but the fact of it was, this was going to hurt.  What he really wasn’t looking forward to was when it started fading into that dull ache that would hurt for days and send twinges whenever he twisted or turned, that was going to suck.  Eating in this position wasn’t the best but it was better than sitting up and bending over or something.

 

“How bad are the welts?” He asked once he had eaten one of those double cheeseburgers, rifling around until he felt the bag on the floor and pulled it up to retrieve his fries, the shake in his other hand.  When Brinley didn’t say anything, he glanced back over his shoulder, cocking a brow. “Not so pretty?”

 

“Swollen, very swollen and red, but I can already see the bruises forming…” She gently glided her finger where the skin pigment was changing from red to what looked to be blue.  He was going to be in a lot of pain over the next few days, that was for sure. “I’m really glad they gave us the rest of the week off.  I’m not going to the house shows, I already told Paul and he was fine with it.” Paul had actually texted her to check on Jon and she informed him just how horrible his back was, demanding them to have a week to recover. “That hot tub at home is really going to help you.  I bet you go for several dips just to help with the pain.” Copious amounts of alcohol would be consumed as well since Jon was, for all intents and purposes, an alcoholic. “Don’t ask me why I’m worried about you because even I don’t understand how my brain works.  I just…saw that beating and…and…I wanted to hurt Seth for hurting you.” Brinley continued spreading the salve on and then finally set it aside, twisting the cap back on it. “I shouldn’t give a damn what happens to you, but I do.  I don’t want to see you hurt, even though I know this business isn’t ballet.  I never want to see you beaten down like that again.  Maybe it’s Stockholm Syndrome or something, who knows?”

 

He had thrown that one in her face during a fight and kind of regret it now because maybe it was a possibility.  Jon was really all she had outside of her family and that was tentative at best given she was also trying not to expose them to him overly much.  Made sense since he had threatened all of them at one point or another, kids included.

 

“Business isn’t ballet.” Jon echoed, a crooked smile curving his lips before he popped another French fry into his mouth.  That was one he hadn’t heard before. “I wasn’t expecting him to go as far as he did.” He was all for pain, but usually it was a controlled pain.  There were rules in this company and he felt like those rules were making him soft because he would have laughed at this situation in the past.  However, Jon wasn’t laughing right now.  

 

Then it hit him…she was lonely. “I’m sorry, Brinley.” It slipped before he even realized it was on the tip of his tongue.

 

Was he apologizing for what happened tonight or for everything?  She didn’t know and it didn’t matter.  Those words meant a great deal to her and she smiled down at him, resting her forehead against the back of his neck. “Thank you, Jon.” What else was she supposed to say?  She didn’t want to know why he was saying those words to her because he could very well hurt her in the future with more ammunition. “I know you hate it when I use your real name, but you’re not Dean to me right now.  You’re my husband, Jon Good, so I hope that’s okay.” He shrugged and then winced, feeling a twinge form in his back. “Time for those ice packs.”

 

Kissing the side of his head, Brinley was off the bed and went to the small freezer to pull them out, counting four and looked at the man’s back, knowing she’d have to strategically place them and then rearrange, move them around.  Getting back on the bed beside him, Brinley set the ice packs on the spots she saw the most swelling.  Then proceeded to lay beside him, popping one of his fries in her mouth with a cheeky grin.

 

“Do you need anything else?”

 

Not sure what he was apologizing for, Jon just had a realization and he felt bad in that moment.  It was probably due to him being injured, an overkill attack from someone he generally considered one of his best friends.  Hell, Seth had gone out that night to the club, him and Bryan had been Seth’s wingmen to help the guy land some chick he had sparked an interest in.  Seth was going to wind up eating his boot laces from how far he planned on putting his booted foot up the other man’s backside.

 

“No, Angel, why don’t you settle down and eat now?” Brinley had been taking care of his broken backside, her food was probably cold.  Unless she had eaten while he was in the shower.

 

“I ate already while you were in the shower.  I wanted to help you as much as possible when you got out.” Brinley had positioned a pillow right next to him, both of them laying with their heads facing each other. “And I’m going to help you when we get home.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I don’t know.  And I’m not going to question it either.  I just want to help you through this.” Brinley slid her fingers through his wet curls gently, hating to see the pain radiating on his face, but the salve was working.  It was numbing most of the pain, so in the morning, he would definitely feel it. “Between you and me, I know you’re going to outshine both of them.  I told Vince today in the meeting we had prior to you guys coming in as much too.  I told him not to underestimate you and give you an actual shot and you’d surprise him.  You’re going to be great on your own, I know it.  And I can’t wait for you to show the world, and Rollins, just what you’re capable of.  It’s your time to shine under those bright lights, all on your own, aren’t you excited for it?”

 

He considered all that, what she had just said.  Jon didn’t doubt for a second that she hadn’t told Vince all that, one thing about Brinley was she spoke her mind to most everyone who crossed her path.  Him included, unless she was terrified out of her gourd.  Brinley just had that take no prisoners, no holds barred kind of thing about her.  He would have killed to be a fly on the wall for that, wondering idly what had gone through Vince’s mind when she had said that.

 

“No, not really,” Jon admitted, now working on polishing off his milkshake.  He might as well enjoy it tonight because he was going to have to mind his food this week, working out was going to be off the menu for a bit. “I’m…they have plans for the other two, but nothing really for me.  They’ve never really known what to do with me, Brinley.  The stuff I did, the reasons they offered me a contract, that shit doesn’t fly in the company anymore, so they bought…like a toy that is missing all the accessories that make it cool, you know?”

 

“Then you know what you gotta do, right?  MAKE it cool.  Make it your own.  This is your chance to reinvent yourself and maybe bring some of that Moxley charm into your character.  From how you talked about your HWA days and some of the Indie matches you did, you loved that character and I know it was hard for you to give it up, to become Dean Ambrose.” Brinley didn’t stop what she was doing, rather enjoying talking to him for a change and, once again, it revolved around wrestling. “I found a box of your things while unpacking and I saw your MOX vest and the Explicit Mox Violence logo on a few other things in it.  What if you used that to promote yourself and get merchandise flowing?  Seth and Roman are gonna probably have tights and shit made, so why don’t you do the opposite?  Just go to the ring in your everyday attire.  Jeans and a beater.  That’s what you usually wear around the house when we’re home.  Go to the ring, kick ass, take names, and I bet you any amount of money, especially after tonight, the fans will be behind you in no time.  Hell, they probably are already.  You can do this, you’re unlike anyone else on the roster and I told Vince that too.  You’re going to surprise and surpass everyone and you’re going to make it to the top of WWE.  You as WWE champion, I can picture it now.  The Lunatic Fringe, Dean Ambrose, as your new WWE champion.” She had turned to lay on her back, looking up at the ceiling and gestured with her hands what she was conveying with a big smile on her face.

 

The last time they had spoken like this, Brinley had been playing the ‘keep him happy’ game and it did cross his mind that she was doing it again.  Maybe because she was concerned he’d take his really bad night out on her, Jon did have a habit of doing that.  Either way, he wasn’t pushing the issue and once he was done with his shake, he folded his hands beneath his chin, watching and listening to her.

 

“So, it sounds like you’re offering to become my manager, Angel.” Jon teased, of course not doing managers and as gorgeous as she was, he knew for a fact she had turned down TV roles just because she preferred being behind the scenes.  He snorted when she pulled a face, shaking his head and reached over to grab the smokes, lighting them both up one and held hers out, blowing smoke away from her face. “It was easier to push shit when there were three of us.” Jon admitted, knowing that probably sounded cowardly, but it was true.  They had been able to bulldoze their way into everything by sheer force and numbers.  He was now a one man pack, which wasn’t a bad thing, but he also knew how fickle this company was. “But…with you behind me, I think I’ll manage.”

 

“I won’t let you down.” She took a drag of her smoke and blew rings up in the air, turning her head after it was gone to lock eyes with him. “You can count on me.  And I want you to know that this isn’t me trying to make you happy or anything like that.  This is me being genuine and wanting to help you.” Brinley looked back up at the ceiling, thinking back to when the Shield first arrived on the scene at Survivor Series 2012.  Or their first match ever in the company, which was a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match – TLC – against Ryback, Bryan, and Kane. “Wrestling in jeans might be a tad too uncomfortable, but I’m sure you can find some that are stretchy and made for wrestling in.” That was a random thought that just popped into her head. “I have to admit though, I will miss your ass in a pair of cargo pants.  You wear them well.”

 

“Since when the fuck are you a mind reader?” Slowly, he turned so he was on his side, damn glad for that pain cream she had rubbed into him or else that would have hurt like crazy.  Jon could feel the heat from the area almost, knowing it was swollen and he’d be bruised pretty badly.  Selling the show, his ass, Rollins was toast when he came back. “I mean about, trying to make me happy…” He clarified when she cocked an eyebrow, not missing the rest of that, about his ass in pair of cargo pants.  Jon made a mental note to incorporate those in his normal wear, just to test that, to see if she really did like said ass in said pants. “Most jeans are pretty stretchy now, I’m not worried about it.  I’ve wrestled in jean shorts and shit before.” Jon was taking her seriously and the fact that he had said that proved it.  Brinley knew what she was doing, she produced matches pretty well and he knew she had creative input on those things, making the leap to a character portrayal wasn’t that big a stretch.

 

“I told you I was trying to keep you happy and satisfied, Jon.  Don’t remember that?”

 

That day had been very bad on both of their accounts and she slid her fingertips up and down his chest gently, not moving away from him.  Four months…she’d gone 4 months without sex and it felt like a lifetime.  It didn’t feel natural at all and the more she fought it, the more miserable she was.  Brinley was only human and she wanted, needed, craved, that contact and companionship, even if it was with her husband.

 

“So I want to make it clear to you that I’m doing this because I WANT to.  I want to help you because you have star quality and…you can thank my brother.  I gave him plenty of ideas throughout his career that hit homeruns.” Such as the light up Chris Jericho jacket he wore for his entrances.  That was all her doing. “Just like I kissed you earlier in the parking lot because I wanted to.  And I’m touching you right now because I want to.  Everything I’m doing tonight is of my own accord, not because of pills or anything else.  This is all me.”

 

“Really?” Reaching out to catch her hand against his chest, Jon kept it gently pinned there.  

 

He was still skeptical, but he kept that locked up in his head, not up to fighting or anything really.  He wasn’t even up for sex, knowing this cream only worked for so long and if he got to moving around, he was going to regret it.  What bullshit!  His wife finally wanted him and cock toad Seth had totally screwed up the next few days with potential blue balls.  Now he really had reason to mess that punk up.

 

“And your brother actually listened?” Given what an arrogant, know it all that prick was, he found it hard to believe.  Actually, Brinley also had the know it all thing at times, maybe it was a hereditary thing.  When she said the jacket, he groaned. “That thing was obnoxious…” And it had worked like a charm.

 

“It worked though, didn’t it?” Brinley giggled softly, scooting closer to him and didn’t move her hand from his or his chest.  She kept it right there, trapped by his hand, and it felt good, the warmth of it against her skin. “Christopher knows when to listen and I’m glad he did.  I also gave him tips about his attire too.” He had hit it out of the ballpark with his leather pants and opened sequined shirts. “The ONLY thing I didn’t tell him about was the way he did his hair.  That ponytail style during his debut was atrocious and I made sure to let him know it.  Your hair…you should let it go wild.  No more slicking it back, that was the Shield and you want to be different.  I wouldn’t leave it dry either though, your curls go crazy when they’re dry.  Wet your hair before a match and don’t bother doing anything with it, that’s what I suggest.  Like when you get out of the shower and towel dry your hair, it’d be perfect looking haphazard with the jeans and beater look.”

 

Jon was taking mental notes because he was realizing that for all her piss and vinegar, her words about not wanting him, not liking him, not wanting him sexually…Brinley had been paying attention.  Being lonely tended to mess with one’s mind and he wasn’t going to complain about it.  Rather, he enjoyed the fact that his wife had been eyeballing him as much as he eyeballed her.

 

“What about the hair that way makes it a good look, Brin?” He asked curiously, wanting to know exactly what she was thinking, or as close to it as she’d give him. “I do agree about the ponytail thing, and the weird as shit facial fuzz.”

 

“Mmm…” She slid her fingers through it and then let it fall over his eyes, just enough to let the blue in his eyes peak through. “Your hair like this gives off this mysterious, sexy, dangerous vibe.  They call you the Lunatic Fringe, so why would your hair be all slicked back like a frat boy’s or someone that would wear a suit?  When it falls into your eyes just like this, or when you brush it away from your eyes even, it’s sexy.  Your female fanbase will eat that shit up.  And this…what you got going here…” Her fingertips brushed across the scruff he had going on instead of being clean shaven. “I like this change a lot.  It suits you better than completely clean shaven.  You should keep it, let it grow out a tad more, but don’t do a beard.  I don’t think that’d look good on you with the look you wanna do, if you go with my ideas that is.  You in a beater with these arms and chest, your legs and ass in a pair of jeans, and that hair and scruffy look going on…you’ll have them eating out of the palm of your hand, Jon.  Wait until you see it all put together, you’re going to see I’m right.”

 

The look he wanted to do, if he went with her idea, there was that arrogance that definitely flowed through the Irvine blood.  Jon could see she had inherited some of big brother’s traits, not surprising, but it was amusing.  Basically, she was telling him to go out au natural, which suited him just fine because he could not see himself being stuffed into a silly gimmick or some such crap again.  One thing about becoming a rapidly rising superstar through the fishbowl was that he had noted where success was coming from.  Jon also noted where embarrassment that would follow a person for the rest of their career as well.  Vince had some jacked up, out of touch ideas and needed to listen to the people around him a bit more.

 

“We’ll find out, won’t we?” He chuckled, shaking hair out of his face after she was done messing with it. “Thank you, for taking care of me, Brinley, and all these ideas.” This was probably the nicest they had been to each other, ever.

 

Of course she had that arrogance, she was Chris Jericho’s baby sister, after all. 

 

It came with the territory. 

 

However, it also came from a good place in her heart and she reached out to caress his face with the back of her hand. “I could tell you were a little worried about the split.  I didn’t know if you’d listen to anything I had to say, so I’m glad you are.  And I’m sorry about the way I’ve treated you these past three months, Jon.” It didn’t even leave a bitter taste in her mouth to apologize to him because Brinley genuinely felt horrible for isolating him. “I’m lonely and I don’t want to be alone anymore.  I thought that’s what I wanted or I was doing the right thing with isolating myself, and it’s just made me feel like shit.  So, I’m done with it.  I just want to move forward from what happened and start fresh.  Kinda like you’re starting fresh with your career, let’s just…start fresh with us.” Maybe it would work, maybe it wouldn’t, but they wouldn’t know unless they tried.

 

He was starting to think a few of those excessive chair shots had cracked him upside the back of his skull and he was concussed.  That this was all brought on by a concussion and he even reached back to feel his head.  Nope, no bumps, lumps or tender spots.  Well, then Brinley had done what he apparently couldn’t have and by isolating herself, drove herself right into that Stockholm Syndrome situation out of sheer loneliness.  

 

Jon raised his arm, the one he wasn’t laying on. “C’ mere,” Brinley did, moving to lay against him, nestling back into him and he lowered said arm down around her, his face moving to bury itself in her thick, blonde hair. “Deal.”

 

Chapter 23

 

“IT’S DEAN AMBROSE!!  AMBROSE IS HERE!!”

 

Watching from the backstage monitor, the vision had come to life that Brinley and Jon came up with during their week off.  It was pure bliss, minus sex.  Jon was in so much pain from those chair shots and his back was still heavily bruised, but he was here.  Running out to the ring in a leather jacket, black beater and jeans, his hair wet and haphazard…he looked like John McClane from the Die Hard movies.  Jon loved those and admittedly, so did Brinley.  She was beaming, watching her husband win over the crowd because they were going absolutely bananas for him. 

 

Seth had run off like a scalded dog and Dean taunted him, screaming for him to run.

 

Chris walked up to stand next to his sister, seeing the crowd reaction to Dean as well and swallowed that bite really hard.  Damn, the people really did love his lunatic fringe ass, didn’t they? “You helped him, didn’t you?”

 

“Whatever do you mean, my dear brother?” Brinley could not wipe the smile off her face, looking up at him with sparkling emerald eyes.

 

Chris smirked, shaking his head and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I thought you were only MY guru, Brin.  I’m crushed.”

 

“Hey, I had to help my husband, okay?” She wiggled her left hand at him playfully. “I even told Vince he’d surprise them all and look at that reaction.  I’m so proud of him.  The clothes and look don’t make the man, even you know that, Christopher.”

 

Boy did he ever. “So, this is all your idea?  He looks like he just came from the streets looking for a fight.” And then it clicked in his head, making Chris’s eyes widen. “Damn, that’s actually brilliant.” Leave it to his baby sister to help Dean Ambrose get over with the crowd. “Did he have any input?”

 

“Of course he did.” Not really, Jon had been lost on what to do, which was why it took him two Raws instead of one to get out of his Shield attire and put together the vision she had. “This is both of us, not just me.”

 

Why didn’t Chris believe that? “If you say so, Brin.”

 

Jon was in survival mode because he knew his career was hanging on by a thread.  There hadn’t been much planned for him once the Shield had been broken up.  Reigns was about to become the new golden boy, he felt so bad for that because he knew that’d either get over and backfire spectacularly.  Rollins was the bad guy, the heel, and that left him wondering if they knew what to do with him.  Honestly, they didn’t really, or if they’d send him back to developmental hell.  THAT would have pissed him off, knowing he didn’t need that type of training.  At this point, it’d be developing some stupid character that wasn’t him.

 

Personally, as good as the Shield was and as charismatic as Ambrose could be, Chris didn’t think he belonged here.  He was too wild for the WWE and he wasn’t someone to fall in line easily, which made him a problem.  The man would grow restless, of that Chris was certain and even Brinley wouldn’t be able to calm the beast.

 

Later that night, Brinley was outside waiting for her husband with a cigarette in hand, enjoying the sounds of cars pulling out and driving away to head to their homes for the evening.  It was hot out and she couldn’t wait to get into the AC the rental had.  Seth walked out of the arena, looking happy and Brinley didn’t say a word to him.  There was no reason to.  Seth had seen the reaction Jon garnered on his own. 

 

Dean Ambrose didn’t need a group to watch his back. 

 

Seth sighed, knowing he went overboard with the chair shots and had sent Dean at least 100 text messages throughout the week he was off apologizing.  He didn’t get a single response back. “Look, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for what I did.”

 

Brinley took a long drag of her cigarette, flicking ash to the side with a serene smile on her face. “And why do you feel the need to apologize to me?  I’M not the one you hurt, he is.  You have no idea…” She clamped her mouth shut quickly, not wanting to reveal anything to Seth because she didn’t trust him.  Not anymore. “I told you, he’ll pay you back with interest, so I hope you’re prepared and that’s all I have to say to you, Rollins.”

 

“Man, it was just me overselling shit, I went overboard and I know it.” Seth had never had a problem with Brinley in the past; she had always been polite and semi-friendly with them due to their friendship with her husband, so this was a bit new.  They weren’t all bosom companions, but there had never been an issue either, at least none he had been aware of. “I got caught up in the heat of the moment, if anyone can understand that, it’d be him.” He hadn’t missed the way she had shut up, his eyes focused intently on her face. “He won’t take my calls or reply to my messages, could you please tell him I’m sorry?” It was probably a good thing they hadn’t come face to face outside of the ring because he had a feeling his ‘friend’ would potentially put his face through a brick wall.

 

The hardness in her eyes softened a bit while studying Seth, wondering if he truly meant what he said or if he was blowing smoke up her backside. “His back is still heavily bruised, Seth.” Her voice had gone quiet as she took another drag from her cigarette, trying to keep her emotions in check. “W-When I saw you out there with that chair striking him, I didn’t think you were going to stop.  You hit him well over 10 times, I lost track after that.  Can you imagine what me, his wife, was feeling?  You could’ve ended his fucking career with that stunt by ‘overselling’.  Sometimes, less is better and you need to learn that.  I’ve been in this business for a long time and I know how much passion you have for it.  But Jesus Christ, he was your brother in arms, your best friend, and you destroyed that with your overselling.  The ONLY good thing about it is that he got over with the crowd instantly last week and tonight.  Because of what you did to him.  Next time, you better think long and hard about overselling because you may come across someone else’s wife who won’t be as nice as I am.  I’ll tell him what you said.” Stepping up, she hugged him around the neck in a purely platonic way and pulled back, kissing his cheek. “We’re okay.  Don’t do anything like that ever again.  Now get out of here before he comes out and sees you.  I’ll talk to him about this, see if I can settle him down enough to where he won’t want to rip your arms off and beat you over the head with them.”

 

Seth could actually imagine Mox doing that to him too.  He could literally see the other man tearing his arms off, blood spurting from his potential elbow stumps and then beating him to death with said ripped off arms. “Yeah…good idea, thank you Brinley.” Dropping a kiss on the top of her head before taking off, Seth knew her husband wasn’t far off.

 

He was right, Jon had strolled out, halted to light a cigarette with his bag over his shoulder, looked up in time to see her arms around Rollin’s neck and...His blue eyes went to pure ice, tracking Seth’s departure before walking over to where his wife stood. “What’d he want?” His voice came out even, which he mentally pat himself on the back over.

 

Shit, did Jon see her embrace the man?  Brinley immediately walked up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist to hug him to show it meant nothing with Seth.  Hopefully. “He was apologizing for what he did to you.  I really think he feels bad.  He called it overselling and I told him he needs to think before he acts.” Pulling back, she looked up at him and was mindful of his still sore, bruised back. “You did great out there tonight, handsome.  I’m so proud of you.” Leaning up, Brinley softly brushed her lips against his and sighed softly, touching his scruffy face. “He said he's sorry for what he did to you and I believe him.  He wasn’t trying to butter me up or anything like that.  Maybe you should think about talking to him without ripping him limb from limb?”

 

He had definitely seen her hug the other man and kiss his cheek, wondering what the actual hell given his personal rage with his ‘friend’. “I’ll THINK on it.”

 

And he did, for exactly 2.5 seconds and nope, he still wanted to bash Seth’s head in.  Not only had he overdone it, but he had cost Jon time and money.  One thing about Jon was he didn’t like his money being messed with, especially his career, and he sure as hell didn’t like his health being messed with because it could take him out of action for longer than a week.

 

“One arm,” He compromised finally when he realized she was still staring at him, waiting for a response. “Just one arm, Angel.”

 

Brinley chuckled, knowing he wouldn’t actually rip Seth’s arm off, but she could tell he was still pretty irate with his so-called friend.  She didn’t blame him. “Enough about him.  You deal with him however you see fit.  I passed along his message and that’s all I told him I’d do.” Seth had a lot of backlash going on at the moment since he had recently broken up with his fiancée, Leighla, who had gone on eBay and sold her engagement ring for a nice chunk of change.  He wasn’t seen in the best light these days, so it probably didn’t help matters that he’d beaten the hell out of one of his only friends in the company with a steel chair to ‘oversell’ their upcoming feud. “Ready to head back to the hotel and get some more rest?” They weren’t heading home since it was a pay-per-view week and Vince needed Jon and Brinley on Smackdown!.  It would probably be another week before they could go back to Vegas, but if the shows were on the East Coast, they’d just stay put until they gravitated toward the West more.

 

“Yeah.” His back was a LOT better, but damned if running and all that tonight hadn’t made it hurt.  It would fade soon enough and the worst part was the dull aching.  Jon could not WAIT for that to be finished. “So, how was your night?”

 

He was going to murder that little rat bastard, both arms, he didn’t give a flying rat’s backside what she said or thought.  Rollins was good at manipulating, he knew, he had seen the smooth talking, handsome prick work some magic on women even while he had been engaged.  He was enjoying her doing the driving lately, automatically going to the passenger seat where he could sprawl his long legs out.

 

“And you were right, by the way, about the look.”

 

“I know.” Brinley winked with a soft giggle, not minding doing the driving and fired up the ignition before pulling out of the parking lot. “That reaction was better than I could’ve imagined.  It must’ve been deafening out there.” Jon agreed, making idle chatter with her and she told him about her night, how she’d produced the Divas match and another mid-card one. 

 

Nothing too exciting, which she was fine with.  The higher grade matches like with championships and whatnot were VERY stressful and Brinley wanted nothing to do with them.  Vince was very hands on with those, unlike the other ones that she did, so she didn’t have to deal with the bossman that much, thankfully.  Vince was all right to work with…in small time spurts.  Other than that, Brinley didn’t care for him or his idiotic ideas.  They grabbed food at a local diner she had called in while waiting for him to walk out, one of their favorites in the area, and then it was off to the hotel.

 

“Do you wanna eat first and then take a shower or the other way around?”

 

“Food first.”

 

Jon preferred not to have to reheat anything in the small microwave and it smelled amazing, his stomach rumbling and informing him that they were starving because his protein packed meal earlier today was long gone.  He had burnt through all of that tonight, his adrenaline alone probably devoured two chicken breasts.  That time off had not been productive at all outside of recovering, he had probably ate and drank way more then he should’ve, but that’d all be fine.  Nothing a little gym time with pumping iron couldn’t fix after all, minding his back naturally because he wasn’t going to deal with DOMs on top of the stray ache.

 

“I’d even take a hot one…” If she wanted to shower with him.

 

“Oh yeah?” Brinley could read between the lines very well and knew that was Jon’s subtle way of asking her to join him. 

 

Was she ready for that?  One look at this gorgeous man and her panties were already damp, just as they were at the arena watching him debut his new look tonight.  They had gone into the hot tub together at home, but no sex had happened because his back was in dire straits.  Even though he was still sore, it was nothing compared to how he was at home.

 

“Well, we won’t make it TOO hot.  A steamy shower sounds nice though…with you.” She added that last part before popping a fry in her mouth. 

 

Brinley had gotten them cheeseburgers with steak fries and they were delicious.  It had taken every ounce of willpower for her to stay on her side of the hot tub and not jump her injured husband, craving that intimacy and companionship again after going months with nothing.  The best part was no nightmares had plagued her and she slept soundly in bed with Jon, his arm wrapped around her holding her close.  It was nice waking up in his arms instead of a cold, lonely bed.

 

“I’m not promising shower sex.” Jon was comfortable enough to tease her, knowing she wasn't going to lose her mind or anything.  When she scoffed and gave him a retort about his back still being a little messed up, his eyes narrowed. “Woman, those may be fighting words.” Playful banter was new to them, real banter at that.  Or maybe he’d just see if she felt up to eating said words later, suddenly hungry for more than just the burger he was mowing down.

 

“You’re the one who invited me into the shower with you.  Don’t even try to deny it either.” She remarked with a smirk, standing from the bed after taking the final bite of her meal, another fry, and then proceeded to peel her top off, dropping it on top of her bag. “I took a shower earlier before we went to the arena, so I don’t have to join you if you think I’ll jump on you.”

 

Jon’s eyes were boring into her as she kept her back to him, sliding out of the capri’s she had on next, leaving her clad in a lace blue thong and matching bra.  Brinley preferred thongs to regular panties unless she was on her monthly, then it was straight cotton panties.  Sets made her feel sexy and she had bought them in every color during her shopping trip that had cost Jon a pretty penny.  The heat against her back told her Jon had stood up from the bed directly behind her, sending a chill down her spine.

 

He was admittedly not the most romantic guy, towering behind her with what was left of his burger in his hand and a mouth full of steak fries, but his wife was a tease.  It had been a hot minute since they had sex and he could very vividly remember her tossing it in his face that she had to think of other men just to even be able to feel any pleasure, faking her orgasms.  He finished the burger, practically swallowing what was left whole as he considered those taunts.  No, he had made her swoon for a mystery man and just needed to remember those times, how to apply them, knowing there was no replicating the mystery part of it, but the tenderness and gentleness, that he could do.

 

Chapter 24

 

Goosebumps formed on her skin the moment he touched her, his calloused strong hands gliding down her arms and her eyes instantly drifted shut, a soft sigh escaping her.  Jon had been a mixed bag when it came to sex during those mystery times.  Sometimes, he was rough, but not to the point of hurting her.  Others were tender and loving, it took her breath away.  He took her breath away and it was THOSE moments she had climaxed for HIM, no one else.  It was him she longed for, each week walking into work hoping to be pulled into a dressing room and feeling those lips against hers.  His fingers glided back up her arms over her shoulders and down to the strap of her bra, her eyes opening as soon as she felt it unsnapped, the material loosened on her body.  Turning, Brinley didn’t look up at him at first since he towered over her and pulled the beater tucked in his jeans loose, gliding her hands up the material to feel his bare flesh and finally rose her eyes to lock with his, darkened forest green on electric blues.

 

There was no malice, no other motives, no studying her, nothing except desire and want.  Maybe he hadn’t married her for the rights reasons; hell he HADN’T married her for the right reasons, not even just for sex because even he knew one didn’t marry someone just to sex them up.  In this moment, Jon was very glad he had forced this on her.  He was also very glad he had the common sense not to ever say that out loud, at least not in a moment like this anyway.  Slowly, he removed her bra, making sure his palms were in constant contact with her skin until the offending garment dropped lightly to the floor.  His gaze moved down, taking in her unblemished, soft skin and then to those beautiful, perfect breasts, her nipples hardening beneath his stare.

 

Jon was chiseled out of stone and Brinley slid the beater up over his head, dropping it to the floor to join her bra.  Their eyes conveyed what they both were feeling, there was no need for words.  Both were in their thoughts about what would happen tonight if they just…let go.  Brinley wanted to let go more than anything, to be made love to by her husband, her mystery man she had fallen for.  Those feelings hadn’t gone away, they were just shoved in a tight locked box and it had somehow broken open after four months of isolation.  Her hands moved down his rock hard chest, her eyes devouring every inch of him and she sucked in a breath when his fingers touched her hardened nipples.  His were hard as well, his muscles flexing beneath her touch, and it made her smile softly at the effect she was having on him.  Then, her hands dropped to his jeans, unfastening the belt he wore to pull it free…and then unsnapped them.

 

His hands were strong and calloused, from not being afraid to do his own work along with his workouts, gripping and lifting weights.  The way she shivered when he cupped those breasts in said strong, rough hands, Jon knew she didn’t have any complaints.  Jon stepped back when she began tugging down his jeans, watching through darkened eyes as she got them to his muscular thighs, his straining cock testing the fabric of his boxer briefs.  Brinley straightened and it was his turn, hands sliding up over her shoulders as he began moving behind her again.  Down her sides those hands skimmed, coming to rest on her curvy hips for a moment, gently squeezing before inching towards the waistband of her thong even as he began lowering himself to his knees. She really did have the most perfect ass he had ever seen, bouncy but toned at the same time, he couldn’t resist taking a handful of each cheek and squeezing gently, letting out a rumble of approval.

 

A soft moan slid out of her mouth as she stepped out of the thong, once again turning just as he rose back up to his feet, completely naked in front of him now.  She pulled the band out of her hair, letting it hang loose from the bun it was in and then proceeded to do the same thing to him with his boxer/briefs.  Her eyes zeroed in on his cock and Brinley felt her mouth water, kissing just the tip of it gently.  Jon growled in response and she rose back up to her feet, both of them working each other up.  There was no fear, no trepidation, no hesitation anywhere on her body or in her eyes as she took his hands in hers, backtracking with him into the bathroom.  She turned to lean down, firing up the shower sprays and checked the water, waiting for it to warm up while Jon caressed her from behind, moving her hair to the side to seal his mouth to her neck. 

 

More soft moans of pleasure flowed out of her mouth because her neck was a sensitive area.  Once the water was to her liking, knowing Jon wouldn’t mind it, she turned to press herself against him, bringing his mouth down on hers in a soul-searing, passionate kiss, guiding him into the shower with her.  Only when they both needed oxygen in their lungs to breathe did the kiss break between them and Brinley held his face in her hands, resting her forehead to his as the water poured over both of them.  Reading the hesitation in his eyes made something in her heart twinge and she knew she had to make it clear what she wanted from him.

 

“I want you, Jon.  Make love to me, please, I need you.” Brinley was not saying this because she thought it was what he wanted to hear; she was saying it because it was the truth and what she truly felt.

 

Brinley had caught short his ass worshipping time; he had fully been intending on burying his face between those cheeks, nipping and biting at them because he was in love with her juicy backside.  Any man would feel that hesitance though, even a psychotic one who had made some terrible threats and done some terrible things, when the object of his desire had informed him he wasn’t performing well as a man at all.  Then Jon’s natural confidence surged as he bent his head to capture her lips in his.  Brinley was the only woman to ever complain and she had done it out of spite, maybe some truth in there due to her circumstances.  It being hard to be aroused when someone was sometimes a little more than a prisoner, but there was a lot of spite, a lot of lies.  At least, that was what his ego was telling him as that confidence flooded his system, encouraging him enough to stop overthinking and get to work loving this woman with genuine want in her eyes.

 

For him.

 

What terrified Brinley the most was she knew the truth. 

 

She knew she was in love with him…a monster that had threatened her brother and family.  She could’ve easily gone to the police with the threats and had something done, but instead, she believed every word Jon said.  The moment he told her to meet up at the chapel in Vegas, she could’ve ran to her brother and told him what happened, what was going on, but again she didn’t.  Why was that?  Any normal, sane woman would’ve done everything in her power to fight against Jon, but not her.  Brinley had come to the conclusion that as much as she loathed and despised Jon, she also loved him and wanted to be with him, despite the threats. 

 

She was a jumbled, complicated mess, but there was one constant in her life, in her truth, and that was she loved her husband.  Would she ever tell him?  It varied from day to day, but Brinley never got to the point where she HAD to say the words to him and there were days she hated him, wishing she’d never married him.  Tonight was not one of those nights.  Tonight, she was a wife making love to her husband and they were on the same page for a change.  There was absolutely no faking what he was doing to her either.  Everything was genuine – every moan, every orgasm, every cry of his name and singing of his praises.

 

She was able to rationalize everything from her end.  Maybe Jon would have done the things he had said, maybe he wouldn’t; she hadn’t known for sure and didn’t play the fuck around and find out game with her family.  Her house burning down had been the proof she needed that he wasn’t playing games and that, if pushed too far, he would back up the things he had cautioned her about.  If he knew for an instant that Brinley had fallen in love with that man in those dark dressing rooms, his mind would be blown, but it was better this way.  He wouldn’t be able to hurt her during one of their blow outs and a heart was a fragile thing, easily shredded with words.

 

Tonight was different, there was something both familiar and foreign in their lovemaking.  He knew tonight she wasn’t faking a thing, his eyes constantly on her face, memorizing everything, every moan, every curve of her lips when Brinley cried out, the way her eyelashes brushed her cheeks when she shut her eyes.  That beautiful flush and the light perspiration that he would kiss away.

 

She called out Jon, not Dean. 

 

This wasn’t Dean Ambrose she was making love to. 

 

It was Jonathan David Good, her husband, and the secret love of her life. 

 

They moved slowly, no rushing at all in any of their movements and went from the shower to the bedroom.  They had cleansed prior to starting the shower sex, so both were soaked as she rode him, lacing their fingers together.  Brinley was careful with his back, caressing his face, burying her fingers in his hair and trying not to leave too many scratch marks on his body.  Was he proving she really did want him or did none of that matter to him?  Was ego involved in this bout?  Brinley didn’t know nor care, finally feeling as if she’d reunited with her mystery lover during those four months.  It was stupid to fall in love with someone she didn’t even know or couldn’t see, but the heart wanted what the heart wanted.  Just to make sure Jon didn’t have any more ammunition against her, Brinley decided she would never utter the L word to him.  If he said it first, THEN she would say it, but not before then.  And if it was never said, it couldn’t be used as ammunition against either of them in the long run.

 

Several passion-filled hours later, Brinley was curled up with him, her leg draped over his and his hand firmly on her backside, softly kissing him while cooling off from another bout. “There you are, my mystery guy.” She whispered, getting even closer to him and began sliding her fingers through his hair. “This right here, this is what I’ve wanted.  I missed you, Jon.” For the past year and a half almost, she had felt like a prisoner, but tonight, for the first time, she felt like she was his wife and it made her beam. “Did you want some salve on your back or are you all right?”

 

“I think I’m good, thanks Angel.”

 

Sex was a natural way of releasing endorphins, which helped relax the body and ease discomforts, his back was the very last thing on his mind at this precise moment.  He was still coming down from that incredible high they had reached together, enjoying the feel of her body somewhat on his, her fingers in his damp hair.  He had his arm beneath Brinley, curled up to brush his fingertips along her skin, enjoying the way it broke out into goosebumps beneath his touch.  That right there had been worth the wait, not that Jon wanted to go months without sex again because that had sucked, but that bout…definitely worth it.

 

“You okay?” He raised his head to look at her, knowing he had been rough in the past, remembering her saying he needed to take it easier on her.

 

She smiled at his thoughtfulness and rubbed her nose gently against his, soaking in every possible second of this moment in time. “I’m fantastic.” Brinley hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time and there was zero tension in her body. 

 

It felt amazing being with Jon again this close, this intimately.  Almost as if she’d rekindled a long lost love and, in a way, she had.  There were so many possibilities now that she’d completely let go and gave herself to him, all of her, even if he didn’t know it.  Maybe Brinley could have that same love and devotion her parents did.  Maybe she could have a family with Jon, picturing little blue and green eyed rug rats running around the yard in Vegas.  Of course, that wouldn’t be for several more years since she loved her career and Jon was just getting started with his.

 

“Why did you choose me?  That night you first pulled me into the dressing room, you obviously planned that, so how long were you thinking about doing that to me or was it just on impulse?” This was a question she’d never asked him until now and Brinley had always been curious why her out of all the women in the company.  Why her?

 

She would ask that during a soft, gentle moment and he obviously wasn’t about to tell her the truth.  It was none of her business, even if she was involved and married to his sorry ass.  Jon considered it, contemplating pulling away so he could light an after sex cigarette.  Brinley seemed to be thinking the same thing because she was moving and he reached over her for the pack, lighting them each one and handed hers over.

 

“It wasn’t planned, pulling you into the room,” She had said it obviously was and then asked if it was planned, that was contradictory. “But I had been watching you for a while before I did it.” That was the honest to god truth, Jon HAD been watching her, deciding on his course of action and then he had just set his little boat adrift with its fate to be determined by whim.  Whim had gotten them married to each other; he hadn’t anticipated that one when this all had started. “You got my attention when a rumor hit that you didn’t approve of us, of the Shield.” They had been cocky upstarts with a bulldozing issue.

 

“A rumor like that was started?” Brinley looked genuinely confused while taking a drag of her cigarette, not pulling away from him and wanted to give Jon reassurance. “I’m not…I don’t want you thinking I’m digging for answers or anything like that.  Well, I AM, but it’s curiosity more than anything.” She sat up a little to prop her hand on her elbow, leaning over to softly brush her lips against his after they both blew smoke out of their mouths. “I will admit, there was tension in the air when you three came up from developmental.  Nobody knew what to expect and we weren’t told until the last minute about your debut.  But I never once said anything about not approving of you guys being here.  I know my brother mentioned something about it, saying you guys were too cocky and arrogant, but…look at how he debuted.  He disrupted not only The Undertaker, but The Rock as well and he was cocky and arrogant, far more than you guys were.” Another drag down, she reached over to flick ash into the tray before settling back down again. “I told him he was calling the kettle black and to wait and see what the Shield brought to the table.  The moment I saw your match at TLC, in your debut match, I knew instantly this company was looking at three future stars…and you shined the brightest to me.  I’m not just saying that to butter you up or because you’re my husband.  It’s the truth.  You are the best out of the Shield because you bring something to the table that neither Roman or Seth have.  There’s this aura about you…and that first night you pulled me into the dressing room, I felt it.  I had no idea who you were or who had pulled me in there, but I wasn’t scared either, if that makes sense.  And I know you’re just going to get better and better now that you’re on your own.”

 

One thing he would say was that the way Jericho had blasted through an Undertaker moment, just cutting the man off and being his cocky, arrogant self without a hint of shame, he admired that.  That had been ballsy.  That was about where it stopped though. “Sometimes woman, I wish I knew if you really were blowing smoke up my ass.” Or if Brinley meant what she said and he rolled his eyes at the amused smile on her face, her slight head bob of acknowledgement that they were going to have to work on trusting each other.  As much as they could anyway and he bent down to brush his lips against hers before taking a long pull off his cigarette.  Aiming away from her when he exhaled it, smoke billowed over their heads for a moment before slowly dissipating. “I’ll take your word for it, you’ve seen enough of us actually make it to know what the what is.”

 

“And you are and will continue to do it.  I promise you, I’m not blowing smoke up your ass.  I mean what I say and you should know that about me by now.  I don’t sugar coat anything, I tell it like it is.  If you sucked in the ring, in the company, I’d tell you.” Brinley assured him, stretching her limbs above her head and finished her cigarette before stubbing it out in the tray, snuggling against him with her leg draped over his again. “I’m glad you chose me to pull into that dark dressing room.  And I’m glad it was you, Jon.” Yawning, she buried her face in his warm, smooth chest and sighed gently, already feeling the sleep overtaking her body.  All of that sex had worn her out in a very good way and Brinley was ready for some rest since they had a drive ahead of them to make it to the taping of Smackdown! tomorrow.

 

Awake long after she had fallen asleep, Jon lightly stroked and caressed her body as she dozed on him.  He SHOULD know that about her by now, but she had lied to him, purposefully told him things she thought he wanted to hear, so he also knew she was quite capable of lying.  He supposed in the long run it didn’t matter because he was just as bad and had made it so the only person she had was him, which was why they were like this right now.  Brinley didn’t hang out with her friends, she had been suffering depression, and he was idly wondering what had mentally broken in her to drive her to seek out his company.  Had that night with Rollins and the chair been the trigger?  Letting his eyes close finally, knowing he couldn’t get hurt to coax his wife into loving him every time they had a falling out.

 

And Jon knew they would, it was just a matter of time.

 

Chapter 25

 

A LOT happened over the next several months.

 

Things had been great between Brinley and Jon, their marriage actually going in the right direction and they rarely fought.  Jon had gotten his head put through cinderblocks in a storyline with Seth Rollins and the Authority.  He was leaving to go film a movie by WWE Studios in Vancouver, Canada, and would be gone for a little over a month.  Brinley was completely stoked for him, but at the same time, she was sad too. 

 

What would she do without him for over a month? 

 

Granted, she still had a job to do with WWE, so that left her on the road without him and she absolutely HATED watching the cinderblock scene.  Seth had assured everyone he wouldn’t ‘oversell’ again and he hadn’t.  Jon had walked away from it with no injuries and got to make love to his beautiful wife later that night at the hotel.  The following morning, he hopped on a plane headed to Vancouver to film his movie and Brinley had taken him, watching out the window as his plane took off into the sky with tears rolling down her cheeks.

 

Loneliness was palpable. 

 

The Bella’s were busy with their men, so they didn’t really hang out all that much anymore.  Brinley had made the mistake of going to a local bar one night, two weeks later, after not hearing from Jon at all while he was in Vancouver.  He had checked out and was doing something new and fun; she didn’t want to disturb him, so after her first text message of I miss you went unanswered, no more were sent. 

 

That night at the bar, Bray Wyatt had been there and one drink lead to another, which lead to him taking her back to the hotel…to his room.  Brinley had no idea what was happening to her, feeling weird and almost as if she couldn’t get her clothes off fast enough.  It was an interesting feeling being drugged, even though she didn’t know what was happening at the time.  She tried fighting him off at first, swaying on her feet and Bray had coaxed her to stay with him, kissing her neck, caressing her, assuring her this could be their dirty little secret.

 

Only, it wasn’t because two months later, in late November, after the Night of Champions pay-per-view, where Jon made his triumphant return to beat the stuffing out of Seth, Brinley realized quickly she was pregnant.  Who was the father?  She knew there was a very big possibility it was Bray’s baby because after Jon came back, they had sex the night of his return at Night of Champions…and that was it.  There was no other sex since she’d been sicker than a dog, actually staying off the road for a straight week throwing up and trying to get over this flu bug she couldn’t shake.  Then she missed her period.  Peeing on a stick was interesting and when she saw the two lines, Brinley completely broke down crying her eyes out.  Brinley had hoped to take her one night with Bray to the grave and now…now she couldn’t because she was pregnant with possibly another man’s baby.

 

Would Jon even believe her if she told him Bray had drugged her?  Brinley remembered waking up that following morning, screaming at Bray and punched him in his pig nose before storming out of his room.  His laughter had followed her, despite his busted nose, and she hadn’t talked to him since then.  Swallowing hard, she knew Jon would be home tonight and they’d have to talk about this, to figure out where to go from here.  Something told her he was going to go after her family once he found out she banged Bray Wyatt, drugged or not.  After tossing her cookies, Brinley showered and pulled herself together, waiting for Jon to get home from the road.

 

The moment he walked into the door, she was on a couch with a blanket around her and a bucket in her lap.  Morning sickness was a bitch. “I have to tell you something and you’re not going to like it, Jon.” Were the first words out of her mouth before he could even drop his bags on the floor as Brinley dabbed her eyes with the balled up tissue in her hand.  Her face was swollen, along with her eyes, the tears not stopping. “I’m not sick, I’m pregnant,” She paused, not able to look at him as the pregnancy stick sat on the coffee table in front of her, every part of her body trembling. “And the baby might not be yours.”

 

“I’m sorry, what?” Jon must have misheard her because he was jetlagged or something.

 

Doing a movie turned out to be no joke.  The scheduling and everything involved was intense and then the retakes, the make-up, he was fairly certain being a movie star was NOT in the cards for him.  He actually popped a finger in his ear, doing a little twisting motion because maybe he still needed them popped from the flight or he was lax on removing ear wax.  Brinley repeated herself and his blue eyes began narrowing, studying her face and body intently.  She was pregnant and it might not be his.  So, his wife had been fucking around him after spewing all those lies about making things work, about him knowing her.  All of that had been lies, just like his mind had informed him.  

 

Inhaling slowly and forcing down the rage that was bubbling, Jon folded his arms over his chest, staring down his nose at her. “Who’s the other man?”

 

“Before you blow up at me and start calling me names and shit, I need to tell you what happened first.”

 

“Who. Is. The. Other. Man. Brinley?”

 

“Will you just…”

 

“WHO IS IT?!”

 

Brinley jumped at his explosion, trembling more and couldn’t speak because she was too busy with her head in the bucket, vomiting again.  Once she finished, she set it aside to wipe her mouth off with a tissue and Jon was still standing there, his face completely red, and electric eyes practically swallowing her whole. “It’s not what you think…please, just…just let me explain.  I-I still don’t know what actually happened, but it was only once and…god Jon, I’m so sorry…” She started breaking down all over again, covering her face with her hands.  He wouldn’t believe her.  There was no way he would believe a word she said now. “It’s Bray Wyatt, okay?  I…It happened while you were filming your movie.  I went to the bar and he walked in and we started talking, having some drinks and…and I started feeling weird.  I don’t know what the fuck he did to me, but I did get up to use the bathroom and when I came back, I finished the drink he bought me.  I was out of it.  I didn’t know what was happening and the next thing I know, I’m waking up in the morning in his room, feeling like my head is going to explode, and I…I punched him in the nose and screamed at him to stay the fuck away from me.  He laughed me out of the room and I…I never planned on telling you any of this.  I never wanted you to find out…and now I had to tell you because I’m fucking knocked up!”

 

“Are you fucking serious?!” In this exact moment, Jon did not believe anything she said about ‘feeling weird’ because he KNEW how she got when she went out and drank.  He knew because she had pulled his hand under her dress IN a PUBLIC PLACE to show off her bare pussy. “BRAY FUCKING WYATT?  Of ALL the fucks to cheat on me with, you picked HIM?” Hell, hadn’t he seen her and Wyatt talking a time or two?  Yes, yes he had and his eyes narrowed, wondering if it were possible to confirm exact conception timing, or the date, whatever. “FUCK!” He had to walk away from her puking, plowing his fist right through a wall without thinking about it.

 

All Brinley could do was sit there and cry in between bouts of vomiting, feeling as if the entire world was crumbling around her. I knew he wouldn’t believe me. She wasn’t surprised in the slightest and could feel his anger radiating around the living room. 

 

It was all directed at her.  Brinley was already planning on having an abortion, refusing to bring a baby into the kind of life she lived.  Maybe it would be a good idea to pay to have her tubes tied as well, just so something like this could never happen again.  Jon wouldn’t want to have babies with her after this, she was certain of it.  Standing from the couch an hour later, Brinley went to rinse out and clean her bucket, finally feeling as though she didn’t want to vomit anymore.  Jon had disappeared somewhere and she didn’t bother looking for him, feeling drained in every way possible.  Just when they had finally found a stride in their marriage and things had been going great, another obstacle came along.

 

I need to start researching clinics to get this done as soon as possible.

 

Of course he wasn’t going to immediately believe her because it sounded EXACTLY like the time she had claimed HE had raped her at the club in the bathroom when he hadn’t!  Jon had taken her up on the offer she had blatantly, publicly, given him.  THEN she cried rape when she had realized he WAS going to take it, nobody liked a cock tease.  Currently, he was in the basement, in his unfinished gym, pumping iron as he considered how he was going to murder Bray Wyatt for touching what wasn’t his.  If his wife had been drugged, he couldn’t see Brinley not going to get a drug report at a lab or something; she was just too damn smart not to.  Hell, she had no problem going off on him and he had threatened every last member of her damn family!  When it felt like his arms were going to give out, he finally headed upstairs, feeling only mildly better.

 

She was about to make his night a lot worse, hanging up with the clinic she’d been on the phone with. “I won’t be traveling with you for the next two weeks.  I’m getting this situation taken care of as soon as possible.”

 

Brinley had also moved her stuff back into her room, which wasn’t much since she kept her clothes and everything in there anyway.  There were a few things she kept in the master bedroom with Jon, but the majority of her things were in her room.  Jon narrowed his eyes at her and she looked away from him, rubbing her stomach since she felt queasy again.

 

“I don’t care if you don’t believe what happened with Bray.  This is my fault and that’s all it really boils down to.  So if you’re going to punish me, please leave my family out of it and direct everything on me.  I’ll do anything if you just leave them out of it, please, Jon.”

 

“I’m not gonna touch your fucking family.” Jon had briefly considered it because this was really messing with him, but…no.  

 

He needed a drink and made his way to the bar, deciding that beer wasn’t on the menu tonight.  Needing something a LOT stronger tonight, he began rifling for his favorite liquor, finally procuring the bottle.  He set it on the countertop with a bit of a thud, twisting the top off of it as he eyed her.  Brinley was still rubbing her stomach and nobody except god knew who’s baby that was.

 

“Getting rid of it?” He asked after tossing down the equivalent of two shots, not surprised at all by her nod. “Anyone besides us know about this?” He WISHED he didn’t know, it felt like everything had come crashing down, all that progress in their marriage gone.  Wiped clean.

 

Relief flooded over her at Jon’s proclamation and all she could do was hope he wasn’t blowing smoke, that he’d leave her family alone. “No.  I haven’t told another soul besides you and the company thinks I have a flu virus.” Brinley had to sit down and went back to the living room since it was an open floor plan, leaning her head back against the couch. “W-We never discussed children and this is my fault, even with my damn birth control, it still happened.”

 

That was why birth control wasn’t 100% effective.  There was always that slim chance of pregnancy occurring and she knew it.  Brinley wasn’t a fool and the reason she hadn’t gone to the hospital after waking up with Bray was because she didn’t remember anything that happened.  None of it besides beginning to drink with Bray at the bar.  It was almost as if she’d completely blacked out, even though she’d been very vocal and eager for Bray…at least, that was what he had said to her.  No matter how hard she tried, those memories were lost and Brinley doubted she’d ever find out the truth about what really happened.

 

“I’m sorry, Jon.  I never wanted anyone else in that company, only you, but you probably don’t believe that now and I don’t blame you.  This time, the fault is mine and mine alone and I’m going to atone for it.”

 

“Yeah, by murdering it?”

 

Now, he was very much pro-choice.  It wasn’t HIS body, so he knew in theory, he had an opinion, but he didn’t have a SAY.  Jon had never thought about kids, never really considered having them, and even though impregnating her meant she was literally stuck with him for life, even HE knew where the lines were.  Bringing a kid into this situation would have made it way more insane than it already was.  What he said was a very low blow and he knew, but when his temper hit a certain level, coupled with what felt like betrayal, his more vicious tendencies came out along with the intent to go straight for the jugular.

 

Shutting her eyes tightly, Brinley felt a shot directly to her heart and buried her head in her hands, squeezing the hair between her fingers. “You want me to have the baby, even though it may not be yours?  Even though it might be…” A rape baby…she couldn’t bring herself to finish that and chomped on some saltines to try to calm her stomach a little. “If you don’t want me to get rid of it, you better speak up now.  This COULD be your baby, but I don’t know if it is or not.  I don’t know how far along I am.  If I’m over two months along, it’s Bray’s, but if I’m less than that, it’s yours.” That information wouldn’t be found out until she got a checkup and found out the average or estimated conception date. “So you tell me right now, what the fuck do you want me to do?  Since you’re calling me a murderer, you make the fucking call!  And before you do, just remember, there IS a possibility that if I have this baby, it’s not yours and you’ll be forced to raise a child that’s NOT yours.  Can you really handle that?” Unless he divorced her, which was a possibility too.

 

“You understood that all wrong, Angel, I don’t want that thing at all, mine or not.” His tone was cold and callous, which was probably better than him screaming and potentially hurting her because he had that many things going on inside of him all at once.  His hand was shaking as he tossed down another drink, pouring a glass and sliding it down the counter towards her. “I’m not raising a fucking kid that ain’t mine and let’s be honest, we’re not exactly couple goals, now are we?  Kids don’t fix problems, they make it worse.” And anyone who used kids as a way to ‘repair’ something needed to be shot because that was just cruel, even by his standards. “Don’t they base that shit, the timing, on periods?”

 

“I’ve been so busy with work, I can’t even tell you when my last period was.  Sometimes I skip them because of the birth control, so no, I can’t base it on that either.  I just…felt off and that’s why I took the test since these flu symptoms weren’t going away.” Brinley didn’t think twice about it and downed the liquor, really not caring if it affected the fetus inside of her or not. “So, you’re okay with me getting rid of the baby?  You have a say in it since you might be the father…” Jon held his hand up, shaking his head.

 

“Do what you want, I’m out of it.”

 

“So it won’t bother you the least bit having your own child murdered?” Brinley could see him slightly shaking and stepped back, setting the glass down on the island. “Fine.  I’ll keep the appointment and get it taken care of.  I’m going to request the next month off work to recover since I have vacation time stored up.  I know you can’t be here since you’re the hottest thing going in the company right now, so…I’ll handle this on my own.” Hell, maybe she’d just drown herself in the pool in the backyard and call it a day.  Wow, she was feeling rather suicidal at the moment and figured she might as well push her pissed off husband to the breaking point. “Do you want a divorce since the baby will be gone?  You gonna be able to fuck me again without thinking about me with Bray Wyatt?  If not, we can take care of that while you’re home and I’ll move back to Tampa.”

 

“Nah, you’re not getting out of this that easily, Brinnie,” Jon couldn’t bring himself to call her Angel, not just yet because this woman was anything BUT one.  She was the devil in disguise and he supposed someone like him deserved no less. “And as for you trying to needle me with that child murdering shit, it won’t work, mine or not, I don’t want it.” Even if it was his, he wouldn’t have wanted it because every time he looked at it, it would remind him of today, of his wife sitting there confessing to being with another man and not sure how things had gotten where they were.  He didn’t need to live with that. “I’ll take a week to be with you, make sure you’re okay.” That was about as caring as he could muster right now, another shot down. “Want another?”

 

“No.  I don’t want you here.  I don’t want you having anything to do with this.  You go back on the road.  Survivor Series is coming up, so I can’t take time off either.  I’ll have the procedure done and call it a day.” Possibly with a handful of pills to swallow too.  Whoa!  What the hell were with these thoughts?  Brinley knew she was an emotional freight train right now and Jon wasn’t helping matters.  Not that she blamed him for reacting this way because she didn’t. “I mean it, your career is far more important than the likes of me.  Don’t fuck it up because of my fuckup.  I’m going to lay down after I puke again.” Walking out of the room, Brinley finally burst into angry, bitter tears as soon as she was in the bathroom, emptying the contents of that alcohol right into the toilet.

 

There would be no procedure because later that night, Brinley had woken up screaming to a pile of blood in bed.

 

She had miscarried the baby.

 

Talk about saving herself a procedure and some money.  Jon had to bust down the damn door because she had locked herself in, panicking at her terrified screams.  One look once the lights were on told him what had happened and he hadn’t thought twice about scooping her up, bed sheets and all, and carting her out to his truck as fast as he could in just his shorts and bare feet.  The ER had given him some weird socks and a cheap robe to wear once admitting her and taken her back to make sure the miscarriage had been ‘thorough’, whatever that meant.  He was pacing the floor, waiting for them to let him in.  She had to have a D&C, whatever that was, to make sure that everything was out and apparently something to do with the amount of blood…Jon ran a hand through his hair, glancing at the door when a doctor finally stepped out, gesturing at him.  He listened as the man explained as they walked, what they had done and what her current state was.  

 

Once they stopped outside a cracked door, he sighed, really wishing regret and guilt weren’t threatening to knock on his door. “She awake?”

 

“She is, she may be a little foggy from the local anesthesia.  Everyone reacts differently.”

 

“And she’ll be all right?”

 

The doctor smiled at the obvious worry in the younger man’s tone, patting his shoulder. “Yes, these things sometimes happen.”

 

Brinley didn’t want to see Jon at all. 

 

It wasn’t his fault this happened, but she just wanted to be left alone with her jumbled thoughts.  She considered for a brief moment telling Bray about the baby and immediately nixed it.  There was no reason for him to find out since he drugged and raped her.  She had to have a blood transfusion due to how much blood loss she sustained from the miscarriage.  All Brinley could think about was the fact she had murdered her baby. 

 

Her first baby was gone. 

 

Did the alcohol do it? 

 

Even though she planned on having the procedure done, a big part of her was completely shattered at the fact she’d lost her chance to be a mother.  Would another one come in the future?  They assured her conceiving would not be a problem since she didn’t suffer from endometriosis or anything like that.  It was just one of those things that happened, unexplanatory.  The door opened and she immediately looked away, staring out the window with silent tears rolling down her cheeks.

 

Truthfully, Jon had no words for her right now because honestly, what was he going to say?  He knew that logically, this fetus had been doomed, but there was such a difference between a carefully controlled, planned procedure and then the bloody mess that had happened in her own bed.  He sat down in a chair besides the bed, kind of glad she wasn’t looking at him.  She’d probably hate him for the pity and worry in his eyes, such a stark contrast to earlier.

 

“Brin…I’m sorry, but I had to tell them about your depression and anxiety…” So she was going to be monitored. “I didn’t know what you take, so I couldn’t tell them that.” Apparently they needed all that to make sure nothing counteracted with the anesthesia.

 

“It should’ve all been in my medical records anyway.  If they were smart and real fucking doctors, they’d see it in there.” Her voice came out bitter and low, not caring if she was being monitored or not.  Maybe they’d lock her up in a psychiatric facility or something.  Brinley was beyond caring right now, depression didn’t do her justice, she was completely devastated by this entire situation. “Don’t worry about it.  You had to tell them.  You don’t have to stay here, you can go home and relax since I know you have a flight to catch tomorrow.  Sorry for…this.” She had no idea what else to say to him either, wiping her tears away angrily and shut her eyes, figuring she might as well try to sleep while she could.

 

Depending on the network and all that, which doctors she had seen prior and hospitals they were affiliated with.  Jon knew medical records were never connected like it was supposed to be, he had spent a LOT of time in emergency rooms and had learned to just carry his medical history in a folder in his bag. “I’m not going anywhere, Angel.” Jon heard the bitterness in her voice, gathering maybe she had wanted that baby, regardless of who the father was, which panged him in some terrible ways.  It just indicated it wasn’t rape, not if she was this upset over it.  He kept all that to himself, however, locked away to be never revisited no matter how much alcohol he ingested. “And don’t apologize, it’s not like you were expecting it to happen.”

 

She didn’t say another word and eventually drifted off to sleep, knowing it was going to be a very long road to recovery, mostly emotionally and mentally.

 

Chapter 26

 

Two years.

 

It’d been 2 years to the day Brinley and Jon had gotten married in Vegas. 

 

It was their wedding anniversary. 

 

Given the events of what happened only a month and a half ago, Brinley was not in the mood to celebrate at all.  They were on the road for it instead of at home, doing live events and trying to keep busy with work.  The miscarriage was never brought up again and Brinley didn’t sleep in the same bed as her husband, bringing a blowup mattress that was travel compacted with her, so she could blow it up without a problem.  Jon had the actual bed and she slept on the floor on her air mattress, wanting nothing to do with him.  Their wedding anniversary came and went, neither acknowledging it, though they’d gotten a bunch of praise from the rest of the locker room.  Nobody knew about the miscarriage, not even her brother and family; Jon had at least made sure the stalkerazzi wasn’t aware of it, which she was grateful for. 

 

As the months flew by, Brinley had found peace and tranquility with writing, something to take her mind off what happened.  It helped her, so she started bringing her laptop with her and would jam music in her ears on her air mattress while Jon did whatever he wanted.  Whether that was going out with his friends drinking and partying, it didn’t matter to her.  She didn’t care if he found pussy elsewhere either.  Things were right back where they started and this time, Brinley would not be the one to go to him, begging him to fuck her.  As far as she was concerned, sex just created problems and complicated life.  After what happened with Bray Wyatt, she was done with sex and not having a sex drive helped tremendously in that area.

 

Before long, it was once again WrestleMania season in 2016, their 3 year anniversary had passed by on New Year’s Eve again, and Jon was the top face in the WWE.  At least she’d been right about something.  Tonight’s event would be special, it was called Roadblock and Jon was going for the WWE World Heavyweight championship against none other than The Cerebral Assassin, Triple H on this night.  It was a different energy in Toronto, Canada, and Brinley sat backstage by a monitor, alongside a few others, really looking forward to this match for a change.

 

He'd lose, naturally.  Jon was over with the fans and put backsides in seats, told a damn good story if he did say so himself, was charismatic as hell too.  Yet it still felt like no matter how ‘big’ a match they gave him, they still dropped the ball on him.  Of course, Jon hadn’t been feeling very charitable lately, a lot of it had to do with the fact that he had become a eunuch over the past year and a half, basically castrated.  Because he wasn’t about to fuel any rumors if he got caught, he didn’t go out on pussy patrol like any normal, sane man.  He kept well stocked in lube and moisturized his hands with that shea butter lotion, so chafing didn’t stop him from working out his sexual frustrations with some very aggressive cock tugging.

 

Brinley had gotten off the medication all together, slowly weaning herself, though she did keep the anxiety medicine, just in case.  Her and Jon did talk, but it wasn’t much and she did tell him a time or two to go out and have fun. “Find a woman and fuck her brains out instead of moping around here.  Don’t worry about me, I’m fine with it.” Honestly, Brinley was because it meant his attention could be on someone else. 

 

There was no way Jon stayed faithful to her and she was content with that knowledge since, technically, she had cheated on him with Bray.  The fire and passion between them was just a small simmer these days and Brinley was waiting for Jon to serve her with divorce papers.  Any day, it would come and she’d sign them without hesitation since she wasn’t wife material at all and he didn’t love her. 

 

He never would.

 

“So, regarding post Mania plans for Ambrose and Jericho…we’re going to have Dean Ambrose facing the Best in the World, Chris Jericho in two major matches.”

 

Brinley’s eyes widened to the size of saucers while she sat in another producer’s meeting.  Roadblock would be that night and she figured they’d be discussing what to do for that night, but Vince had just blindsided everyone.  Jon and Chris would be feuding…fighting against each other and Brinley didn’t know how to feel about that concept.  She never thought it could happen, even after a seed had been planted in late 2015 with her brother, Jon, and Roman Reigns.  Chris was their surprise tag partner, after coming back from a hiatus with Fozzy, and he wound up screwing Jon and Roman out of the win because of his ego.  Now, Chris was a full-fledged heel in WWE and he played one very well, always had.

 

All eyes shifted to Brinley because that was definitely a loaded one for her, her brother pit against her husband.  There’s no way Vince would allow her any input on this, he would likely give her a head’s up and that was about it.  It was one of the pitfalls of having family working in the same business she did.

 

Jon would LOVE that, absolutely love it.  He was getting restless with this malarkey with the horrible storylines the writers kept feeding him.  With his marriage having settled into this soul sucking, monotonous routine of basically ignoring each other when they weren’t making small talk.  With her sleeping on an air mattress, away from him, it was like Brinley had basically given up on life over a fetus she had claimed could have been from an alleged rapist.  He thought, as time went on, she’d be HAPPY about that, not having to potentially raise a rape baby.

 

It could’ve been Jon’s baby. 

 

That was what really screwed her up for several months after the fact.  It could’ve been their baby.  She would never know the truth of the matter either.  They hadn’t even told her how far along she was, she didn’t want to know for fear of the baby actually being Bray’s and not Jon’s.  Now, she was in a state of limbo and Jon made no effort to reconcile or anything.  If he wanted to be with her that badly, he would’ve reached out and he didn’t, not even on their anniversary.  It was hard to believe or comprehend she had been married to him for over 3 years now.  Had time really flown by that quickly?  Brinley merely smiled at everyone, already knowing she wouldn’t have anything to do with those matches and they’d stick with her Divas and mid-carders, which she preferred anyway.  It was just another day at the office and she continued jotting down notes when it came time to talk about the other matches and feuds coming up.

 

Want to go to the afterparty? Why he was bothering to ask her was beyond him, but there it was and he’d hit the send button before he could stop himself. 

 

Brinley would probably shoot the invitation down because it had to do with living and his wife was just eking by at this point.  She wasn’t living, she was just barely surviving and if this had actually been a marriage of love, he would have gotten her professional help by now.  Something.  Honestly, Jon had no idea what to do for her because she’d know it wasn’t really true and he didn’t really care.  Not about some other man’s baby.  Some man she had been friendly with prior to this ‘rape’.  He leaned back against the side of the building, enjoying a smoke as he waited for a potential reply.

 

Pulling her phone out when it buzzed, Brinley was shocked at the message staring back at her and chewed her bottom lip, wondering what made Jon decide to invite her out after all this time.  Maybe a year and a half was enough for him.  She didn’t need professional help, Brinley was content with how her life was these days, especially being stuck in a loveless marriage.  Her love for Jon never died, but her sex drive was nonexistent at this point.  She didn’t even know if she could feel desire anymore after her miscarriage and she had googled it.  Some women just never got their sex drive back after losing a baby and it was a mental issue more than a physical one.

 

Sure, if you want me to. More than likely Jon would just leave her to her own devices at the party, drink himself into a stupor, and she’d have to cart him back to the hotel room somehow.  This would be LOADS of fun.

He had to reread that, pinched himself, then lit another cigarette because one, he couldn’t believe she had replied and two, he couldn’t believe that she had said yes, sort of. Yeah.  Wouldn’t have bothered asking if I didn’t.  You got a dress? He hadn’t seen her dressed up since her parents’ 35^th anniversary party, that had been a long, long time ago, right after that fire that had destroyed her house.  

 

He had threatened to kill everyone in that building that night, her nieces and nephew included.  Perhaps not one of his finer moments.  Jon would definitely drink at the party, but he wouldn’t get drunk and had a very strict rule about not getting toasted at company events.  Doing that would haunt a person of his caliber for the rest of his career.

 

No I don’t, I’ll just have to wear what I brought with me. She sent back a few minutes later, not really in the mood to dress up or go to a party, but it would get her out of the hotel. 

 

Maybe it would be good for her to do something besides go back to the room every night and start typing away on her laptop.  Jon didn’t respond to that and she shrugged, rubbing the back of her neck while the meeting continued.  An hour later, Brinley was finally released to go hunt down the Superstars to work with that night for their match.  Charlotte Flair and Natalya, two amazingly gifted talents in the company, were facing off for Charlotte’s Divas championship.  Brinley greeted them and they sat down in the women’s locker room to discuss what would happen that night, going over scenarios and whatnot.  Brinley came up with a great ending and the women loved it, hugging her before she made her exit.

 

On her way down the hallway, which was a dimly lit one due to a light flickering above, Brinley was suddenly yanked into one of the dressing rooms, having the hell scared out of her. “What the-?” She’d barely gotten that out before a pair of lips were on hers, her back pressed against the door now and the room was pitch black. 

 

Nicotine, whiskey, and leather.  The same scent as back then.  Cocoa butter was hinted too.  Just by lips alone, even after a year and a half of nothing, Brinley knew exactly who this was and immediately returned the kiss, not pushing him away.  Flashbacks from 4 years ago flew through her mind as she was lifted to be planted against the door, her legs wrapping around his waist, and they stood there passionately kissing, her fingers gliding through his already wet curls.

 

If she didn’t know it was him even after all this time, the woman had really messed herself up mentally with that depression after the loss of that fetus.  Jon point blank refused to think of it as a baby, because it hadn’t even hit the 12 week mark, just barely had a heartbeat.  He was good at avoiding mental trauma.  The fact that Brinley was kissing him back, that was a great sign and the passion in it, it ignited something in him that had been lying dormant for a very long time.  It was messed up how NOT having sex eventually just started to leading into a low drive and when he had realized that, brakes instantly.  He was NOT losing his damn sex drive so young and neither was his gorgeous, vivacious wife.  When it felt like they might both pass out from lack of oxygen, he broke the kiss, hearing her inhale deeply before he began going for her neck, knowing exactly where she was most sensitive at.

 

Was this really happening?  It had to be a dream.  This had to be a dream.  This man hadn’t given her any inclination he wanted her for a year and a half.  Brinley thought he hated her for losing their baby, even if Jon refused to acknowledge it.  He wouldn’t even talk about it with her, so she had to deal with the trauma of the miscarriage on her own.  Jon had a VERY important match tonight against Paul, and the last thing Brinley wanted to do was ruin that.  If he had sex with her now, his thighs would be completely blown out.  Knowing all of this, Brinley did not stop him from undressing her and she managed to push down the jeans he had on low enough to free his throbbing cock.

 

“Fuck me…fuck me, Jon…” She breathed out in his ear, nibbling on it and cried out as soon as his cock impaled her right against the door.

 

In his defense, she had been very bitter when she had lost that kid and he knew exactly what he said to her prior to her losing it.  Jon had been cold, callous, and brutally truthful when she originally misinterpreted what he had said about murdering that baby.  Brinley had taken it as he wanted her to keep it.  He had made it bluntly clear that he had been serious and didn’t want it.  She had miscarried later that night and the bitterness and depression that followed…well, he figured she was pissed at him for what he had said and depressed over losing someone’s kid.  

 

Jon had been there at the hospital and she had shut him down.  He wasn’t exactly in tune with feelings and hadn’t realized that was exactly when she needed him the most.  Backing the hell off and leaving her alone was all he could do because it was what he would have wanted for himself.  Not now…now he was done with it.  It had been over a year and it was time to reconcile with his beautiful Angel wife.

 

“Ssh, Angel,” It was game night, they had security UPPED and the last thing they needed was to be busted and reprimanded.  He claimed her mouth in his, swallowing down any further cries of passion as he pounded her right against the door, feeling her juices drenching him with how wet she was.

 

Brinley did need him more than ever after losing the baby and her attitude towards him hadn’t helped matters.  The fact that he’d JUST found out what she did with Bray Wyatt also didn’t help the situation either.  If anything, it had made it worse.  She had been just as cold and callous towards him, but not a day went by Brinley didn’t miss him.  Moving in sync with him, this was such a nice throwback to how they first met.  The night they met they had sex in a dark, empty dressing room and it was how all of this started.  Her moans were muffled the best they could and she gripped him, holding on for dear life as he moved her from the door to the wall, knowing banging her against the door would cause a ruckus.  That was fine by her, Jon never left her body and continued thrusting in and out of her as hard, fast, and deep as he possibly could, holding her close to him. 

 

When it was over, after he exploded inside of her, Brinley just stayed where she was and wrapped her arms around his neck, both trying to come down from the intense sexual high they had. “I’m sorry, Jon.  I’m so sorry for everything and I…I don’t want anyone else except you…” She whispered, not trusting her voice at the moment and waited for him to pull away from her, to say something awful like she was an easy lay or something like that.  That was how he usually operated and Brinley braced herself for what he was going to say.

 

Honestly, it crossed his mind because she HAD given him sweet words before that he had fallen for and he had known better.  However…even he wasn’t going to screw this all up.  This was WrestleMania season, and tonight was HIS true WrestleMania moment at Roadblock.  Jon had reconciled AGAIN with his wife, he wasn’t going to ruin this night for anything, especially her.

 

“I know, Angel, I know…” Jon murmured, feeling his cock sliding out of her followed by a rush of fluids, apparently they both had been building them up for a while.  He reached up to feel her face, cupping it in his palms and leaned in to kiss her, a soft, gentle kiss that was lacking in urgency due to what had just happened between them. “Let’s put that all behind us and try this over again, okay?” They had tried that before, but all they had was time. 

 

Eventually, they would get it right.

 

Would they ever get it right completely?  Probably not, but Brinley was willing to give it another try with him.  Hell, she knew deep down she’d give Jon as many tries as he wanted…and if he ever slept with someone else, she wouldn’t be able to judge him.  She had done it with Bray Wyatt, so Jon had every right to cheat on her if he wanted to.  Of course, Brinley hoped and prayed that never happened, wanting Jon all for herself. “When we get home, let’s get a dog.  A rescue dog.” That could be their baby and even in the darkness, she could tell Jon’s eyes had lit up at the thought.  Yes, she had turned it down 2 years ago when Jon first mentioned getting a dog, but times had changed and Brinley had a feeling getting a dog would bring them closer together. “You really are crazy to fuck your wife right before a world title match, you know that?” She sounded amused as he set her down on her feet and pulled his mouth down on hers, passionately kissing him. “One of the many things I adore about you though.”

“Yeah well, I needed a workout.” Jon had sort of skipped one today, instead doing little mini bursts, randomly dropping to do pushups and shadowboxing.  

 

Smiling though, Jon was amused with the idea of her wanting a dog out of nowhere.  He wasn’t saying yes or no, he supposed they really needed to talk first.  Decide what kind of dog, breed wise, they wanted and what age, puppies were sort of like kids.  A LOT of attention was required and he’d rather not get a puppy that they weren’t traveling with…Wait.

 

“Can the dog travel with us?” Because that was a game changer and at her laughter, genuinely happy peals of laughter, he smiled boyishly. “I’ve always wanted a dog…”

 

“Then let’s get a dog.” Jon had flipped the light on, so they could see what the hell they were doing and she rubbed her nose against his, draping her arms around his neck. “What do you say we skip that party and go back to the hotel room for some alone time after your match tonight?”

 

They really needed it and Jon had kickstarted her sex drive into high gear, so that quickie they just had wasn’t nearly enough to sate her.  Brinley had a feeling he was feeling the same way, both raring to go again, but first he had to do his match.  There was a house show tomorrow night and then Raw on Monday.  It still felt weird having a pay-per-view on a Saturday, but this was Vince’s doing and they all had to be present for it.

 

“You okay with that or do you really wanna go to the party?”

 

“Yeah, I already made a promise to be there, so you’re coming with me, dressed to the nines.  We’ll dance for about 15 minutes and then I’ll take my sweet time undressing you.  I hope you brought those thigh highs…” Jon didn’t know WHY women bothered with thigh highs instead of those old-fashioned nylons with the weird patch of white or something in the crotch, but he had become an appreciative man when he realized they DID wear them.  And not just in porn.  His wife was one of those women. “Sorry Angel, but you know the season is a bunch of politics and bullshit.” She was a producer, maybe Brinley didn’t know.  It had become a bunch of red carpet type stuff and he hated that part, loving the alcohol though.

 

She didn’t, but she could run out to the store while the pay-per-view was going on and do some quick shopping.  It was still early enough in the night to where the show hadn’t started yet.  Thigh highs and a dress that went just an inch or two above the knee. “Okay, okay, I need to get moving then.” Brinley had already gone over the match with Charlotte and Natalya, so now it was just a matter of them executing it. “Sorry, I gotta run, but I’ll see you after the show.” Pecking his lips quickly, Brinley was out the door and flying down the hallway, letting Jesse know on her way she had to run out for a few. 

 

He blinked at her, wondering what had gotten into Brinley and why she was so…energetic.  Then he spotted Dean Ambrose sauntering down the hallway…the same hallway Brinley had come from…and a smirk curved his lips. “Ambrose, you loose and ready for your match tonight, boy?” He chuckled when Dean gave a smirk in return and both men went their respective ways.

 

Chapter 27

 

The second to the last match on the pay-per-view, Brinley was ready and dressed to the nines just as Jon wanted her to be.  She had on a knee high black cocktail dress that clung to her curves and it had a sweetheart neckline that showed off just enough cleavage for a tease.  It was spaghetti strapped, black and sparkly, but not oversaturated either.  Black thigh highs were clipped beneath the dress to a thong with straps and all.  The dress had a built-in bra and had a crisscross in the back, so there was no way she could wear an actual bra with it. 

 

Her hair was teased, makeup done with smoky eyes and nude glossy lips, diamond hoop earrings, necklace, and bracelet with two inch open-toed pumps on her feet.  She was ready to dance with her husband and have a great night out, followed by some hot sex.  Would Jon think her dress was too sexy though?  That thought did cross her mind, but Brinley loved it and wanted to look her best for him, sexy and all.

 

If she were going out solo, yes, he would and that would have just added to the pile of issues he had that revolved around her horrible, semi-habit of going out alone or with ‘friends’ drinking.  Nothing good had come from the last two times and they had been over a year apart.  He had a new rule: Brinley could ONLY go out drinking with him.  Did she know about the rule?  No, because he wasn’t just blurting that out.  He figured if it happened again or came up, where she tried to go out again, THEN they’d talk about it.

 

Right after that match he was feeling pretty good about, even though he had known there was no way in hell they’d let HIM win, Jon headed straight to grab his belongings and hit the shower.  Planning on surprising Brinley with meeting her all dressed up and ready to go.  He only had the one decent outfit, the one he had worn for that party for her parents, but he forewent the vest this time and the tie, rolling the sleeves up to just beneath his elbows with the top few buttons undone.  Jon DID do his hair back, she had liked it that way.  More of his favorite lotion, a dash of cologne, he was ready.

 

Brinley was outside smoking a cigarette and waiting for her husband, staying out of the cold since it was still February and they were in Toronto.  It was cold here still, she probably should’ve thought of that before choosing the dress she had on.  Oh well, no turning back now.  A throat cleared behind her and she turned, her eyes instantly darkening at the sight of her very handsome, dapper husband.

 

“Well, well, don’t you clean up nicely.” Brinley complimented with a smile, wearing her winter coat at the moment, so he couldn’t see what exactly she had on beneath it yet.  That would be revealed at the party itself when she took it off.  Walking over to close the distance between them, she softly kissed his lips, wiping the gloss away with a soft chuckle. “Ready to go, handsome?  You did promise me a dance after all and I’m holding you to that.”

 

Noticing her wearing heels that had open toes, that was probably a bad idea in this weather with the slick ice and snow, and nylons of some kind.  He took her arm like a gentleman, keeping her close to him in case she slipped or something. “You look beautiful.” He praised, betting she looked gorgeous once out of this coat, more than a little curious about what she was wearing beneath it.  Idly wondering if he could get her to take off the dress before they left the party and just wear the coat back to the hotel, Brinley did have some weird tendencies at times.  He had on his leather jacket for protection, used to the bitter cold since he was from a midwestern city where winters used to be terrible. “Careful, Angel…” Guiding her to their rental, Jon helped her in before going around to the driver’s side. “You know me so well.” She had a lit cigarette waiting and he took it with a grin, leaning over to kiss her pliant lips before popping it between his own. “Ready?” They hadn’t gone out in quite some time, definitely not to anything work related, so brows might be raised.

 

“More than ready.”

 

If Jon asked her to wear just the coat back to the hotel, she’d have no problem doing that.  The coat was plenty warm and long, so it hid everything quite nicely.  If that was what her husband desired her to do, she’d do it.  Holding his hand throughout the drive, Brinley felt a wave of both relief and contentment wash over her.  Tonight had been amazing and it wasn’t over yet.  They were going to dance just as he said, spend a little time at the party, and then the real party would happen back at their hotel room.  They made idle chatter on the ride over, mostly Jon telling her about the spots in the match and she had watched every one of them. 

 

Once they arrived at the party and were inside, Brinley finally took her coat off to reveal the hot little black number she had on and did a small twirl for her husband with a beaming smile. “What do you think, my husband?”

 

“Hmm…” Jon purposefully drew that out, beginning to circle her as he eyeballed her.  Damn did that dress make her backside look snatchable, but he remembered his manners and didn’t snatch it, there would be plenty of time for that later on. “It’s fine.” He even managed to say it with a straight face, though when those emerald eyes narrowed at him ever so slightly, the rakish grin could not be kept hidden. “You are gorgeous, Angel.” If Wyatt even so much LOOKED at her, he would knock that tubby fuck’s teeth out and really make him look like a hillbilly.  No, no that was old news, he wasn’t dealing with it. “All right, let’s time this, Angel.” He extended his arm, smiling when she took it and led the way inside the actual ballroom.

 

“Well I’ll be DAMNED, my sister is actually looking on FIRE tonight!” Chris let out a whistle, taking her hand and twirled her around, nodding his head in approval. “You always had impeccable taste, Brin.” He couldn’t believe she was here, all smiles despite who she was here with. “Did you hear the news, Ambrose?”

 

Oh boy, here it comes. Brinley excused herself, so they could talk for a minute and went to get her and Jon some drinks from the bar.

 

“You and me are going at it after Mania.  Just hope Brock doesn’t smash your face up too much.  Who’s idea was it for a Street Fight anyway?” Why was Chris NOT surprised when Dean very blatantly raised his hand? “Just keep your head on a swivel.  Really want this feud between us to go off without problems.”

 

“Here you are, my love.” Brinley was right by Jon’s side again, handing him the glass of champagne and had her own in hand. “I take it you told him the news?  Vince literally just told us tonight and they’re not going to let me anywhere near the production because it’s a conflict of interest.”

 

“Good, I don’t want you involved anyway, Brin.  Not that you wouldn’t put on a kickass match for us, but…we need to do this on our own without much help from the producers.” They were going old school with this as long as Vince greenlit it.

 

Fat chance of that happening. “You owe your wife a dance, Mr. Ambrose.”

 

Oh Jon would be the best boy in the schoolyard if Vince let them go ‘old school’.  In fact, he’d even give his seal of approval just to prod the old man even more into it.  This was a wet dream come true for him and he could NOT keep the mirth from his icy blues. “That I do.”

 

Chris stared at them both and then at the champagne she had literally just got. “Going to drink that first?”

 

He slammed it, smacking his lips. “Ah!  Delicious, see ya, bro.” He even tossed a friendly shoulder jab his brother-in-law’s way before sweeping his wife out onto the dance floor.  Brinley was giggling and he loved the sound of it, mindful of that flute she still held in one hand, so he kept the dancing gentle, not wanting it to spill over herself.  He’d have to break decorum and offer to lick it off her if she did.

 

“Hang on, let me set this down first.”

 

No, she slammed it just like he did and Chris had shaken his head, walking over to pluck it from her hand before she dropped it accidentally.  Then, she was all Jon’s and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body to his.  This wasn’t like the dance at her parents’ surprise anniversary party.  He wasn’t threatening anyone and she could not wipe the smile from her face, accepting the softest kiss from her husband.  Whatever had gotten into him tonight to come after her, to rekindle what they had, Brinley never wanted it to end.

 

“Careful with those hands, mister.  You can feel me up all you want once we’re out of here.” She murmured against his lips, raising his hand from her backside to her lower back and bit back a moan as his lips caressed her neck.  Never once did Brinley think to question Jon if he would really hurt her brother in their upcoming feud or not.  It hadn’t even crossed her mind despite the reasoning why they were married in the first place.

 

Because Jon hadn’t made any threats in quite some time, he didn’t need too.  That house fire had pretty much established all his credibility with his threats and that’s really all she needed to know.  None of that was on his mind at the moment as he danced with and loved on his wife, not caring what people thought, if they were paying any attention to begin with.  Jon didn’t care about pictures being snapped, he just didn’t care about anything except this woman in his arms who was looking up at him in a way that did some strange things to the heart he claimed he didn’t have.

 

“What’re you thinking, Angel, right now?  What’s going through your head?” He asked quietly, his hands moving to her back and shoulder, dancing with her formally as the song changed to something slower.

 

“My mind is filled with you, Jon.  You swept me off my feet again tonight and now here we are, and I never want this feeling to go away again.” They had tried and succeeded for a time, until it all came crashing down because of her stupidity.  Brinley had learned valuable lessons over the last several years, growing as a person, even if it did mean isolating herself in order to find herself. “I never want to lose you again.”

 

Technically, she’d never lost him, he was always there while she moped over a baby that may or may not have been his.  Never again would she allow something like that to happen to her.  When she got pregnant again, it would be Jon’s baby and it would be when THEY were ready.

 

“I missed you a lot.  What about you?  What’s going through your mind right now?”

 

“You, mostly.”

 

Jon still had no desire for children, especially with some interesting times looming ahead.  He figured if they made it a few more years, WITHOUT going on a marital break where they basically coexisted and functioned at bare minimum as a couple, then maybe he’d reconsider his stance on children.  As it was, he was very content with the idea of a puppy, same principals applied, but their ability to inflict a LOT of mental damage was limited by the growth and development rate of a dog who matured within years opposed to a kid taking 18 years or longer.

 

“I was starting to worry you were never going to come out of those dark places, Angel, and I know I should’ve stepped up and tried sooner to help you.” However, he hadn’t and it had still all turned out okay, right?  They were off to a great start at yet another attempt on their unconventional marriage. “And…I’m wondering about those nylons…” Not able to help asking that one, his gaze darted down.

 

She smiled tearfully, knowing his words were heartfelt and touched the side of his face, gazing at him with so much love in her eyes, it was impossible to hold it back.  What Jon saw was love and regret in her eyes, the regret stemming from how she’d treated him. “I shouldn’t have pushed you away.” The first time it had been him and now she had done the same thing.  They really were an unconventional couple. “I needed you after what happened and…I thought you hated me for what I did.  I didn’t think you wanted anything more to do with me, so I just…left you alone.  And I was also mourning for a baby that might’ve been yours.  There was a possibility and it broke my heart when I lost it.  I never want to destroy something we create together, Jon.  I will never even think of doing something like that again and I learned my lesson.  I won’t go out anymore without you by my side.” She spoke very quietly in his ear, her head pressed against his, not wanting anyone else to overhear all of this. “And they’re not regular nylons, if that’s what you’re wondering, handsome.  You had a special request of me and I delivered.”

 

It was like she was saying absolutely everything Jon wanted to hear and more, things that he had already decided upon or thought about. In the past, he had noticed a very Stepford Wife kind of perfection in it, doing and saying all the right things that would make a husband happy. This was different because of something in her eyes, there was something in them that he only ever seen when she was genuinely happy and he was learning to tell the difference.  Could Stockholm syndrome people be genuinely happy?  No, because he hadn’t broken her.  Brinley had done the isolation and depression to herself, he just hadn’t helped the situation.

 

“I didn’t and don’t hate you, Angel, I was on board with what you were planning.” They were in a very public place, he would never say any of that directly out loud. “Wait, thigh highs?” Distracted, Jon was distracted, his gaze sweeping over her again.

 

She was going to kill him!

 

She smiled at him with a wicked gleam in her eyes and saw his own trail down her legs, where he thought he saw nylons, but they weren’t. “You’ll just have to wait and see when we get back to the hotel, Mr. Good.” Brinley murmured against his lips, pressed even closer to him and continued gliding with him on the dance floor.  The darkened aura of his electric eyes made her stomach tighten in a good way and all Brinley wanted to do was get naked with her husband.  He really had jumpstarted her sex drive with that locker room quickie earlier, bringing back a sense of nostalgia in his own romantic way. “We didn’t really celebrate any of our anniversaries, so I was thinking when we get home, before we get a puppy, we should do that.  I’d like to go back to the Red Rocks at night and just stargaze or maybe go for a hike and camp out for the night somewhere.  Or we could take a trip to someplace tropical like Hawaii since we never went on a honeymoon.” There was no time for that and they weren’t exactly loving towards each other when they eloped. “What do you think?”

 

“Wait, you want to go back to the Red Rocks?” Now, HE had liked that, but he also knew after that alcohol they had got drunk on that night, their wedding night, she didn’t have very fond memories of the night he had made her marry him.  Afterwards, in the bed of his truck, stargazing and drinking, making love…those were some damn good memories. “Hawaii sounds good.”

 

Maybe somewhere new, somewhere fresh, where they could officially start this over right.  Jon had a feeling he was also going to need to build and store some goodwill for later once this feud with her brother kicked off properly.  He also wasn’t as big a penny pincher as he had been since he had a very nice and healthy savings account on top of investments.  They could afford to do stuff like this without having to think twice about it.

 

“Yeah?” Her eyes sparkled at the thought of them on a sandy beach, the waves crashing gently on the shore, with drinks and little umbrellas in them. “You and me, wherever you wanna go I’m there.”

 

Brinley knew it wouldn’t be for a while because not only was Jon booked all the way through the year, with hardly any time off, but he was also booked clear into next year too.  He would have to put in for it and they’d have to plan everything out since Jon was a top star in the company.  He couldn’t just take off for two weeks to go on a vacation, not with storylines and whatnot.

 

“But since we probably won’t make it to Hawaii for a little bit, I don’t mind going to the Red Rocks with you.” They could rectify that night as well, make it to where they both enjoyed it and really try to make this marriage work and last. “Oooh, we could go to a hot springs too, that’s another idea.  I’ve never been to one and always wanted to try it.”

 

“You are trying to boil my balls, aren’t you?” Jon sighed playfully, knowing she had a thing about overly hot water. 

 

He was one of those people who liked the jets in a jacuzzi, but not the scorching temperature. Brinley was smiling though and he kissed the tip of her nose before gently spinning her, watching that dress not do anything fun like flare-up because it was clinging to her body, what were those called?  Like conbody or bodycon dresses, he had overheard it once somewhere, but it never registered until now, when he had a living doll just for him in the flesh rocking one of those dresses.

 

“We can do that too, it’d be easier and sooner than Hawaii.” Brinley had just brought Hawaii up and he had agreed, but that was definitely over a year out.

 

Brinley wanted to start living again and she wanted Jon to be with her every step of the way.  They didn’t have to be up each other’s backsides all the time because he did occasionally go out with his friends for the night, but…she didn’t want to be lonely and depressed anymore.  She wanted to do things with him, go places and see the world.  The dress she had on clung to every curve of her body, it literally sealed to her like a second skin and her breasts looked spectacular in it.

 

“I know you don’t like hot water, but hot springs are supposed to be soothing and have medicinal properties too.  That could help you with the aches and pains from the ring.  I think you’d really love it, even if it’s hot water.  And if you don’t, at least you can say you tried it and we never have to do it again.” She softly kissed him, sliding her fingers through his hair as the energy changed with an upbeat, fast song. “How about one more drink, one more dance, and then we’ll leave, hmm?”

 

Knowing he wouldn’t like it, Jon would literally sit there and envision himself as an egg getting hardboiled next to his wife, who would happily sit in boiling water like some weird kind of lobster.  He was giving himself very interesting mental images and had to clear those away, amused beyond anything with himself right now.  Nevertheless, he’d do it, boil himself just to keep the smile on her face, providing things stayed like they were right now.

 

“Sounds great, probably should do that socializing thing while we’re having that drink.” Jon could see a few buddies he needed to at least acknowledge and a few people he’d like to run over with a semi-truck, but…That was neither here nor there and he was on his best behavior tonight, knowing he could easily be replaced or something, even this close to WrestleMania.

 

“Sounds good, let’s go get it done.” Brinley walked off the dance floor with him, both taking fresh champagne flutes and sipped them while conversing with a few people. 

 

Chapter 28

 

Charlotte Flair was here, hugging her and thanking her for the masterful ending to their match. “You really do have a gift as a producer, honey.  You have a very vivid imagination.”

 

“I try to think outside of the box a little and…okay, go ahead.” Brinley nodded when Jon whispered in her ear he was going to talk to Roman for a minute, squeezing her hand before heading over to one of the only friends in this company he had.

 

Personally, Brinley wasn’t fond of the Samoan, though she kept her thoughts about Reigns to herself.  The man had exactly ZERO charisma and sucked in the ring.  He couldn’t cut a promo to save his life either.  In her opinion, if this was her company, she would not be putting all of her chips in Roman’s basket the way Vince was.  Jon was the one the company should’ve been backing or even Seth Rollins.  Even though they’d had their ups and downs with Seth, the man had never once stepped a toe out of line since the chair incident and the split up of the Shield.  It annoyed Brinley a great deal that Roman was being catapulted as a top star in the company when Jon was the real MVP and not getting rewarded for his effort and hard work.  The man was a workhorse, a forced to be reckoned with in WWE, and she just wished Vince saw Jon in the same light she did.

 

Jon would be the first one in line to defend one of his best friends against any and all gossip.  He would also be the first one to admit in private and to Roman’s face that a toaster had a better personality.  Roman off camera was an entirely different person and everyone knew that Vince’s idea of ‘big, muscular’ men being the leads, the show runners, had been at play here.  The man HAD to get over his thing about needing his top stars to be huge, because someone of them were physically awesome to look at and dumb as a box of rocks as soon as they opened their damn mouths.

 

“Hello, Brinley.” Not a word had been said between them since their wonderful night, she had avoided him actually, and had also been a shell of a woman for who knew what reasons over the past several months.  Tonight, she was laughing and smiling, looking better than ever.

 

Naturally, Bray was curious.

 

Every part of her body tensed at the sound of his voice behind her and Brinley knew she couldn’t avoid him forever.  Not when he was literally standing behind her with a greeting like that.  Charlotte excused herself and Brinley slowly turned to face Bray, a stoic expression on her face. “Let me make this really simple for you, Wyatt, I don’t want anything to do with you.  I thought I made that clear when I left you with a bleeding nose?  Apparently, you didn’t get the message, so I’m only going to say it one more time: Stay the fuck away from me or else.”

 

Bray took a step towards her, his eyes narrowed. “Who the hell you think you’re talking to like that, woman?”

 

“There a problem here?” Chris had seen Bray approach his sister and she did not look happy at all, so he decided to make sure everything was all right with Brinley. “Brin, this assclown giving you problems?”

 

She smiled up at her big brother, who would wipe the floor with Bray’s fat ass in the blink of an eye and sipped her champagne. “Not on my end, what about you, Mr. Wyatt?  Do we have a problem here?” Thank god for my brother. Brinley honestly didn’t know what she’d do without him and hoped he never discovered what happened between her and Bray…or what Bray did.  She didn’t want to know how Chris would react or what he’d do to a man that hurt his baby sister.

 

“Of course not,” Bray may have looked like a fat hillbilly, but he wasn’t stupid either.  He knew causing waves right before the Superbowl of their profession was just begging for trouble. “All I wanted to do was say hello to an old…friend.” One who he had fucked all night long with his fat, hillbilly cock.  He wouldn’t mind doing that again and that thought was telegraphed in his gaze.

 

Jon had just spotted his wife in that little circle and when he realized who was openly leering at her, his eyes turned to pure ice as he made his way over.

 

Her eyes conveyed to him that it would NEVER happen again.  She would never allow him to drug her because Brinley knew, deep in her heart, that was what happened.  She never would’ve slept with him otherwise and openly cheated on her husband!  Jon didn’t believe her, but that was fine.

 

“Stay away from me, Wyatt.  Final warning.” Ignoring the look of confusion on her brother’s face, Brinley walked away to leave Chris and Bray to talk while she went right into Jon’s arms, tears in her eyes. “I want to leave now.  Please?” Her skin crawled and her anxiety was up at the sight of Bray, trembling slightly.

 

Jon could literally feel the change in texture of her skin, almost like she had the creepy crawlies and he stared down into her face, her eyes.  He saw fear, obvious terror, in those green orbs along with resignation.  It hit him that she fully expected him to say or do something vile because all that time ago, he had made it clear that he believed she had cheated with this fat fub of lard.

 

Something in him suddenly snapped.

 

“Whoa!” Chris had no idea what had done it, but Ambrose had moved from his wife to beating the ever living hell out of Bray Wyatt.  He still couldn’t compute how Ambrose had moved so fast, blinking.

 

“Stay away from my wife!” He growled after a few good face punches before tearing himself away.

 

Brinley could not stop him even if she wanted to, just watching the scenario play before them.  It felt as if her heart was thundering in her ears and she was breathing heavily, wrapping her arms around herself.  She felt exposed suddenly, feeling her brother’s arm wrap around her and she didn’t hear him ask her what the hell was going on.

 

“DEAN!  Dean, stop!” Roman had jumped in and pulled his best friend off a bleeding Wyatt, his own grey eyes wide in both wonder and disbelief.  He was stronger than Dean and lifted him from the floor as the man started scratching at his arms to release him, his eyes nothing more than icicles.

 

“GET HIM OUTSIDE NOW!” Paul roared in an order, not sure what set Dean Ambrose off, but one look from Bray Wyatt and the smirk on his face…something had happened nobody was aware of.

 

Brinley grabbed their coats from the closet while Roman bodily carried her husband outside, Chris following suit.  She couldn’t tell her brother what happened with Bray because then Chris would end up finishing the job Jon had started.

 

However, Chris had heard that order to stay away from his wife, which told him something had happened and he probably wouldn’t like hearing about. “What was that all about?!”

 

Jon growled when Roman finally set him down outside in the cold.

 

“Did he deserve it?” Roman asked gravely.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Okay then, but no more.”

 

Brinley had pulled her coat on, not able to meet her brother’s eyes and she didn’t go to Jon either, just in case he wanted to lash out at her.  It was her fault this happened, after all.  Their beautiful reconciliation had been ruined because of Bray Wyatt approaching her.  Maybe Brinley should’ve handled it better, but the moment she heard Bray’s voice, her entire body broke out into a cold sweat and she had to get as far away from him as possible.

 

“Brinley, what the fuck was that about?  He told Wyatt to stay away from you.” Last he checked, his sister didn’t have beef with anyone in the company and had a great reputation.  What the hell had Chris missed? “Did Bray do something to you?”

 

Still, she refused to meet her brother’s eyes, moving to stand beside her husband and took his hand, lacing their fingers together.  Did she lie to her brother or tell him the truth?  Jon didn’t believe her about Bray, which still stung a little, but she didn’t blame him after what happened between them at the club a few years ago.

 

“Bray raped me while Jon was gone doing his movie a year and a half ago.  He approached me in a bar and…I woke up in bed with him the next morning.  I-I don’t remember anything that happened past having a drink with him at the bar and getting up to use the bathroom.  When I returned, I finished the drink and…everything is blank after that.  I don’t remember anything and I don’t know how I wound up naked in his bed.” Did she tell him about the pregnancy?  Brinley decided to take that one to the grave and felt Jon tense through his hand, keeping her voice low and quiet. “I can’t prove it, but…I KNOW he did something to my drink because I NEVER would’ve cheated on my husband.  I LOVE my husband.” A few tears slipped down her cheeks and she immediately wiped them away, feeling ashamed that she had trusted a coworker and someone she deemed a friend.

 

“Of course you wouldn’t, honey…” Chris was torn between going and finishing the job that Dean had started and comforting his sister, wondering if it would be possible to get Wyatt fired over this. 

 

He wrapped his arms around Brinley, pulling her away from her husband and into his arms.  Chris felt her beginning to break down against him, patting her back as he tried soothing her, her tears hot against his dress shirt since he hadn’t bothered with a coat since he’d followed them out here immediately.  Probably nothing, the company wouldn’t do anything if there wasn’t proof and it also happened so long ago didn’t bode in their favor either.

 

“Jesus, Brin, why didn’t you say something?  Why didn’t you go to the police?”

 

Jon was very glad she hadn’t mentioned the pregnancy because that was what had spiraled everything into all that depression and there was no point in reopening that.

 

“I…I didn’t t-think anyone w-would believe m-me…” Brinley stammered in-between sobs, clinging to her brother with all she had, gripping the front of his dress shirt.  Of course her brother would believe her!  Chris knew her better than anyone, including Jon, and it felt good that someone believed her.

 

“Why would you fucking think that though?  Christ, you know I’d do anything for you!” Including kill for her and get a rapist fired from the company. “You should’ve come to me and I would’ve made damn sure he NEVER laid a hand on you again!”

 

“I-I just wanted to forget about it.  I-It’s my fault I put myself in that situation, Christopher…” Brinley was blaming herself again and he cupped her face in his strong hands, his blue eyes locked on broken green. “I’m sorry.”

 

“No!  Don’t you DARE fucking apologize for simply trusting a coworker!  Don’t you fucking blame yourself for this!  Is that why you’ve been reclusive and isolated?” Chris was pissed and it showed, his blue eyes moving to Dean, who still looked ready to pounce. “And what the fuck did you do for her, huh?  You’re supposed to be her fucking husband and you did NOTHING?!  You knew about this and you didn’t go after him besides having a few fucking matches!  Acting like everything is hunky dory when my sister was fucking drugged and RAPED?!  What kind of fucking man are you, Ambrose, huh?  You’re nothing, but an assclown and a worthless husband to my sister!  You’re supposed to protect her!!”

 

“Christopher, stop!” Brinley couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of her brother’s mouth, her eyes wide. “It’s not his fault!!  He was doing a movie and he didn’t know anything about it until two months later!  You have no idea what you’re saying!  He has protected me, more than you know, and I’m the one who shut him out!  I’m the one who went into depression and there was nothing he could do to snap me out of it!  I needed time to get over what happened to me…” And the miscarriage was also a huge factor with that as well, which Chris didn’t know about either. “You apologize to my husband right now!!  This isn’t his fault and he did and is doing the best he can for me!  I LOVE HIM!!”

 

Jon watched as Chris physically picked her up and moved her to approach him, quickly filling in the space so they were sort of nose to nose. “Go on Chris, apologize.” Was taunting his brother-in-law the smartest thing to do right now?  Probably not, but here they were. “You heard her,” His voice was low, too low for Brinley to hear, but Chris could. “She LOVES me.”

 

A second later Chris had delivered a slap that was would have made Stephanie very, very proud.  Jon’s head actually snapped to the side and when he looked back, there was blood at the edge of his mouth.  Jon was actually smiling though and tonguing that spot, making Chris curl his upper lip in a sneer.

 

“Why do I have a feeling there’s a lot she’s not telling me?”

 

“Hmm, maybe because there is?  But it’s none of your business, Chrissy,” Jon wanted nothing more than to break Chris’ spine, right here in the snow and concrete and he might have if not for Brinley. “All you need to know is that we resolved it between us and if you want to go kill him, be my guest.  I think I made my point about how I feel pretty clear.” Fat boy stayed away from his wife or he WOULD kill the bastard. “Have a good night, bro.” He pat Chris’ cheek gently, very condescendingly, once…twice, a third time, before turning to Brinley and walking over to her. “Come on, Angel, let’s get you out of the cold.”

 

All Chris could do was stand there and glare, feeling a lot of hatred boiling in him.  It made NO sense.  That fuck face had known all this time and did NOTHING?!

 

Brinley felt like she was being torn in half, fresh tears sliding down her cheeks.  She didn’t care that her makeup was ruined and hated that Jon and Chris were fighting over this.  Why did she have to open her big mouth?! Because I’m tired of lying to my brother.  It’s bad enough I had to lie to him about Jon in order to protect him and our family!  I won’t lie to him about this. “Give me a second, Jon, please…” Pulling away from him, Brinley went to her brother and tossed her arms around his neck, feeling how tense he was, but he hugged her back regardless. “I love you so much for wanting to protect me, Christopher.  You’re my best friend and I know this really hurts you because I didn’t tell you.  I never wanted you to find out what happened to me and I’m sorry.  You’re taking your anger out on the wrong person and you know it.  Calm down, breathe a little, and when you’re ready to talk, I’ll tell you all that happened.” The miscarriage anyway, her marriage reasoning with Jon was being taken to the grave.  It was for his own protection.  Pulling back, she kissed his cheek and then went back to her husband to take his hand, letting him guide her to their rental car to go back to the hotel.

 

For the sake of their marital peace, if she did decide to tell big brother all about that miscarriage, it would be in her best interest to NOT mention their fight or anything else.  Chris would, undoubtedly, demand that she get help or something for staying with someone as cold and cruel as her husband, someone who had blatantly accepted murdering an unborn child and even given her alcohol.  

 

Chris would lose his mind, there were no two ways about it.

 

Chapter 29

 

Jon was quiet as he drove them back to the hotel, figuring they could order up food or something if she wanted something to eat.  He reached over to take her hand in his as he drove, squeezing gently. “You going to be okay, Angel?” Should he have gone after Wyatt?  Probably not, but…there was no taking it back.  He figured she’d be pleased that he had shown something besides disbelief with that entire shebang.

 

“Yes.  I’m so sorry, Jon.  I didn’t think he’d attack you for this.  I shouldn’t have told him about what happened with Wyatt.” Brinley squeezed his hand, really hoping he knew she’d never tell her brother about their arrangement or how their marriage came about. 

 

There was no way she’d put her brother and family at risk, not when her and Jon were FINALLY on the same page.  Bringing his hand up to her lips, she softly kissed it and turned her gaze to stare out the window, wiping another stray tear away.  Did Jon finally believe her about what happened with Bray?  Or was he putting on a show for everyone as the protective, loving, doting husband?  Either way, Chris was angry and she had a feeling big brother would not be forgetting this anytime soon.

 

Please don’t tell Mom and Dad or even Jess about this, Christopher.

 

Chris wasn’t telling them because he already knew it would do more harm than good.  Maybe he’d tell Jessica, but he also knew she’d have something fairly wise to say or something.  She was very insightful, one of the many reasons he loved her.  However, all telling his folks would do was hurt them and they were too old to be getting up in arms or freaking out about their baby girl, their only daughter, being raped when it hadn’t even happened recently.  She had hid this, THEY had hid this, for over a year, closer to two!  His opinion of Ambrose was already fairly low, it had hit rock bottom now, hardly believing the man HADN’T killed Wyatt for putting his hands on Brinley.  What kind of man was that scumbag anyway?  

 

Letting his wife…Chris needed a drink, a few of them.

 

“I don’t care about that, Angel.” Truthfully, Jon didn’t, the only one Chris had really hurt with that outburst WAS his sister and the irony there was delicious. “Are you okay?” He asked again after a moment, glancing across the seat at her.

 

“No.” She did not let go of his hand, needing comfort and reassurance after what happened. “When I heard him say my name from behind, every part of me wanted to run out of that place and get as far away from him as I could.  I felt chills and they weren’t the good kind.  I don’t know what happened that night, everything I told my brother was the truth.  And I’m actually thankful that I can’t remember and I blacked out from whatever he gave me.” It probably would’ve sent Brinley over the edge if she knew the type of vile, disgusting things Bray had done to her.

 

Bray had A LOT of fun that night and made sure to get his fill from every hole of her body, loving how the drug had made her do exactly what he wanted.  Taking her sweet, tight ass had been the highlight, however.

 

“He hasn’t talked to me in almost two years since that night…so I’m wondering why he would suddenly approach me after all that time…”

 

“I can tell you exactly why.”

 

It was so obvious, at least from a male’s perspective, and Jon actually felt disgusted with himself because he had also noticed it, right after pulling her into that dressing room.  After that romp in there, when he had flipped on the lights, she had that sparkle and shine back, that glow, that happiness.  While she had been beautiful during her depression in a sad, melancholy sort of washed out way, when she was happy and glowing, Brinley was gorgeous, heartbreakingly beautiful, and there was also the difference in how she carried herself.  The confidence back, that inner glow radiating, it called to people.  When she softly asked why, he sighed and wished for a cigarette, maybe something stiff to drink that wasn’t light wine or champagne.

 

“Because, you’re you again, at least you were before he came rocking the boat.” Slowly, because he didn’t want to muck up his words or upset her, he began explaining the differences that had already flashed through his head.  About how she had been prior to tonight and then the very big difference in how she had appeared tonight, and it wasn’t just from the clothes, it was from her. “It draws people in, Brin, even scumbags like that fat fuck.” Speaking of fat fuck, he made a mental note to scrub the hell out of his hands because he probably had some Wyatt DNA on his knuckles from that attack.  Jon knew he had some of Roman’s skin under his fingernails from struggling to get free of his friend.

 

That all made a lot of sense to her and Brinley refused to be sorry for finally coming out of her shell after nearly two years. “Here.” She took the cigarettes out of her purse, lighting one up for each of them and handed his over, seeing the relief flood his face. “You look like you need one.” Jon nodded, both taking a long drag from them and her hand immediately went back to his. “If he’s smart, he’ll leave me the fuck alone and stay away from me.  Not only do you know, but Chris and Roman know now too.” Roman had been there while she said everything, luckily nobody else had come outside to overhear what was said.  It didn’t matter if they did or not anyway, it was obvious something had happened between Bray, Jon, and Brinley. “I really wanted tonight to be special and he just had to go fuck it up by approaching me.  Goddamn it…”

 

Outside of staying locked in her shell of depression, there really wasn’t anything Brinley could do.  There was nothing to be done at this point and throwing around ‘he raped me’ with no evidence, which also had been a very long time ago, wouldn’t work in her favor.  If she decided to come forward now, it would be he VS she and just be bad all the way around.  However, Brinley wanted to live her life and she didn’t want to wallow in depression anymore, which Jon was on board with because he LIKED her this way.  He had definitely heard what she had said to Chris about loving him, and that was nice to hear, though he wasn’t sure if she meant it or not given the circumstances of their marriage.

 

“Tonight was special and all that asshole did was give us a reason to leave sooner and got himself a jacked up face.  If he’s smart, he’ll go back to whatever rock he hides under and fucking stay there.”

 

Now that Brinley was thinking clearly again, she did realize what she’d said to Chris about Jon.  The dreaded L word.  Hopefully, Jon would pretend he didn’t hear it or not question her on it.  Lying to him was in her best interest if he did ask about it, right?  Brinley hated lying, it made her stomach twist into knots and she genuinely did love Jon.  She was in love with him and had been for years.

 

“I hope he does.  I want nothing to do with him, I don’t even wanna work with him.” Unfortunately, since Brinley was a producer and Bray along with the Wyatt Family was considered mid-card, she would probably end up being forced to do a few of their matches.  Telling the boss she couldn’t wouldn’t fly, they would want to know the reasoning and she didn’t want anyone else to know what happened between her and Bray. “You protected me and defended my honor tonight.  Thank you for that, Jon.”

 

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about being made to work with him after tonight.  There’s obviously a problem there and unless Vince wants my, and probably your brother’s, boot up his ass, he’ll be smart and not give you any work related to that piece of shit, hillbilly trash.” Jon had just attacked a man at a fancy work party right before their Superbowl.

 

Pushing some buttons surely, Jon had crossed some lines, so…really, what else did he have to lose?  People had seen him and heard him telling that fat fuck to stay away from his wife.  Nobody was dumb enough to think NOTHING had happened, not even in this company.  Unfortunately for Brinley, he HAD heard that L word, but…he was on the fence about it, knowing from experience she was very skilled at lying to her family and friends, putting on the perfectly happy, loving married couple, even though they had definitely let that all slide to the wayside over the past year and some change.  Depression had kicked her ass, kicked it hard, and the second she had come out of it, that motherfucker had come crawling out of the woodwork, like he had sensed she was healing and he wanted to screw that all up again.

 

He took her hand and kissed it before letting go to get them each a cigarette, passing one to her after lighting it. “When I saw him near you, the look on your face…” Jon couldn’t even begin to describe, feeling his hands beginning to shake.  He had been standing away from them and a second later, it was like he had been possessed and he was on top of Wyatt, pounding his face in.

 

“I hope you’re right, but I also don’t want to be deemed impossible to work with on the production team.  I’ll figure something out.” Hopefully, Paul would go to Vince and explain to the old man what had happened, put it in his ear not to have her work with Bray Wyatt in the future. “I just wish it never would’ve happened.  I wish I hadn’t gone to that bar or trusted him.  Even with everything that’s happened between us, I would NEVER cheat on you, Jon.  When I took those vows in the chapel in Vegas,” Even if it was under duress. “I knew I had to abide by and respect them.  I can dress sexy, slutty, whatever, but at the end of the day and night, YOU are the one I’m married to.  No one else.  I don’t even find the asshole attractive either and I’m vain enough to say that I don’t fuck men I’m not attracted to.  At the VERY least, I have to be attracted to the man I’m with.  I wouldn’t even be able to stomach sleeping with a Louisiana bayou backwoods dickhead like that in the first place!”

 

“Brin, given your track record with the company and the fact I don’t think you’ve ever turned down any work they’ve given you, on TOP of what happened tonight, I doubt they’ll say you’re impossible to work with.”

 

One ‘strike’ against her wasn’t a lifetime condemnation and even then, if Vince called this a strike given the current climate on women’s right and sexual assault histories being brought out into the open, he was a moron.  What was he thinking, of course Vince was a moron!  The man thought he was untouchable half the time and had not only built one of the most enduring, prominent entertainment companies in the world, but a reputation as a cheating sleazeball.

 

So, on one hand, hearing she only fucked men she was attracted to on some level was an ego booster.  On the other hand, there would always be that lingering, nagging doubt in the back of his head because of how this entire debacle came to be.  Jon bet she had the same thoughts, or similar as it were, about him all the time because of the things he had threatened her with.

 

The doubts she had about Jon did stem from the fact he had to blackmail her to marry him.  That would always be an issue with her, no matter how much she loved him.  Nothing between them had been organic besides those four months and that was before she knew who she’d been with.

 

“You’re probably thinking how I could possibly fuck a guy in a dark dressing room, huh?  I still question myself why I went through with it at times too.” That wasn’t the type of person she was.  Brinley had gone with her instincts and followed through with them, the sparks between them had been explosive from the first time his lips touched hers and his touch just spread that fire all throughout her body. “Your voice was a huge deciding factor to go through with it, that gritty, low, raspy tone you have.  I thought it was sexy and I couldn’t pinpoint it since we didn’t know each other from a hole in the ground back then.  So maybe I should take back that original statement that I only fuck guys I’m attracted to because, obviously, that’s not true when it comes to what happened with you.” She finished her cigarette, flicking it out the window and blew the smoke out before rolling the window back up.

 

Right there was a moment he should have just backhanded her into next week.  They had been having a semi-nice talk about some very not nice events in the past, and she had gone and retracted that statement about only fucking men she was attracted to…because of him. “Wow, Angel, wow…”

 

Jon didn’t even get up in arms about it though, blowing smoke out the window before glancing at her with a healthy dose of stink eye.  When she actually went ‘what?’, he rolled his eyes. “Maybe you should take it back about only fucking guys you’re attracted too, because it’s not true when it comes to me?  And here I thought you loved me and we were past all that.” There was no bite in his tone however, he hadn’t really, he supposed, expected any less from her.  Not really.  It was why he had those niggling doubts in his mind when she had said that L word and told him all those pretty things while dancing.  Brinley couldn’t legitimately change how she felt just like he couldn’t change who he was.

 

“You hungry, Brin?”

 

Brinley felt her eyes widen at the L word and knew he was referring to what she had yelled at her brother earlier.  Did she bother explaining herself or just leave it be?  Maybe it was best to just leave it be since there was no anger or resentment in his tone.  Sometimes, the truth hurt and that was the type of person Brinley was.  She could be brutally honest and blunt, it was just her personality.

 

“No, not really.  You can stop and get something if you want.” Her voice had turned quiet and she lit up another cigarette, feeling her walls starting to go back up again. 

 

It would never change with Jon. 

 

They could try a million times to make this marriage work, but all it took were words to bring it crashing down.  That was because this wasn’t a marriage out of love and devotion like it should’ve been.  It was a marriage out of fear and resentment…and that was a very tough reality to deal with and overcome.  Jon stopped and ordered something to eat before they headed back to the hotel with Brinley feeling exhausted in every way.  Maybe the only way they would ever connect was when they had sex.  That was a very toxic marriage to have, but it was the cold truth of what they had.

 

All it took to him were lies and half-truths, knowing now that what she had been saying earlier about wanting to make things work, she had been trying to get them back to THEIR normal, which was coexisting and putting on a good show for other people.  Going to Hawaii…the Red Rocks, that spring she had mentioned, all for show and Jon had actually started falling for it.  He stopped at a liquor store and left her sitting there while he went in and bought a case of beer and a bottle of his current favorite hard liquor, a carton of smokes on the top for them both.

 

“I’m sorry for ruining your night by punching that fuck out,” Jon muttered quietly once they were at the hotel, idling in the parking lot. “Not sorry for doing it though.”

 

While Jon had been in the liquor store, Brinley could feel the walls between them building back up again.  It wasn’t just her, it was him too.  What the hell did he want from her?  Deep down, she knew what she had to say to make things right or to tear these constant walls down between them.  It’d been three years.  Three years, and never once did he mention going after her family.  He’d been nothing except patient and let her find her way back, finally triggering what needed to be tonight at the arena.  It wasn’t just sex between them and Brinley knew that.  She always vowed she’d never say these words to him, but once again, her blunt nature had reared and she stared straight ahead, not moving to get out of the car.

 

“I do love you, Jon.  I love you so much, it hurts me.  It rips me apart because…I shouldn’t love you.  I shouldn’t love the man who threatened my family, my brother, and burned my house to the ground!  And to this day, I STILL don’t know why you married me, why you forced my hand with those threats.  And I know you’ll use this ammunition against me because that’s what we do.  We build each other up and then tear each other down with words and actions.  And maybe it’s Stockholm Syndrome, but I don’t care.” 

 

“When I told Christopher I love you tonight, I meant it.  When I told you I wanted to go to Hawaii, to the hot springs, to get a puppy together, everything we talked about…it was the truth and it’s what I want.  I didn’t have to marry you.  I didn’t have to sacrifice myself for the sake of my family.  I could’ve denied you that night, but I didn’t and do you know why?  Because I knew that night I loved you, despite your threats and your ego, and you thinking and assuming what I thought about you and the Shield.  I fell in love with you during those 4 months, so when I married you, I was already in love with you.  I tried convincing myself it was a marriage out of fear and I was a martyr for my family, but…that’s a lie.  I married you that night because I loved you and I don’t care if you don’t believe me.  I don’t care if you don’t believe me about Bray and what he did to me either.  You have all the power now, I finally gave you the one thing I swore I’d never give up because I’m tired of these walls.  And I’m tired of lying about how I feel.  And you know what I hate the most about this entire situation?  I don’t know if you love me back or if you ever did or ever will.  Or if this really is all a giant game to you.  So you go ahead and get liquored up, I’m going inside to scrub this shit off my face, get out of this dress and these thigh highs, and going to bed.” Leaving him to ponder all of that, Brinley was out of the car and headed inside the hotel to go up to their room, not believing what she just did.  She just gave Jon the one thing she coveted most in this world, the one thing no other man was ever able to take. 

 

Her heart.

 

Chapter 30

 

By the time he joined her, he was buzzed and she was in bed.

 

Probably not asleep because who could sleep after all that?

 

Jon had sat there, chain smoking from that carton he had just bought and drinking his way through the liquor and beer as he thought about all of that.  Where he kept tripping and he had known it was coming because it did every time she got sweet and honest with him, was the fact that she had lied before to him, tried faking it until she made it.  Brinley had told him she’d never want him, she’d had better, all of these doubts, and it was hard to believe her each time she said something sweet because he knew what would happen.  They’d tear each other down, there’d be a big fight, and she’d retract everything she had said by claiming she was lying or telling him what he wanted to hear.

 

Which was messed up because sometimes, Jon wasn’t sure what he wanted to hear from her.

 

“Did you mean it?” He had been staring down at her likely not sleeping form for about five minutes now, finishing what was left in this beer can.

 

Brinley was in the bed instead of on the air mattress, refusing to distance herself from him.  Jon would just have to deal with his inner turmoil on his own, like he always did.  She didn’t look up at him and wiped stray tears away from her cheeks. “Wouldn’t have bothered saying all of that if I didn’t.”

 

This was not the way she envisioned their night going and she knew Jon felt the same way.  Last time, she had gone to him to make things right, then he’d come to her this time around.  They needed to meet in the middle if they were really going to make this work.

 

“I have to feel a spark with someone before I’ll even consider sleeping with them.  You’re not the first wrestler in the company I’ve fucked.  But you are the first one I fell in love with.  And the moment you kissed me in that dressing room, I felt the most powerful spark between us, it was more than just a spark, it was electricity.  Despite being scared out of my mind from you pulling me in there.  I’d never felt anything like that with a man before and when you came back for round two, then round three, round four…and it kept going, I never wanted it to end.  You said you saw disgust in my eyes when the light came on and you finally revealed yourself.  You were wrong.  It wasn’t disgust at all.  It was shock and the fact my brother told me you guys were dangerous and warned me to steer clear of you.  So it was fear too.  Fear and shock, not disgust and revulsion like you claim it was.  And despite that shock and fear, I still fucked you that night because I wanted you despite who you were.  My hatred and disdain for you came when you threatened my family and my brother, but you haven’t mentioned them once in a long time, so that hatred and disdain melted away.” It was gone unless he started up the threats again, then it would return.

 

Running hot and cold once again and, honestly, Jon wasn’t any better and it had been over a year and six months ago, their last fights, their last harsh words to each other.  It had literally been OVER a year, they didn’t have to resort to that so soon, if ever.  No, it would happen again, especially with what was looming on the horizon and Jon knew it.  If he were a smart man invested in total honesty, he would have told her absolutely everything right now.  However, he also knew that she’d leave him high and dry in a heartbeat, potentially risking her parents and entire family to his wrath.

 

“You drive me crazy, woman!” He stalked around so he could see her properly, beginning to remove his dress shirt. “You know that?  Worse, I don’t know how I even feel about it half the time!” Annoyed or amused, it was just…her.  Brinley drove him to extremes on basically every end of the spectrum and that shirt was now on the floor and he kneeled down by the edge of the bed, reaching out to brush away her tears.

 

“And you don’t think you drive me crazy too?  You make me insane with your mercurial mood swings and the things you say and do.” Sitting up, Jon was in front of her on his knees between her legs and she cupped his face in her soft hands, pressing her forehead to his. “And then there are times where you sweep me off my feet and make me fall even more in love with you.  You light me on fire in ways no man ever has before…in both good and bad ways.” Meaning he knew exactly what to say and do to spark her temper as well as igniting her passion. “You know what I think?  I think you started this thing thinking you’d always be in control of how you feel and I’d be under your thumb.  But somehow, I managed to get in here.” Brinley pressed her hand firmly over his pounding heart, feeling it against her palm and did not pull her gaze from his. “And you refuse to admit it to yourself because you’re scared.  Behind that hard exterior you present to everyone else, you’re a man terrified of loving someone else and giving your heart to them.  I don’t even care what your motives are anymore, they don’t matter to me.  You and me, this marriage, that’s all I care about and have my focus on.”

 

This would have been hilarious if not for the fact that it was now turning into something tragic, something that was going to wind up causing an explosion so big that there would probably be no coming back from it.  If Brinley ever learned the truth anyway, maybe he should have encouraged her to leave the company and work from Las Vegas.  Jon could stash that thought for another time, needing to think it over some more.

 

“Don’t fool yourself, Angel, I’m still in control.”

 

Very easily he could revert back to the man who threatened her family, kids included, who would burn down buildings.  That man wasn’t but a finger snap away at any given time.  He just kept it on a leash, usually, tonight Bray Wyatt had gotten a taste of his vicious side.  Jon was lying, maybe, and the knowing look she gave him made him want to look away from those luminous green eyes because it felt like she was seeing every last bit of him, stripped and bare for her inspection, and if she knew everything…then that disgust she said she hadn’t felt…that would change in a heartbeat.

 

“You think you’ll always feel that way, no matter what?  That you won’t care?”

 

“I said what I said.  Something tells me it has to do with my brother.  I’m not sure why, but that’s just the vibe I get from you.  Whenever you’re around him, you’re tense and you have this look on your face that almost resembles disgust.” Over the years, Brinley had paid attention to Jon’s mannerisms and she knew him very well after 3 years of marriage. “I thought maybe you married me because you thought you could get closer to Christopher for your career or something, but…maybe I’m way off.  Maybe it has nothing to do with your career at all.  Maybe you just did it for the hell of it or maybe you do have a clear cut reason.” She slid her fingers through his hair, scooting closer to him and draped her arms around his neck, not believing for a second he’d revert back to that monstrous man that had threatened her family.  Jon had changed, whether he realized it or not, and even though he did have a vicious side to him, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it’d been two years ago. “Tell me or don’t tell me, it doesn’t matter to me.  I love you, Jonathan David Good, no matter what.” Not Dean Ambrose.

 

Jon wouldn’t be telling her at all, though there was amusement on his face and it had been since she mentioned her brother. “Hate to break it to you, Angel, but that guess was way off base.  Your brother is a cock toad though, brilliant in the ring, but a cock toad, I’ll give you that.” An arrogant prick, far worse than he ever thought about being.  

 

Maybe Jon could salvage all this.  He’d just simply lie and never tell her the real reasons and going forward…well, he’d have to really lie, but if Seth could ‘oversell’ something, so he could he.  That was just amusing, getting close to Chris for his career and he snorted at the thought.  Obviously, he had done just fine without following or needing Irvine’s arrogancy.  He wrapped an arm around her body, pulling her to the edge of the bed and into him properly, feeling her grip around his neck tightening.

 

“Say it again, Brinley.”

 

Did she give another piece of herself to him or make him earn it?  No, now wasn’t the time to play games and she searched his eyes, hoping to find a semblance of what he felt for her.  Jon had such an amazing poker face though and Brinley knew the huge risk she was about to take.  He wanted to hear her say the words again, so if that made him happy, she’d oblige.

 

“I love you, Jonathan David Good, now, always, and forever.” She murmured, exhaling a shaky breath and a smile crossed her face as he lifted her right from that bed into his arms completely, her legs encircling his waist. 

 

Brinley wanted it all with him and only him.  No other man compared to Jon and none ever would.  Jon spun her around a few times, her squeals echoing around the hotel room before their lips finally met, kissing each other with every ounce of passion they could muster up, pouring what each felt into it.  There was no more holding back, the walls were crumbled into dust and they would stay that way.

 

She had said she loved him either indirectly or directly three times already, before this last one, she had already given it all away to him.  There was no point in dragging it out any longer.  One couldn’t make someone earn something they had freely already given away and that was a fact.  Playing any sort of game right now, in this exact moment, would have set them back yet again.

 

So, when Brinley repeated it after studying his face, he had let the walls drop.  Did he love her?  Yes, yes Jon did, but he didn’t like it because he knew love had the ability to destroy things, people, just as much as it built them up.  Love was terrifying because that was something nobody could control and one could fight it all they wanted, but at the end of the day, it ruled over them for good, for better or worse.

Shoving all that aside for another time, he guided her back down onto the bed, moving so he was hovering over her without crushing her.  Brinley’s legs spread so he could rest between them, his upper body brushing against hers as the kiss continued.  When it felt like they were going to die from lack of oxygen, he finally, reluctantly broke it.

 

Brinley also knew Jon could destroy her now that he knew he held her heart.  It took her 3 years to tell him, but it finally happened and as weightless and free as she felt, there was that hidden dread deep down inside she couldn’t shake.  All she could do was weather the storms in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead because they were stuck with each other.  Even if Jon didn’t say the words back, Brinley already knew he felt the same way she did.  She did have his heart and would do everything in her power not to break it, to cherish it instead.  This feud coming up with her brother would really test the waters and just how strong their love was for each other, if it could survive what was to come.

 

They made love that night, feeling as if new life had been added to their relationship.  In a way, it had because it just wasn’t sex anymore to fulfill a feeling or a craving.  It was so much more than that and there was absolutely no rush for anything they did.  Every movement meant something, every kiss, every touch, every caress, everything.  A few hours later, Brinley was curled up against him, her leg draped over his with her head on his chest, stroking his chest while he smoked a cigarette. 

 

Jon lowered it to her to take a drag and dropped a kiss on her lips, making her smile. “I’m worried about your upcoming match with Lesnar at WrestleMania.  It should be you in the main event instead of Roman for the title.  You’re the most over right now, but Vince is determined to put his chips on Roman instead of you.  I just hope you don’t do anything TOO crazy with Lesnar.”

 

“What, with that fuckin’ meatsicle?” Yet another testament to Vince’s weird obsession with very large, muscular men.  It sometimes made him wonder if the old man didn’t have a bit of a gay side to him, one that spent countless hours drooling over these men he had out in the ring performing for him night after night. “I think we all already know the outcome of the match.” Jon would lose, that was apparently his schtick.  Being fed to men bigger physically and name wise than himself. “It’ll be fine, memorable even.” Jon snorted smoke out of his nostrils with a bit of a sick smile. Lesnar was…interesting.  Boring as hell, but interesting. “I’ll tell you something, Vince is gonna do to Roman what he did to Cena and cram him down people’s throats and the fans, they’re gonna hate him.  I almost feel bad for him.”

 

“I do too.  He’s not nearly as big of a star as you and Cena was on another level entirely.  Everything was done organically with him and that's not what will happen with Roman." If only Vince would listen to reason, but the old man was set in his ways, little could change his mind.  Brinley had started to see the crowd was already starting to boot Roman whenever he was out in the ring alone.  Survivor Series last year had pitted Jon against Roman in the finals for the vacant WWE title and Roman wound up winning with the crowd booing.  Then Sheamus had come out to destroy Roman's moment and she had a feeling Jon had secretly loved that. 

 

Roman as the WWE champion would backfire brilliantly.

 

“Organically?  With Cena?” He snorted, letting her know they definitely had a difference of opinion on that one.

 

However, that was fine because agreeing on everything would be boring and bland, and they each had different perspectives from different positions in the same company.  Jon bet they could write an awesome book together someday, he banked that idea for later as well.  Jon LOVED his buddy, he did, he would take a bullet for Roman, but agreeing to this line was the DUMBEST thing ever and he had let Roman know that in no uncertain terms.  He got it though, being the biggest star, making all that bank…Roman had a family and some health issues on top of it.

 

“Well, it’ll be fun to watch that dumpster fire and be able to say ‘told ya so’.  I’ll bring popcorn.” He chuckled, brushing his lips against her temple.

 

“Make it a mixture of kettle corn and caramel and I’ll bring the marshmallows too.” Brinley grinned at the sound of his low chuckle, enjoying getting the feeling of his strong hand gliding up and down her back. “Mmm, I really missed being like this with you.  It would be perfect if we were at home in our own bed, but beggars can’t be choosers.” Sitting up, Brinley moved to switch sides with her leg over his to settle on top of him, passionately kissing his lips. “I want you to know that I trust you.  I don’t just love you, but I trust you too.  Whatever happens in your upcoming feud with Christopher, I trust you with it and I want you to also know I’m staying completely out of it.  And I promise I will not hold anything against you for what you two plan to do, along with creative."

 

“Staying completely out of it?” Jon already knew she wasn’t able to produce it.  She was mid-card and Diva level matches, on top of it would be a major conflict of interest given how close they both were to her.  Also, the potential for feelings to get involved…then it clicked for him, the proverbial light bulb going on over his head. “I hope not.” He had gotten what she meant, knowing it would be hard for her to see them going toe to toe. “You just gotta remember it’s business, nothing more.” He assured her after a moment, verbally letting her know he had checked in and understood after a moment, his hands moving to her curvy hips, caressing and kneading her gently.

 

Just business.  Did she believe him?  Brinley trusted him, so she had to believe in what he said. I’m with him, he got what he wanted and there’s no reason he would really hurt Christopher. “I know, I’ll keep that in my mind.” That threat of hurting her family always lingered in the back of her mind, especially her brother. 

 

She had to overcome that, it was her issue to deal with and no one else could conquer it except her.  There was no sense in making him promise not to hurt her brother because, at the end of the day, this wasn’t a business of ballot.  This was professional wrestling and injuries did happen.

 

“Like I said, I trust you, I believe in you, and I love you.” That was all that needed to be said.  No giving ultimatums, deals, or anything of the sort was necessary. “And don’t worry, I’ll talk to him and tell him almost everything and smooth things over from tonight.”

 

There was absolutely no reason for Christopher to know about her miscarriage.  That was something that needed to stay between her and Jon for the rest of their lives and she could only hope Jon never mentioned it as ammunition against her in the future.  Things wouldn’t always be this loving and calm between them, but at the end of every fight and argument, they would reconcile and stay strong together.

 

If she magically suspected something was up based on very limited interaction between him and her brother, then the woman was a psychic with powers from god.  He could count on his hand the number of times him and Chris had interacted in front of her and even with them not liking each other, they were generally civil as a rule.  Or Brinley was just highly paranoid that he was going to hurt Chris just because of his threats, but he had been a very good boy over the past year and a half.  As long as they both continued being loving towards each other, those threats never needed to come out of his mouth again.

 

Jon had sort of forgotten about that tonight and he cocked an eyebrow at her, considering it. “What all are you planning on telling him?” To ‘smooth’ things over, that miscarriage would not help with any of that.

 

“I’m going to tell him what happened that night with Bray Wyatt.  Everything I can remember and make it clear that you didn’t know about it until two months later when you came home and I had a breakdown.” Over the baby, but that part would be easily nixed from her explanation. “Don’t worry, he’s never going to find out about anything else, including the miscarriage and why we got married.  That’s in the past and I want to keep it there.  I mean it this time.  I want to start fresh with you, not over, but just fresh and move forward with us.” Brinley softly kissed him and moaned when Jon’s fingers tightened in her hair slightly, deepening the kiss preventing her from breaking it right away.  She could feel him coming to life beneath her and began slowly rubbing herself up down his length, relishing the taste of him. “I heard what he said to you tonight…and I’m gonna make it right.  I’m gonna make it clear to him you’re not the bad guy and you did everything you could to help me get through this.” That was only partially true, but Brinley would do anything in her power to protect her husband and paint him in the best light for her family. “Enough talking…fuck, you feel so good, Jon…I wanna ride you, baby…”

 

It wasn’t exactly like she could tell him why they got married because she didn’t even know.  All she knew was he had coerced her brutally into it with some major threats and he had even made good on some of those threats, cementing the entire thing to her.  Jon was not to be trifled with.  Of course, that was ages ago at this point, a lifetime ago it sometimes seemed.  He had NOT helped her through all that depression; he had tried, sort of in the beginning and then when she shut him out and the world, he had left it alone.  Now, he knew if he could go back and change things, he would.  Jon would have been there and not left her alone, he wouldn’t have been…no, he would have been a major cock that day, there was no changing it.  However, the aftermath, when she had miscarried and everything that followed, he would change his reaction and actions.

 

“What’s stopping you, Angel?” He rumbled huskily, leaning back against the headboard and folded his hands behind his head.  

 

His darkened blue eyes swept down her body, watching as she began teasing them both.  Gliding her wet pussy against his cock, but not coming down on him like they both wanted.  That was…hot, actually, because at this angle, whenever she rose up, he could see glistening when her juices were starting to coat him.

 

“Good point.  Absolutely nothing.” It was such a great feeling to be on the same page as her husband as Brinley proceeded to sink all the way down on his cock, riding him like the stallion he was.

 

Chapter 31

 

“Brinley, Vince wants to see you in his office.”

 

Frowning, she stared up at Paul and he placed a hand on her shoulder, a sympathetic expression on his face.  This had to be about what happened at the party he threw for everyone in Toronto a week ago.  Paul had a long talk with his father-in-law about what happened and what he’d heard because Vince had been adamant about having Brinley work together with Bray Wyatt for his matches.  He was a mid-carder and that was what she specialized in, besides the Diva’s matches.  Vince wanted to talk to her, one on one, to find out the real story on what happened.  Brinley felt like she was going to the principal’s office and hesitantly knocked on the door to Vince’s office, waiting for him to respond.  He did exactly five seconds later and she shut the door when he gestured to take a seat, obeying his command.

 

“So Brinley, I heard some rumblings about what happened between you, Bray Wyatt, Chris Jericho, and Dean Ambrose this past weekend after Roadblock.  Care to enlighten me, my dear?”

 

Did Brinley come clean about what happened between her and Bray? I don’t have a choice. “Yes, the truth is…” For the next twenty minutes, she explained to Vince exactly what happened between her and Bray Wyatt at a hotel bar over a year ago.  What she could remember of it, anyway. “I realize it was a long time ago and I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did, but…that was the first time he approached me since that night and…I apologize for my unprofessionalism, Vince.  I could’ve handled it better, admittedly.”

 

“Yes, yes you could’ve.”

 

Vince was staring intently at her over his glasses, having listened to all of that with a blank face, his brown eyes, however, were another story entirely.  Bray Wyatt, as weird as he came off, was capable of selling a story and charming a crowd, even when they didn’t like him.  The man had serious potential, reluctant as he was sometimes to admit it.  He was likely going to be a moneymaker for years to come, they were invested in him.  Her, on the other hand, as good as she was, was replaceable and the only thing that was a bump in his road was her brother and husband.

 

“So could Ambrose.  Why wasn’t this brought to our attention sooner, when it mattered and something could have possibly been done about it?” A year, closer to two, was a long time to sit on something like this and he didn’t like his superstars and workers having skeletons in their closets.  Vince reserved that for himself.

 

Brinley was wringing her hands in her lap, wondering if maybe she’d made a mistake by being honest with the boss.  Something told her she was just by the look in his beady eyes. “I didn’t think anyone would believe me given the circumstances, sir.  I thought it was best to just…let sleeping dogs lie and he hasn’t bothered me at all since that night…until last weekend.” For whatever reason, Bray Wyatt thought it was a good idea to approach her, after over a year of zero contact and conversing, and her body had reacted on instinct towards him.  That told her even though her memory of the night was gone, her body remembered what he’d done to her and that was a very frightening feeling and thought. “I should have brought it to your attention sooner, but at the time, I was confused and scared since I don’t remember the majority of the night past having a few drinks with him at the bar.  He drugged me and there’s no proof of it, I know, but that’s what happened.  That’s the only explanation since I wasn’t even close to being drunk and why my memory is blank.  He had to of slipped me something and the fact he laughed me out of his room the next morning when I came to…” She shuddered at that memory, closing her eyes momentarily. “I humbly request not to work with Bray Wyatt anymore, Vince.  Put me with anyone else, but I don’t feel comfortable or safe working with him after that.”

 

Bringing this to his attention nearly two years after the fact looked shady on her part and Vince, quite frankly, didn’t like things that could have a negative effect on his company.  He dealt with it enough from his superstars, though they had been cracking down hard on them over the past few years.  He didn’t need it coming from his behind the scenes staff as well.

 

“I have a question… if you didn’t remember the night and you were feeling odd, why would you NOT go to the police or to a hospital?” Brinley was a very smart woman and that did not sound at all like her, one eyebrow cocking when her cheeks flushed, but she hesitated, not aware she was realizing this had been a pointless confession with him. “I see.  Well, if there is no concrete proof of the matter, I would prefer it to not be bandied about.  It could harm his reputation and that would harm the WWE,” Vince would not tolerate and most people automatically knew that about him.  He was the only one who was allowed to screw up and that was because he was king of the castle. “As for your request, granted.  I’ll personally make sure that you and Wyatt don’t work together.” For now anyway, sometimes he let his ideas take over and then who knew what happened. “But I can’t have any more outbursts from anyone over this matter.” He folded his hands over the top of the desk, studying her thoughtfully. “Do you need to take a few nights or are you good?”

 

“I’m perfectly fine to work, Vince, and I really appreciate your understanding.  Nothing more will be said on this matter.”

 

Brinley didn’t go to the hospital or police because, at the time, she thought she had cheated on Jon and never wanted him to find out.  She knew if she went to either of those places, it may very well have gotten back to her husband since he was her emergency contact.  Jon was in Vancouver at the time filming a movie and she didn’t want to bother him with what happened.  Now looking back on it, she had made a very big mistake and was crying ‘rape’ after a year and a half.

 

“And once again, I do apologize for this situation.  It won’t happen again.”

 

“See that it doesn’t because YOU are replaceable, Wyatt and Ambrose are not.”

 

Brinley left Vince’s office feeling nauseous, knowing her job was on the line if anymore was said about her night with Wyatt.  Did she tell Jon about the meeting? There’s no point in doing that.  He can’t do anything and Vince is going to do what Vince is going to do. She would have to get over what happened, shove it back in the tight box she’d had it in, and continue pushing forward, thankful Vince had agreed to not let her work with Bray Wyatt from this moment on.

 

Of course, Vince had changed his mind and decided he would teach Brinley a very valuable lesson in this business, one she wouldn’t soon forget.  It was two weeks later during the producer’s meeting when Vince announced, in front of everyone, that she would be responsible for the Rock’s match against Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32.  She was to get with both The Rock and the Wyatt Family, which consisted of Erick Rowan, Luke Harper…and Bray Wyatt.  Vince was truly a scumbag and since Bray wasn’t actually the one wrestling, it was Erick Rowan against The Rock, he didn’t see a problem with giving her this task at all.  All Brinley could do was nod, thanking him for the opportunity, but her insides were quaking and this was the first of what would be many nights she thought about quitting her job.

 

That would come later down the road since this was just the beginning of Vince’s ‘lesson’.

 

My god, I don’t wanna do this!  I don’t wanna work with this scumbag who drugged and raped me!  What the fuck?! Brinley was having somewhat of a mental breakdown while walking down the hallway until she came face to face with the sign that read The Wyatt Family on the door.  Reluctantly, she rose her hand up, squaring her shoulders, and knocked on the door firmly, stepping back as soon as it opened to reveal none other than Bray himself.  Swallowing her pride was very hard to do and Brinley felt as if she’d had to do that a lot throughout the course of her tenure in WWE. “Good evening, Bray, is Erick Rowan available to speak with?  It’s about his match at WrestleMania against The Rock.”

 

“Yeah, two seconds.” His ice blue eyes swept over her, taking in her straight posture and the resolve on her face. 

 

He bet she was terrified and that made him break into a big, wicked smile.  Nothing about her meeting with Vince had ever been said to him, he had no idea about it.  Vince wasn’t about to go stirring up fires that didn’t exist as it were so nobody except Vince and Brinley knew about what was discussed in that meeting.  Bray hadn’t even been told to behave and mind himself, Vince was just that big of an asshole when it came to protecting his moneymakers.

 

“Never thought you’d be knocking on my door, honey.” Bray was practically daring her to start something, already knowing her husband had gotten a reaming for the attack during that party.

 

Jon had and also told them to go sit and spin in his own, special way because that was the kind of person he was.

 

“That makes two of us.” Brinley hated being called any kind of term of endearment from him, but she was professional and knew she was treading on thin ice with the boss. 

 

Vince was protecting Bray, plain and simple, and she also didn’t bother telling her brother or Jon about their meeting.  It was nobody’s business except hers because it was HER career, not theirs.  Brinley would not allow the men in her life to come to her rescue, to act as a damsel in distress; she had too much pride for that and stubbornness.  Those glacial blues of his were staring at her intently and she merely stared back with a stoic expression, waiting patiently for Erick Rowan.

 

By telling Chris about it, she had already opened that door to him coming to her aid.  If he thought for one second something was up, he would have bulldozed the hell out of the WWE to protect her.  Brinley was his sister, his best friend, and the fact that this rapist was still walking around with all his limbs intact, pissed him off.

 

Bray was obviously in no hurry to call Erick for her, already having a good idea why she was here.  Erick’s match against the Rock, that was a pretty big deal for someone who had been producing mid-level and Diva matches.  The Rock was a big name, someone who rarely graced the ring anymore, so Bray was wondering if she had to suck Vince’s old, wrinkly balls to secure that rather high-tier match.

 

“Hmm,” He grunted, scratching his stomach as he just stared at her for a few solid moments longer, finally smiling again. “Hey, Erick, you got a visitor.”

 

“Yeah, who?” Erick popped up his redhead and looked at Luke, who just shrugged his shoulders while wrapping his hands up with tape.

 

“The lovely, vivacious Brinley Irvine herself.” Bray crooned, stepping aside to let the big man block the doorway.

 

“That’s Brinley GOOD, actually.” The moment Bray was out of view, her face softened a bit and she smiled at Erick genuinely. “Good evening, Erick, I was wondering if you had some time to sit down and go over your match against The Rock at WrestleMania.  I’ll be helping you both produce it.” This was humorous in a way since The Rock had no intention of putting over any members of The Wyatt Family and had told Vince as much. “It won’t take long since the match is relatively short.” That was an understatement. “If now is not a good time, I can set up a better time with you to do this?”

 

Erick had no qualms with the blonde and folded his arms in front of his chest, shaking his head. “Relatively short, you say?  Just how short we talking here, toots?”

 

“According to my notes here from the meeting, The Rock can’t really take any big bumps or anything like that, so it will be 10-15 seconds long.  With The Rock winning.” Of course. “Like I said, relatively short and then The Wyatt Family will beat him down a bit before John Cena runs in for the save.  We just have to go over what happens in those 10-15 seconds between you two and then the aftermath.”

 

“WHAT?!” That would be Bray roaring from behind his partner as he squeezed his fat backside out of the door, confronting her by getting right in Brinley’s face. “What the FUCK do you MEAN it’s only 10-15 SECONDS?” He practically hissed that last word and clenched his fists at his sides. “Do you think this a JOKE to us, woman?!”

 

Now, Luke Harper was a friend of Jon’s.  His actual name was Jon Huber, another fellow Jon, and his Indie name had been Brodie Lee while Jon went by Jon Moxley.  They knew each other from the Indie scene and had gone to war with each other a lot throughout the different promotions.  He knew this was Jon’s wife and Bray was in her face, scaring the hell out of her.  He didn’t know what exactly transpired between his partner and Brinley, but one thing was certain, it wasn’t good and he wouldn’t hesitate to protect her.  His friendship with Jon went WAY back, though they didn’t hang out often these days, but when they did, it was almost as if no time passed by between them. 

 

Within seconds, he was out the door and pulling Bray out of her face by the shoulder, seeing her standing there with fear in her green eyes. “Not her fault, man!  You know how Vince is and this is The Rock we’re talking about.  There’s no way he’d allow one of us to go over him.  That doesn’t surprise me at all.  But we can make that beatdown count and send a message to the rest of the locker room before Cena’s interference.”

 

Erick, on the other hand, wasn’t too thrilled with this situation at all. “Why me?” He wondered out loud, not understanding why this wasn’t happening to Bray, who was the leader of the Wyatt Family. “It should be Bray doing this, right?”

 

Brinley agreed with that and shrugged her shoulders. “This is what Vince has decreed.  If you don’t like it, you’ll have to talk to him about it, Erick.”

 

“Yeah, sure, just like you talked to him to get this.” Even with it being short, it had to do with a big name so it was suspicious to be giving it to HER, of all people.  Erick finally just shrugged, knowing there wasn’t much he could say OR do because once it was set by the old man, that was it, a done deal.  

 

Vince McMahon was both a genius and a devil, all rolled into one psychotic old man package.

 

Luke was quietly looking between Brinley and Bray, well aware of the altercation that had happened at that party after Roadblock.  Everyone was.  Even if not everybody had heard whatever Jon had shouted at Bray or the reasons behind the fight, they knew about it.  Rumors of course were going around, but that was the nature of this business.  The gossip mill never stopped churning.

 

“How about I walk you back to your office?  I gotta finish telling you that story about Mox anyway.” That was a lie, but only Luke and her knew that.

 

Mox…Bray’s face darkened with a scowl.  That interfering, psycho rabid dog needed to be leashed.

 

He never would be and if Bray wasn’t careful, he’d wind up with Mox’s fist directly in his face…again. “Yeah sure, no problem.  Erick, I’ll be in touch with you to discuss this and try to set up a time where The Rock can join in the meeting.”

 

“Sounds good, toots.  I’d rather have the meeting with him anyway, so we’re on the same page.”

 

“I agree.” Brinley was thankful for Luke’s help, flat out refusing to acknowledge Bray and started walking down the hallway with him, swallowing hard. “Thank you.” She whispered to the big man, knowing he had helped her because of his friendship with Jon.

 

“No problem, wanna tell me what’s going on and why Vince gave you this match?” Luke kept his voice down, his curiosity getting the best of him and could see the hesitation on her face.  Almost as if she KNEW the answer, but didn’t want to say it.  Very well, he didn’t need to know the answer. “Forget it and whatever’s happened between you and Bray, you need to keep it out of the company and out of the ring.  I’m going to talk to him as well.  This is not the time nor place, not with Mania around the corner.”

 

Brinley agreed, looking up at him. “I’m with you there.  I just didn’t appreciate being yelled at and him getting in my face the way he did…”

 

“I’ll talk to him, it won’t happen again.” Luke would stick his foot right up Bray’s backside if he had to because this was their big break, even if it was an 11 second match with Erick against The Rock.

 

“Thank you, Luke.”

 

“Don’t thank me yet.”

 

Brinley headed off once they were far enough down the hallway and she rounded the corner, immediately going outside for a much needed nicotine fix and a secret cry session. 

 

Bray had scared the hell out of her.

 

Chapter 32

 

The fuck you mean? Jon was already out there, enjoying a double cigarette break because it was no longer amusing to smoke inside without being able to annoy Roman and Seth.  Also, in the years since Shield had parted ways, the bosses had been cracking down on certain things that tended to get the WWE fined, such as smoking in public buildings.  His wallet had CRIED when he got fined for the first time ever, realizing NO cigarette was worth $500 bucks, not unless it was laced with cocaine and his wife’s pussy juice.

 

Just keep an eye on her.  She seemed upset is all.

 

Thanx bro. It was good to know that some of his relationships, his friendships, could survive just about anything, or nothing, such as not communicating all the time.

 

Shit. Brinley immediately rearranged her face the moment she spotted Jon and he did not see her coming, his back to her while on his phone. 

 

There was a great deal on his plate due to facing The Beast Brock Lesnar on the Grandest Stage of them all.  Naturally, Jon would find out about her working closely with the Wyatt Family, but there was nothing she could do.  Brinley had to do the job given to her and something told her Vince did it on purpose.  He was just that type of boss that would say one thing and make a person THINK they were fine, but then pull the rug out from underneath them.

 

“Hey handsome.” She greeted her husband, a smile on her face and pulled her cigarettes out to light one up. “Damn lighter, mind if I use yours?”

 

He brought it up, automatically lighting the cigarette she held to her lips, watching her inhale deeply to light it properly before snapping it shut and tucking it back into his pocket. “Great minds think alike, Angel,” Jon dropped a kiss on her forehead before pulling back to study her face intently, blue eyes searching for signs she was upset.  He knew by now that his wife could be a BRILLIANT actress when she wanted to be.  Brinley was a master at hiding things.  It was insane and he sometimes figured she had missed her calling.  She could have been an award-winning actress if she had decided to take a different career path.  

 

Exhaling a stream of smoke just past her head, Jon never looked away from her face. “How’s it going?” This time of the year was always insane, for behind the scenes and the superstars, with last minute changes always seeming to come even though everything was supposed to be set in stone.

 

How much do I tell him? “It’s crazy.” Brinley did not want to distract him, so she’d just mention Erick Rowan since Bray really wasn’t involved all that much with the actual match itself.  Just the aftermath of it with beating down The Rock. “I’m sure it’s crazy for you too.” He nodded in agreement and she wrapped her arm around his waist, just needing to soak in some of his warmth and comfort for a moment. “Hold me for a minute or two, please.” His arm went around her instantly and she rested her head against his chest while smoking her cigarette, silence reigning between them. “Vince gave me my assignment for WrestleMania.  The match I have to produce.  Apparently, The Rock is coming back for an 11 second match at the event against…Erick Rowan, of all people.  I actually feel bad for him because he’s very talented and doesn’t deserve to be squashed by The Rock.”

 

Jon agreed, not that he had anything nice to say about any of the Wyatt’s, except Brodie – he flat out refused to call the man Luke since they’d come up together in the Indies – simply because of Bray.  When he held grudges and disliked someone, he got really petty and was unapologetic about it. “Yeah well, Angel, you know as well as the rest of us, Johnson isn’t about to come back and do an actual match; he can’t have his pretty face fucked up because of whatever movie he’s trying to star in at the moment.”

 

Rocky’s movies were kind of hit and miss, some were good, some were basically him playing the same character over and over in new environments.  Jon had his taste of Hollywood with his own movie he had done, so he was good.  There was no way he would be signing up for the actor life anytime soon.  Sure, it was easier on the body and all, but having to redo a scene a million times got to be annoying.  

 

His chin was on top of her head, contemplating what was coming up and that little meeting she had prior to coming out here for a smoke break. “You talk to Rowan yet?”

 

“Yeah, I have.  We’re going to set up a meeting together along with The Rock to come up with the match and the aftermath.” Brinley was not surprised when Jon pressed her on what the aftermath meant. “The Wyatt Family…” Jon tensed instantly, his arm around her tightening, and it made her swallow hard. “They’re going to beat him down after the 11 second match.  So we have to come up with that before Cena runs down to save The Rock from disaster.” She spoke quietly, already knowing Jon was piecing together what that meant.  She would have to work directly with ALL the members of the Wyatt Family and that meant…Bray Wyatt. Please Jon, please don’t cause a scene.  If you do, I may be fired since I’m replaceable. “I’ll be fine, just so you know.  I’m a professional and this is Rowan’s match, not…his.”

 

“Yeah, but he’ll be involved to an extent.” To his credit, Jon kept his tone even and calm, even though he hadn’t been able to stop the involuntary action of his body tensing and tightening. “So…since we’re having an honest conversation, Brodie already reached out to me.” Now it was HER tensing and he inwardly sighed, mindful not to go digging his chin into her head.

 

Why was it easier to have a conversation like this?  When they weren’t face to face?  Maybe it was because they could hide stuff from being telegraphed in their eyes.  What was that phrase, eyes were windows to the soul?  Sometimes, that was the case and it could be a bad thing.

 

“He said you seemed tense when you popped in to talk to Rowan.  I’m sorry for the misleading question about talking to him, Angel, I just wasn’t…I wasn’t sure if you were gonna tell me.  I know you don’t want to cause waves.”

 

Lowering her head, Brinley could already feel the tears burning in her eyes and the wave of guilt crashing over her. “I-I didn’t want to distract you from your own match at Mania.  I shouldn’t keep anything from you, though.  You’re my husband and I said I trust you and I do.  I need to start…living by that statement and following through with it.” She took another drag, not moving from him and tightened her arm around his back, feeling safe and secure in his arms. “I had a meeting with Vince two weeks ago.  It was about what happened at the Roadblock afterparty, when you punched Bray out and Roman had to bodily carry you outside.” She still hadn’t had time to talk to her brother one on one yet, which wasn’t a huge surprise. “In a nutshell, the old man is pissed that I didn’t come to him sooner with what happened and he told me I’m replaceable.  I asked him not to work with Bray Wyatt and he agreed…and then changed his mind…tonight.  He did it in front of everyone in the meeting…” Her voice cracked, not able to stop tears from sliding down her cheeks. “I’m on thin ice and if I make a scene, if I cause problems, they’re going to fire me, Jon.  I can’t let that happen, so…I’m just going to grit my teeth and bare it as long as I can.  That’s all I can do.”

 

Jon had known absolutely DICK about any of that, having only been talking about her meeting with Rowan tonight.  So, his head was spinning though at the same time, he wasn’t surprised.  He gently pushed her away, flicking the cigarette aside so he could use both hands and bent down to kiss away her tears. “Why are you crying?” He murmured, knowing he had baited for the truth with that misleading question, but he had also apologized.  Brinley was having a full on crying jag and the look on her face was heartbreaking; she looked like she had done something horrible. “Angel, you have nothing to apologize for, the old man is a fucking cocksucker for putting you in this spot.” Of course he understood what she meant though, about losing her job, but he also didn’t think it was worth the mental stress she would end up going through either. “I’m not…going to do or say anything, if that helps.” For her sake.  There was definitely an ‘unless’ in there implied, such as unless that backwoods jackass did something, then all bets were off.

 

“I-I should’ve told you when it happened.  When it first happened, I should’ve came and told you.  Same with the meeting with Vince.  I should’ve told you about it, but…there’s nothing you can do to change it and I didn’t want to upset you or make you angry.” Brinley really hated herself right now and wiped tears away, her hands trembling. “I need to stop hiding things from you.  Because you find out about it in the long run and…that’s not the way to build trust between us.”

 

They were working on things, the strength of their marriage and their bond, their love for each other.  Jon still hadn’t told her he loved her and Brinley was fine with it.  It honestly didn’t bother her because she could tell, just by his actions and the look in his eyes, that he felt the same way she did.  Or maybe she was just trying to convince herself of the fact.

 

“I’m sorry, Jon.  I fucked up again.  I’ll…try not to do it in the future.” It would be a very hard habit to break.

 

“To be fair, Angel, we weren’t exactly in the best of places when everything happened.”

 

They had been doing their up and down routine with more downs than ups at that point.  He had also been away when it had happened filming that movie in Vancouver, so he couldn’t apologize for not being there for her.  Honestly, who planned on being assaulted by someone they considered a friend?  He realized, with a lightning bolt, that he believed her story about Wyatt, that it WASN’T a story, it was the truth.  Right there was a serious kick in the backside and Jon felt something in him doing a lurch that he had to swallow down.  That’d be something to dwell on later.

 

“Knowing you,” A bit of an amused smile crept over his face as he stared down at her, tenderness shining in his softened blues. “You’re gonna do it all over again because that’s just who you are, Brinley.” She only liked making waves when it suited her to do so, usually when he royally pissed her off and got her to shoot off at the mouth.

 

Deep down, she knew he was right. 

 

A person couldn’t change who they were and it was in her nature to deal with things on her own.  She wasn’t used to having an actual partner in life, even though she’d had one for 3 years.  They just weren’t partners until recently.  Things had been so hectic that they had to postpone everything they wanted to do until AFTER WrestleMania and the post-Mania Europe tour.  Jon would be gone for another two weeks and she would be at home since Vince only sent his top producers overseas with the talent.  Brinley was not one of them since she did Diva and mid-card matches.  Honestly, Brinley was fine with it because she had some things to get done around the house and…she wanted to go shopping for a new dog and surprise Jon.  He had told her what kind of dog he wanted and she had been shopping around, so when he got home from the European tour, this time, she would have a new baby for them.  It just wouldn’t be in human form.

 

“I love you, just remember that.  I’ll never keep anything THAT serious from you again, but as far as my career goes…I can’t promise not to keep things from you because I need to handle my career just like you handle yours.”

 

Banking that sentence away for another time, it was just in case he needed a trump card to pull out the ‘handle my career like you do yours’ in the event something happened.  Things would happen, he’d guarantee it, it was going to eventually hit the fan and splatter everywhere. “I get that, Angel…but if Wyatt gives you ANY problems, I need to know, especially if Vince isn’t going to do shit about it.” Well actually, Vince HAD done something, he had totally reneged on what he had said and sort of fed her to the proverbial lions, like the ass toad that he was. “That’s one thing you should promise me, Brin, I don’t want him fucking with you.” Also, Brodie would tell him anyway if he were around to see it, he already knew the man would be eyeballing just because that’s what brothers in arms did. 

 

Brodie was not loyal to Bray in this company, only on screen, but behind the scenes, his friendship with Jon was far greater and stronger than with Bray and that would never change.

 

Smiling, Brinley reached up to wrap her arms around his neck to hug him close and felt his arms encircle her, loving the feeling of being held by her husband. “I promise I’ll tell you if he tries something.  And I will never be alone with him again.  Either someone else is with us or I refuse to work with him.” Since she was a producer, it was always at least two wrestlers she had to contend with and work with for the production. “Thank you for understanding where I’m coming from.” Pulling back, Brinley felt much better after talking this out with him and the sparkle was back in her emerald eyes, her lips softly brushing his. “I’ll thank you properly later on at the hotel, bank on it.” Now his eyes were lit up and she giggled, pecking his lips again before heading back into the arena, waving over her shoulder at him.

 

There would be no sexy times for the married couple that night, thanks to Jon having a segment where he was F-5’d on top the roof of a car.  The segment showed Ambrose being loaded into an ambulance, bitching and complaining, with a neck brace on, all for show.  Later that night, Jon had driven the ambulance into the arena while Brock was in the ring and after being destroyed again, Jon had managed to pull his broken body up off the mat to challenge Brock Lesnar to a No Holds Barred Street Fight at WrestleMania.

 

And Brock accepted.

 

Oh my god! Jon had a death wish!  Of course, Brinley kept her emotions in check, but even she was worried since that F-5 on the car earlier to start the show looked ROUGH.

 

It WAS rough, Brock had done him good, which was great considering Jon called him a meatsicle to his face…or had, once, and said meatsicle had given him this weird look.  Brock was…something else entirely.  There WERE brains behind that weird baby face and body with little neck, but still…meatsicle, nonetheless.  Regardless, Brock had done well by him and while it HAD hurt and WAS rough, it wasn’t life or career threatening.  Jon would be the first to admit taking that move on top of a car was definitely going to be a damper on a sexy night.

 

Chapter 33

 

By the time Brinley made it out the door, he was smoking at their rental, a little worse for wear with some wrap around his back and ribs. “Hey Angel,” Jon flashed her a tiny grin when she came right for him, worry in her eyes. “You’re definitely on top tonight.” He joked, hissing when she raised his shirt. “It looks worse than it is, okay?  Nothing broken, nothing bleeding inside or out, promise.”

 

“Christ, you could’ve warned me that was going to happen!” She muttered, not amused with him at all and gently lowered the shirt back down, shaking her head. “No, no, never mind, that makes me a hypocrite saying that and I know this isn’t ballot…” However, seeing her husband go through the windshield of a CAR?! “Please tell me he tried to lighten the blow at least a little.” Jon shrugged, making her groan and she took the keys from him, opening the door for him to slide into the passenger side.  They were driving to the next area for Smackdown! instead of going back to the hotel tonight since it wasn’t that far of a drive.  Jon was probably regretting that decision wholeheartedly tonight as Brinley slid behind the wheel, firing up the ignition. “Did you at least take something for the pain?  I know you’re indestructible, but a little ibuprofen won’t kill you either, Jon.”

 

“Angel,” Jon arched his hips so he could tug out a small flask from his back pocket and shook it at her. “I’ve been self-medicating with good ol’ Jack Daniels.” He popped the top and drained what was left in it, sighing because now it was empty.  All things considered, he was feeling pretty good because there had been a fair few shots in it and he lit a cigarette with a snort when she groaned. “What?!  I’ll take an ibuprofen or something,”

 

Just nothing strong because Jon didn’t do legitimate pain pills or anything.  The odds of getting addicted were way too high.  Besides, he had an alcohol problem looming and he knew it, but…nobody was perfect and he was definitely the poster child for opposite of perfection.  Brinley still looked worried and he realized she was waiting to hear about the blow being lightened, something better than him shrugging.

 

“He did good, on the landing, okay?  There’s only so many ways to soften that shit, and he could’ve purposefully fucked it up, but he didn’t.  He took solid care of me, Angel, that I promise.”

 

“Okay.” Brinley accepted that answer for what it was, breathing a silent sigh of relief and pulled out of the parking lot to head towards the highway. 

 

Then, she thought better of it, knowing he’d need more than that small flask of Jack Daniels.  Brinley didn’t like how much he drank, but she accepted it was part of who he was and did not judge him on it.  Instead of hitting the highway, she stopped at the local liquor store and put the car in park, leaning over to kiss him softly. “Stay put.  I’ll be back in a minute with your medication of choice.” Then she was gone, heading inside to buy two bottles of Jack Daniels, the biggest they had, and was back in the car 10 minutes later, handing him the bag. “There, now at least my husband won’t be in pain during the drive.” Another minute later, they were back on the road again this time headed for the highway.

 

Jon peeked into the bag, noting the carton of smokes in there as well. “Woman after my own heart.” He chuckled, sort of aware she didn’t approve of his drinking habit, but it was way better than a drugs.  

 

Drinking only started affecting other people once a person got drunk and were an asshole.  A pill or drug habit messed up everyone around them.  Jon knew because he had had a raging cocaine habit in his younger years.  Brinley would NOT have liked him at all back then, there would have been NO saving grace in her eyes.  If she thought he could be a bastard now, she would have outright HATED him back then.  Reckless AND a ruthless bastard.

 

“Not going to lie, I should eat, and so should you.  It’s been a long night.” For her, royally screwed with the Wyatt situation and his was self-explanatory.

 

She had also grabbed a bottle of Vodka for herself, planning on having a few drinks with her husband.  Honestly, drinking was a huge part of the wrestling business whether it was trying to numb aches and pains or being social with others.  It was the thing everyone did on the road.  So no, the alcohol intake didn’t bother her and Jon was honestly one of the sweetest men when he was buzzed or tipsy compared to his regular self.

 

“I’ll stop and get us something to eat, anything in particular you want?” When he said Arby’s, she nodded in agreement and lo and behold, Arby’s was right up the street before the exit to get on the highway.  Brinley pulled in, placed their order, handed the bag over to Jon with their drinks and NOW they were on their way to the next city. “Mind pulling mine out while I’m driving, handsome?”

 

“Curly fries, right?”

 

He had gotten a Jamocha shake to go with them, intent on dunking his own two orders of large curly fries into that weird coffee flavored shake.  At her nod, he passed it over, carefully since it was hot, which meant fresh.  Drinking and eating, Jon had thrown up a lot when he was younger when he combined food and alcohol, so he had learned how NOT to chug a lot in a short amount of time and then shove a bunch of food down his throat.

 

“Needs Arby’s sauce.” Deciding he’d be saving that second batch of fries for the hotel where he could go to town with the delicious red sauce.  She was smiling slightly even as she popped a fry into her mouth and he chuckled. “I’m glad my eating habits amuse you, Angel.”

 

“They always have.  I got some sauce packets in the bag too.” She pointed them out while continuing to drive, taking a bite out of the delicious roast beef sandwich he held out to her.  That cheesy goodness filled her mouth and she sighed in contentment, laughing when he wiped some cheddar from the corner of her mouth with the pad of his thumb. “Who would’ve thought you’d be feeding me while I drive, huh?” Jon shrugged, not minding it and she took another bite while keeping her eyes on the road. “I really appreciate it, now set my sandwich down and eat yours.  I know you’re starving.  I’ll eat after you’re done.  I don’t mind, I got my curlies to hold me over.”

 

Even when she was hating on him, Brinley still managed to pay attention.  It never failed to amaze him how she knew that he needed a million sauce packets for certain places and his little random food quirks. “Nah, I can wait too.” He much preferred eating in bed, it was like some weird, forbidden luxury that he got a kick out of.  Also, there was a LOT of food here, he felt like he had ordered one of everything off the menu, but Jon also loved their gyros. “I think…I’m going to need ice on my back.” Sighing once she had pulled into the parking lot of the hotel a few hours later, Jon glanced over at her and smiled, raising the still sort of wrapped sandwich up and over to her, watching as she took a bite.  She had a bit of cheese on the side of her mouth so he leaned over, gently kissing it away.

 

She giggled softly, kissing him after swallowing her bite of food and tapped his nose. “I’ll rub ice and salve on your back for you.  Anything you need, I’m here.  Then, you can eat and we’ll have some drinks and watch something on the Discovery channel.”

 

Jon was a very interesting man and one thing about him was he loved supernatural stuff.  Anything to do with the supernatural world, he was all for it.  But he also enjoyed documentaries about the past, the discovery channel was one of his favorites.  Brinley didn’t mind watching it with him and he let her choose what they watched at times as well.  The man had been thrown through a car windshield tonight, so he could pick whatever the hell he wanted to watch.  Together, they headed inside to check in and went up to their hotel room with a king-sized bed, standard.

 

“Mmm, I wonder what’s on tonight…” Sometimes, he kept a list he wanted to catch after work, sometimes he just didn’t care.  Tonight HAD been one of those don’t care nights until his back met the roof of a car, then everything had changed. “I’m sorry, Angel, I wasn’t planning on you playing nurse tonight.” He apologized after shedding his jacket and shirt, shaking his head when she offered to tend to him right now. “No, let’s eat first for once, okay?” Brinley also had a rough night too, she needed to settle down and just breathe.  Jon imagined it hadn’t been very good for her nerves coming face to face with her rapist and he had to stifle a frown, wondering how much it’d take to bribe Brodie into hurting Bray for him. “Come on, come sit with me.” Setting the food bags on the bed, Jon gingerly settled in with his back against the headboard.

 

Jon was worried about her.  He wasn’t showcasing it in his tone, but the way he was treating her and wanting her close to him…he was worried about her encounter with Bray and her meeting with Vince.  Brinley nodded, kicking her shoes off and crawled into bed with him to snuggle against his side.  He wanted some snuggle time with her and Brinley was more than happy to oblige, both of them feeding each other curly fries, Jon with his Arby’s sauce and hers without.  He turned on something about the ocean on the discovery channel and Brinley felt herself relax against him, nuzzling his chest since he’d taken his shirt off.

 

“You should grow your chest hair out more.  I like it.” Sliding her fingers through the little bit of chest hair he had, it made her entire body flood with heat. “By the way, I don’t mind playing nurse for you.  It’s my job as your wife to take care of you, after all, including aches and pains.”

 

“That’s such an old-fashioned, bullshit way of thinking, you know that, right?” His Mom was a very staunch lesbian because after years of selling herself, she had decided she did not like men very much. “It’s not your JOB, Angel,” It was something they should just naturally want to do and by the patient look on her face, he gathered it was.  Jokingly scowling at her, he swiped a few curly fries back into the sauce before popping it in his mouth, chomping noisily. “Chest hair huh?  Get your damn hands off me woman, I’m trying to eat.” That was also a joke, but he then proceeded to pick up what was left of that roast beef and cheddar, offering it to her and watched as she took a bite.  These moments were turning out to be his favorite, gentle teasing over something very unhealthy, and he could get used to them. “I’ll grow it out, for a while.  You may not like the prickly stage.”

 

Brinley couldn’t imagine her life without Jon, not after all these years and everything they’d been through thus far. “Mmm, guess we’ll find out, but so far, no complaints from me.”

 

She took another bite of her sandwich and then dipped a curly fry into the sauce, putting it between her teeth and they shared it, kissing each other in the process.  They proceeded to feed each other until the food was completely gone, sharing kisses, and then watched a little of the discovery channel.  Then, the pain set in and Jon took a shot of Jack before laying on his stomach, finally allowing his wife to tend to him.

 

“Jesus, you’re already bruising up from that hit.” She whispered softly, gently applying the salve to his back and rubbing it in as carefully as she could. 

 

The last thing she wanted to do was see him in further pain.  Once the salve was on, she got him some ice packs to place them on his back, remembering when she had to tend to him after Seth’s brutal assault with the chair back in 2014.  There were other times she had to be Jon’s nurse, but this was déjà vu to Brinley because of Seth’s attack.  To this day, they STILL hadn’t really talked much to each other, but Jon was professional enough to deal with Seth.  Their friendship would never be the same again, however.

 

“Do you need ice anywhere else that hurts, baby?”

 

He shook his head before putting his face back in the pillow. “Just where they’re already at.”

 

To him, there was a BIG difference between what happened tonight and that ordeal with Seth.  Seth had ‘oversold’ and was a total asshole about it because he could have DESTROYED a man’s career with his overselling.  Lesnar had been professional and made sure to do the move properly, which was a big deal.  Obviously, there was capacity for permanent damage anyway, especially with a big hunk of metal and glass involved, but there were also things they could do to minimize the risk.

 

“WrestleMania is going to be worse, you know that right?” Jon hoped so or else she was going to be biting her nails over him.

 

“It will be fine.”

 

Brinley didn’t want to think about what was to come at WrestleMania and the beating he was about to take at the hands of Lesnar.  She could only hope and pray that Lesnar didn’t go overboard like he had with The Undertaker, John Cena, and other Superstars he had put on the shelf.  The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania was ended because he’d been severely concussed during the match by Lesnar.  It was a freak accident, Lesnar didn’t mean to do it, but Vince had made the call from the back to have Lesnar go over, to end the Streak.  The Streak was synonymous with WrestleMania and now it was just a distant, far off memory.

 

“No matter how bad it is, I’ll be here to nurse you back to health like I always have.  I’m gonna go change into my clothes and then we can watch some more TV together.”

 

Kissing his lips at an angle, she grabbed her bag and undressed in front of him, loving how his eyes followed her every move.  Brinley wasn’t teasing or anything, just undressing and redressing normally before sliding into bed beside Jon, his mouth instantly crashing against hers in a hot, heated kiss that made her head spin.  Before she knew what was happening, he hovered over her, kissing down her neck while removing her panties with a quick yank that sent her heart racing.

 

“Jon, wait, your…your back…oh god…”

 

“Shut up, the only words I wanna hear from you right now are dirty ones, my little naughty nurse.”

 

Chapter 34

 

Apparently, undressing and redressing in front of her husband, even with a very sore, bruised back, drove him crazy and made him attack her sexually in a delicious way.

 

Oh he was going to be FEELING that in the morning and he knew it, but it was so worth it.  At least until she began squirming due to those ice packs beneath her now naked body.  Chuckling, Jon hoisted her upper body easily, showing that even though he had taken a beating tonight, he was still in top shape to love on his wife.  Those packs were on the floor with a quick swipe and he had her pinned back down, his hand resuming its exploration of her nethers.  Brinley was already wet for him and he circled her clit with his fingertip while tormenting her neck.

 

“Mmm, all for me, Angel?”

 

“Yes, always for you…” The term of endearment Angel no longer bothered her just like her calling him Jon instead of Dean. 

 

It didn’t bother either of them anymore.  Brinley had tried so hard to abide by what he wanted to be called, but Jon flowed out of her mouth more naturally than Dean.  Probably because Jon was his real name, not his wrestling moniker, and she was married to the man, not the wrestler.  She moaned out in pleasure as he slid inside of her, joining their bodies together, and laced their fingers together, making sure to angle her own body up to meet his. 

 

If this was Jon’s subtle way of proving to her he was fine, Brinley would make a fuss over him more often, just to get this type of reaction from him.  Or simply undress in front of him more often.  He was rewarded with the sound of her voice singing his praises, crying out for him and all Brinley could do was hang on for dear life since it was a rough bout.  Jon was in the mood for roughness, no lovemaking, and she was fine with it, meeting his intensity as they proceeded to fuck each other mercilessly.  Nails digging into flesh, handprints and fingerprint bruises, bite mark…sometimes, lovemaking got to be too boring and some rough sex was needed to keep things fresh and spicy.

 

Once upon a time, she had asked him to be gentle, to give her a vagina a break and that had been so long ago, but he never forgot it.  It wasn’t something a man normally heard from a woman, so it had stuck with him.  Jon hadn’t gone to town like that night in and night out in a while, but to be fair, they were also in a very different state now than they had been back then in regard to their relationship.  Leaving marks on her delectable body, one was even visible, a sign to anyone and everyone that his woman had gotten banged properly, providing she could even walk right after this bout.  Brinley had clawed his muscular thigh pretty good and he returned it with a sharp smack to her pert backside, leaving a beautiful red mark that he wanted to reinforce, just so every time she sat down, she’d think of him.

 

It was no surprise the following morning when Brinley opened her eyes that she was sore.  From head to toe.  It was a delicious soreness, not a hurting type of sore though.  Jon had really put her through the paces the night before and she smiled at his sleeping form, his soft snores echoing around the room.  They had showered and she’d applied more salve on his back before they finally fell asleep.  Rolling on her side to face him, Brinley caressed his face tenderly and softly kissed his lips before deciding to give him a proper wakeup call he wouldn’t soon forget.  When Jon stirred awake, it was to the beautiful sight of his wife with his dick in her mouth, her hand fondling his balls and humming to enhance the blowjob.  And she didn’t stop until he came and shot his load right down her greedy throat, swallowing almost all of him whole.

 

“Jesus H. Christ, woman!” He rasped, pretty sure he wasn’t doing anything today between his balance being off, thanks to that awesome blowjob and last night draining just about every last drop of fluid in his body.  Oh, and his back, which wasn’t overly hurting right now, but that could also be because of what she had just done.  Jon lay there, a hand over his red face as he focused on breathing, hearing her soft laughter and shook his head. “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you, Angel?” He was pretty sure she was and let his hand slide down onto his chest, still darkened blue eyes landing on her. “You look so smug right now, Brin.” Laughter flowed out of his mouth, it was a good kind of smugness like a cat who had gotten the canary.

 

“Mmm, I love the look on your face right now.  And I’m smug because I’m the one who put it there.” She kissed his sweaty chest and nuzzled it affectionately, loving the smell of him.  He was the one who always said morning sex, be it penetration or foreplay, was the best. “And now that I’ve had my protein shake, I’m going to clean up, get dressed, and go find us some lunch.” It was afternoon at the moment, so breakfast was already done unless they went to waffle house that served it 24/7.  They could always pick it up and bring it back here to eat, that was an option. “What are you in the mood for?  And how’s your back?  Do you need more salve?” He was moving a little gingerly as he sat up to light a cigarette and she took a drag off it before heading into the bathroom.

 

“Breakfast, I want breakfast…” Jon rumbled after a long pause filled with yawning and a few scratches since she wasn’t around to see him do it.  He did try not being a total gross brute sometimes. “Denny’s, Waffle House, IHOP, anywhere that has French toast and sausage patties.” Apparently men had cravings too and that’s what sounded good.  He finally got up and followed her into the bathroom, turning when she held up the salve and hissed at the feeling of her spreading it over his back, glancing at it in the mirror. “It’s a pretty color at least.” He grunted, exhaling smoke from his nostrils as he watched, seeing her wincing. “It looks worse than it is, Angel.” A lewd smirk curved his lips because he had fucked her until she had been seeing stars last night and his heavily bruised back hadn’t slowed him down a bit.

 

“I know, but I still don’t have to like looking at it.” She pressed a soft kiss to one of the bruises before spreading the salve over it, making sure she hit every single one. “You relax here and I’ll run out to get the food.  I’ll call ahead of time, so it’ll be ready to be picked up when I get there.” That way she wasn’t waiting around forever for the food. “There’s an IHOP down the road, so I’ll go there.” It was the closest breakfast place around them and Jon grinned, winking at her through the reflection in the mirror.  He turned, bending down to passionately kiss her and Brinley melted against him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he lifted her to plant her backside on the bathroom counter, standing between her legs. “Didn’t get enough last night, handsome?”

 

“Nope.” If he could get off again so soon after that blowjob, on top of last night, it would be a miracle, but that wasn’t stopping him.  Jon began kissing down her neck, his hands kneading her sides as she began planting kisses down along his bare shoulders. “I probably should feed us both before we go starting something…we could always order for delivery…” He loved major cities that offered those options, some places did and some didn’t. “Eat here in the bed…” It wasn’t like he would be rushing anywhere anytime soon and he knew it.  Brinley was too big a distraction and he had reached down to begin stroking himself up further than half-mast, cocking an eyebrow when she dropped to watch. “Got some voyeur tendencies?”

 

Her mouth watered at the sight of him stroking his cock in front of her and she leaned back, licking her lips. “Maybe I do.  I have to admit it’s hot watching you work yourself up in front of me like this.  Maybe I’ll join in on the fun?” Since she hadn’t put her pants on yet, or panties for that matter, Brinley slid her hand down the tank top she had pulled on and began fingering herself in front of him.  Her mouth fell open a little as she began stroking her clit, finding it within moments and her eyes remained on his hand on that delicious cock she had sucked off earlier. “Delivery sounds so much better.  I’m sure IHOP or another place can deliver here and we can stay naked in bed.” Pulling her hand away momentarily to remove her tank top, Brinley went right back to stroking herself, her nipples hardening.

 

“Sounds great.”

 

They actually had to make it to a phone first just to browse the menu and place an order.  Jon was in no hurry to rush through this, however, they had plenty of time, right?  Of course they did, and even if he had a deadline or something today, he wouldn’t have cared because the only thing currently on his mind was watching her playing with herself while he stroked himself, gliding the pad of his thumb along and over the head of his now fully erect cock.  It was amazing after all these years, how sometimes Brinley surprised him with things, such as this.  This was new and he liked it, especially when she raised one hand up to lazily pluck at one of her hardened nipples, his tongue darted out to wet his lips at that one.

 

Since the counter was big enough to do it, Brinley lifted her feet to spread her thighs wide open, leaning her head back against the mirror.  Who would break first?  Or would they cum together while watching each other get themselves off?  Brinley was up for it and slid one finger inside of her pussy, pinching her nipple a little harder before rolling it between her thumb and forefinger.  Then, she added a second finger, driving both of them in and out of herself, her moans filling the bathroom.  Ecstasy washed over her face as her eyes drifted closed, especially when she hit that sweet spot with her fingers repeatedly and started slowly building her climax to his crescendo.

 

“Fuck Jon…ohhhhh…”

 

THANKFUL he was probably not going to get off or it would take forever, thanks to that blowjob not so long ago, it meant she was definitely popping her cork first.  Her body was lightly flushed as her head lulled back against the mirror, those lips perfectly pouty, opened as she moaned, and he had to keep himself away from her just so he didn’t reach out to touch or kiss her.  He would be ruining the visual and auditory feast she was giving to him if he did.  Without thinking about it, Jon had upped his own pace, using his own precum as a bit of lube each time his fingers swept up and over his swollen head.

 

“Fuck, Angel, you’re so goddamn hot right now!” He hissed, unable to tear his eyes off of her. “Now play with your clit while you finger fuck yourself, Brin, push yourself right over that edge...”

 

Obeying his command, both of her hands were hard at work, those fingers driving in and out of her, her other fingers stroking her clit and she clenched her teeth in between heavy breathing and moaning.  It’d been a while since she got herself off like this and her husband watching her…it just enhanced the experience that much more.  One thing her and Jon never did was phone sex or skype, anything of that nature.  Maybe they could do that when he went overseas for the upcoming European tour.

 

“Oh god…s-so close…it’s right there…Ohhhhhh yeahhhhhh JON!!!” She shrieked out as those liquids began flooding out of her and he was right there, shoving her fingers aside since she’d pulled them out to start cleaning her up with his mouth…and getting her off again. “JON, OH FUCK!!” That was something Brinley definitely didn’t expect him to do as her fingers buried in his curls, yanking on them since she was extremely sensitive from working herself up. “JOOOOONNNNNN!!!”

 

The second she had drenched the counter and he had seen those juices, he was done and decided he needed breakfast right now.  Breakfast was between those glistening thighs and he was devouring her, going after every last drop of that sweet ambrosia before urging her into another orgasm.  Growling against her clit, her thighs clamped against his head just before she came again, and he greedily lapped at her.

 

“Fuck, I’m gonna bottle you up and take you with me overseas…” Jon informed her thickly, pulling back once she had relaxed the thigh grip on his head and then licked his lips, making sure he hadn’t missed a single drop.

 

“K-Knock y-yourself…out…” Brinley was spent and it showed on her lethargic, satisfied face, a soft smile gracing her lips softly.  She was trying to catch her breath since he’d stolen it from her and Jon pulled her off the counter to carry her back to bed, scooting in right next to her.  Once she caught her breath, she finally managed to order them some food and it was just past two in the afternoon. “Mmm, food will be here shortly.”

 

They had Smackdown! tonight, so as much as they wanted to stay in bed all day and night, it wasn’t possible since Jon was booked for tonight.  A promo to talk about what transpired with Lesnar and that was pretty much it.  Brinley would be working with the Divas and a mid-card match like usual, but since Jon was still roughed up, they were being given the rest of the week off to go home to rest up.  WrestleMania was upon them, so Vince decided to take pity on one of his top Superstars in Dean Ambrose and they didn’t need her for the house shows that week.  Other producers were handling them and Brinley couldn’t wait to be home, sleeping in their own bed together, even though she did love and enjoy traveling. 

 

They ate breakfast in bed together, made love again, and barely made it out the door to head to the arena on time.

 

Chapter 35

 

WrestleMania came and went with Dean being absolutely destroyed by Brock Lesnar. 

 

Dean Ambrose had put up a hell of a fight, however.

 

Brinley was proud of her husband for the effort he put forth.  Lesnar was difficult as far as what was allowed in the No Holds Barred Street Fight.  He didn’t want to use hardly any weapons, not even the ones that both Mick Foley and Terry Funk gifted Jon on television.  The barbed wire bat infamous for Cactus Jack and the chainsaw from Chainsaw Charlie.  None of those weapons were allowed to be used, but Jon had broken the rules, went rogue, and brought out the barbed wire bat anyway.  That had cost him the match, but it had been worth it to get the reaction from the crowd, who had been dead otherwise throughout the match.  He wasn’t happy with the performance and hated Brock for making him look like a joke on the Grandest Stage of them all.  Even Brinley wasn’t happy, though Vince was elated by the performance from his main moneymaker, not really caring if Jon was happy or not with the match. 

 

Then came the post-Mania European tour and while Jon was gone, Brinley had narrowed down where she’d be getting their new baby from.  He was a full-blooded English bulldog with beautiful blue eyes and a white and brown coat.  He was gorgeous, the cutest puppy she’d ever seen, and those blue eyes made her think of only one name.  Blue.  Jon would love it, love him, she was certain of it and Brinley had retrieved him the second day of the tour.  While Blue slept in his crate beside the bed, while he was being trained, she decided to text her husband to let him know she had a surprise waiting for him when he got home. 

 

I miss you. I love you. And you have a surprise when you get home that I KNOW you’re going to love. Grinning, she set the phone on the nightstand on silent and snuggled in bed to get some shut eye, knowing Blue would be up in a manner of hours needing attention and care.

 

Woman, I swear to God if you ran up another credit card bill it had BETTER be for nothing BUT lingerie. That was the message she’d get in return hours later.

 

Remembering the tour he had gone on a few years ago, Brinley had been feeling spiteful after her house had been burnt down.  He had taunted the hell out of her over it, using it as a way to threaten her even more because they hadn’t been in a good place during that time, it had still been a marriage of force then.  She had gone out and basically replaced EVERYTHING she had lost in that fire and stuck him with a seriously big bill that had made his wallet cry and his stomach fall out of his backside, even if he had deserved it. 

 

Also, I want pics.

 

A few hours later, Brinley giggled at that message while sipping some coffee and taking Blue out into the backyard to sniff around.  It was fenced in, so she felt completely safe doing it, though she did watch out for critters and scorpions.  They had never had any here, but that didn’t mean they weren’t around and Blue was a puppy.  She had him on a leash, walking with him gently while texting Jon. 

 

It’s not lingerie, though if you want me to buy some, I’ll take your credit card and buy some. She added a wink emoji, deciding she would ask for permission this time before doing it. And I promise to send you some sneak peaks, if you want me to buy some, handsome.  I can’t wait for you to get home in 12 days. Brinley meant it, missing him like crazy and leaned down to pet Blue, scratching behind his ears while kissing the top of his head. “Daddy will be home soon, buddy, and I can’t wait for him to meet you.”

 

You are pumping me for money?  Seriously? He included one of those emoticons, a winking one, so she knew he was joking. Tone was hard to convey in text messages, even he knew that. The woman was not broke, neither was he, and he had become less grinchy about money as he accumulated more of it. You sold me, take the card and hit the raunchiest lingerie shops you can find.  I want everything from lace to leather in your closet. THAT wasn’t a joke.  Jon could imagine her wearing something feminine and sweet, sultry and sexy, and he could also see her teasing him in a leather bodysuit or something.  Fuck.  He had to stop doing this to himself when he was stuck on tours sharing rooms with other men.

 

Mmm, so you want me to roleplay for you?  Sounds kinky, I’m in.  I’ll take that card and find some really memorable pieces that’ll make your head spin, my husband.  You’ll be BEGGING to fuck me the moment you get home…after your surprise, of course. Just to tease him a little bit, Brinley took a picture of herself outside, making sure Blue wasn’t in the shot, and opened up her robe a little to show just a hint of her breasts, barely covering her nipples and it was obvious she was naked beneath the robe. “He is SO going to tear my ass up for that and I can’t wait.” Beaming, she closed her robe while finishing up with Blue, giving him a treat for being a good boy before heading back inside to get him his breakfast. 

 

They would have to bring Blue with them on the road, but that would be fine and she’d pay to fly him with them or simply drive.  Jon probably would want them to drive with the puppy, so they could make frequent stops along the way for their baby.  After feeding Blue, it was time to take his card and do some online shopping, finding some pretty interesting, raunchy, and sexy lingerie that could be overnighted for a hefty price. 

 

Jon had to read and reread his messages because he wasn’t sure where the roleplay had come in with the lingerie, but…he wasn’t going to turn that one down either.  He had just been imagining her in various types of lingerie, but now he was imagining some sexy nurse costume or something since she liked babying him whenever he got hurt.  He was DEFINITELY going to be in need of some tender, loving care when he got home, his cock was informing him that they were going to suffer serious blue balls if he didn’t get himself under control and STOP imagining his delectable wife in whatever she’d buy.

 

Three pieces she bought. 

 

One was a sexy red lace baby doll, one was a black leather bondage type, and the third and final was an emerald teddy that was see-through lace with a slit in the crotch.  The red one also had a slit as well for easy access, but each were different designs.  The next day when the package arrived, Brinley pulled them out and made a face, really hoping this was what her husband wanted.  The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint Jon and she looked down at Blue, who was right by her side.  He had a few accidents in the house she had cleaned up, but other than that, he was such a good boy.  She loved him and if Jon didn’t like him, he’d have to deal with it since Blue was their baby now.  The red and green ones weren’t so bad, but the black bondage one she was not a fan of.  Something told her Jon would be though. 

 

Changing into that one first to get it out of the way, Brinley started snapping pictures of herself in it, making sure to stand in the full length mirror and captioned each of them. This is what’s waiting for you when you get home, baby.  Do you approve? Messages of that nature were scattered throughout the day and sent to Jon, each with three shots of each of the lingerie, including one with the easy access points.

 

Blue balled, he had invited a serious case of blue balls into his life.  Because of the time differences, Jon received each of those messages and what seemed to be the oddest hours or while he was working, so he’d have to wait to get a moment.  Each time, it was a straight jolt to his poor, abused dick. Jesus Christ, woman! Had been one of the messages he sent back.  Another was a picture of his very alive, very straining, very desperate cock and he HAD jerked himself off as quickly and quietly as possible because after the cramping and everything else that had happened, it was NEEDED.  It was hard to perform and give the fans what they deserved when he was having issues that stemmed all from his naughty wife. I’m going to fuck you for a solid 24 hours straight, Angel. You best prepare yourself.

 

Looking forward to it, I’m holding you to that.  So, you approve then of the pieces I chose?  Which one do you want me to wear for you first, so you can tear it from my body and fuck me senseless? Jon probably wouldn’t be able to screw her for 24 hours straight since they had Blue to contend with. 

 

He’d give it the old college try though, Brinley was certain of that.  She giggled when he said the black bondage one, rolling her eyes. “How did I know he’d choose that one?  Maybe I should’ve gotten more like that instead of the sexier versions.” She was currently on the floor with Blue, in a comfortable nightgown, playing with him with a toy.  The house was littered with them since she’d gone overboard and bought all kinds of puppy toys and he even had his own little condo he slept in.  This puppy was living the good life and it helped the lonely nights whenever she was away from Jon too.

 

“I love you so much, baby boy.  One more week until Daddy comes home.”

 

She could have picked whichever she wanted, and he would still be a happy camper, but the black one was definitely something he wanted to see.  Jon bet that was really out of her comfort zone and knowing his overthinking, analytical wife, she was probably thinking of some bondage, weird kinky stuff since she had brought up roleplay.  He had absolutely no intentions of tearing anything.  No, he would remove it impatiently, but gently, those pieces were definitely to be kept in usable condition for another time.  The green one was also vying for favorite so far, he loved the way it complimented her beautiful green eyes and blonde hair.  Saving those pictures to a secured folder on his cell, Jon figured having a nice selection of sexy images from his wife for his spank bank collection wasn’t a bad thing.  Luckily for him, they were rarely apart, so he wouldn’t have to rely on them overly much. 

 

Not too much longer and I’ll be home. Other than tormenting me, what’s been up? He didn’t worry about her going out anymore, not after that fiasco with Wyatt.

 

Nothing much, doing things around the house and bought a few more things to add to the walls. Their walls were BARE and she hated it, so Brinley told him flat out she would be redecorating to make the house more ‘homey’. 

 

Jon just shook his head, told her to do whatever she wanted and to use the credit card to make her happy.  She obliged, though she didn’t go overboard like before out of spite.  There was a beautiful desert painting of the Red Rocks she’d found that she hung up in the dining room she knew he would love and she had added a runner to the table with plate mats to give it more warmth and style. 

 

Used the gym to get some cardio and stuff in, watching some Netflix catching up on some shows.  I like being at home since we’re not here often. Now that they had a new baby to care for, there would be no going out clubbing and partying anymore.  Brinley was over that phase in her life, she would only go out if her husband wanted to, which wasn’t often. How’s the tour going?  Anything interesting happening?

 

Got a few interesting gifts. Fans were strange sometimes; he had a barbed wire framed picture of himself with what he was hoping was red paint and not real blood splattered over the glass.  Some of his fans were a bit on the crazy side.  Jon had taken a picture of it to share with Roman, who had been highly disturbed, hence the point of sharing it, and he forwarded that image to his wife. This was the most disturbing. Guessing the barb wire is because of WM. Brock had been such a coward about the match.  What was the point of that kind of match if they couldn’t spice it up?  Well, he had tried, what a waste. Not sure if I’m going to be able to take it through customs though. He’d have to mail himself his own fan gift.

 

Yeah, barbed wire is considered a weapon, so I doubt you’ll be able to get that through customs to bring home.  They may be a Jon Moxley fan instead of a Dean Ambrose fan.  You do have a cult following from your Indie days, according to what Brie and Nikki told me.  We can hang that up in your memorabilia room I made for you. Jon had so many things from years in this business that she had turned one of the spar bedrooms into a shrine of sorts for Jon’s wrestling career. 

 

His titles he had won throughout the years, the wrestler almost always got a replica of it, and they were adorned on the walls, along with plaques from awards and whatnot.  Magazine covers, his Lockdown movie poster, along with a special plaque they gave him on the final day of shooting, congratulating him on his first movie.  It was Jon’s office, but also his memorabilia room and he’d been shell-shocked when she surprised him with it shortly after moving into the house. 

 

Mail it here if you get time today and hopefully, it’ll make it here.  That’s all you can really do unless you wanna deal with a cavity search at the airport. Brinley added a laughing emoji to that one and chuckled at Blue rolling on his back in the grass.

 

To be fair, all his memorabilia had been boxed up in totes and all carefully wrapped, but he had never bothered putting it out.  Jon had just collected it.  He had been beyond surprised when she had shown him what she had done, all his mementos from his career in that room, and had enjoyed telling her about a few of them.  How he had gotten them or what they signified.  It also held a now framed picture of him literally sewing his own nipple on; Brinley had been both appalled and amused when she got to see the story the twins had told her in photograph finally. 

 

Probably mail all of it, this way I’m not getting held up by TSA for bringing so much shit back. It was weird, he could MAIL items with no problems, but he couldn’t bring it through customs. And if they use lube, could be fun.

 

“Jonathan!  Oh my god!” She laughed softly at that text, shaking her head. Didn’t know you swung that way, good to know. Oh, she was going to pay for that one when he returned, but Brinley was giggling uncontrollably. 

 

Blue looked up at her like she’d lost her mind and she winked at him in return, tossing his ball for him to fetch it, running through the yard as fast as his little legs could carry him.  He really was a cutie pie and she had to take him to the vet in the morning to get the rest of his shots updated.  The pup wouldn’t be happy with her for a bit, but Brinley would spoil and shower him with love and treats to get back on his good side.

 

Chapter 36

 

Sitting on the lawn, Brinley was both nervous and excited at the same time while holding Blue, petting him in her lap.  She was waiting for Jon to get here, having told him due to his surprise, she couldn’t pick him up at the airport.  He normally took an Uber, anyway, preferring it as opposed to dragging her out to pick him up.  Any minute, he was going to pull up in that Uber, step out, and meet his new baby boy.  She had on a pair of shorts and a tank top, but beneath…was one of the sexy pieces of lingerie she bought and teased him with.  Brinley decided on the black one, just to gauge his reaction, and wondered if he’d make do on his promise to fuck her for 24 hours straight.

 

“Any minute now, boy.  Daddy will be here to meet you any minute…”

 

He may not make good on it straight out the gate, but once jetlag from that grueling two weeks abroad and messed up time changes that had officially screwed up his sleeping schedule, Jon would bang her so hard she’d be unable to walk properly for the rest of the month.  He was never so glad to see his house once that Uber dropped him off, yawning as he paid the guy and slid out of the car.  Spotting his wife waiting for him in the yard, he waved at her before retrieving his luggage from the seat.  He nodded his thanks to the driver and headed up the path, turning into their yard and dropped his bags, surveying her from behind his sunglasses.  Doing a doubletake, he was making sure he wasn’t hallucinating because it looked like she had a fuzzy ball in her lap.

 

“What is-” His eyes widened when the fuzzball came barking at him, all cute and attempting to be ferocious, one brow raising when the puppy actually starting attacking his shoes. “I see you’ve replaced me.” He teased, amusement lacing his tone as Jon watched the bulldog puppy going to town and was very grateful for thick soles.

 

“No, no Blue!  No biting shoes, we talked about this, baby boy!” Brinley was up on her feet and lifted the puppy up in her arms to hold him against her, her emerald eyes sparkling up at the main man in her life.  Blue licked her face and she nuzzled him before placing the puppy right in Jon’s arms, wanting them to officially meet. “Meet our new furball son, Blue.  He’s an authentic English bulldog, just like you told me about.  I did a lot of research prior to getting him from the shelter and he was a rescue, so I just had to pay a small rehoming fee.” Jon was scratching the puppy’s ears and petting him, looking enamored with Blue and her heart soared to the heavens as a bright smile crossed his face, his blue eyes softening. “Welcome home, Fur Daddy.”

 

“Wait, you got a pure-bred, PUPPY from the shelter?  You know how incredibly rare that is?” Way better than a big name, chain pet store or from breeders who could also be running puppy mills. 

 

Jon had told her a while ago that he was very firmly against those.  Mothers were often bred to death, producing litter after litter until the life had been basically drained from her.  For all his many faults, one thing he was not was an animal abuser nor did he tolerate cruelty to animals.

 

“Fur daddy?  Baby boy?” Did she have baby fever and was projecting it onto the pup?  Jon held Blue up in both hands, smiling as he studied the little fuzzy, his heart doing some flips and melting.  Fur Daddy it was. “He’s gorgeous, Angel.”

 

“You really like him?  And yes, I did.  I had to drive over an hour outside of Vegas, but I found him on their website and…the moment I met him and our eyes locked, I was in love.  He had my heart and I brought him home that day.” Blue was licking Jon’s face as she stepped up closer to them, petting Blue’s head and softly kissed her husband, feeling his arm hook around her waist as the kiss grew a little deeper and hotter.  Only for Blue to stop them in their tracks by licking both of their chins, his big blue eyes staring at them both. “I know we agreed to go together, but with your schedule as crazy as its been, I didn’t think it’d ever happen.  And I wanted to surprise you, give you a GOOD surprise for a change after what happened with the miscarriage.” Maybe Brinley did have a little bit of baby fever going on, but the puppy would stall that for a time as she nuzzled Jon’s neck affectionately. “I really missed you, Jon.  I’m so glad you’re home.”

 

STILL not bothered by the miscarriage, that was more than likely promising him a one way trip straight to hell.  Jon was, retroactively, bothered by what he had said and done prior to it happening, but not the actual event itself.  There had been no way of knowing for sure if that baby was his and he did not need to live in doubt about a child he’d be stuck raising, though paternity tests were a thing.  However, if it hadn’t been his…Jon was afraid of what he might’ve done to Brinley.  This was way better and less labor intensive, puppies grew up within a few years, children took about two decades.

 

“I’m glad to be home, Angel,” He kissed her forehead, snickering when Blue began going nuts again. “I think he’s protective of you.”

 

“Oh come here, baby boy, I got you.” Brinley crooned, cradling him in her arm and took Jon’s hand to guide him into the house, after he picked up his bags to follow her inside.  She set the puppy down as soon as they were inside and closed the door, not wanting Blue getting out. “He’ll get used to you.  I’ve been with him for almost two weeks now, but I kept telling him all about his strong Daddy.  Come on, let’s get you unpacked and settled in.” They had the rest of the week to relax after his strenuous tour in Europe and she’d make sure he rested. “I made dinner, it’s in the crockpot and should be done relatively soon.” Some comfort food, easy to make, not the healthiest, but also nothing that couldn’t be burned off in the gym. 

 

Taking one of his bags, Brinley didn’t let go of his hand as they went to the bedroom and she set his bag down while Jon did as well, finally turning to look up at him.  He really did look bushed and she gently slid her hands up the t-shirt he had on, pushing it up over his head to drop it to the floor.  Brinley sighed softly at the feeling of his chest hair he was growing out, but still keeping maintained, nuzzling it with her face before wrapping her arms around his waist to hold him close to her.

 

“We have a good two hours before dinner is done, so how about a small nap together, hmm?  Blue needs to go down for a nap anyway.”

 

“You got him on a napping schedule?” For the life of him, Jon could not keep the amusement out of his tone.  He began chuckling and then kissed the top of her head. “Okay mama, put the baby down for a nap and then get your ass in this bed with me.  Maybe I’ll get some good and proper sleep finally.” Those overseas tours were no joke, that was for sure even though he wouldn't miss them for the world.

 

“He’s still a baby, a puppy, so yes he needs his nap or he’s a cranky ass and he’ll be up all night whining in his condo.” Jon raised a slow brow and then noticed the rather large contraption set up in their bedroom in the corner. “He goes in there to take his naps and sleep whenever it’s time to settle down.” She yawned out, not sleeping very well lately because of Blue, but he was more than worth the sleep deprivation. “I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Brushing her lips against his, Brinley made a pitstop in the bathroom to remove the lingerie from beneath her clothes, deciding they were going to actually sleep before getting down to sexy times.  Jon needed rest and so did she admittedly.  Once she gathered Blue and put him in his condo, settling him down by petting his fur for a few minutes, Brinley slid into bed right into Jon’s waiting arms and sighed in contentment. “I know I said it earlier, but welcome home, handsome.  I love you.”

 

“Mmm, good…” Jon buried his face in her hair, rolling onto his back and taking her partially with him, so she was laying with her head on his chest.  

 

He could already see Blue becoming a cockblocking nightmare since he apparently lived in their bedroom and knew after two weeks, this was an established space for him.  It was going to be weird having sex with her and those little puppy eyes on him.  Half-chuckling, already starting to doze at the idea, he'd bet money that Blue would think Daddy was hurting Mommy and try to attack him or get out of that doggy condo.  Not that that was a bad thing, he liked the idea of her having an eventual protection dog for when he wasn’t around, on those very rare occasions.

 

Once Blue was big enough to where he didn’t need nearly as much attention, he wouldn’t have to stay in their room.  He probably would anyway, but absolutely would there be no sleeping in bed with them.  That was where Brinley would put her foot down.  He could sleep on the floor beside them, but never in bed.  And she would not hesitate to kick his furball ass out the door when Daddy and Mommy wanted alone time.  They were up hours later, playing with Blue and wearing his little butt out, along with eating dinner, which was a cheesy chicken pasta she had thrown together on a whim.  It was delicious served over mashed potatoes Brinley whipped up while Jon and Blue got to know each other better.  It took two days for Jon’s jetlag to completely vanish and in the meantime, he relaxed with his wife and their new dog, just enjoying each other and becoming acclimated to their new baby boy. 

 

Once Blue was fully asleep in his condo, Brinley changed into the emerald lingerie instead of the black one the day Jon came home, a smirk curving her lips.  She walked out to stand right in front of the television, in front of her husband, watching those electric blues widen and then narrow slightly at the vision before him. “I do believe you made me a promise while you were gone and since baby boy is sleeping, I think it’s time I hold you to those words, handsome.” There was a slit right where her vagina and backside was, complete access, so there would be no need to take the lingerie off unless Jon wanted her completely naked. “What do you think of it in person?” Brinley even did a little spin for him, slowly, savoring him visually devouring her.

 

“I think I may need to dose him with Benadryl right now so he does sleep a solid 24 hours.” The allergy medicine was fine to use for adult dogs and probably not a good idea for the small puppy, but his grin and tone told her it was meant as a joke.  Mostly.  There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Blue wouldn’t probably wake up at some point during their sexy times.

 

At first glance, with the way she was standing, Jon didn’t immediately realize the slit. Then she did that slow, sultry spin and he realized it very quickly when she showed him the back of it, and herself.  He hadn’t even bothered checking the charges to his card and didn’t need too.  First glance told him this was definitely money well spent.  The pictures had been awesome, in real life was so much better and Jon reached out, moving to the edge of his seat, and planted his hands on her hips when she stepped closer to him.

 

“I think…Green is definitely your color…” One hand was exploring the material, dipping between her legs to feel that slit in the material. “And I really, REALLY like this piece.”

 

“Mmm, I knew you would, especially since we can fuck without taking it off…” He growled approvingly, sending a shiver down her spine and felt his fingers start to play with her sex, her bottom lip quivering between her teeth. “You said something sexy and raunchy, did I deliver?”

 

Planting her on his lap, making her lean back against him in a sprawl, Jon continued fingering her, toying with her clit almost lazily.  He rasped out a low ‘yes’ in her ear and she smiled, turning her head just as he captured her mouth with his, soft moans muffled by his tongue swirling with hers and he never stopped stroking her.  Her fingers buried in his curls as the kiss turned deep and hot, her hips beginning to move up and down the two long, meaty fingers that had slid deep in her searing core.  This man made Brinley cum like no other and she begged him to go faster, to make her climax for him right here and now.

 

It was very sexy and sultry for sure, she could have been a pin-up lingerie model and he would have bought every calendar, poster, whatever they sold.  Brinley was raunchy, very vocal in what she wanted and because it had been over two weeks, Jon both felt the need to tease her and draw this out, on top of bending her over face first into the couch and screwing her blind. “Mmm, keep beggin’, Angel…you do it so sweetly…”

 

Growling from low in his throat, his face buried in her neck, licking and kissing at her warm flesh even as she began mewling even more for him.  That just encouraged him to use his thumb to start stimulating her clit, adding to the sensations already rocking her body with his two skilled fingers.  He could feel her trembling, the trembling turning to shaking, and he knew she was close by the way her breathing picked up.

 

This was a MUCH better homecoming for Jon as opposed to the other times he’d had to go on tour without her overseas.  There was more than one tour a year, but the post-Mania brutal European tour always took the most out of him.  He was the only man she would ever beg and whimper for, the only man Brinley wanted in every way possible.  Brinley didn’t want to make him happy because of the threats he bestowed upon her three years ago…she wanted to make him happy because she loved him.  It had changed from a feeling of obligation to a feeling of want and need.  Just before she reached her end, Jon stopped and pulled his fingers out of her before laying her sprawled out on the couch, quickly replacing his fingers with his sinful, skillful mouth and tongue, making her cry out even more for him.  Fingers were one thing, but his mouth felt incredible and Brinley was going to absolutely wreck this couch before all was said and done.

 

“Ohhhhh Jon!!”

 

Blue had popped his head up, whimpering a little and then laid back down again, not hearing any distress in Mommy’s cries.

 

Jon didn’t stop for an hour straight, forcing climax after climax to crash over her, getting more than his fill of her in this lingerie.  The best part was because of the wide slit, not a single drop of her essence got on the beautiful fabric and Jon didn’t bother taking it off her, not even when he bent her over the couch.  Her pussy was already sore from all the attention and she screamed out his name as he slammed inside of her, ripping back on her hair while pounding in and out of her, completely controlling the pace of this session.  One of many to come.  He did pull the straps and fabric down enough to release her breasts, fisting them while driving his cock in and out of her, biting into the spot where her shoulder and neck to leave his mark on her.  She was his wife and personal whore all wrapped up in a delicious, sexual package, being the woman he dreamed about being with instead of watching porn on the road and his beautiful wife.  He got to fuck both women and loved how she enjoyed the rougher side of him, even when he began choking her slowly while pounding her.

 

Needless to say, hours later after a much needed shower, Brinley collapsed in bed naked in the arms of her beloved, completely happy, sated, and satisfied.

 

Chapter 37

 

The Ambrose Asylum.

 

The Highlight Reel by Chris Jericho was no longer in service. 

 

Dean Ambrose had come out and took it over with The Ambrose Asylum, something Vince had come up with.  It was completely stupid, the dumbest way to kick off a feud between her brother and Jon.  Brinley did not agree with it at all, though she hid her disdain for it well.  Jon was starting to complain about these hokey ideas that Vince kept coming up with for him and she tried her best to be as supportive as possible, but…this was hard.  Even THIS was childish and horrible to her, so how could she be supportive?

 

Then…things kicked up a notch when Chris smashed a potted plant named Mitch – they actually named the stupid plant! – over Dean’s head.  It had concussed him, sent him to the hospital in the storyline, and Dean had responded in kind by destroying Chris’s infamous light-up jacket.  Now, it wasn’t the real deal, but boy did her brother play the part to perfection, screaming at Dean that he owed him $15,000 dollars.  Brinley was cracking up backstage, not able to help it, and winked at her husband when he came back through gorilla with the destroyed replica light-up jacket.  There was no way Chris would EVER allow his actual light-up jacket to be destroyed, after all.

 

Chris SHOULD have let him destroy the real thing because it was a hot piece of expensive trash. That thing was an atrocity and the fact that moron actually had WORN it out and about…what was insane was the fact that Chris actually LIKED it.  It hadn’t been forced on him.  On the bright side, he never had to see that stupid jacket ever again, not unless the blonde moron decided to wear it for some family function they all had to attend.  The fact of the matter was Jon was getting restless and that was bad, the smile falling from his face once he was past his wife, though there was no hiding the tension in his body.  They were making him look like a clown half the time with these asinine scripts.  They had him ACTING insane, but without letting him bring the physical insanity he knew he could.  Instead, it was silly and childish like setting a jacket on fire, the stupid plant incident notwithstanding.  At this point, he was starting to think Vince McMahon had NO idea what to do with him outside of making him do stupid crap just for the old man’s amusement.

 

Not only was Jon frustrated at the arenas, but it was showing at the hotels with Brinley as well.  There were nights he wanted nothing to do with her, not even holding her in his arms, and she left him be.  It had been nearly a month since they had sex and she had tried a few times to entice him, but to no avail.  They ended up arguing about her brother, it was always the same subject and Brinley finally told him to shut the hell up about her brother or else she would get her own hotel room.  Jon did not like that, proceeding to give her possibly the hardest and most brutal sex encounter yet.  Still, Brinley did not push him away like she had in the past and whenever Jon wanted her, she gave herself to him. 

 

However, tonight she was not in the mood and he was trying to start something with her, trying to get her in the mood, after bitching and complaining about creative, Vince, and her brother.  Again. “Not tonight, Jon.”

 

Jon was not taking no for an answer, ripping back on her hair to where she yelped out in pain and grabbed her roughly by the chin, almost bruising. “If you don’t want me to hurt your brother in that ring for our match tomorrow night, you’ll be a good little whore for me and give me what I want!  Or I will make sure he doesn’t walk out of that ring tomorrow night.” Sometimes, she needed a refresher on just how mean and sadistic he could be, ignoring the way her green eyes filled with tears. “You’re my wife, now bend over and surrender to me or else.”

 

Needless to say, Brinley was appalled and disgusted by him all over again, tears streaming down her face while he whipped her around, tearing her panties off, and shoved his fingers inside of her roughly to get her stimulated. “No…” She whimpered out, gasping when he clutched her throat and forced her back to press against his chest.

 

“You don’t get to say no to me, Angel.” Jon slid his tongue up her cheek, laughing wickedly while continuing to plummet his fingers in and out of her. “You love me, remember?  You love my cock inside of you, wearing sexy lingerie for me, sending me pictures and videos…so stop playing hard to get and fuck your husband already!”

 

It was almost as if a fog had cleared from her head and she was realizing just what kind of monster she was dealing with.  Jon could be sweet, caring, loving even, but when he didn’t get what he wanted, he turned into a heartless bastard and Brinley knew defending her brother did not help matters any.  She couldn’t help it, none of this was Christopher’s fault or hers!

 

“I don’t love you right now, not this version of you!  I hate this version of you and you know it!” She cried out, being shoved down on the bed and tried to scramble away from him, but there was no use.

 

“Chris’ blood will be on YOUR hands if you don’t stay put and give me what I want, Brinley.” He growled, tired of the games and smacked her bare backside hard, gripping it hard with his hand. “DO IT RIGHT FUCKING NOW OR HE’S A DEAD MAN!!”

 

Sobbing uncontrollably, her entire body trembling, Brinley gave into her psychotic husband’s demands, surrendering to him while tears streaked her cheeks.  The moment he was finished with her, she scrambled away from him and went into the bathroom, slamming the door shut flipping the lock on it. Please, please don’t follow me in here… Turning the shower sprays on as hot as she could stand it, something she hadn’t done in a long time, Brinley proceeded to scrub her body from head to toe, crying the entire time.  She could not wait until this feud with her brother was over with, so maybe her sweet, caring, loving Jon would return. “Fucking monster…”

 

The problem with this feud was a combination of things.  He really, REALLY hated her arrogant, condescending brother.  Jon also really, REALLY hated how it wasn’t being taken seriously because of all the stupid little gags Vince had incorporated into it.  What could have been something great, something WORTH doing, especially after that mockery with Lesnar refusing to play ball at WrestleMania was a giant joke!  

 

He was becoming a JOKE, the joke of the WWE!

 

Logically, he knew this would be a huge setback with Brinley.  Calling her a whore, roughing her up the way he did, and in those moments, he didn’t care.  She LOOKED like her brother sometimes, minus the green eyes, especially when her jaw squared up.  He had wanted to backhand her when she told him no, everywhere else was shutting him down and screwing up his life, so SHE didn’t get to do it too.  Jon could hear her in the shower, snorting and rolled his eyes as he lay there on the bed, smoking a cigarette with one arm folded beneath his head.  When she opened that door, a wall of steam would come rolling out, he would bet money on it.

 

Sure enough, that steam came billowing out the door as she walked out, clutching the towel to her body.  Didn’t she say she wanted nothing to do with this feud?  Didn’t she say she was staying out of it?  Brinley had told him from the beginning she wasn’t taking sides and Jon had been fine with it at the time.  She knew he was frustrated and angry, his bitterness for WWE growing at a rapid rate.  There was nothing Brinley could do about it though.  She was just a producer and a lowly one at that.  It was bad enough she was forced to produce every single one of Bray Wyatt’s matches since that meeting with Vince earlier this year and it hadn’t stopped, but she didn’t bitch, moan, or complain about it. 

 

No, she pushed forward because that was all she could do! 

 

Pulling on a nightshirt and panties, Brinley dropped the towel once she knew she was covered and walked over to sit on the bed with her back to Jon, feeling tears well up in her eyes. “I’m sick and tired of you threatening my brother and my family to get what you want, Jon.  I am your wife, not your slave and not your whore either.  I love you, but right now, I also hate you and want nothing to do with you.  When you decide to be MY Jon again, you let me know.” Taking the pillow and blanket, she spread them on the floor right by the bed, refusing to share one with this monster that had inhabited her husband’s body.

 

“Duly noted, wife.” That word came out to be a very sick sort of loving caress because in this moment, he honestly didn’t care.  He knew he had a lot of issues and again, didn’t care.  She had known what kind of man he was.  Just like a wild animal.  One could handfeed it and love it all they wanted, even assuming it was tame after a while, but all it would take was one bad day and it would attack, resorting to its base instincts.  That summed him up and he rolled onto his side, staring down at the little bed she had made herself on the floor.

 

Silently, Brinley rolled away from him since she felt her eyes on him, tears rolling down her cheeks and recalled the last time this happened.  The incident at the club where he raped her.  Just like tonight.  He had raped her again.  She had told him no and he took what he wanted anyway.  Would Brinley ever learn her lesson not to fight back when Jon was in one of his mercurial moods?  No, probably not because she was stubborn and set in her ways, that fire inside of her burning bright as ever.  Eventually, she did manage to fall asleep and once again, she woke up to Jon spooning against her on the floor, his face buried in her hair. 

 

Instead of turning away from him and driving herself into depression again, Brinley turned to bury her face in his chest, crying all over again.  They’d gone a month without sex and then the monster had come out the first night she denied him because she wasn’t feeling up to it after hearing him bitch about her brother. Why do you hurt me when all I’ve done is love you?  Don’t you know I’m on your side?  But I can’t just be on your side, Jon, he’s my brother and it’s not his fault creative sucks with this angle.  It’s not his fault Vince is making you out to be a joke in the company! 

 

He lifted her chin with his strong hand, having woken up to her crying, and captured her mouth with his, this time in a much more passionate and soft way instead of brutality.  Even though Brinley did not want to have sex with him right now, not after the way he treated her the previous night, she also didn’t want to spark his temper either.  So out of fear of being raped again, she went along with whatever her psychotic husband wanted from her, doing everything in her power not to tremble or show how scared she really was.

 

Instantly, he noticed the change, just the slightest tremble and Jon pulled away, his previously softened eyes hardening again.  So apparently, Brinley didn’t love the nicer version of him either, love was totally pointless.  It was back to that square one where she’d have sex to appease him and after having her all that time willingly, with the exception of last night, that wasn’t good enough for him anymore.  Instead of acknowledging that it was HIS fault, Jon curled his lip at her in a sneer and rolled away from her on the floor, stretching as he turned away from her.  He wasn’t happy with this stupid storyline.  He wasn’t happy with this equally now stupid feud.  He hated her stupid brother who had enough say at this point in his career that HE could have said this is stupid and wouldn’t because Chris was a moron.  He hated HIS own wrestling career at the moment.  And now he wasn’t liking his shrew of a wife either.

 

Maybe it was just time to start doing things the Jon Moxley way.

 

What type of reaction did he expect her to have?!  She did love the nicer version of him, but he had absolutely terrified her all over again, just like that night at the club.  Brinley’s heart broke at the look on his face and she stumbled to her feet, knowing what she had to do.  They couldn’t go another year without hardly speaking, without sex, without being a married couple.  She promised to make this work, by any means necessary, and she knew how mercurial his moods were.  Telling this man no wasn’t an option and she still did it, knowing what the outcome would be.

 

“Jon…” She whimpered out, ignoring the pain she was in because he hadn’t taken anything easy on her the previous night.  Wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, she didn’t let go even when he tried pulling away from her, shaking her head. “I-I know you’re angry, I know you’re frustrated and…and I’m not helping by defending my brother to you.  I know how much you hate him.” He had told her as much several times throughout their marriage. “I’m sorry…I’m so sorry, please…I refuse to be without my husband for another year and I refuse to go back on pills to deal with life!  I refuse to drown in depression!  I’m your wife, damn it!  And we don’t quit, EVER!” He whipped around and Brinley ignored the deadly ice in his eyes, instead bringing his mouth down to hers to sear his lips with hers, jumping right up into his arms. “Please baby, I love you…please…” Burying her face in the crook of his neck, Brinley clung to him for dear life and refused to let him go, pulling back to kiss him feverishly again without any fear or hesitation. “I was wrong and stupid for saying no to you, for denying you, please forgive me and let me make it up to you now…”

 

SHE was kissing HIM, he wasn’t returning it all, his eyes nothing except pure, cold, calculating ice as he took her face in. “No.” He ordered flatly, watching as she recoiled because HE and never said no to HER when it came to sex. “No, I don’t think so, Angel.” He began the process of prying her off of him, ignoring her begging before finally just pushing her away enough to send her reeling back a few feet. “Well, now I know why you get pissy when I don’t listen to that word,” Jon snorted, turning to retrieve his cigarettes off the nightstand and lit one up before glancing at her, inhaling deeply. “It’s fucking annoying.”

 

Her green eyes were acidic now, staring at him hoping he'd drop dead right at her feet. “Doesn’t feel very fucking good, does it?  Like I really want to fuck you after you spew poison and bullshit threats about my brother and family?!  No, I didn’t and you took what you wanted anyway.  Just like that night at the club all those years ago.  The next time I tell you no, you should fucking listen instead of only thinking of yourself and what you want.” Snorting, she lit up a cigarette and blew smoke out after taking a long drag. “If you’re not happy with your run in WWE, then fucking leave and wrestle somewhere else.  You’re not happy and I obviously don’t make you happy.  You don’t even love me.”

 

“No, I don’t, and Brinnie,” Jon was trying not to laugh at her and it was very obvious, his body beginning to shake just a little as he continued smoking that cigarette and studying her like she was something mildly interesting. “I’m sorry, but you can tell me no until you’re blue in the face, but until you stop this little shit where you throw yourself at me like a fucking bitch in heat because for some reason, you got it in your head that your pussy is the way to marital bliss, I’m never going to listen to your ‘no’s’.  You’re too busy screaming yes whenever shit goes south with the way you throw yourself at me, like just a few minutes ago.” She had LATCHED onto him.

 

Any smart sane man would be backing up by now.  Actually, no, a smart sane man would NEVER say those words to a woman, period.  Nobody would ever accuse him of being smart or sane.

 

That hatred was back full force.  It burned deep inside of her and Brinley couldn’t stop the next set of words from coming out of her mouth. “I only fuck you so you don’t kill my family or me.  I fuck you for survival and figured that’s all you want from me is getting your dick wet.” His confession of not loving her hit hard, but Brinley shoved it aside for the time being. “And I knew you’d hurt me if I denied you on that floor.  That’s all you do when you’re pissed off at the world is hurt me and I’m sick of it.  You can take this marriage and shove it up your ass!  I’m DONE and you won’t ever touch me again.  I can’t keep putting a smile on my face and pretending I love a psychotic worthless WASHED UP BASTARD LIKE YOU!!  Vince was right about you, you ARE A FUCKING JOKE!!”

 

He was LAUGHING his ass OFF at her outburst, having been expecting it. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, and you’re my punchline, Angel,” Jon had to slump back against the wall before he wound up killing himself, bringing that cigarette up for another draw and coughed on it from still laughing so hard. “Fuck…fuck…” Waving smoke out of his face, his blue eyes alit with malicious amusement as he took his raging bitch of a wife in. “Sorry, Brinnie, but I’m so goddamn used to you and your bullshit, it’s not gonna phase me.  I was expecting this shit the day you kept insisting you loved me, I already knew you didn’t and I don’t fucking care.”

 

Then the mirth was gone and he was in her face, pushing HER back into a wall. “You are DONE when I SAY you are done, you understand me?” The cigarette was between his lips and he was speaking around it, bringing his hands up onto either side of her head and squeezed. “And if you think you’re going to take this old, bitch attitude of yours and say fuck it, and push your luck, the very fucking first thing I do is go strangle your nieces and nephew while their mother watches.”

 

She couldn’t hold back any longer and kneed him as hard as she could right between his legs, then kneed him again in the face. “If you TOUCH my family, any member of it, I’ll KILL YOU!” She stepped on his throbbing junk, on his hands, on her way to grab her bag, knowing it wouldn’t be too long before Jon was on his feet again. “I’m divorcing you and you can’t do a damn thing about it!  Fuck you!  I’m telling Christopher everything and you can’t stop me!!” Flying out the door as fast as her feet could carry her, Brinley made sure to grab the keys to the rental and took the back staircase, not caring about anything except getting away from this psychotic bastard.  Just as she burst through the next door, she ran right into a brick wall, or so it felt like.  Her face was tear streaked, her body trembling and keys were in her hand with her bag over her shoulder, in just a nightshirt. “S-Seth…?”

 

“What the fuck, Brinley?” She looked a hot mess and he automatically gave her a onceover, looking for signs of visible damage.  She looked fine physically, just disheveled like she had just rolled out of bed, bright red in the face and she was bawling like a baby. “What happened?  Where’s Dean?” It never once occurred to him that her problem WAS her husband because they had played the perfect couple so well.  Hell, people had overheard her defending her husband against her brother, announcing how she LOVED him and all that. “Brinley?” He took her by the shoulders, pulling her into him, realizing he wasn’t getting out of here until she calmed down.

 

FUCK! How was she going to explain this one?  Brinley knew she was running out of time to get the hell out of here and Seth had somewhat of a tight grip on her. “I have to go, okay?  I have to go, Seth!  You didn’t see me, you never saw me.” She whispered pleadingly before breaking past him and kept running down the stairs, wiping her tears away.  It was pouring down rain where they were at and it wasn’t even 5 AM, so still dark outside.  She made a beeline for the rental, got inside, fired up the ignition, and sped out of the parking lot as fast as she could, ignoring her cell phone blaring in the bag. “I-I can’t…I can’t do this anymore, I’m done!  DONE!!” Brinley knew it was dangerous to drive in the pouring rain at night, but she didn’t care. 

 

Jon had crossed the line again with her and she was done with him.

 

Or so she thought.

 

Chapter 38

 

“THAT’S THUMBTACKS!!”

“CHRIS JERICHO JUST WENT THROUGH THUMBTACKS!!”

 

The Asylum Match had lived up to the hype and the world got to witness a more sadistic side to Dean Ambrose than ever before.  It was a cage match with a twist.  Weapons of Ambrose’s choosing dangling above the ring hooked to the cage by thin cables.  A kendo stick, a red bucket people now knew was filled with a bag full of thumbtacks, nun chucks, which was a personal favorite of Jon’s.  He collected them and had a wall in his office at their house dedicated to his vast collection of nun chucks. 

 

Brinley covered her mouth with her hand at the sight of her brother going through those thumbtacks, not believing he had agreed to do this or how sadistic Jon had been.  She hadn’t spoken to her husband in over a month, not even going home, so he had to deal with Blue by himself.  Instead, Brinley had gone back to Florida to spend time with her parents, assuring them everything was fine with Jon and she just wanted to visit.  They believed her, naturally, and it killed her to know their lives were at risk because of her…because of her psychotic husband.  Was this another sign from Jon?  A warning?  It had to be.  Once Jon won the match with his Dirty Deeds DDT finisher, Chris was helped to the back with thumbtacks splayed all over his back.  Brinley immediately went to him, ignoring her husband and could see the pain written all over her brother’s face.

 

Chris was LIVID because he had NOT agreed to that stunt!  There was NO softening impact with thumbtacks unless they were bent in advance, just enough to hopefully avoid piercing skin and that wasn’t the case with this.  Ambrose had just hung that bucket up there and he had no idea what the hell this clown was doing until it was too late. “That motherfucker!”

 

“Hands off, Brin, sorry but he’s bleeding…” And the EMTs had to follow the biohazard rules and safety regulations, already gloved up and ready to go. “Chris, we’re going to numb you up and get these out of you.” THAT was going to hurt.

 

Jon was flying HIGH, knowing he was going to be fined to hell and back, maybe suspended, but it had been WORTH it.  What a match!

 

Brinley held Chris’ hand the entire time, wincing with every tack that was pulled out of his body.  When all was said and done, with quite a bit of blood, they counted 69 thumbtacks.  SIXTY-NINE THUMBTACKS IN HER BROTHER’S BODY!!  Elbows, back, legs, thighs, shoulders, even some in his head!  Brinley felt sick to her stomach and had to excuse herself to empty the contents of her stomach in the women’s bathroom of the arena, fresh tears sliding down her cheeks.  Jon had done that on purpose, to send a message to her, and she received it loud and clear.  If she didn’t go home after Smackdown! this week…Jon would send her another message, possibly with another member of her family.  Dabbing her mouth after rinsing it out, Brinley splashed cold water on her face and dried it, staring back at her reflection.  At the very least, this feud between Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho was over with, but behind the scenes…something told her it had only just begun.

 

Damn right it was the beginning!  Those were the ones that had STUCK in his body; they did not include the small wounds from the ones that had been brushed off during the match or the ones that had just fallen off the older man’s body.  Jon was whistling a happy tune as he used the men’s restroom that he had outright commandeered because he KNEW people were going to be looking for him in all the obvious places, busy washing Chris’ vile blood off his hands and arms.  He probably shouldn’t be whistling, but he didn’t overly care about being caught.  Jon just preferred to be clean when he got the reaming of a lifetime.  He idly wondered if he’d wind up fired or something when he laughed about it.  Smirking at his reflection, he leaned in closely to the mirror to inspect a spot near his eyeball, a speck on his nose and there was blood there too.  He bet his wife came home quickly after that, probably to kill him since she had been ballsy enough to attack him before running away.

 

Brinley was at a crossroads, not sure what to do after what happened to her brother. 

 

What was the right thing to do?  Go to the police?  Go to Vince? She immediately nixed that idea right away, not after what happened with the Bray Wyatt incident, which she was STILL paying for.  Jon wasn’t the only one who was miserable with this job.  She was too!  Being forced to work with her rapist while married to another one…Brinley really wasn’t winning much in life at the moment.  Bray had tried coping a feel a time or two and she merely told him if he wanted to keep wrestling for the rest of his life, he’d stop while he was ahead and keep things professional between them.  Walking out of the arena that night, there stood her husband with a cigarette between his fingers, leaning back against the railing with a smile on his face. 

 

Sick bastard! Squaring her shoulders, Brinley walked right past him to her rental car, not saying a single word to him.  Her wedding ring was missing too, securely at the bottom of her purse currently.

 

Before she could even get her door closed, he was there, shoving her right across to the passenger seat or risk getting herself hurt on the instruments between the seats. “Hey wifey, let’s chat!” Sliding into the now wide open driver’s seat, Jon engaged the child safety locks before she bothered trying to get out.  Within seconds, not bothering with seatbelts, they were backing out of the parking spot and peeling out of there, blatantly ignoring the security guards at the open gate, just driving straight right past. “I’d fasten in or else the Angel nickname might become truth.” He warned, flicking ash on his denim covered knee as he steered with one hand. “So, how’ve you been?  Enjoying the downtime?  My balls are fine, thanks for asking.” Brinley was fastening up immediately and he looked directly at her, eyes nowhere near close to on the road. “How’s Chris?”

 

Brinley was scared out of her mind right now, silently praying she survived this because Jon looked very manic at the moment.  Maybe she had pushed him too far. “WATCH THE ROAD!!” She screamed when he started veering to the side into a curb and Brinley was very thankful she had thrown up earlier or else she would’ve sprayed the inside of this rental with her vomit. “None of your damn business and I don’t care about your balls!” As a matter of fact, yes, she was thoroughly enjoying the downtime and tried to remain calm while Jon continued staring icy daggers at her. “If you kill us, then you forfeit everything!  Are you really prepared to do that, Jon?  Are you prepared to kill us because I decided to fight back and leave your psychotic ass?!”

 

“It’s not forfeiting if I kill us, that’s kinda a win for me really.” Jon knew exactly who it would hurt, who it would destroy and he began laughing when she screamed about another curb, finally looking back and veering properly onto the road. “You panic too much for someone who has a bipolar disorder.”

 

His darling wife wavered between hating him and loving him; he’d never forget that night when they had danced, before Wyatt had messed with her, and all those professions she had made.  Or how he had come home from Europe and how she had been a thirsty, loving whore then too.  He had always known, always had it in the back of his mind, exactly what Brinley would do and say when that switch flipped, when he pushed it.  Sure enough, she had NOT disappointed.

 

“Wanna go see Blue?  He’s at the hotel, all kennel trained for travel now.” Jon was pretty proud of that actually.

 

“NO!  I want you to pull the fuck over and get out of MY rental car!” Blue was the LAST thing on her mind right now!  She hadn’t thought about the dog in the past month due to avoiding her husband at every turn, which meant not going home. “I’m not going anywhere with you, the moment we’re out of this car, I’m gone again.” She was not bipolar at all.  Brinley knew she loved a psychotic prick, who did not love her back.  A psycho that REFUSED, after three and a half years of marriage, to tell her the truth behind his threatening of her family and why she was forced to marry him. “Did my knee to your balls and nose not give you a clear enough message?  I’m done, Jon!  I’m fucking done with all of this!  You want me to stay married to your stupid ass, fine, but I’m living my OWN life and doing what I want from now on!” Brinley was done trying, completely finished with him and was pressed against the passenger door tightly, staying as far away from him as this car would allow.

 

“No, I don’t think so, Brinley, because that’s just not working for us, Mama.  You left me and our little fur baby; you’re such a neglectful mother, you know that?” That was a direct jibe to when she’d been pregnant and he didn’t care.  There was a very unsubtle implication in there about just what kind of mother she WOULD have been if she hadn’t miscarried her little rape baby.  Jon had made a turn though, knowing Newark like the back of his hand, including the waterfront areas, with the fun docks that he had always contemplated driving a motorcycle or something off of, just to see what that kind of rush would be like. “I gave you plenty of time to get over your butthurt and if you’re not going to come back like the good little wifey I know you like pretending you are, then we’re going to take a long drive off a short pier and test our escaping capabilities.” He was lighting another cigarette, taking a deep pull off of it. “Remember that special we watched on Discovery?  About Houdini?  Think we could do it?”

 

“You’re INSANE!!  No, I don’t think we could do it!  I think we’d both drown and die!  I’m not coming back to you, so kill me if that’s what you want!”

 

Brinley didn’t care about an animal nearly as much as she would have a baby.  A baby was a human being, a dog was not.  Animals were animals and humans were humans.  She wasn’t that big of an animal lover to begin with, but had adopted Blue and put up with him for Jon.  Jon wanted a dog and she figured it would keep him happy, but that had backfired brilliantly.  Would he do it?  Would he really drive this car off a short pier to see if they lived to tell the tale?  Was he really that crazy and insane enough to do it?

 

Yes, yes he was.

 

That rental was going to cost her an arm and a leg, all of her belongings besides her laptop and a few things were now buried under the dark, murky water he had driven them right into.  She coughed violently, managing to pull herself up on the pier and lay there staring up at the stars, trembling from head to toe.  Brinley was soaked to the bone, her purse along with her wedding ring, had also gone down deep into the water…and Jon was nowhere to be found.  Rolling over to get on her knees, she looked around where they were and wished she could get her legs to work, to move, needing to find shelter somewhere.

 

Jon was shoving everything up onto the dock, grabbing it and pulling himself up as well.  He had used the headlights in that water to snatch her purse and a bag from going down too far. That had been beyond exhilarating!  What a rush!  Shaking himself like he was a dog, water flew in every which direction, his head cocking when he heard her hacking.  Walking over to her, gently bending to help her stand up, Jon felt her body leaning against his forehead, her back to him, and he even more gently pulled her hair out of her face while she began throwing up that water.

 

“Oh shit, Angel,” Genuine remorse flooded his tone when he caught sight of a rather long gash across her cheekbone.  It was bleeding pretty freely, which told him it was superficial, but it was still bad. “Shit, here.” Lifting her in his arms like she was a princess, he turned to go retrieve her stuff, gently levering it onto her stomach.

 

“L-Let…me…g-go…”

 

Brinley hadn’t even realized she’d been lacerated from that stunt and could feel her body already falling limp, the shock of what happened wearing off.  She’d have a gnarly bruise on her chest too from the seatbelt, which she’d barely unbuckled.  All Jon did was brush his lips against her forehead while continuing to walk with her in his arms.  Within moments, she was passed out, her body going limp and Jon had stopped to make sure she was still breathing, which she was.  Blood ran down her cheek from the laceration as he proceeded to keep walking all the way to the hotel he was staying at with Blue.

 

~!~

 

The following day, Brinley slowly cracked her eyes open to possibly the biggest headache in her life. 

 

It wasn’t just a headache, it was a migraine. 

 

Her throat was sore, her cheek hurt badly, thanks to Jon stitching her up, and he’d also caked salve on her chest.  Brinley felt like she’d been ran over with a truck and looked around the room, trying to assess where she was.  Then she felt a large arm draped across her stomach and turned her head, staring down at her deeply sleeping husband.  Blue was in his crate, also sleeping, but she knew one movement from her and he’d be up, barking his head off.  She had to pee, there was no choice in the matter and she barely managed to get out of bed, covering her mouth with her hand at how sore she was.  Her husband was absolutely out of his mind and she wondered how the hell she was going to explain the fact her rental was at the bottom of a lake right now.

 

That was easy to explain and Jon had already done it.  Brake failure and it was at the bottom of that bay; he had driven them right into the Atlantic Ocean without two thoughts.  There had never been a doubt in his mind about their survival.  Jon was too stubborn to die and honestly, Satan probably wasn’t ready for the challenge to his throne if Jon showed up.  Would the rental company try retrieving the car?  Probably not, he had already paid up everything and then some.  They had been driving and intent on parking on the dock for some ‘romantic time’, not totally unheard of, and the vehicle wouldn’t STOP.  They had bailed on the car since it sunk like a stone.  The company would probably sweep this under the rug, they didn’t want THAT story about one of their rentals nearly killing two people, one who was even semi-famous.

 

“Here,” As soon as she had finished peeing and just gotten her hands washed, he had opened the door and was there with more salve, his eyes scanning her face intently. “I got Tylenol and a bottle of water for you too.”

 

Chapter 39

 

Not saying a single word to him, Brinley popped the Tylenol and uncapped the water, swallowing enough to get the pills to slide down her throat.  Her eyes remained on her reflection staring back at her, the heavy bandage on her cheek making her wince.  She wanted to see what it looked like beneath, really hoping it didn’t scar, or else she’d have to wear makeup the rest of her damn life to hide it.  Driving them directly into the bay all because she refused to come back to the hotel…Jon was out of his mind and had proven that last night.  He had risked life and limb with both of them and Brinley had no idea how she survived, but she did.  Would this be on the news or social media?  Looking away from the mirror, Brinley couldn’t remember the last time she felt so weak and vulnerable, managing to shove past Jon enough to make it to bed.  Managing to pull the comforter over her, she curled up in a tight ball and closed her eyes, praying the Tylenol kicked in soon.

 

There would probably be something from him peeling out of the lot on social media, but that last bit of their drive was highly unlikely.  Jon had picked an area he knew didn’t see much in the way of night traffic, spending a lot of time here in Newark in his younger days, so he was familiar with most of the area.  Brinley was allowed to be salty, he figured, he HAD driven them off a pier and into a lake.  Brushing his teeth, he was aware she had crawled back into bed.  As long as she quit trying to escape him and calmed down, everything would be fine because that was just a small taste of the crazy.  Back to bed sounded awesome and he scooped up Blue when he seen the puppy wagging his tail at the door, the puppy pad looking damp, which meant Blue had used it.

 

“Good boy.” He murmured, depositing Blue onto the bed and watched as the still little bulldog moved up towards the center between the pillows, sniffing at Brinley’s hair before nestling down partially on the bed, partially on her hair with a satisfied snort.

 

“Why is the fucking dog in bed with us?  What if he pees on us?” Brinley muttered, not amused and winced as she turned on her back, receiving kisses from the mongrel. “Hey baby boy.” She murmured, her tone softening a bit at the adorable puppy and reached out to pet him, feeling him snuggling right against her. 

 

Damn it, she did miss Blue and continued petting him, scooting over when Jon rejoined them in bed.  Brinley glowered at him, kissing the top of Blue’s head, and winced again as she turned to lay on her side, her back facing both of them now.  This was the last place she wanted to be and as soon as she had the opportunity, Brinley was gone.  Just because she was married to this lunatic did NOT mean she had to spend every waking hour with him on the road. 

 

Having her own room felt nice for a change.

“He’s not gonna pee on us, he knows how to jump down and head for his puppy pads.” For someone who was certifiably insane, Jon was amazed by how much patience he had for Blue once she took off and ran away.  He had felt BAD how much the little mongrel had missed the woman who had called her ‘mama’ and spoiled him rotten, which had made him wonder if she had even cared about the dog at all or if it was just another one of her tricks to try convincing him she loved him. “He also just peed.  Also, he now usually sleeps with me.” Jon remembered her no Blue in bed rule, that had totally gone out the window and he had only kept Blue crated last night because of her.  He began taking over giving Blue belly rubs and loving since she had turned away. “Already planning on running off again?” He was crazy and she was stupid.

 

“What was your first clue?  You nearly killed us last night.” Brinley spoke quietly, touching her cheek gingerly and knew getting upset would only push her recovery back. “You are certifiably insane and belong in a padded room with four walls and nothing else.  The second I’m better, I’m gone.  I’ll stay married to you just to sate your…reasoning for this stupid marriage in the first place, but I refuse to travel with you.  I refuse to share a home with you.  You better find your kicks somewhere else because I will never fuck you again.  I want nothing to do with you after what you’ve put me through.  I meant what I said.  I’m done with this.  And you WILL leave my family alone or so help me god, I will kill you myself.” Jon had pushed her over the edge and Brinley couldn’t stand being in the same bed as him, willing herself out of the bed. “Like the Linkin Park song goes ‘I tried so hard, and got so far, but in the end it doesn’t even fucking matter’.  And it never fucking did.” Yanking the pillow off the bed, Brinley settled down on the carpeted floor and once again turned her back on him.

 

“See, if it didn’t matter, I’d divorce you.” Shifting Blue so he could lay on the edge of the bed, Jon stared down at her hardening. “You’re not sating anything and if you really thought you could kill me, you probably would have done it by now.  All you’re doing is irritating me and practically begging me to do something stupid.”

 

So, he was going to do something stupid.  She made no sense.  Brinley was going to stay married to him to ‘sate’ him, but thought he’d be fine with her basically being separated from him?  Snorting, Jon got out of the bed and began gathering up his and Blue’s things, retrieving a small playing ball from beneath a chair.

 

“You didn’t try anything, you were lying and faking it the entire time so you’re going to have to throw that pitiful me crap somewhere else.  I stopped believing anything out of your mouth a while ago.” Snickering as he lit a fresh cigarette, Jon was now rifling in his bag for fresh clothing. “But I’m not ly-ing,” He sing-songed, mostly to himself. “When I say something bad is, ah, gonna happen soon.”

 

“LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE, YOU COCKSUCKER!!” Oh, that hurt really badly and Brinley actually walked over to slap the cigarette out of his hand, shoving at him. “YOU LEAVE THEM ALONE!!  THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!!  I WASN’T FAKING A DAMN THING!!  I DO LOVE YOU!!  I DO FUCKING LOVE YOU, BUT NOT THIS VERSION OF YOU!!  NOT THIS MONSTER WHO NEARLY KILLED ME LAST NIGHT AND HURT MY BROTHER!!  YOU WENT BACK ON YOUR WORD TO LEAVE HIM ALONE IF I COMPLIED WITH WHAT YOU WANTED AND I DID!!  YOU BROKE YOUR WORD LAST NIGHT!!  I DIDN’T LIE, I DID EVERYTHING I COULD TO MAKE THIS WORK, TO MAKE YOU HAPPY, TO BE HAPPY WITH YOU, AND YOU DON’T EVEN CARE!!  NONE OF THIS MATTERS TO YOU AND IT NEVER FUCKING DID, SO WHY THE FUCK SHOULD I CARE AND TRY ANYMORE?!  FUCK YOU!!  YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY FAMILY OR I WILL GO TO THE FUCKING POLICE AND TELL THEM EVERYTHING!!  I’LL GO TO THE NATIONAL GUARD IF THAT’S WHAT IT TAKES TO PROTECT MY FAMILY AND I’LL POINT THEM IN YOUR DIRECTION ABOUT MY BURNT DOWN HOUSE TOO!!  SCREW YOU, JONATHAN DAVID GOOD!!” No, he was not going to manipulate and threaten her anymore.  That ship had long sailed and if he wanted to stop her from leaving right now, he’d have to kill her.  The moment Jon reached out to grab her arm, Brinley swung back and clocked him as hard as she could with her left hand that had her wedding ring back on her left ring finger, dotting his eye for him “DON’T FUCKING TOUCH ME!!  DON’T YOU EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN!!”

 

What happened next was out of pure, reactional instinct.  The second right after she had dotted his eye he had unleashed a backhand at full strength.  Realization what his body had just automatically did as a defensive reply on autopilot lit up the eye that wasn’t clenched shut and tearing up from the assault.  Brinley went flying right into the wall and dropped to the floor like a sack of flour, out cold. “Well fuck…fuck!” THAT had been an accident.  

 

Jon had never, ever struck her, but then again, she had never outright punched him in his eyeball before either.  She was the one who had initiated the violence between them, first when she had kneed him in the balls and then his face, and now this.  Now Jon could add woman beater to his list of offenses against her. 

 

Brinley slowly opened her eyes a few hours later, once again in bed, only this time the side of her face was throbbing.  Luckily, Jon had struck the other side of her face instead of the stitched side or else they would’ve burst open.  A bruise had already started to form on her cheek and jawline, and her head had a small knot on it from hitting the wall.  Jon had called Vince already to let him know about the incident with the rental car, so she was granted leave for the rest of the week to recuperate.  Jon as well.  That meant Brinley would not have her chance to escape him since he could keep an eye on her all the time. 

 

In all the years they’d known each other and been married, Jon had never laid a harmful hand on her.  And now he had.  As Brinley walked into the bathroom to get some water from the faucet, a harsh reality crashed over her.  She was in a very abusive marriage, if it could even be called that.  Her reflection staring back at her was…hideous and grotesque, her bottom lip split from the backhand, along with the bruising and then the bandage on her other cheek…she looked like she’d gone through twelve rounds and got her backside handed to her.  How would she explain all of this, much less to her brother?  The bruising wouldn’t be gone, nor the wound on her cheek, in a week’s time.

 

If anything, Jon was the one in the abusive marriage.  

 

She had put her hands on him TWICE now, on two separate occasions.  One couldn’t JACK someone in their EYEBALL and not expect someone, especially someone who made a living fighting, to not react instinctively.  That was just beyond dumb on her part.  To be fair, he hadn’t married her for her brains nor would have he if it had been a love match; she wasn’t very smart. “I’d apologize, but it’d be a lie, I’m not apologizing for an instinctive reaction.” Jon informed her from the doorway, arms folded over his chest, his expression carefully neutral. “I will tell you though, to stop fucking putting your hands on me, woman.  I don’t know who taught you that men shouldn’t hit women, but they were lying.  Sometimes, people can’t fucking HELP a defensive reaction.” His eye was heavily bruised and discolored, blood vessels a little crazy looking in there because of that stupid ring he had bought her.

 

“Hmph, just like it’s perfectly fine for a man to rape a woman, right?  Perfect logic right there, Jonathan.  You got what you deserved, so if you don’t want your other eye dotted for you, don’t fucking touch me.” Brinley snarled, not in the mood for his condescending tone while she remained standing at the sink, her body feeling as though she’d taken a hundred back bumps in a ring.  It HURT all over.  It hurt to walk, to move, to talk, but she would push through all of her pain. “I overheard you on the phone and we have the week off, correct?” He nodded, her eyes remaining on the mirror, so she saw him do it through the reflection. “If you think I’m going anywhere with you, especially to Vegas, you’re out of your goddamn mind.  The only way I’m going with you anywhere is if you knock me out again since your threats don’t manipulate me anymore, asshole.” She had her own money, they never combined their finances together at Jon’s insistence, so she could go anywhere and do anything she wanted. 

 

Hawaii sounded good, actually.

 

“See, I don’t look at you as a normal woman because you’re not.  You’re just as psychotic as me, you just tend to hide it a little better.” Jon was dead serious too.  Except when Brinley let her psycho tendencies loose, she exploded.  He stooped to scoop Blue up when the puppy began biting on the hem of his jeans before glancing back at her. “You use sex as a weapon, you lie constantly, you’re just as bad as those slut ring rats, only you just dress a little better.  Also, I don’t WANT you coming home with me.” He smirked, sort of, around his eye was all swollen and bruised, horrible looking, and the swelling impacted his face lifting when he smiled or smirked. “I’m not GOING home, got other places to visit, right buddy?”

 

“Good, find a new wife while you’re at it.” She took her ring off and threw it at him, refusing to wear it ever again. “No, I use sex as a means of survival when it comes to you, so you don’t hurt me and my family.  To keep you satisfied and happy, to meet your needs.  And the only time I’ve lied to you, Jon, is during sex when I fake my orgasms sometimes.  That’s it.  I don’t know how you possibly think I use sex as a weapon.  And if I’m such a ring rat slut, DIVORCE ME!!  Let me go and let me move on with my life and find someone who actually does love me and treats me right and wants to have a family with me!”

 

Whether he liked it or not, Brinley was planning on doing that, even if she had to fight for a divorce and tell her family everything regarding the threats that had kept her locked in this marriage for over 3 grueling years.  She was going on 39 years of age in a couple of months and Brinley’s biological clock was ticking away, keeping her awake at night.  She refused to have a baby with her psychotic husband, though.  Walking past him out of the bathroom, she grabbed her purse and phone, already calling for an Uber to take her to the airport.

 

He just let her, cradling Blue against him as he watched her make all these plans with amusement on his face. “Wave bye-bye to Mommy…” Jon crooned when she finally headed for the door, raising a little paw up and mockingly waved it at her retreating back. “Hopefully she didn’t teach you bad things, like telling lies and spousal abuse, those are naughty.  Mommy is very, very naughty.” She slammed that door so hard behind her it rattled the cheap pictures on the wall and his laughter was so loud, it just followed her down the hall.

 

Chapter 40

 

The very next day, in the early evening, Brinley got word that her parent’s home, one of them, since they divided their time between Canada and Florida based on seasons, the one in Winnipeg had a serious gas leak.  Her parents had been checked on by a neighbor they had had plans with and been found unconscious in their beds and taken immediately to the nearest hospital.  Brinley arrived at the hospital in record time, ignoring the appalled look on her brother’s face at the sight of her.

 

“Are they okay?!”

 

“I should be asking YOU that.  What the fuck happened?  Were you mugged?” Chris demanded, closing the distance between them and pulled her into his arms, cradling her head lovingly. “They’re fine.  Thank god.  Dad didn’t change out the damn carbon monoxide alarm, so it didn’t go off when the gas leak sprung.”

 

“Gas leak?  From what?” Brinley was on autopilot at the moment, her adrenaline being the only thing preventing her screaming out in pain when Chris pulled her against him.  Her body was still incredibly sore and she hadn’t heard a word from Jon.  This was another sign and she pulled back from her brother, tears burning in her eyes. “How’s your back?”

 

“Looks about as good as your face.  What the hell happened, Brin?”

 

Brinley proceeded to lie through her teeth, again, and told Chris about her brakes giving out on the rental Jon had been driving.  They wound up in the ocean and Chris’ eyeballs nearly fell out of his head, immediately pulling her for another embrace.  He looked around, not seeing her cocksucker of a husband anywhere and Brinley once again covered for him, explaining about the new puppy they’d gotten and how Jon had been insistent on coming with, but they had nowhere for Blue to go.  Chris understood that and was thankful Jon wasn’t here or else he probably would’ve socked the man in the face.

 

“I’m just glad Mom and Dad are okay.”

 

“You and me both.  Don’t know what we’d do without them.”

 

Jon, why?  What is this all about? That was all Brinley could ask herself on the way to the hotel from the hospital that night, trudging up to the suite she booked herself.  She was exhausted in every way and collapsed on the bed, proceeding to cry herself to sleep.

 

The next day, her parents were released from the hospital, just staying overnight for observation to make sure all was well.  Brinley was right there with them and had blocked Jon’s number from her phone, so there was no way for him to contact her to torment her further with more threats about her family.  Something had to be done about this before she really did end up losing her family.  Going back to him wasn’t an option, maybe he’d eventually get bored since he couldn’t contact her and he’d just file for divorce and end whatever game, whatever reasoning, this was.

 

He never tried contacting her.  Currently, Jon was at his house in Las Vegas, having decided that chasing her wasn’t worth the time or energy while his eye was busy healing and now he could just torment her and her brother without having to deal with a psychotic wife who was turning abusive on him.  He liked his pretty face.  Though, when he had been asked about his injury, he had just laughed and called it a peril of work.  It wasn’t false.  Brinley was a LOT of work because untangling her lies and what she THOUGHT was the truth was really hard.  She honestly didn’t realize how crazy SHE was and if she’d just stop trying to hold onto whatever moronic images she held in her mind about how her life should be, instead of what it was, they’d be perfect together.

 

However, since she obviously needed some more time from him to think about this marriage of theirs, he’d let her have it and remove all these stupid pictures and table runners from the house.  Martha Stewart, he was not.  Also, Jon was debating which friend of hers or her brother’s to make the next target since he had to space these attacks out carefully.

 

~!~

 

Money in the Bank – June 19, 2016 – Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

“DEAN AMBROSE IS MR. MONEY IN THE BANK!!”

 

“DEAN AMBROSE IS CASHING IN HIS MONEY IN THE BANK ON SETH ROLLINS!!”

 

“DEAN AMBROSE IS YOUR NEW WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!!”

 

Jon was the WWE World Heavyweight champion. 

 

Brinley hadn’t spoken to him in three weeks and couldn’t feel an ounce of pride or anything for him.  Despite what he’d done to her and her family, he did deserve this moment.  For the past year, all he kept bitching and complaining about was the company not giving him his due, not giving him a chance.  Well, they had just strapped a huge rocket to his backside and now he was the top guy in the company.  Brinley faked a smile at people congratulating Jon to her, playing the part to perfection, but on the inside, she was dead as a doornail.  He came through the curtain sporting that championship belt and Brinley didn’t want to keep up the act anymore, not wanting to keep lying and making people think everything was fine.  One look from his icy eyes forced her feet to move as she went into his waiting arms, hugging him a little stiffly, though to most it just looked like a loving embrace.

 

“Congratulations.” She muttered, pulling away from him after possibly the longest seconds of her life. “I’ll be coming by tonight to grab a few more things.  Just wanted to give you a head’s up in case you have something planned.” That was said to him quietly before she moved to where others could congratulate him and made her way down the hallway to get ready to leave.  Another successful pay-per-view event, though it was a shame her husband was the champion and she wanted nothing to do with his celebration.

 

“Aw, you don’t want to come out and celebrate with me and the guys?”

 

There was DEFINITELY a celebration about to happen and he would be out in public at a club tonight on the Strip, doing the VIP thing while someone in Florida would be getting their brake lines cut.  She kept that phony smile on her face though those green eyes were hard and he reached out to run a finger down her face, which looked a LOT better.  His eyeball also looked better, though he had a few weird spots in it where it was finishing up healing.  He’d never buy another woman a diamond ring as long as he lived, EVER.  Those things were kind of lethal if they hit a person just right.

 

“Or…we could toss a mattress in the back of my truck and go visit the Red Rocks.” Much like they had the night they were married.

 

“What?” Was he messing with her or was he serious? 

 

Jon was a very hard man to read, to decipher, and Brinley felt her heartrate start to pick up in speed.  That was something she had mentioned she wanted to do with him again, to visit the Red Rocks, before all hell broke loose.  Was the monster tamed again?  Her green eyes softened a bit while staring up at him and Brinley glided her fingers down the championship he held proudly over his shoulder.  Would it kill her to celebrate with him on the night he won the title?  It wasn’t like they had to talk about what happened three weeks ago.  They could go to the Red Rocks, have a few drinks, toast his success, avoid any weird topics, and fuck.  Jon saw her as nothing more than a ring rat slut anyway and Brinley was still attracted to him when he wasn’t a nutcase. 

 

Tonight was special, memorable, and she did not want to ruin it for him by declining his offer. “You’ll blow off the guys and take me to the Red Rocks?”

 

“In a heartbeat.”

 

Brinley would also be saving someone’s life, not that she needed to know that.  Or maybe just a very bad automobile accident, he had no way of knowing what the outcome would be.  Jon just had a habit of setting things in motion, what happened AFTERWARDS was out of his hands.  It was all just a roll of the dice as far as he was concerned.  He offered her a smile, a genuine one, watching as she admired that belt.  The fact that it was on HIM was the miracle here and they both knew it.  Especially after everything he had pulled with her brother and those very unplanned thumbtacks.  The fine he had been slapped with had been WELL worth it in his humble opinion and he sometimes amused himself by daydreaming that Jericho now had little pinprick scars in random places.  Just little reminders of that night, of his loving brother-in-law.

 

“Is that a yes, Angel?” His tone was gentle, almost a little hesitant, as if he was afraid of getting his hopes up.

 

Before she changed her mind and bolted, Brinley cupped his sweaty face in her hand and passionately kissed him, feeling his arm hook around her to press her against him.  There was no trembling or hesitation, her arms wrapping around his neck to deepen the kiss further and she didn’t want to stop.  Those damn sparks between them were still there, burning brightly as ever, and it confused the hell out of her how she could even kiss this man after what he did to her.

 

“Need to go home first.  Need to grab something, change out of my work clothes and you need to shower.” He nodded, kissing her again and Brinley melted, burying her fingers in his wet curls, half water and half sweat.

 

Arriving at the house, Blue came up to her and she bent down to give him some loving before heading into their bedroom to grab what she needed.  While Jon was in the shower, Brinley had changed into the black lingerie she had bought him a few months back while he was on the European tour.  She made sure to pull on a pair of shorts and tank top to hide it since it was far too hot to wear anything else, especially in the desert.  Jon emerged and she’d just pinned her hair up on top of her head to get it off her neck, feeling his lips brush the side of it softly.  It sent a shiver down her spine and she got lost when he continued, a soft purr escaping her.  No other man attracted her or made her feel the way he did or lit her on fire in both a good and bad way.

 

“Jon…” Brinley turned, looking up into those electric blues and took the towel off his waist, gliding her nails down his rock hard abdomen lightly. “Red Rocks can wait, there’s a perfectly good bed right here for us to use, champ.” Then, she pulled back long enough to remove the tank top from her body, letting the shorts drop to the floor, revealing her in the black lingerie.  He wanted a ring rat slut for a wife, here she was in the flesh.

 

He never wanted a ring rat slut for a wife, but that’s what he had gotten when he had dived into the Irvine grab bag of douche baggery.  Brinley had just hidden her crazy a lot better than most people.  Or maybe it had lain dormant until he had poked and prodded it out of her.  Either way, she was HIS crazy, ring rat slut of a wife.  The woman who sold herself with sex to ‘placate’ him, but then loved on him like he was a god when it suited her before jacking him in the junk or the eye when he pissed her off.  His eyes about popped out of his skull when he seen what she was wearing, pinching himself on the wrist because this had to be some weird dream brought on by excitement over the night’s events.  Brinley had sent him a picture of her in this lingerie, but he had never expected to actually SEE her in it in the flesh.

 

Brinley would not apologize for hurting him, fully believing he had the abuse coming after everything he’d done to her.  It was payback for raping her twice and threatening her family to get what he wanted out of her.  She would rather burn in the eight circles of hell than ever apologize to him and Brinley would remain firm on that.  Right now, at this moment, the past was the furthest thing on her mind as she slowly did a spin for the new WWE champion, making sure his eyes saw every inch of her.  Why did it send warmth throughout her body whenever Jon looked at her like he wanted to devour her whole?  She made no sense and she knew it, but this was who she was and she wouldn’t change for anyone or anything.  Jon pulled her against him and then thought better of it, walking over to shut the door to make sure Blue didn’t interrupt them.  She smiled as he stood before her again and reached her hand out to start gently stroking his half-mast cock up and down, rubbing the pad of her thumb in slow circular motions on his tip.

 

“So, should we get this celebration underway, champ?”

 

His answer was to lift her into his arms, much the same way he had the night he had carried her to the hotel after driving her rental off that pier.  It was a much shorter walk to their bed and he lay her out on it, taking a moment to enjoy the sight of this golden haired, green eyed goddess in his bed again. “You're so goddamn beautiful, you know that?” He rumbled, almost afraid to muss her up.

 

She flushed from head to toe at his compliment, especially since she was pushing 39 in another month.  Brinley didn’t want to think about how fast the years were passing her by and she took exceptional care of her body, making sure to attend the doctor regularly and everything.  Getting old sucked and she was starting to feel the small aches and pains not associated with what Jon had done.  Slowly, he crawled up the length of her body, taking his time and Brinley didn’t rush him, her eyes nothing more than dark forest green pools of desire and want.  No hint of fear or hesitation.

 

“You’re not so bad yourself, lover.”

 

Why couldn’t they always be like this?  This right here…this was all Brinley wanted was this side of Jon, not the monstrous side that threatened her family and loved ones.  Her nails once again slid down his chest gently, beckoning him closer to her until he finally hovered over her, his lips softly caressing hers.  Brinley had no idea that she had prevented a potential catastrophe by agreeing to spend the night with him either.  Maybe if he thought she genuinely loved him, maybe then the monster might be lain to rest.  Nevertheless, a man who didn't possess or believe in hope was a man who also set the world on fire.  Jon had learned a lot of hard lessons in his life and that was one of them.  Hope was for fools and he’d never bother assuming a woman like her could ever love him.  

 

Sometimes it was nice to pretend though, like right now, as he kissed her like he cared about her.

 

Brinley did love him.  She loved him with every fiber of her being or else she wouldn’t be here.  She wouldn’t have forgiven him for everything he’d done to her, including driving them into the damn ocean in a rental car!  Raping her twice.  Any sane woman would’ve ran for the hills and never looked back, but the moment she saw Jon win the title and the relief flooded across his face, along with the pure elation, her heart twinged in her chest.  Then he had invited her to the Red Rocks and Brinley wanted to celebrate with him, despite everything that happened recently.  Jon’s problem was he couldn’t see the truth even if it bitch slapped him in the face.  After leaving the hotel room three weeks ago, she made a vow to never say those words to him again.  If he wanted sex from her, that was fine, but that was all it could ever be because of his own insecurities and shortcomings.

 

A person couldn’t see the truth when the other person trying to tell it to them also told lies.  Also said they hated them.  That they faked orgasms with them.  That they wanted nothing to do with them.  When they also did things specifically to please them, like getting a dog or initiating sex, it fed into all that mistrust.  A person could never trust their motives, knowing that they only fucked to save themselves or keep them happy.  Eventually, that person just assumed that everything they said or did was a lie or there was an ulterior motive that was definitely not based on love.

 

If she knew what he did, she would have probably sucked his cock every morning and guzzled his cum as her breakfast.  She’d also probably offer her body up to him every night as dessert, with a big red bow on it.  As it was, tonight, Jon was shoving that all aside and TRUSTING her not to slit his throat after he fell asleep, not that he would blame her if she did.  He also didn’t expect her to be here when he woke up in the morning either.  The woman had made it clear she didn’t want anything to do with him.  So that begged the question why was Brinley in his bed?  He shoved that aside as well, refusing to think anything bad, not at this moment.

 

Not with her kissing him back with passion that was nearly blinding.

 

Chapter 41

 

For hours, they sexed each other up in every position available and possible, with Jon showing just how much true stamina he had.  There was no faking anything with him on this night and Brinley gave herself to him completely, no words spoken between them except telling each other how good it felt.  Dirty ones.  There would be no talking about what happened between them, especially during sex.  Collapsing on top of him in a sweaty, sated heap, Brinley had lost count how many times she came, closing her eyes to try to steady her thundering heart. 

 

Rolling off him, she coughed a little and scooted up to lean back against the pillow, on what was her side, and scrubbed a hand down her face, taking the lit cigarette Jon handed her.  Taking a long drag from it, Brinley let the nicotine flow throughout her body and enjoyed the endorphins it gave her.  Contentment washed over her for the moment while flicking ash into the tray that Jon set between them while he smoked his own after sex cigarette.

 

It was almost odd, her being here in this bed after quite a lengthy time away from him.  Over a month, almost two now.  If Brinley had noticed he had removed some décor she had decorated with, she hadn’t said anything and honestly, he didn’t expect her too.  Jon also didn’t expect her to stick around for very much longer.  That was fine, he’d give the friend of her brother’s wife, Jessica, his lovely welcoming sister-in-law, a few days grace period before having her brake lines slashed.

 

“Sun will be coming up in a few hours.” He pointed out quietly once that cigarette was about gone, glancing down at her. “Want to pack a breakfast, thermos of coffee, and go find a spot to watch it?” Like the Red Rocks at night, but only at dawn.

 

Turning her head to look at him, Brinley moved closer and caressed his face with her hand, softly kissing his lips. “With a mattress in the back for comfort?” Watching the breathtaking sunrise in Vegas was an unforgettable sight, but doing it at the Red Rocks…she could only imagine how much more beautiful it was.  They wouldn’t be able to stay out there for the entire day since the sun was unforgiving, but the beginning of the day where dawn broke across the sky…Brinley nodded, not wanting this night, this time, to end with him. “Cook it here and bring it with us or get it fresh from the diner down the street we like?”

 

“Diner,” Jon was already pressing her into the bed, taking a temporary reprieve and she could feel him harden against her thigh, sliding inside of her all over again. “After I have you again, Angel…”

 

“Uh huh…whatever you want, champ.” Brinley was lost in ecstasy all over again as they proceeded to take it easy on each other this round, making love to each other.

 

A few hours later, with the food, thermos of hot coffee, and the mattress in the back of the truck, both dressed and freshly showered, Jon drove them out to the Red Rocks for the sunrise.  They arrived as the sky slowly began to lighten little by little and set everything up in the back of the truck before Jon pulled her down to lean back against his chest, sitting between his legs with his arms wrapped around her.  He made sure to bring extra pillows to lean back against and took out their food from the bag from the diner, handing hers over.

 

“Mmm, thank you.” While he got the food, she prepped the coffee, handing his over to him while she poured some creamer into hers, the stars still somewhat glistening in the lightening sky. “It really is breathtaking out here.” Why didn’t they do things like this more often when things were great between them?  Sitting up a little, Brinley turned to hold her coffee up with sparkling emerald eyes and a gentle smile on her face. “A toast to the new WWE World Heavyweight champion.  Well-deserved and LONG overdue.  Congratulations, Jon.”

 

“Thank you.” Flashing a genuine smile, Jon dropped a quick kiss on her forehead before she turned back around to watch the transitioning going on in the sky above them.  

 

They had a lot of plans.  They were supposed to go to Hawaii, come out here for that date with the stars, and nothing had worked out the way it had been meant to.  They had talked about doing those things a year before they would even have the time and he knew that with everything that had happened since, vacations like Hawaii was definitely off the table.  They’d probably wind up destroying one of the islands if they wound up losing their tempers and going at it again.  Things between them had decidedly escalated.  He put her food where she could easily reach it, popping a piece of bacon while mulling everything over.

 

Well, they were here, so that was a start, right?

 

Once breakfast was finished, Jon put everything in the bag and she snuggled back against him, lacing her fingers with his over her stomach with his chin resting on top of her head.  Tonight would be Raw, but right now, that was the furthest thing from their minds.  The sun rose over the horizon and it truly was breathtaking, a moment that would forever be captured in their minds, even when they were old and gray.  Brinley had even put her wedding ring back on in the car on the way to the house, so the diamond sparkled in the sun.

 

“Wow…we should do this more often, you know?  Like on our days off when we come home, we should make it a priority to come out here to watch the sunset.  It could be like an off-road tradition for us.  We could bring Blue too.” His arm tightened around her and she squeezed his fingers gently, feeling his face bury in the crook of her neck. “I still want to go on our honeymoon to Hawaii too.  I bet the sunset there is even more beautiful than here.”

 

There Brinley went again, confusing the hell out of him and raising what had become natural suspicions.  He was psycho, she was bipolar.  If they ever did have any kids, those kids were SCREWED and would need a LOT of antipsychotics and therapy because Mommy and Daddy had issues.  It was a good thing she had gotten the dog; it had given Jon a pretty good insight into where they stood when it came to caring for a living thing that was reliant on them.

 

They sucked.

 

These damn deceptive moments were terrible for him and he knew it, but Jon was already nodding because going to Hawaii sounded great, especially when they were on the same page.  He inhaled her scent before brushing his lips against her pulse point. “Hawaii sounds good, Angel.”

 

Brinley didn’t want to talk about what happened between them.  What would be the point?  Jon was set in his ways and she was set in hers.  They fought like animals and somehow always found their way back to each other.  There would be no divorce, no means of escape, and Brinley knew that.  What was done was done and she just wanted to move forward with her husband.  It was what they did best, sweeping problems under the rug and pushing past them. 

 

Pulling away, she removed the nightshirt she came here in along with shuffling off her shorts and turned, straddling his lap. “Fuck me in this sunrise, Jon.” It wasn’t hot enough yet to scorch them, but the blistering kiss they shared could’ve set the entire desert on fire. 

 

Undressing in a matter of minutes with her facing away from him, on all fours, Jon glided in and out of her willing body while they both continued watching the sunrise together.  Out of all their moments, good and bad, this was going in the top three of all time.  And they did actually have a lot of good moments, all things considered, when one factored in what kind of marriage they had.  Jon didn’t know why, but there was something different with this sexual bout, more erotic maybe, as he slowly, sensually, made love to her with that sunrise in their vision.  There was a gentle breeze, probably the last of the day out here, a remnant of the morning hours, and it caressed them both.

 

“Fuck, Angel…” His eyes never left that sunrise, not yet, not while he could still look out at it without it hurting.  His hands roamed her hips, her thighs and sides and finally – finally, he looked away because he bent down to run his tongue up along her spine, feeling her shivering beneath him and groaned.

 

It wasn’t a ground and pound session like they’d had the previous night, or earlier that morning.  They were making sweet, passionate love while bathing in the sunrise’s glow at the Red Rocks.  It was an incredible feeling and moment for both of them to experience.  Jon pulled her up gently to press her back against his chest, her head lulled back against his shoulder as he continued thrusting in and out of her slowly, his mouth sealing to her neck.  Her fingers began to play with herself while his hands massaged and rolled her nipples between his thumb and forefingers, feeling them harden instantly.

 

“Oh Jon…Jon baby, so good…” There was nothing hard or animalistic about this bout at all as Brinley began rubbing her clit even harder with her fingers, close to her end.

 

By the time they were done, both were glistening in sweat and laying on the mattress, smoking cigarettes just like they had back at the house.  The sun was starting to heat up the desert and burn their skin a bit, so Brinley leaned over to brush her lips against his, rubbing their noses together. “Let’s go home and get some sleep before Raw tonight.” He nodded, both getting up to dress and they were off to head back to the house within a half an hour, holding hands on the ride. 

 

The changes of the house didn’t bother Brinley a bit, not that she noticed because she was too busy enjoying being with her husband…the loving side of him anyway.  After Blue was let out to go potty, Jon and Brinley undressed before sliding into their bed together, his arms wrapped around her.  This prompted a spoon fucking session that lasted well into the afternoon, both not able to get enough of each other and definitely making up for lost time.  She had turned to face him, his dick still sliding in and out of her with her legs drawn up, each on their sides, moving together in tandem.

 

Later that night, while Jon was finishing getting ready for the arena and she already was, Brinley wrapped her arms around his waist from behind to press a kiss against the middle of his back. “I want to come home with you tonight after the show.  And every night from here on out.  I don’t want to leave you and Blue again.  Is that okay?”

 

Every time he felt like he had her figured out, hell even when he SHOULDN’T be surprised, Brinley still managed to do it.  Probably one of the things that he liked about her, even when it was infuriating and annoying, setting him off, was the fact that she had those wild, unpredictable moments.  Like this.  Given he had definitely raped her, driven her INTO the Atlantic Ocean – The body of water wasn’t a lake, it was the actual ocean –, backhanded the hell out of her accidentally, Jon was legitimately surprised she had just asked him that and he could not keep it from showing in his blue eyes when he turned to stare down at her.

 

“Seriously?” She nodded and he wrapped his arms around her this time, standing there with unlaced boots and his shirt not on yet, hugging her close to him. “Yeah, that’s okay, Angel.”

 

She wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling his chest hair and inhaled the scent of him, feeling like she was home.  Jon was her home.  No matter what he did to her, Brinley somehow always wound up back with him again.  She did run away for a time, but then what happened to her parents really scared the hell out of her.  Brinley knew Jon had something to do with that.  He had made do on his promise to hurt those she loved and cared about if she didn’t stay with him.  Not just married to him, but he wanted her with him at all times.  There was no escaping him and she had come to terms with that after seeing her parents in the hospital. 

 

This was her surrendering everything, her freedom, her morals, her beliefs, her dream of having the perfect marriage with a white picket fence and kids…everything.  Jon had it all, he had won, and it was a hard, bitter pill to swallow, but the moment he had invited her out to celebrate his title win, Brinley knew that was her chance to make things right with him, to make amends.  He accused her of using sex as a weapon against him and she in turn told him it was survival…and it was.  For her family’s sake, for the sake of her own sanity, she had to give in and surrender.  If Jon was happy, nobody got hurt, and if he was sad or angry, he could take it out on Brinley and she’d take the heat while remaining by his side. 

 

Never again would she put a member of her family or a loved one at risk for her own selfishness.

 

Honestly, when Jon was this loving and caring towards her, Brinley felt the same way about him…it was only when his monstrous, vicious side came out that she hated him.  It was really a love/hate relationship between them. “I want to start traveling with you again too.  I don’t want to sleep alone anymore.  I want to be with you, Jon.” Brinley had pulled back to stare into his eyes, wanting him to see she meant what she said and softly kissed him. “There’s something else I want for both of us too, handsome…”

 

“Oh yeah?  What’s that, Angel?”

 

“A baby.  I know we have Blue and he’s great and all, but…I want to have a baby with you.  Let’s have a baby, Jon.  And the minute I get pregnant, I’ll quit WWE.  I’ve been wanting to ever since they’ve forced me to keep working with Bray Wyatt.” Truthfully, Brinley was at the end of her rope with the company, partially due to her husband and brother at each other’s throats, but the bigger part was being forced to work with her rapist. “I’ll stay home with Blue and the baby while you provide for us.  My biological clock has been keeping me up at night and this would really make me happy and I think it would make you happy too.” It would also guarantee him to stay in her life for the rest of her life, to really lock her down. “Have a baby with me…a beautiful girl or handsome boy with your gorgeous blue eyes…”

 

Brakes.  

 

Jon heard brakes.  

 

Brakes and a siren.  

 

Then there was a big flashing STOP sign in his vision.  

 

So he was hearing the squeal of brakes, a warning siren, and seeing a flashing, bright red STOP sign.  Brinley had just given him a serious hallucination or something. “I’m sorry, come again?” He needed a cigarette, desperately, and stepped away from her to retrieve one.  

 

Lighting it, he dropped down to finish lacing his boots, the back of his neck a lovely shade of red as he tried to make sense of what she had just said.  A baby.  She wanted a baby, with him.  It occurred to him that it would tie her down to him for a lifetime, whether she liked it or not.  It also occurred to him that if Brinley got one of those wild hairs up her backside, she could take off with their child and courts generally favored mothers.

 

“You really did just say it.” He sounded almost in awe, looking up at her.  Today Brinley seemed to have the patience of a saint because she just nodded, looking as serene as ever.

 

“I want to be a Mom.  I’ve always wanted to be a Mom.  And I always wanted to be married with a family.  We’re a family with Blue, but…I want to be a real mother.”

 

Maybe this would also force Jon to tone it down a little with his attitude and recklessness, along with the threats too.  Maybe he would grow to love her and their baby, grow as a man and human being.  She moved to straddle his lap since he’d sat down on the bed, lacing her fingers around his neck.

 

“I love you, Jon.” He didn’t believe it and that was all right, but Brinley was still saying it. “I love you and I want a baby with you.” That was what married couples did, right?  They had babies and families, usually.  Brinley pressed her forehead to his, burying her fingers in his soft wet curls and caressed the back of his neck gently. “This would really make me happy, but if you truly don’t want to do it, we won’t.  I didn’t want to stop my birth control without discussing things with you first.  I’d never force you to do something you don’t want to.”

 

For all his impulsiveness and wild ways, his insanity and murderous habits, even Jon knew not to go jumping on that one and pulling that trigger as he exhaled slowly. “And what happens when we have a blow out?  When I do something stupid or you do, what happens then?”

 

Having a kid did not fix problems, it made them worse, kids were not meant to be glue.  He could just imagine her running off with his child and his grip on her hips tightened rather violently.  Her small gasp of pain made him blink and let go, frowning.

 

“Shit, sorry Angel, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Jon was thinking about a potential hurting in the potential future though, knowing he’d skip all the threats and outright murder her and her family if she ran off with any child of his.  See, not glue! “Remember when we had that really good stretch between us, when things were great for a while?” She nodded and he did too. “How about we see if we can do that again, but for longer, and then make a decision?”

 

“We work through it like we always do.  I would never use our child against you, Jon.  That is one thing I would never do is use an innocent child against their father, no matter how angry I am.” She brushed her lips softly against his, not pulling away from him because he had hurt her temporarily.  It just made Brinley want to calm him down and return to that loving, caring man she loved with everything inside of her. “Would you maybe talk about this again after the new year?  That’ll give us six months, half a year, and then we can start trying for a baby.  I’m not leaving you again, I was miserable without you and Blue.  I’m here to stay; I’m glue, Jon.  And I know you don’t believe I love you, so I’m going to do everything in my power from this day forward to prove to you that I do.  I choose you above everyone, including my brother and my family.  YOU are my family.  YOU are my life now.  They are secondary and I should’ve…put you first from the beginning.  I should’ve stayed by your side and helped you with your frustrations.  And instead I made everything worse.  I swear to you, I won’t leave your side again and…I’ll take anything you hurl my way and stay with you.” To protect those important to me, I have to do this.  Full surrender, no more half-assing it. “For better and for worse…”

 

“Sickness and health…”

 

Brinley nodded, passionately kissing him this time and poured everything she felt into it, not holding a single thing back any longer. “Till death do us part.”

 

Jon agreed to her six months, but he was lying because he didn’t trust her one bit.  Brinley had made it a habit to do things she thought would appease him, make them work, make him happy.  This was so far out of even his range of insanity that he automatically contemplated getting his boys snipped.  That could always be reversed down the road, but it would prevent her from purposefully getting knocked up, with or without his consent.  That was an interesting idea, almost and he didn’t like it at all, her using him just to knock herself up.  It was a weird insight into how women probably felt when they were used just for a man to satisfy HIS needs.  No, he didn’t like that thought either.

 

Jon was quiet as they headed into Vegas for RAW, his fingers intertwined with hers as he drove, silence reigning.  He couldn’t lie though, Jon could easily imagine a baby, a little blonde haired baby with blue or green eyes, fat cheeks…yes, he could see it.  Still didn’t mean it was a good idea.

 

Six months, if they were still good in six months, he’d knock her up.

 

Chapter 42

 

A brand split was happening.

 

Half the Superstars would be on Raw and the other half on Smackdown!.  Vince had announced it during a huge meeting called for everyone to attend.  It had been mandatory.  There was buzz in the air and now Brinley understood why they had put the title on Jon.  It wasn’t because they felt he deserved it.  It wasn’t because he had earned his way to the top in Vince’s eyes. 

 

No. 

 

Roman and Seth would remain on Raw with a NEW world title debuted called the Universal title.  What the hell kind of name was that?  Brinley didn’t understand the old man’s logic at all and she could tell this had greatly soured Jon’s title reign. 

 

Things had been progressing very smoothly with her and Jon.  Sex helped a lot.  There was a lot of sex, even at the arenas.  He had pulled her into dark dressing rooms to have his way with her, giving her that nostalgia feeling, and Brinley loved every second of it.  He explained to her that practice made perfect for a baby and she agreed with him, getting lost in the moments with him.  She made sure he felt like the greatest man alive and told him as much, in her own way, boosting his ego to the best of her ability.  Lifting her man up instead of tearing him down, that was what a good wife was supposed to do for their husband.

 

Battleground was the next WWE pay-per-view event and it took place in Washington D.C., the nation’s capital.  Jon successfully defended his WWE title in a triple threat match against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, proving once and for all he was the top guy of the Shield.  It was a fitting end to their saga, closing that particular chapter, and now he was exclusively on Smackdown!.  Thankfully, Brinley was going with him for the simple fact that she was his wife and the company didn’t want to split up married couples, both in and out of the ring.  The moment he came through the curtain, Brinley didn’t care who saw her do it as she jumped right into her husband’s arms, planting a fiery, passionate kiss on his lips with her legs wrapped around his waist.

 

Her man. 

 

Her champion.

 

The fact that they now had two titles apparently made the one feel cheap, it literally took value from it.  Jon had speculated to her once about what was going to happen with all the Superstars Vince had because the company just wasn’t BIG enough for them all.  There wasn’t enough time to be shown during RAW and Smackdown for that many people.  Now they knew how that crazy old man was going to deal with it and Jon had already decided that it was stupid.  RAW was Vince’s baby, his flagship show, and Jon had studied this company enough to know that Smackdown! wasn’t going to be the priority.

 

“Mmm, hello, Angel!” He was soaked in sweat, a little sore, a little hyper, a lot horny because that kiss had been cherry on top of his cake and he was sporting wood without zero fucks to give. “I think you like this gold more than I do.” She was rubbing said belt and when she nodded, he nipped her throat. “Tease.”

 

“Mmm, just wait until you see the surprise I have in store for you tonight once we’re out of here.”

 

Brinley had bought a few sets of lingerie she knew would spice up the bedroom scene between them.  Not that it wasn’t already spicy, but she wanted to do something extra special for him tonight after proving he was better than his Shield brethren.  Jon raised a brow and she shook her finger at him, nipping his bottom lip gently with her teeth before squirming down until her feet reached the floor.

 

“Shower here.  I’m going to need to take over the bathroom when we get to the suite.” Jon had gotten them a suite in the middle of Washington, DC, at one of the most expensive hotels in the city.  It was ritzy, glamorous, and had all the bells and whistles, including chocolates left on the pillows.

 

An hour later, they walked inside the suite and Brinley ordered him to stay out, grabbing her bag to rush into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.  Jon loved her in lingerie, he called her Angel all the time, so she decided to give her champion the ultimate fantasy.  It was a one piece gold metallic body suit that laced up the front with underwire cups, attached garter straps paired with matching sleeves and a golden tinsel halo headband.  The stockings were also gold, sheer and glittery and the wings matched the halo. 

 

His own personal angelic slut at its finest. 

 

Giving herself a spin, Brinley applied some golden shadow to her eyelids and clear gloss to finish off the look.  Slipping on her golden stiletto heels she’d bought secretly, Brinley moved to the door and cracked it open just a hair. “Lay on the bed naked and close your eyes, champ.” She could see him, but he couldn’t see her and when Jon did as she requested, a big smile came over her face.  Turning the lights down low, giving a sexy ambiance, Brinley crawled on the bed beside him and slid her hand up the length of his chest, enjoying the feeling of his hair between her fingers. “You can open your eyes now and see your surprise, handsome.”

 

He saw a LOT of gold, it made him initially think he had checked into the wrong hotel.  Then he realized she was in a costume of some kind, not seeing anything past a certain point because Brinley was on her knees beside him in the bed.  Well, he could see the garters for sure, but he wanted to see the entire vision.

 

“Get up.” Folding his hands behind his head, his dick already at attention, Jon watched as she got out of the bed to do a very slow turn for him.  Halo and wings, in that slutty gold lingerie, he was grinning. “If all Angels looked like this, I’d consider changing my wicked ways.” He teased, gesturing for another slow twirl and let out a groan at the sight of her delicious ass cheeks hanging out of that…was it a corset and a bodysuit?  Jon didn’t care, he just rolled out of bed and walked up behind her to clap his hands against those firm cheeks, giving her a firm but gentle squeeze. “You’re a devil in disguise, Brinley…”

 

His little devil.

 

His little angelic devil, contradiction that it was.

 

Brinley let out a little wicked giggle, purposely shaking her backside right into his hands and then proceeded to rub it right against his now throbbing dick. “Maybe I’ll get a devil one next time then.”

 

For the past month, there had been zero fighting, zero arguments, a lot of sex, and their marriage was on the mend.  Brinley knew she wouldn’t be in this getup for long, but the fact that her husband really enjoyed her in them was more than enough to buy and display them for him in person.  The few times they’d been home, Jon had driven them out to the Red Rocks for sunrises and sunsets, making love while watching both.  There was even a night they had stayed out there just to fuck under the stars and full lit moon, which Brinley also loved.  Never once did they discuss what happened with the car being driven into the ocean, him backhanding her, her abuse towards him, the raping, none of it because it was all in the past.  It couldn’t be changed.  The past was the past and Brinley did not want to burst the bubble they were in.

 

“Just seeing how you look at me and touch me…and fuck me, when I dress up for you, is worth every penny I spend.” Turning, Brinley looked up at him with smoldering forest green eyes and began stroking his cock with her hand, wetting her lips with her tongue. “You did amazing tonight and I think the champ deserves a celebratory blowjob from his Angel.  Would my champion like that?”

 

Penny he spent, they had an informal agreement she used HIS credit cards for this stuff, like she had when he had done that European tour.  Jon had told her that his eventual game plan was to basically buy her own private wardrobe of nothing except lingerie, along with everything that went with it.  Garters and thigh-highs, gloves, belts, the dangerously gorgeous stilettos, all of it.  He had been eyeballing a few pieces to add to her small, blossoming collection, he just hadn’t pulled the trigger yet.  Since Brinley was into costume lingerie, maybe he would.

 

“Yes, your champion would like that.” His cock was throbbing, pulsing in her tiny hand.  His cock would definitely LOVE the feel of those glossy lips wrapped around his shaft, her wicked tongue tracing him.  Damn, he was making the issues she was giving him worse!

 

“Mmm, coming right up.”

 

Brinley smacked both of his cheeks, squeezing them before working her way down his body, leaving a trail of fire until she was on her knees.  Or started to until Jon stopped her, backtracking to the bed to sit down, so they were both more comfortable.  On her knees in front of him, Brinley focused on the task at hand and was determined to make her husband climax for her.  She always did love the taste of him and she didn’t mind his fingers burying in her hair or fucking her mouth.  It helped her out quite a bit and her nails dug into his thighs, breathing through her nose while bobbing her head up and down at a fast pace.  Just before he climaxed, Brinley pulled back and started untying the lingerie, freeing her breasts before positioning his cock between them and started stroking up and down.

 

“That’s it, baby, titty fuck me…show me you’re the Titty Master like they used to call you in the Shield.” He had even written it on his wrestling tape one night during a European tour with the words Titty and Master on each hand, right on the knuckles. “Oh fuck…” Brinley even squeezed her breasts together to wrap around his cock while he slid it up and down, clearly enjoying what he was doing to her.

 

The last thing he needed was to go weak in the knees because of her stellar cock sucking abilities, especially with the get-up Brinley had on.  He nearly lost his mind when she had cock blocked him, literally denied him right at THAT moment.  The only thing that stopped him from going postal was her immediately removing the bit of lingerie and letting those gorgeous tits bounce from their constraints for him.  Jon had absolutely no idea if this did anything for her at all or if she was faking it, or maybe just turned on by him being turned on, but the sight of his cock sliding between his favorite pair of twins had him near that point again already.

 

“I’m about to whitewash you, Angel…” Her tits, probably her neck and her chin as well.

 

“Uh huh, do it…” This did nothing for Brinley at all, but Jon enjoyed doing it occasionally and she wanted to do this for him. 

 

Closing her eyes, knowing he was at the tipping point that would send him right over the edge, her hand began to fondle his balls to get him to completely go over.  Spraying her with his cum, her tits were completely covered, along with her neck and some of her chin.  Jon did not stop thrusting that cock between her enclosed tits until he had nothing left inside of him, collapsing on the bed on his back.  Good, she had done her job diligently and leaned over to softly brush her lips against his.

 

“Gonna clean this off and then we can continue, champ.”

 

Heading into the bathroom, Brinley didn’t dare look at her reflection and just started cleaning herself up, having another surprise for him.  This getup wasn’t very conducive for sexy times, it was more about the fantasy than anything, so off the angel came.  The lingerie she had on now was a simple gold babydoll that was sheer, flowing over her hips, along with a matching thong.  It was lacy and comfortable at the same time…and Jon wouldn’t have to work as hard to take it off her body.  Once she was ready, Brinley took her pinned up hair down to let it flow over her shoulders, making sure every last bit of his cum was gone, and walked out of the bathroom.

 

“Now as much as I love dressing up as a golden angel for you, this is more my style.”

 

Jon raised his head off the bed and flashed her a thumbs up.  It was definitely more her speed and he liked it.  He liked everything Brinley wore if he were being honest.  One day, he’d get her some lingerie fashioned out of old-school potato sacks, he bet she rocked that too.

 

“You’re going to kill me, woman.” Supposedly, after everything he had it coming and there were worse ways to die than via being sexed to death.  If he was going to have a heart attack or anything, he wanted it to be while ball’s deep in her delectable pussy, hands down best way to go.  Parting his lips a minute later when she leaned over to slide a lit cigarette between them, Jon opened his lazy blue eyes to stare up into her face. “Hello, Angel.”

 

“Hello there, handsome.” Crawling over him into the bed, Brinley sprawled halfway on top of him while they shared the cigarette together, being careful not to burn each other or the bedding with it. “I really am proud of you, despite the reasoning behind putting the title on you.  Vince is a fucking idiot, we both know that very well.  He’s determined to make Roman the face of the company, but wanted to appease you ever since Extreme Rules.  He figured he’s throwing you a bone by doing this, making you one of the world champions and one of the faces of the company instead of just THE champion and THE face.” She snorted, not amused by it at all and caressed the stubble on his face, softly kissing him. “You should grow a beard out.  Not a low hanging one, but…I think it’d look sexy on you.”

 

Truthfully, Brinley hadn’t said anything he hadn’t already said or thought already.  Jon had been very vocal about what he thought and had told her before, Vince was dead set on pushing Roman into being the next top name of the company.  Now that he thought about it, maybe the old man should knock it off because those top faces tended to leave him hanging for Hollywood.  Not that he’d ever do that, Hollywood was not his favorite place, or anywhere associated with the idea, but Jon also knew he wasn’t on Vince’s top five list of people to push to that coveted number one spot either.

 

“A beard?” He brought his hand up to feel his smooth shaven chin, cocking an eyebrow. “Since when are we into beards?”

 

“I’m normally not, but on you, I wouldn’t mind giving it a whirl.  Probably would feel good when you go down on me too, add to the sensation and all that.” Brinley winked with a grin, caressing the stubble he had going on at the moment. “The stubble looks amazing on you too and it feels great down there.”

 

Jon had done exactly one movie for WWE Studios and would never do it again.  He was a one and done type of man since wrestling was his first love, always and forever.  Brinley knew that he enjoyed the experience, but it was also one he wouldn’t want to repeat either.  Not anytime soon, not while he was wrestling anyway.  Finishing the cigarette, she straddled her husband and captured his mouth with hers, loving his hands anywhere on her body as long as it wasn’t in a violent manner.

 

“Anything on you is sexy.  You could be in a burlap sack and I’d still fuck you silly.” Then, she got a wicked idea, her eyes sliding over to the world title belt not too far from them. “Wanna fuck me with the championship on around your waist?”

 

Or it’d give her a friction burn, either way, he was game, if she wanted him to try growing out a proper beard, he’d give it a go.  Less razor burn and shave time for him, couldn’t beat that. “Wait, what?” Was Brinley aware how heavy those things were? “Seriously?” Was she aware that there was a backstage rumor among the guys, all of them assuming that was probably how Triple H banged his own wife, while wearing one of belts?  It was a running joke at this point. “Yes, yes I fucking do!” Jon was laughing as they got off the bed, snagging the bottle of water off the nightstand to take a sip before passing it to her. “You wanna ride me or…?” He’d really hate to leave an imprint on her backside from this thing, though at the same time, he couldn’t keep the imagery out of his head.

 

Needless to say, if ANYONE in the company found out about the dirty, sexual things they did with the belt that night, they probably would’ve been fired from the company on the spot.  And neither Brinley nor Jon had zero fucks to give, enjoying their sexy times with the belt while it lasted.  She’d never be able to look at the title the same way again and didn’t regret a single second of anything she did with her husband.  The golden fabric that had been her lingerie was on the floor, along with her thong, and they were snuggled up together in bed, Brinley splayed halfway on top of him with her ear directly pressed against his heartbeat. 

 

This right here…this was worth all the bad things they had been through together. “I love you, Jon.” One day, he would say it back and actually believe her, but it would take a lot of time and effort to prove to him Brinley meant what she said.

 

“I bet, I just made you squirt all over that belt…” That was new, she was a gusher to begin with. 

 

Her basically going super soaker on him had been an interesting addition to their sexy times.  Brinley had been on her back, with him and his belt between her knees, finger banging her and eating her out after he had already shot yet another load and then pressure had made him back up.  Then she drenched him.  The belt.  The bed.  They were going to have to strip it and call up spare bedding, he almost felt bad…almost.  That was what a massive tip was for, to smooth over anything negative when housekeeping came to deal with the pool they were leaving behind.  

 

When she lightly slapped his chest, he chuckled and caught her hand, bringing it up to kiss the back of it. “Oh no, now that I know I can get you off and you’ll do THAT, I’ve got goals from here on out.”

 

“Mmm, make me spray and squirt every time for you.” That combination of his fingers and mouth was something Jon had never done before. 

 

Usually, it was just his fingers or his mouth, never both, and boy had he hit her sweet spot.  Brinley was bellowing his name, there was absolutely no faking any of it.  How could a woman actually fake gushing the way she had?!  It wasn’t possible.  Ever since they had reconciled, every reaction and time they had sex had been legitimate and real.  Nothing fake or phony.  Eventually, Jon called up room service for fresh bedding and they showered, behaving themselves for a change.  Completely naked, they both snuggled in the fresh bedding together, not bothering to clean off the title belt because Jon wanted it to smell like her and Brinley was fine with that.  Just as the sun rose over the horizon, they fell asleep entangled in each other’s arms and sated.

 

She’d have a hard time faking ever again now that he knew she was capable of performing water Olympics.  Jon spent that day during the traveling time letting HER drive when it was required because he was busy Googling these phenomena he had only ever associated with porn and how to do it in other ways.  He’d be the first to admit, he was awesome in bed, but he was also not god mode yet.  Slowly, he was working on that and wasn’t afraid to learn new things to apply them in the bedroom.  Especially with his delicious wife.

 

“I am going to LOVE hitting people with that belt…” Due to it having her dried pussy juice all over it, he’d basically be smashing people with his wife’s pussy, those lucky bastards.

 

“I’m sure you will.” Brinley laughed, not minding driving at all because at least she was safe behind the wheel and wouldn’t crash them into an ocean.

 

Chapter 43

 

It’d been a solid year of marital bliss between Jon and Brinley…mostly.

 

Even after Jon lost the title to AJ Styles, he didn’t take it out on her and instead focused his attention on the Intercontinental title.  He had his run at the champion and was fine with it.  AJ Styles was a newcomer, fresh in the company, and Vince wanted to give him a shot like he did with Jon.  Personally, Brinley thought AJ was truly the phenomenal one in the ring, but having him win via low blow to take the title from her husband…that made any respect she had for the man fly out the window.  It was pathetic and the only way the writers could think of to ‘save’ Dean Ambrose’s reputation.  That night, Brinley had nursed him back to health with her mouth, wanting to make sure his junk was in working order and pampered him.  Every night before falling asleep, she would tell him she loved him, always staying by his side, never faltering.

 

Their anniversary was spent at the Red Rocks, ringing in the new year in their finest attire with champagne and then lovemaking.  It was also the night Jon agreed to start trying for a baby.  Brinley was ecstatic and they’d increased their sexual activity even more than it already was.  Sometimes, they had sex three times a day, even on the road.  Brinley was determined to get pregnant before her 40^th birthday, but it wasn’t meant to be.  For the past 9 months, since ringing in the year 2017 with her husband, they had been trying to get pregnant.  Month after month, the tests turned up negative and she was getting frustrated with it, not sure what to do.  Then she thought back to her miscarriage, wondering if that had anything to do with it…and wondered if Jon was shooting blanks. 

 

What if she had been carrying Bray Wyatt’s baby instead?

 

All Jon kept saying was ‘if it happened, it happened’.  He was not going to the doctor to get his sperm checked out and they had their first actual fight over it.  Nobody left, but the tension between them was thick in the air.  Brinley accused him of lying to her about wanting to have a baby together and Jon had shaken her so hard, her teeth rattled in her skull.  She slapped him, he choked her against the wall, and they proceeded to have one of the hardest bouts of sex they’d had in a very long time.  Still, nothing.  She contemplated for three seconds if maybe she shouldn’t just sleep with someone else to get pregnant by them, immediately dismissing it.  Jon would have a coronary and kill everyone she loved and cared about if he had an inkling she’d entertained the thought.

 

Tonight, Jon and Seth had defended their RAW Tag Team championships against The Bar – Sheamus and Cesaro.  Jon had been put back on RAW during the draft right after WrestleMania that year, which he wasn’t happy about.  He wasn’t happy with the way creative was directing his character in general either.  Brinley listened to him bitch, moan and complain about it, while nursing all of his aches and pains, on top of trying to get him motivated enough to have sex. 

 

Some nights Jon simply didn’t want to do it and Brinley could tell tonight would be one of those nights.  Even though she was wearing some sexy, slutty red lingerie, he was in a lot of pain with his arm and she had noticed it was starting to really bother him.  Silently, she poured him a glass of his favorite, Jack Daniels, and handed it to him while surveying his arm.  He couldn’t even work out in the gym anymore, that was how much pain he was in on a nightly basis and he was STILL pushing through.

 

“Jon…”

 

“Don’t say it.”

 

“But…”

 

“I SAID DON’T FUCKING SAY IT!!” He roared, slamming back the drink and stood up from the bed, really hoping the Jack Daniels would kick in. “If you want sex tonight, you’re on top and you’re doing all the work.”

 

Frowning, Brinley looked back at him, saw the absolute misery on his face, and slowly shook her head, chewing her bottom lip. “I-I know I’ve been…adamant about my ovulation calendar, but I’m not thinking about that right now.  I’m worried about you.  I’m worried about how much pain you’re in…” Walking over to him, she cupped his bearded face in her hands, tears glistening in her eyes with pure worry and concern in them. “I love you, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.  Please…” Pressing her forehead to his chest, she wrapped her arms around him as a few tears slid down her cheeks. “Please don’t push me away.  Please let me help you however I can…”

 

“Just…give me a damn break, Brin, please.”

 

Using the arm that wasn’t trying to send shooting, stabbing pains into the rest of his body, Jon gently but firmly nudged her away.  She moved and he seen the hurt in her eyes, groaning and whirled away from her to get himself another drink, tossing down two more shots consecutively.  Between his arm, his job, and then her draining him dry DAILY, no SHIT he wasn’t knocking her up!  Jon had pointed out that the tadpoles needed time to regenerate and that had gone in one ear and out the other, even though there was also plenty of legitimate research to back what he had said.  The woman had baby fever.  He was STRESSED, in pain and under pressure, so he’d be surprised if he had even ONE viable sperm at this point.  Groaning again, Jon scrubbed his hand down his face, along the beard he had grown for her.

 

“Maybe it’s time to see a doctor about the damn arm…” If she’d stay off his nuts long enough for him too, he’d think about getting his boys checked as well.

 

“Okay.  Okay, Jon, we’ll…we’ll take a break on the baby making, okay?  I’m more worried about you than making a baby right now.” It was the truth. 

 

Brinley could see that arm starting to slowly wither away and he was being stubborn about it.  They had a trip to Hawaii planned right after Survivor Series, in two months, and Jon wanted to make it until after that pay-per-view before doing anything.  He’d already told her this and she wished he’d get his arm checked out before then.  It was bad enough to where he was going into the trainer’s to get CC’s drained out of his elbow on a nightly basis, just so he could wrestle that night.

 

“I-I’m sorry…” Brinley had stopped smoking, just so she was absolutely prepared to have a baby and she didn’t drink anymore either.  It was protein shakes and all healthy stuff to try to boost her own body; she was literally doing everything in her power to get pregnant. “How about we just lay here and watch some Discovery channel?  I promise I’ll behave and I won’t even touch you if you want.”

 

“You’re giving my dick trauma, you know that?”

 

Jon didn’t want to talk about HIS problem, his arm, he’d rather focus on this obsession she had with getting pregnant.  He was in pain, that whiskey wasn’t kicking in fast enough, and he could feel the viciousness rising.  In agony and lashing out, the rational part of him knew that, but his mouth just kept running.

 

“I don’t HAVE anything to give you to make a baby anymore.” Sure, he had plenty of CUM, but probably not sperm. “You know it’s takes TIME to refill the actual babymakers, and we’re not giving it time, we’re just fucking constantly.”

 

Hell, that was every man’s dream.  Every man who was NOT trying to get his wife pregnant.  All of a sudden, those poor bastards who dreaded ovulation and following a pregnancy calendar, he understood it now.  He got why they freaked out.  Women went insane and eventually, stress and pressure followed because the man wasn’t performing they way they should and caused them to fall into insanity.  He dropped down onto the bed, looking back at her again, really feeling like a piece of dog shit when she just offered him the bottle.

 

“I know, I’m sorry.” Brinley whispered, feeling him snatch the bottle away from him and could feel her own emotions rising, her own temper, but she had to swallow it all down.  Lashing out at him in return wouldn’t solve anything and just make matters worse. “M-Maybe it’s just not meant to be.  Maybe we just can’t have a baby together and…I’m already 40 years old, Jon.  I’m fucking 40, it’s too late for me and I have to accept that.  I…I never should’ve asked you to do this in the first place, to keep on a stupid ovulation schedule.  I promise, I’m not going to mention it again and we can just…go back to the way things used to be before I got this baby shit in my head.”

 

Sniffling, Brinley handed him the remote to watch whatever he wanted and laid down, her back facing him while silent tears slid down her cheeks, a hand pressed against her flat stomach.  She had her chance at being a mother all those years ago and lost it because of all the stress she’d been under, not knowing who the father was.  This was karma coming back to bite Brinley on the backside and she had nobody to blame except herself.  It never occurred to her that drinking alcohol as much as Jon did on a nightly basis also didn’t help his sperm count.  Alcohol actually killed sperm and Jon wasn’t doing himself any favors by drinking himself into a stupor every night, which was his self-medication since he refused to take pain pills of any kind.

 

“I love you, Jon.”

 

They were literally screwing themselves out of having a baby with their respective stupidity, stress and pressure they were putting themselves under.  They both should have taken his advice when he had said ‘if it happens, it happens’.  Jon also should have been a smart boy and added ‘naturally, without pushing it’, but he hadn’t because getting laid around the clock was every man’s fantasy.  No, no it was not.  That was NOT healthy when it was done on a schedule, with a goal in mind outside of just enjoying each other.

 

All his answers tonight were grunts and he flipped to the Discovery channel before tossing the remote aside with a heavy sigh, rolling onto the side that wasn’t going to give him grief in order to look down at her.  Sighing, Jon pressed a kiss to the side of her head, against her blonde locks and noted where her hand was. “It’ll happen, Angel.” He murmured, knowing that probably didn’t make her feel better, but if they just went back to ‘normal’, once his arm was better, things would work out the way they should.

 

She nodded, immediately turning to snuggle against him and kissed his shoulder gently, looking up at him with a tear-streaked face. “You’re right and I’m done with the schedule, okay?  I just want you to be healthy, you’re more important to me than having a baby right now.  You said it yourself, if it happens, it happens.” Jon was the love of her life and if anything happened to him, if she lost him, Brinley would be completely lost and probably join him six feet under, truthfully. 

 

It wouldn’t be freeing for her to lose him.  He was adamant about making it to Survivor Series and she wished he would get his arm checked before then, but…Jon didn’t want to let the company down.  Brinley already decided whatever was wrong with his arm, however long he was out for, she would be joining him, even if it meant quitting her job.  Also, she decided that night there would be no more sex with her husband until after he got that arm checked out.

“Exactly.” Jon kept her in that good arm, though he waited patiently while she began propping pillows so they could lean back comfortably and watch whatever it was he had put on.  He felt her snuggling back into him, her head on his chest and began finger combing her hair, enjoying the use of an arm that wasn’t on the verge of giving out.  Honestly, Jon was terrified of what was wrong with his arm and he knew it could be a number of things from a tear, a weird break or fracture, pinched nerves or a giant knot pressing on something it shouldn’t.  The body was weird.  His had been conditioned to take punishment, but…even he had a limit and he knew he was pushing it.  One of the reasons he wanted to wait until after Survivor Series was…he was afraid he wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon.  Survivor Series was one of the bigger pay-per-view events of the year, so he needed to make it until then.

 

Unfortunately, the human body wasn’t as indestructible as Jon thought.  This was the first major injury he’d ever sustained in the 16 years he’d been wrestling.  Was it 16?  Maybe it was a little more than that.  He wasn’t sure, but Jon did know that the doctors at WWE were begging him to get the arm checked out.  All he kept thinking was getting to Survivor Series. 

 

Brinley was worried sick about her husband, seeing how much pain he was in on a nightly basis for the next two months.  Her heart was splintering down the middle at the sight of him forcing himself to compete, forcing his body to move and do what he wanted it to do.  The night of Survivor Series, once the match concluded with the Shield against the New Day, Jon had fulfilled his obligation and he had a doctor’s appointment first thing in the morning. 

 

They were flying out that night and Brinley already had their bags packed, ready to go.  The redeye flight was a straight shot from Houston, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada.  Brinley hadn’t told Jon yet, but she’d put in her two week notice and tonight was her final night with the company, refusing to leave her husband’s side during what would be a very hard time in his life and career.  Vince had tried talking her out of it and she told him flat out she was done, she was choosing Jon over her career.

 

Having a hard time even flexing at this point, Jon held it for very long.  Something was very, very wrong and he was torn between wanting to know and terrified to know the answer. “My money is on…a tear.”

 

Killing time, nervousness was going to drive him up a wall.  He had never, EVER in all his years had a major injury that was going to take him out of the ring for months and he knew, with everything in him, that this would be it.  This would be the one.  His LIFE was wrestling, what the hell was he supposed to do without it for however long it would be?  For Christ sakes, he had SEWN HIS OWN NIPPLE back on, went back to work and now an arm injury was going to bench him?!

 

“Or maybe some seriously fucked up nerves…” Nerve damage and pain could cause a lot of problems to a person.

 

“Calm down, it’s going to be okay.  We’re going to get you checked out, x-rayed, and if you need surgery, we’ll deal with it.” She took his hand in hers, kissing the back of it and let him know that she was by his side. “Come on, I got your Jack in the car since Southwest doesn’t allow booze on the plane.  We’ll be home soon and then you can rest up for your doctor’s appointment in the morning.” He nodded, his face etched with pain as they headed down the hallway. 

 

Already showered, they just had to book it to the airport since they were cutting the time close for takeoff.  An hour later, they were in the air headed to Vegas with Brinley holding her husband’s hand, saying a silent prayer for him that this would not be the end of his wrestling career.

 

Chapter 44

 

Blue did not understand why Daddy couldn’t rough house with him.

 

During those months they had been separated, he had taken over completely and this dog was now a Daddy’s boy.  Jon had teased Brinley mercilessly about it for quite some time, until she suggested they get a cat next, he had stopped teasing instantly.  He was of the opinion that cats were evil creatures and only evil people wanted to have one as a companion.  It was a little sad, the big mutt trying to get him going and Jon just couldn’t do it.  He was sitting out on the porch, smoking a cigarette and trying to toss a ball at the same time with his bad arm, finally giving it up and just used the one that wasn’t giving him grief.  Honestly, he wasn’t looking forward to the appointment in the morning, knowing surgery was probably on the table and he was…afraid.  Jon was afraid for the first time since he could remember, since his days in Piccadilly.

 

“You ever had surgery before, Angel?” He asked when he heard her behind him, taking the ball from Blue when the bulldog came bounding back with it.

 

“Once, yeah.  I had my appendix removed when I was 16.” That made his head turn to stare at her and she smiled softly, walking down to join him on the steps while he threw the ball for Blue with his good arm. “It burst while I was at home with a high fever and…I almost died from it.  My Mom had to call an ambulance and everything and my appendix, what was left of it, was removed.  I also had to have surgery on my foot from an accident I had during a soccer game.” She had been on the soccer team in high school and that had gone down the drain with her injuries. “Tore every ligament in my foot and it still gives me issues to this day the older I get…” Brinley leaned her head against his good arm, taking his hand in hers to lace her fingers with his. “No matter what happens, I’m with you, Jon.  You’re not alone and I’ll take care of you.” Did she tell him now about what she’d done? “And to make sure I’m here with you throughout your entire recovery, I quit my job with the WWE.  I couldn’t handle working with Wyatt anymore, it was too much for me to handle emotionally and…you’re more important to me than my job.”

 

Thinking about her surgeries, Jon was rolling over questions he had wanted to ask her, especially after the appendix bursting.  That had to be terrifying.  Then the ligaments, did she have surgery to repair them?  That had to be a must if they were torn that much.  How long was her healing time?  He knew the foot and the shoulder and arm were two different spots, so maybe it didn’t matter.  

 

Then, she just casually dropped she had quit her job and his head angled sharply to stare down at her. “You quit...” Wyatt had bothered her from time to time, mostly with stupidity like waving or saying hello, but it was triggering for her and he had promised not to do anything rash and violent.  UNLESS the man put his hands on her, then he’d choke the fat dick to death. “Angel…you love your job.”

 

“Not anymore.  And definitely not as much as you.” Brinley would be there with him every step of the way. “You will more than likely need surgery, Jon.  It would not surprise me if you have further damage done to your arm because you worked on it for the past 2 months.” She was speaking quietly, not a hint of arrogance in her tone. “The truth is I went to Vince and he would not give me the time off to be with you at home for your recovery.  So I told him I quit and walked out of his office.  He can go fuck himself with some sharp brillo pad for all I care.”

 

“Of course he wouldn’t, the old man is a cock sucker…”

 

Somehow, he wasn’t surprised at all.  One would think her being the sister of one of his major players would get her some leeway, but it didn’t.  Then again, Vince had never really aimed to put Jerichoke in that spot.  Chris had fought for a lot of the ground he had gained over the years, even Jon would give him that.  However, she was a mid-level producer because Vince was an idiot and rarely saw the true talent before him unless it was over six feet and built like a semi.

 

“We have enough money saved.” NOW his penny pinching ways were about to pay off, even with the credit card shopping sprees she had done over the years. “We’re going to be okay, Angel.” He wrapped his arm around her properly, pulling her into him and braced his bad elbow on his knee so he could continue smoking.

 

This woman…amazed him.

 

“I’m not worried about money at all.  I saved up too, so between you and me, we’ll be just fine.  And maybe I’ll go back when you do, whenever you heal up and return.”

 

Chris was actually on sabbatical at the moment because of his band, Fozzy, who was touring at the moment.  She was proud of her brother for fulfilling another dream of his and they talked frequently, keeping tabs on each other, along with their parents.  The family was flourishing, doing well, and Chris had never mentioned the thumbtacks fiasco to her.  That was between him and Jon and one day, they would settle the score on it.  For now, her main focus and priority was helping Jon any way she could and Brinley leaned up to softly kiss his cheek, stroking the back of his neck gently.

 

“I don’t want you worrying about anything besides your arm and getting better, handsome.  No matter what needs to be done, however long it takes, you WILL get through this and back in that ring.  I have faith in that.” She took the ball that Blue brought to them and threw it this time, smiling at the running mongrel.

 

Neither of them realized it would be an eternity, according to future Jon, before he finally got back in the ring.

 

“You know, you were so cute as a puppy, what the hell happened?” Jon joked, watching when Blue rebounded with that ball, his jowls doing a little floppy, drooling thing and he began laughing. “Too bad you can’t come with us, Blue.” Jon began chuckling as he tried imagining Blue all over a doctor’s office, knowing that would just be bad.  Blue was still young, still had a LOT of energy, and he tended to go stir crazy in small environments.  They had to stop bringing him along with them on the road due to it; he had gotten older, knew what he liked, and being stuck in a crate for hours on end, even with toys and treats, was NOT it. “All right.” Tossing the stub of his cigarette into the outdoor ashtray before pushing himself up carefully, Jon swiveled to look down at her. “Let’s go lay down, Angel, big day tomorrow.” He was trying to keep it light and casual, really dreading this appointment.

 

Nodding, Brinley stood up and took his hand that wasn’t attached to his sore arm, Blue right on their heels. “Sounds good to me, I’m bushed.” Jon looked ready to keel over as well as they headed inside with her closing the door behind them, flipping the locks on it. “Do you want a drink to help with the pain?” He nodded with a grimace and she went to retrieve the Jack and coke, handing it to him a few minutes later in bed. “I’ll be out in a jiffy.” She brushed her lips against his before heading into the bathroom to get changed, not wanting to do anything to tease or entice her husband right now.  He was worried, concerned, and they needed to take a break on sex since they’d been going at it like bunny rabbits lately.  Crawling into bed with him, she smiled as Blue hopped up on the bed too, laying at their feet and Brinley snuggled into her husband’s side, stroking his chest with her hand gently. “Hard to believe we’re going to Hawaii in a week for our honeymoon, huh?” There was no canceling it either, the tickets were nonrefundable and besides, it would take time for the surgery to be scheduled and whatnot. “I love you, Jon.”

 

He let out what his new response to that phrase, a bit of a purr as she got herself comfortable on the side of him that wasn’t broken. “Yeah, it’s only taken us how long to do this?” They had it planned and that hadn’t worked because they had gone into one of their ‘down’s’ relationship wise. 

 

Something they still hadn’t discussed and probably never would because it would likely do more harm than good at this point.  This time, they were going, bum arm and everything.  Jon wished he WASN’T broken, he knew his arm was going to hinder a lot of things they had discussed doing before.  Hell, knowing his luck, his arm would be in a pre-surgery sling to prevent any further damage.

 

“You packed those bikinis, right?  Including the stringed one?” He wiggled his eyebrows when she groaned.  Brinley had made some comment about literal butt floss when he had gifted that to her, it was great.

 

“Yes, yes, it’s not like I’m not used to wearing thongs.  Didn’t expect you to want me to flash my ass to bystanders, but I don’t mind if that’s what you want.” His wicked chuckle made her shiver and she kissed his chest lightly, breathing him in. “It’s going to be great.  You and me, on a beach with drinks with little umbrellas in them.”

 

Even if he had surgery before they went, they would still have a great time together just sunbathing and relaxing.  Depending on what the doctor and surgeon said, however, they had already discussed the possibility of holding off on the surgery until AFTER the honeymoon.  Jon would be drinking copious amounts of alcohol to endure the pain, which she was fine with since he wasn’t a mean drunk at all.  In fact, he was very loveable and funny when he was drunk as a skunk as opposed to sober and miserable due to the pain he was constantly in.

 

“I bought you a speedo, forgot to tell you that, and I expect you to put on the performance of a lifetime for me, hubby.”

 

“Seriously, Angel?  A butt and nut hugger?” Jon was griping now when she began nodding her head just a little too vigorously, a very wicked smile on her face.  Well, it could be worse, he supposed, it could have been a mankini. “Fine, FINE!” He grumbled jokingly, knowing fair was fair, and if she was going to wear dental floss for him, the least he could do was wear something that’d probably get stuck in his butt.

 

She could not hold in the laughter, her poker face falling and the amusement was clear as day in her eyes. “I’m kidding!  You should’ve seen the look on your face!”

 

There was no way she found speedos to be hot on a man, at all, not even Jon.  The man had an incredible body, even with his withering arm, but she would never, ever force him into something that couldn’t possibly hold all of his junk in place.  One false move and his balls would be on display for the world to see. 

 

Jon stared down at her wide-eyed while she continued laughing and then he began to tickle her, making her squirm beneath him, laughing harder. “Jon!  Jon, stop, I can’t breathe!!”

 

“You’re losing to a gimp, Angel!” Jon provoked, rubbing it in while tickling her mercilessly.  

 

As mercilessly as he could while balancing his body and using one arm.  Jon had always taken his balance for granted, that’d never happen again.  He curded when Blue launched himself up, seeing Mommy and Daddy playing and wanted to get in on it.  

 

A bulldog to the balls had him wheezing.

 

“Oh…shit!” Brinley was trying to catch her breath while pushing Blue off the bed while Jon held himself on the bed, using his freedom of speech to use every cuss word he could think of.  She shooed Blue out of the bedroom and shut the door before going back to where Jon was, wincing at how red his face was. “Uhm…want some ice?” Jon just nodded while continuing to try to breathe and cuss while she flew out the door to go to the kitchen, making sure to close the bedroom door behind her. “I know you didn’t mean it, buddy, but you can’t be in the bedroom with us right now.” She gave the bulldog a treat, scratched behind his ears, and then grabbed the ice for Jon before heading back to the bedroom, handing him the ice pack.

 

He pressed it against his sore junk, on the outside of his pajama bottoms and hissed.  His entire face was red and now he was pretty sure he couldn't have kids for real . “Oh fuck, my nads…Christ…” Brinley didn’t have to worry about that one false move on anything anymore, because he was pretty sure at least one testicle had retreated up into his belly. “Thanks…” He finally managed to croak out after a solid five minutes of learning how to breathe like he was in labor.

 

“I didn’t think he would jump on us like that.  I kicked him out for the night.” Brinley was annoyed at that damn dog for what he did to Jon, scowling. 

 

Sometimes, she loved Blue and other times she loathed the dog, it was a love/hate relationship when it came to Blue just like it was with Jon.  More love than hate these days, thankfully, but once he had surgery and started his recovery.  Jon did a thumbs up, not minding that since he probably felt like strangling the dog for headbutting him right in the dick.  So much for their fun moment…Brinley poured him another shot of Jack, knowing he needed it and wasn’t surprised when he downed it. 

 

Thankfully, they had trustworthy neighbors to watch over Blue for them while they were on the road or else they would have to put him in a kennel, which was no place for a dog.  No, he could run around the house and the neighbors came over to feed and let him out, took him for walks with their other dogs, who Blue got along with fabulously.  Vegas really was turning out to be a great place to live, after all.

 

“I would offer to nurse it back to health, but…it’s probably too sore for me to touch, huh?” They hadn’t had sex since Jon yelled at her two months ago about feeling drained and Brinley hadn’t pushed for it either. “Let’s just go to bed, big day tomorrow.”

 

Actually, Jon hadn’t even thought about hitting or hurting Blue, which was probably wrong because he had backhanded the hell out of Brinley in a defensive reaction when she had dotted his eye.  That was something ingrained in him, about not hurting animals, and he had seen some horrible things happen to them over the years.  However, Blue was not his favorite bulldog right now, still top five, but not that number one spot.

 

“Yeah, that,” No offense to her, but just the idea of her lips on his dick didn’t even sound good, it sounded bad.  Adding that sucking motion, with the drawing of the blood, that would rush his entire genital region and probably make everything hurt worse. “Fuck, ow…” Jon would have killed to be a woman right about now. “You’ll have plenty of time to play sexy nurse in Hawaii, Angel.”

 

“Mmmhmm, good night, Jon.” That would be fun to play sexy nurse, but first, they needed to find out just how much damage was done to his arm.

 

Chapter 45

 

Torn triceps was the official diagnosis.

 

Brinley held Jon’s hand while the doctor showed them the scans and x-rays performed, ordering Jon to have emergency surgery the following day down in Birmingham, Alabama.  They were the finest there and that was where the WWE wrestlers went to get their surgery done.  The referral was already sent and they needed to act fast before further damage was caused to the arm.  Brinley wasted no time contacting the neighbors to let them know what was going on with Jon before calling the airport to book them a redeye flight to Birmingham. 

 

The good news was after this surgery, they could still go to Hawaii.  Jon’s arm would be immobile for a while, unable to be bent or moved, and they had a special brace he’d be wearing to prevent him from moving it.  Walking was fine, he could lift whatever he wanted with his other arm, but NOTHING with the surgically repaired arm.  Jon was lucky no further damage had been sustained and they left the doctor’s office to head home to pack up since their flight left for Birmingham in three hours.

 

The doctor had implied, in his own special way, that Jon was an idiot for not seeking medical attention sooner.  His arm was WITHERING and he hadn’t gone for help out of fear.  So, now he felt fear plus embarrassment, on top of the resignation that he may have royally screwed himself out of not getting things checked out sooner.

 

“I’m a fucking idiot, Angel.” Jon grunted from his spot in the passenger side seat, chain smoking his way through a pack of cigarettes, drumming his fingers on whatever he could touch. “I should have taken you seriously when you asked me to get it looked at sooner and I didn’t, because I’m…because I was afraid.” Admitting that felt weird, felt wrong, because he didn’t admit to feeling those things easily or usually.

 

“You’re not an idiot, Jon.  Look, going to the doctor is scary and it’s not for everyone.  This is your first MAJOR injury and surgery in, what, 16 years?  You’ve been wrestling THAT long and never had a major injury, even when you had to sew your own nipple back on after nearly severing it off.” Brinley took his hand to lace their fingers together, bringing it up to gently brush her lips to the back of it. “You were doing what you felt was best for the company and nobody can fault you for that, not even me.  We didn’t know how bad it was until now, so…just try not to beat yourself up and remember, you’re human.  We ALL make mistakes.  It’ll be fixed, rehabbed, and you’ll be back in the ring within 4-6 months if all goes well.  And I’ll be by your side every step of the way, I promise.”

 

“Yeah, but half the time, I fucking hate the company.” Brinley knew that too, Lord did she know it.  

 

His bitching and whining about the horrible storylines within the WWE had been a serious source of problems between them, all stemming from his end.  Not that he ever admitted that outside of his head on the rare occasions it popped in.  Lately, it seemed like they were popping in more often and Jon sighed, gently freeing his hand since he only had the one and he needed it to flick ashes out the window, offering her an apologetic smile.

 

“When I’m back to one hundred, I’m going to use BOTH my damn arms and hands to worship you properly.  You really are an angel, you know that?” Sometimes with a little rust and blood on her halo and wings.

 

“Far from it, handsome.  My halo is pure black rust and my horns hold it up.” She smirked at him while he smoked his cigarette, not minding that he pulled away since he only had one functioning arm. “And I’m aware you hate WWE, but something also makes you stay loyal to them.  Just like me, even though my brother is rarely involved with them these days.”

 

Something told her Chris would be leaving WWE sooner rather than later because of Fozzy.  He had a commitment to his band and his love for music had surpassed wrestling for the moment.  She also knew wrestling was all Jon had ever known, his first love in life, and he’d do anything to make sure he didn’t lose it.

 

“This may be a chance for you to reinvent yourself and re-debut as an entirely different character in the company.  Maybe come back as a heel or something.  Maybe finally do something about your hair that you’ve been dreading to do.  You and I both know you have a receding hairline and the shit you’ve been using to try to stop it isn’t working.  I think a brand new look is something you need, something to freshen you up.”

 

“You know what keeps me loyal?  My contract and lack of options.”

 

As much as he hated it, the WWE WAS the only big fish in the pond.  No other company came even remotely close and while he did miss wrestling in the Indies, thanks to less restrictions.  The WWE had clauses in the contracts about that.  They were considered ‘independent contractors’, but they also weren’t allowed to venture into other territories, so…exclusive independent contractors who relied on the mass machine that was the WWE.  Jon had been so thrilled when he had signed and the longer he was there, the more he was learning that the love/hate relationship was turning sour.

 

“HEY!” He had tossed the stub of his cigarette out, that hand flying to his hair. “We don’t TALK about that!” Jon was losing his hair and his blue eyes narrowed at her; she was just smiling serenely while driving. “Fine.  YOU cut it though.”

 

“Fine, at the hotel in Birmingham.  Make sure to bring your trimmer.”

 

~!~

 

Later that night, Jon watched as his once beautiful blonde curls fell to the floor, which were dead and gone.  Brinley was not an expert by any stretch and she warned him as much, but he still let her do it anyway.  With his Jack and coke in hand, a cigarette in the other, Brinley gently shaved it off and turned the contraption off when it was done.  She dropped a kiss on top of his head and let him get up to let the rest of the hair fall to the floor.  They had used a garbage bag, if all things, to catch the hair and keep it from getting on Jon’s clothing.  Luckily, the suite they were staying in had an area where there was hardwood flooring because it had its personal kitchen, so while Jon went to inspect his new haircut, she proceeded to clean up the mess. 

 

Brinley was waiting for it…the scream of horror and frowned when she didn’t hear anything, tossing the hair in the garbage before going to make sure Jon was all right. “It looks good with the beard.”

 

“I was thinking that too.” Surprisingly, he didn’t hate it.  

 

Jon realized, as he studied himself in the mirror, turning his head in every which direction to study himself, that he looked a lot better without the receding mop of half-assed curls.  Less boyish, which was in retrospect a good thing because maybe that had contributed to not being taken seriously by the old man.  It was hard to look someone who was baby faced, or had been, in the eye and imagine them as anything major.

 

“Damn, I’ve lost a lot of weight…” How did he NOT notice this?  Frowning when she nodded, watching her hands coming around him, Jon sighed shaking his head. “Shit’s gotta change after this surgery, Angel.”

 

“It will.  We’ll get you on a proper diet to help bulk you up because you’re gonna be rehabbing like crazy once they give you the greenlight to do it.” Brinley kissed the middle of his back, knowing tomorrow was going to be nerve-wracking for his surgery. “Remember, nothing after midnight, so if you want to eat and drink something, now is the time.  Want me to order something and we can chill here?” Jon nodded, not feeling up to going anywhere in public right now and she didn’t blame him. “Hey.” Moving him to where she could hop up on the sink in front of him, without hitting or bumping him, Brinley pulled him against her and cupped his face in her hands. “I love you and you’re even more handsome now than you were before to me.” She softly kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck to deepen it a little and broke it when they both needed oxygen. “Keep it in mind you’re not alone, I’m right here with you.  Now, how about a nice greasy cheeseburger with everything on it for dinner, hmm?”

 

“It’s like you’re speaking your way straight to my heart.” Jon chuckled, nodding and knew he probably wouldn't eat anything fun after surgery either.  He had no idea how he was going to react to any of the medications they were going to drug him with either.  However, he had heard stories about other guys coming out of surgery all weird and disconcerted as they came off the anesthesia. “No recording me after surgery.  No cell phones.” He figured he might as well throw that out there right now.

 

“Why would I do that?  That’s not something to record and I’d never invade your privacy like that.” Brinley kept her arms draped around his neck, being gentle with all of her movements while touching him.  She did not want to hurt him more than he already was. “I can’t promise I won’t make fun of you though if you say something off the wall bonkers to me while you’re in recovery.” He growled playfully, squeezing her side and Brinley giggled, kissing him again. “All right, time to order food and then we’re getting a good night’s sleep for tomorrow.  Your Jack and coke should be cooled off by now in the small fridge, want me to make you a drink?”

 

He could deal with her poking fun if he said something crazy once coming out of surgery.  They both had seen YouTube videos of weird things people said, especially after having their wisdom teeth taken out.  It was HILARIOUS.  Not so hilarious when Jon was on that flipside, now he was feeling a little bad for laughing.  He probably wouldn’t when it was all said and done though, he was just that kind of person.

 

“Nah, I got it, you handle dinner.” Jon flashed his ‘good’ arm and hand, even wiggling all the working fingers and smiled slightly at her amused little chuckle. “Want one, Angel?”

 

He knew why he wasn’t allowed anything, not even water, after midnight.  They didn’t want to risk the stomach basically sending everything in it back up during surgery, which could then lead to inhaling said contents into lungs.  Jon had been a little grossed out when the doctor had explained all of that to them both, complete with a 3D model.  Making them each a drink, Brinley wasn’t actively trying to conceive right now and truth be told, a lot of babies seemed to be made ON alcohol, not off, and set them out by the time she was done.

 

“Three burgers for me, huh?  I feel spoiled.” And scary thin. 

 

She was hesitant about the drink because for months, she had detoxed herself in order to be completely prepared to have a baby.  Now with Jon’s impending surgery and everything else they were dealing with, Brinley felt like she almost NEEDED a drink to deal with it all.  Still, she held out hope that they could still have a baby, even though she was 40 years old now. 

 

That was too old to have a baby, wasn’t it? 

 

Brinley had nobody else to blame except herself for not settling down sooner in life, for not finding a suitable partner or even going the independent route with artificial insemination.  She should’ve done it when she hit age 30, but at the time, she wasn’t ready to be a mother.  And now at 40 years old…sometimes Brinley hated just how fast time flew by.  One day, Jon would wake up and realize what an old bat he forcefully married and would want nothing to do with her.  Her body wouldn’t stay this way forever and things were already starting to slowly sag, cellulite was a thing too.

 

“Why not?  Might as well get hammered with my husband while eating greasy food.” She flashed a smile at him while making the call to order them three greasy cheeseburgers and fries with everything, including cheddar cheese dipping sauce to dip the fries in.

 

“Well, not like we have time to get hammered… is that against the rules?  Coming in hungover?  I mean, like, it seems like it would be cause you have the upset head, upset stomach…” Though eating and drinking stopping after midnight also meant the stomach would have time to clear out, or at least that was what they told him. “Hmm, he never said anything about not getting drunk and I was honest about how much I drink.”

 

Maybe the doctor hadn’t been surprised or something.  Jon seen someone who dealt with athletes anyway, so…maybe the man had just assumed drinking a lot was par for the course for those of them who didn’t want to take a bunch of pain medications.  Speaking of those, he was going to be getting pain meds through an IV and he knew he’d be given a bottle.  Watching as she toasted him before taking a sip, Jon followed suit.

 

“Brin, once this is all over, if you wanna try again, we can, though…we’re not doing the three times a day, all the time shit.  Gotta give my boys time to replenish.” Jon had spent a LOT of time on the Internet when she didn’t get knocked up at all. “Or…be your luck, you go back to drinking and wind up pregnant then.” He snickered when she glared at him, shaking his head and tried to look innocent. “Brinley, how many people do you know who have had ‘accidents’ under the influence of drugs or alcohol?  Cause I know a LOT.” Their kids had come out relatively fine, he was assuming.

 

Brinley didn’t want to talk about this, looking down at her drink and shut her eyes, hating what she was about to say next. “I don’t want a baby anymore.  There’s so much going on with you right now, I just want my focus solely on getting you better.” She poured another drink from the Jack Daniels bottle and walked over to stare out the window, scrubbing a hand down her face. “Some people just aren’t meant to have babies and I’m already 40, Jon.  I should’ve…thought about it sooner and I didn’t.” Now it was too late for her. 

 

Her ship had sailed being a mother and she would be a Fur Momma for the rest of her life to Blue and any other animals they had.  They could always adopt, she supposed, but Brinley didn’t want to do that either.  She still felt deep in her heart this was karma for losing her first baby, even if it wasn’t Jon’s.  It was still her baby and she wouldn’t have gone through with the abortion once she had calmed down and the shock of it had worn off.  Whether Jon liked it or not, she would’ve had that baby and been a mother at age 37 instead of 40 and not being able to conceive for unknown reasons.  Downing her next drink, Brinley had forgotten how good Jack Daniels tasted sliding down her throat and held the tumbler at her side, resting her forehead against the cool glass window.

 

To be fair, sooner would have been earlier on in their marriage and he knew without a shadow of a doubt he wouldn’t have allowed it.  Jon WOULD have gone out and gotten his nuts clipped.  Or maybe he would have still been full-blown psychotic instead of mellowed out, and did it just to tie her to him for life and him to her family.  It could have gone either way.  He didn’t say a word as he studied her there leaning against that window, not sure what to say or do to comfort her. 

 

Jon didn’t believe for a second that she was too old; he knew women these days were choosing not to have kids until around this age, just because they were settled in all ways such as emotionally, financially and everything else.  Maybe it WAS him and he made a mental note to get his sperm checked out, just in case it was because it was cruel, even for him, to let her go on thinking it was just her when there was a good chance that maybe it wasn’t.  Maybe he had done enough damage to himself over the years, and he had injured his nuts a fair few times, that it just wasn’t possible.

 

Walking up behind her, his drink in his hand, Jon let his chin rest on top of her head, staring out the window with her.

 

Leaning back against him, Brinley appreciated the silent comfort he offered and felt his hand stroke up and down her side with the tumbler in hand, letting out a gentle sigh. “All we need is each other and we’ll be fine.  Let’s just get through your surgery and get you back in the ring, then we can maybe try again…without the ovulation schedule and bullshit.  We’ll just…have sex when we want and if it happens, it happens.  If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.” He nodded and she felt it against the top of her head, feeling a little better about the situation.

 

Chapter 46

 

An hour later, their food arrived and they sat in bed together, with the bottle of Jack Daniels, eating their burgers and fries while watching the Discovery channel.  Anything to get Jon’s mind off what would happen the following day, Brinley was willing to do.  Once they finished eating, more drinking ensued while their stomachs settled.  She had changed into an orange nightgown with lace on the hems that barely covered her backside, which had a matching thong with it.  Very comfortable to sleep in, she loved her thongs and felt sexy at the same time wearing something like this.  Brinley crawled into bed with Jon and softly kissed him, ready to pull away to settle down to sleep, but Jon had other plans.  The kiss turned hot and passionate, lighting Brinley on fire and they were both drunk, wanting and needing each other.

 

“Jon, your arm…” She murmured breathlessly as he began kissing down her neck, caressing her with his strong hands and melted completely against him. “Mmm, want me to be your distraction, baby?”

 

“I definitely need one, Angel…”

 

It wasn’t just his arm or the surgery, he had lost so much weight and after being made aware of it, when Jon had really stopped to take a good, hard look at himself in the mirror after that haircut, it was like something had just deflated in him.  He felt weak and tired, and he didn’t know if he had been battling these things for months now or if it was all in his head after finally seeing it.  Like a jolt or something that had short circuited him maybe.  He let her guide him onto his back, watching as she moved to straddle him and cursed his weak arm, knowing tomorrow surgery was going to fix everything, so…he figured if he could use it, even just a little bit, he would.  That sling was on the floor and he was using both hands to guide that nightgown up, pushing it past her breasts and when she took over to peel it off, he let out a rumble of approval as those beautiful breasts were bared to his vision.

 

“Delicious.” His hands were on those next, feeling her nipples peaking against his palms while she began slowly grinding herself against him, causing Jon to harden completely in his own pajama bottoms.

 

“I love when you touch me, you know that?  Your hands feel amazing, Jon…YOU feel amazing, period…” Brinley moaned out in pure satisfaction, very gently pressing soft kisses to his bad arm and moved across his collar bone to his Adam’s apple, leaving a trail of fire in her path.  Everything about this man, even in his skinnier form, turned her on as she felt him lift up to pull those pesky pajama bottoms off.  She reciprocated by peeling her own thong off, standing up to do it before settling back down right on top of him, guiding his throbbing cock right into her soaking wet and ready pussy. “Fuck…” She gasped out, not able to get used to how big her husband was, not even after all this time. 

 

Once Jon was fully sheathed inside of her, Brinley began to ride him like the stallion he was, giving him all the distraction he needed and craved.  Honestly, she needed it too and glided her nails down his muscular chest, not holding a single thing back.  Alcohol was definitely fueling this bout with him using his arm the way he was.  

 

Jon had barely been able to push through matches, relying on those shots and adrenaline to get him through it.  In retrospect, he was an absolute moron.  He could have seriously hurt someone if his arm had just outright given out during a match, during some potentially dangerous move.  Jon was NOT thinking about that right now; alcohol was bad, putting stuff in a person’s head they didn’t want to think about or even consider.  Especially when they had a gorgeous, green eyed, blonde angel on top of their dick, riding them like she owned them.  Brinley may have, he just would never tell her that since the woman had temperamental issues enough without adding a boosted ego inflation to the mix.

 

“Just like that, Angel…” Gently, Jon urged her to roll her hips a little more and come down on him a little harder.

 

Brinley adjusted the tempo of the bout, obeying her handsome husband’s command and began bouncing her backside up and down, using his chest for leverage to do it. “Like that, baby, huh?  You like me riding that dick with my pussy?” He growled out a firm ‘yes’, sending shivers throughout her body and she did it faster, popping her hips up to where her pussy glided up and down his cock, raining kisses on his chest.  Brinley cried out when he began thrusting up to drive even deeper inside of her and she did not stop the pace they were going, both needing this since they hadn’t had sex in over two months. “Jon!  Oh fuck, Jon!” He growled, lifting her with his good arm and flipped her on her back before slamming home inside of her receptive body, her legs straight up in the air. “Ohhh OHHHHH!!!” Reaching up, Brinley held onto the headboard, refusing to grip his bad arm and his chest wasn’t an option either from how fast he was pounding in and out of her. “Harder!!  FUCK ME HARDER!!”

 

Using that bad arm as best as he could, alcohol and the endorphins from this lusty bout with his vivacious wife definitely overrode any potential pain, though he bet he felt it after all the adrenaline wore off.  His logic was that since he was getting surgery tomorrow and having it all repaired, one round of using his injured arm during sex really wasn’t going to do much one way or another, that’d be fixed tomorrow.

 

“Any harder, Angel, and I’ll break you!” He rasped, sweat that had beaded on his forehead was now dropping down onto her breasts and he stooped to lick it away, tasting salt and her warm skin on his tongue.  

 

Brinley was urging him on, wanting him to give it his best effort, so Jon upped the tempo of this dance, hammering her so hard the sounds of their bodies smacking together was now echoing around them. “Break me, baby, I can take it!” She wanted to completely shatter for him, knowing after tonight, they wouldn’t be having rough sex like this for a while. 

 

It would be making love, if he was in the mood for it. 

 

Everything was a far off memory at the moment and it was just the two of them right here in this suite, screwing each other senseless.  It felt so good to go balls to the wall with her husband for a change since they had been making love for most of the year, trying to conceive a child.  Nearly a year they had tried and failed, and that was a distant memory now.  Brinley knew there were always risks to any surgery, no matter what, and there was a possibility something could go terribly wrong on the operating table. 

 

She would be free if Jon died…and she didn’t want to be.  She didn’t want to lose him and that thought alone caused her body to convulse, surrender completely to him, even as he rode through her first orgasm.  Then, Brinley dropped her legs while he kept thrusting and pulled him as close to her as she could, wrapping her legs around his waist and passionately kissed him, pouring everything she felt into the kiss.  All over her love, fear, desire, worry…it was all in there as he slowed down a little, savoring this between them.

 

“I love you…I love you so much…” She moved in rhythm with him, their ground and pound bout turning into something beautiful and memorable, which was what Brinley needed.  If this was their last time together, she wanted to remember it for the rest of her days without him.  Not only was Jon terrified of the surgery, but so was she. “Stay with me, just like this…just like this, baby…” As close to her as he possibly could be.

 

That was one possibility Jon hadn’t thought of, potentially dying on the operating table.  It never even crossed his mind and if she had brought it up or something, he wasn’t sure what his reaction would have been.  The most terrifying thing to him was never being able to get back into that ring, never being able to wrestle.  That spoke volumes about the type of person he was.  

 

Jon had never considered doing anything else with his life; he had known forever that wrestling was IT, his passion, his love, and he would be lost without it.  Or at least, that’s how he had always seen it.  He felt a convolution of emotions coming from her and lowered himself so he was on his elbows, his body resting on top of hers though he refrained from crushing her as they made slow, leisurely love.  

 

Not sure if that was a bead of sweat on her cheek or a tear, but he kissed it away, his lips lingering against her skin. “I got you, Angel.”

 

She didn’t want this to end. 

 

Her fingers laced around his neck, their foreheads pressed together while moving in synchronization, her body trembling beneath him.  It wasn’t fear.  It wasn’t because she was scared of her husband.  It was because she was scared FOR her husband.  Brinley didn’t know how long they went just like this, but eventually, it did come to an end with Jon exploding inside of her, filling her with his seed and she clung to him for dear life, crying out his name.

 

“I got you…I got you, Jon…” She murmured once he collapsed and held him close to her, both rolling to where they were on their sides, entangled with each other.  She looked at the clock, seeing it was just a few minutes before midnight, and then looked back at him while they were breathing heavily. “If you want another…drink or water…you better…do it now.” He muttered water and she nodded, getting out of bed and stumbled a little from her trembling thighs, grabbing a bottled water from the fridge. 

 

Jon downed half of it just before the clock struck midnight and Brinley took it away from him, knowing he could not have anything else.  It was time for bed as they snuggled together, both coming down from the intense sexual high they’d reached together.  She stayed as close to him as she could, burying her face against the side of his neck with leg draped over his.

 

Please god, please don’t take him away from me.  Please keep him safe on that operating table tomorrow.

 

It was a testament to how things were changing that he didn’t give her trouble over her mother henning, telling him things he was already aware of and whatnot.  That was just her style and Jon had learned to basically ignore it, treat it like any other sentence out of her mouth, as it were.  He was just used to her and her ways.  Maybe it’d be weird without it, well…they HAD been separated for long periods of time, but that had been different, they were different now.  

 

Jon lay there with her nestled into him, contemplating tomorrow and that mother henning, smiling slightly.  Brinley definitely needed a baby or a kid to run after and do that with, maybe she’d leave him alone.  He then realized, maybe he didn’t want her to and inwardly sighed, squeezing just a little bit before letting his eyes close.

 

Don’t let her scare herself to death tomorrow… His little worry wart, his Angel.

 

~!~

 

“Christopher, I’m freaking the fuck out and I need to talk to someone and you’re gonna listen to your sister bitch, moan, cry, complain, and EVERYTHING else, you hear me?!  I’ve sat through COUNTLESS ranting sessions with you and it’s time you pay me back!!” Brinley was an emotional freight train while standing outside the hospital, pacing like a caged animal and smoking what had to be her fifth cigarette. 

 

Yes, she was smoking again. 

 

Yes, she was drinking again. 

 

Yes, she was out of her mind with worry for her husband and yelling at her brother on the phone with tears streaking her face.  The moment Jon had gone to the back to have surgery, she had walked out of the hospital and completely broke down, calling the only person she could think of at the moment.  Her brother.

 

“I know you hate Jon, I get it, but I fucking love him and if anything happens to him, I’m done.  I can’t lose him, do you understand me?  So tell me I’m not going to and tell me everything will be okay!”

 

“What the actual fuck, Brinley?” It was just a shoulder surgery, this was routine amongst the wrestling world.  

 

Chris had his own surgeries over the years and nothing bad had ever happened.  Granted, things happened and it was just part and parcel of this job.  Not to mention, he couldn’t get lucky enough to NOT have that asshole as his brother-in-law.  He sighed when he heard the genuine fear and desperation in her voice, hating that his best friend and sister was married to a psycho loser who hadn’t taken care of himself at ALL.  The second things didn’t start getting better, Jon should have called it a day and gotten himself looked at.

 

“Sweetie,” His entire voice changed, hearing her crying and Chris shook his head. “He’s going to be fine, Brin, I promise.  He’s a tough son of a bitch.” THAT Chris meant.

 

Sniffling, she wiped her tears away, needing to hear those words of comfort more than anything right now.  Jon was currently going under the knife and she could not watch it happen.  They had a window and offered for her to watch the surgery, and she refused to do it.  Jon also refused to allow WWE cameras inside the operating room to show him in such a vulnerable state.  Vince hadn’t been happy with it since he showed a bunch of other wrestlers being operated on, but Jon was adamant about it.  Brinley promised him no cameras; nobody would be in the operating room except who NEEDED to be in there.

 

“Look, I know it’s not ballet and you’ve had a lot of surgeries, but this is his first MAJOR injury he’s had his entire career.  And I’ve never had to deal with something like this.  I just…I need him to be okay.  I just need everything to go as it should and then we can recover and he can start rehabbing.  I’m hoping he can get back into the ring within 4-6 months.”

 

The fact that Vince had even ASKED was disturbing, even though Jon should not have been surprised.  Brinley had gotten to hear him go ‘are you fucking serious?’ to their BOSS and the only reason he probably wasn’t getting canned was the fact that he WAS just about to go into surgery.  Jon was NOT like the others who had agreed with showing his personal life behind the scenes; he didn’t want his life out there in the fishbowl.

 

“Well, if everything goes as planned and he rehabs it the way the physical trainers tell him too, it’s not going to be that long.  You’ll see, sis, he’ll be back on his feet and in that ring in no time.  You need to worry about how he’s going to be afterwards though, he’ll probably be a grouchy son of a bitch.”

 

Chuckling softly, the tears dried up for the time being and Brinley hated that she was smoking again. No baby, not right now.  No point in trying to train my body for nothing. “Yeah, he will be, but I won’t leave his side.  I’ll stick by him through everything he’s about to endure.  I made him a promise and I love him.” She didn’t see the squeamish expression on her brother’s face since they were talking over the phone or she would’ve smacked him a good one upside his head. “Anyway, enough about this, distract me.  How is the tour with Fozzy going?  Are you coming back to the WWE anytime soon?  By the way, I quit my job, just so you know.  They wouldn’t give me the time off to be with Jon and help him through this.  Vince really is a cocksucker, you were right, brother.”

 

“Good, no, and seriously?”

 

Fozzy was going GREAT, better than he could have ever expected if he were honest and Chris was loving the change-up from wrestling.  He loved wrestling, it was his passion, a big part of his life, but so was music.  Chris had been dabbling in music for years, doing Fozzy as a side project and now it was actually taking off.  The change from small gigs and occasionally hearing something about it to now playing bigger venues and actual concerts, having a song on the radio, amazed the hell out of him.  However, it felt a little wrong to be telling Brinley how great his life was going when she was obviously in shambles concerning her own.

 

“He has his moments, that’s for damn sure.” Vince was not everyone’s cup of tea, there was no two ways about it. “Want me to try talking to him?”

 

“No.  I don’t want to work there anymore.  He made me work with Bray Wyatt on all of his matches for the past year and…that’s another reason why I quit.  I couldn’t do it anymore, Chris.” She lit up another cigarette, sitting down at a nearby table and flicked ash away after taking a long drag, closing her eyes. “I wasn’t getting anywhere or any farther in my career there.  After all the years I’ve worked there, you would think they’d put me on higher profile matches, but I stayed put with Diva matches and mid-carders.” Jon was more important to her than her shoddy career with a company that didn’t give a damn about their employees. “I don’t want you to think I’m not appreciative of helping me get this job because I am.  I just…after what happened with Bray Wyatt…and I know I should’ve said something about it when it first happened, but I was scared and didn’t think anyone would believe me.  I’m sorry for disappointing you, brother.”

 

THAT one was a horrible topic because Chris had plenty of time to think on it, about ALL aspects of it and he had reached a horrible conclusion. “Don’t apologize, sis, let’s face the truth here.  If you would have said something right out the gate, Vince would have fired you in a heartbeat.” And tried bribing her in the process, slapped her with an NDA or something like he used to do back in the old days.  Miss Debra came to mind all of a sudden and how she hadn’t been able to say anything without retaliation until a certain freaking YEAR. “He would have fired you and tried to bribe it all away.” So, Brinley had bought herself time with her job, but with that also came doubts about what she had claimed from other people.  Obviously Vince, but that man was an assclown anyway. “You guys need money?”

 

Chapter 47

 

Chris was absolutely correct in what he said. 

 

Vince would’ve fired her, slapped the NDA on her, and then threw a truckload of money at her to keep her mouth shut, just like he did with all the other women who had been raped or sexually assaulted within his company over the years.  He was not a saint by any stretch of the imagination, Vince did what was best for Vince and the WWE.  He honestly didn’t care what his wrestlers did outside of the company or even in it, as long as they abided by HIS rules and HIS laws. 

 

Sexual assault and rape wasn’t a top problem for him because, in his eyes, women exaggerated the truth a lot to get men in trouble and he would not allow his wrestlers to be labeled as rapists, not on his watch.  Women teased and when something went down they didn’t like, because of that tease, then they wanted to scream and cry rape.  Vince had a few encounters over the years with women himself who thought they’d screw him and then try to play the rape/sexual assault victim, so he had thrown money at them, along with an NDA, and that was the end of it.

 

Even if they did, there was no way Brinley would ever accept money from her brother. “No, we’re perfectly fine financially.  In fact, we’re going to Hawaii on our honeymoon, finally, and the doctor said he would be fine to fly.  We’re leaving in a few days.” It would give Jon a little bit of time to recover before they headed off to the tropical island with fancy umbrella drinks and white sand with the beautiful ocean. “Because of how hectic our schedules were in the company, we never got a chance to go.” She wasn’t sure if Chris knew that or not. “So we talked about it and decided on Hawaii when he got some time off.  We originally planned this a year ago, so we just didn’t expect Jon would be severely injured and need emergency surgery on his triceps.”

 

“Wait…you guys never took the time to go on a honeymoon?” Hell, even HE had done that when he and Jessica had gotten married years ago, it hadn’t been hard to get written off for a week or two. “All these years married and never a honeymoon, that’s fucking crazy, Brin…” Chris didn’t know what to say to that given how she was always talking about how great their marriage was and they seemed to be perfectly content.  Whatever, he supposed, though that information was also filed in the back of his mind in his ‘Dean Ambrose’ is a menace and how did this happen folder. “Honestly, I’m surprised at how long he let it go.” Everyone could see that arm shrinking basically and the man had dropped a lot of weight.  Though he also knew when one lived with their reflection, they didn’t see the changes the way other people did.

 

“When we first got married, he was still in the Shield, remember?  He was still new to the roster and he was afraid taking off any kind of time would’ve been detrimental, especially with how explosive the Shield became.” Even Chris had to admit, the Shield became a juggernaut in the WWE and they were on every single show, every house show…she recalled traveling with Jon for almost an entire month straight just because the man refused to slow down. “He promised me once things settled down and he was sure he wouldn’t be fired after the Shield broke up, he’d take me on one.  Believe me, I’ve been bugging him about it for a couple years now.” Brinley recalled their makeups after lethal fighting where they would talk about the future and what they wanted to do together.  It happened that way every time. “And then once he became a bigger Superstar than Seth and Roman and started selling merchandise, Vince started taking him a little more seriously.” Not nearly enough though, in her opinion. “Time flies by when you’re having fun, I guess.”

 

“I guess.” Chris supposed that made sense. 

 

The Shield had TAKEN what they thought they deserved instead of waiting for it to be given to them like most Superstars.  He supposed they had been on tenterhooks, wondering if Vince would find a way to get rid of them.  Honestly, Chris was surprised Vince hadn’t, but even he couldn’t deny that the trio had busted their backsides, including his brother-in-law, as much as that made him grimace.

 

“How long is the surgery, do you know?  Hell, what kind of tear was it?” He had guessed something in there was dying by the way Jon’s arm had basically started withering away and the idiot had STILL used it.  Chris didn’t know if that was dedication or foolishness.

 

A combination of both. “He tore his triceps right off the bone, so I have no idea how long the surgery will last.  It can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the extensive damage.  Speaking of that, I should get back inside.” Brinley had been out here a lot longer than she thought, just needing to clear her mind and wanted to be there when the doctor came out to let her know the surgery was successful and Jon was all right. “I’ll keep you up to date on how he’s doing and everything through text.  I love you, brother, thank you for talking to me and calming me down.”

 

“Anytime, and tell that husband if yours to get well soon.” Chris still didn’t like Jon all that much, but he wouldn’t wish a torn triceps on anyone…except Bray Wyatt. “I love you, sis, keep me posted.”

 

“I will.” Brinley finished her cigarette and headed back inside to the waiting room, doing more praying while staring at the clock, wishing the minutes would tick by just a little faster.

 

Right off the bone, OUCH.  That gave Chris the imagery of when someone slowly cooked chicken and it just SLID off the bone.  He was now envisioning that with Jon’s arm.  Those kinds of injuries sadly weren’t rare and they could happen to anyone, but to wrestle for MONTHS on it was just a bad idea.  That could have wound up dying inside of the body, atrophying, and Chris was expecting her to send him word that had happened.  He had been in this business a long time and he had seen a LOT over his days.  It was sometimes easy to tell what to expect or what was happening based on the outside appearance of the body and how a person moved with it.  Emphasis on sometimes because that lunatic had still managed to pull off some crazy stunts and it did make Chris wonder if that recklessness had only exacerbated the situation.

 

The surgery was successful, took about two hours due to the extensive damage that had been done to the triceps, and Jon had survived.  Wave after wave of relief flooded over her as Brinley listened to the surgeon, nodding at everything he was saying.  Jon would be taken to a recovery room in a little while and she could sit with him until he woke up from the anesthesia they gave him.  This was an ambulatory surgery, so that meant he could go home the same day, just as long as he could walk and function without issues. 

 

His surgically repaired arm was in a cast that immobilized the elbow and arm, where he would not be able to bend or move it for two weeks.  Once those two weeks passed, then they’d put him in another brace that was moveable for a month and then after that, if all looked good, Jon would be able to start rehabbing his arm slowly.  It would be a long process, but he was on the road to recovery and Brinley couldn’t wipe the smile from her face while watching him sleep, holding his good hand. 

 

She stood up with tears in her eyes and kissed his forehead softly, then his lips, not letting go of his hand. “I’m so proud of you, Jon.  You have no idea how much I love you.” Just hearing his heart monitor beep regularly did her own good and her anxiety was way down while he continued to sleep.

 

There was nothing to be done about the atrophy of that piece, that had been due to his own stupidity not going in and having it looked at sooner.  What that meant was that bit had basically wasted away, leading to the withering in his arm.  Now he’d have to rehabilitate everything even harder just to get back to even half of where he had been before.

 

Again, Jon had known this was his mistake.

 

Jon started coming out of it about twenty minutes from when he had been wheeled out, though he wouldn’t be fully coherent for a while and the doctor had warned her of that. “Fuck…” His mouth felt dry as the desert and he also felt weird, he didn’t like it at all.  He smacked his lips, cursing or tried too, it all came out mumbled.

 

Noticing what he was doing with his mouth, Brinley frowned, figuring he had to be parched.  He hadn’t drank anything since the water right before midnight the previous night.  She pressed the button for the nurse to come in here and looked around, wishing she had something to give him at the moment.  There was nothing.  Brinley didn’t have anything to drink herself and Jon had smoked a cigarette prior to coming to the hospital that morning too.  His nerves had been shot and he didn’t care if it was against regulations or not, he was having a smoke to calm his nerves.  Brinley let him since the doctor didn’t say anything about no smoking prior to surgery, he just couldn’t have anything in his system food and drink wise.  Jon’s eyes hadn’t opened yet, but he was talking, rambling in a low rasp, and Brinley couldn’t understand what he was saying.

 

Until she did.

 

The interesting thing about anesthesia was that everyone reacted to it differently.  Some remembered everything from the moment they woke up and were coherent, others may or may not babble.  Some may have an allergic reaction and just be sicker than a dog, filling the hospital puke bags in rapid fire.  Jon was one of those people who rambled.

 

He was rambling about the housefire, the one that had destroyed her house.  They had never caught the culprit and had ruled out accidental from a leak or something, but it hadn’t been him.  He had found out about it and took credit though, just to scare her, but set it on fire?  No. Jon had threatened it, but he would never have done it, not really, and he was rambling very nonsensical sentences about it.

 

It took her a minute to decipher what he was saying, her green eyes widening in both shock and disbelief at the words coming out of his mouth.  Brinley didn’t speak a word, afraid it might snap him out of this rambling he was doing.  Her house in Tampa.  The house fire all those years ago…he hadn’t done it?  He hadn’t been the one behind the fire?  They hadn’t found any kind of arson on the place and ruled that it was a gas leak that had triggered it.  Of course, at the time, Brinley had known the truth about what really happened since Jon had told her, in detail, how he had burnt her house down.  She recalled how cruel he had been during one of their fights and shut her eyes already filling with tears, her hand not letting go of his.

 

“If it makes you feel any better, it was really, REALLY beautiful once those flames really took off.”

 

Why?  Why would he lie about that?  Why would he lie about doing something that heinous to her?  THAT was the question Brinley really wanted to ask him, but not right now, not when he didn’t even know what he was saying.  Jon had hurt people she loved and cared about, all for the sake of forcing her to stay by his side as his wife.  She remembered her parents nearly dying from the carbon monoxide poisoning…something she had never asked Jon about.  Was he behind that or was that another freak accident like apparently her house fire was?

 

“I love you, Brinley.  Never hurt you like that or anyone, Angel.  Just wanted you to love me and want me…for me…me as Jon, not me as Dean Ambrose…just me…no disgust…just me…”

 

“I do.  I do love you, Jon.  I fell in love with you during those first 4 months when you were my mystery lover at the arenas.” She whispered, pressing her forehead to his gently and brushed her lips against his, stroking the side of his bearded face. “You’re the love of my life and I do love you as you.  Nobody else.  Just you.” She kissed him again, just a simple brush against his lips and wiped her tears away with her hand just as the nurse came waltzing in, asking how the patient was. “Oh, his mouth is dry, he needs water and he’s been…rambling while coming to.”

 

“That’s normal for most people,” The nurse stated, after studying him. “He’s going to have to wake up properly before we can give him any water, make sure he can sit up.” Gently, she motioned Brinley away and began to check his vitals. “Mr. Good, can you hear me?”

 

“Nnn…” It was coming in weird, like really close up and then really far away.  

 

Very anti-medications, pills for pain and anything regarding drugs, he knew how easy it was to get addicted on top of the fact that he just didn’t know how he’d react to a lot of different drugs.  Bizarre given his cocaine and drug habit in his younger days, or maybe that was a big part of it.  Jon knew he was likely to get addicted since he had one of those personalities.

 

“Okay, so I’m going to help you sit up,” Jon was already in that half-position, but the nurse also needed him to show he could move. “Your wife, Brinley, is here.”

 

He just nodded, wiggling the fingers of his non-surgically repaired hand. “Angel?”

 

“I’m here, I’m here, Jon.”

 

The nurse nodded for her to take his hand since his heartrate had sped up a little as soon as she had let go of him.  Brinley had no choice since the nurse had to help him sit up in the bed, making sure to do it on his non-surgically repaired side.  The moment her hand connected with his, his heartrate went down again to normal and the nurse nodded with a smile at them both.  Pushing what she’d heard from him in the back of her mind for the moment, Brinley was focusing solely on him and watched as those beautiful electric, hazy blues opened to look back at her.

 

“Hey you.” Brinley kept her voice down, bringing his hand up to kiss the back of it and stroked his hair gently. “Welcome back.”

 

It took him forever to finally focus on her properly.  If Brinley had been recording, very much against his wishes at that, she would have gotten his eyes doing some weird things as he tried focusing. “H-,” Jon stopped, working his tongue around in his mouth, trying to work up some spit to talk. “Hi.”

 

“I’m going to go get some water, or would you prefer a 7up?”

 

Jon managed to raise a thumb.

 

Nodding, the nurse disappeared behind the privacy curtain to go get that drink and alert the surgeon that he was up.  Naturally, once the surgery was over, the surgeon was pretty much done, he’d just come out and let Jon know how everything had gone once the man was coherent.  Then all the rest of the reports would go to the man’s physician who would take over from there.

 

Chapter 48

 

It took Jon a little more time to wake up, along with sipping 7up and water, before he finally looked like he was alert again.  His eyes were on the cast his elbow was in and a frown marred his face because he couldn’t bend it even if he tried.  Not that he would, but Brinley could tell it still bothered him that part of his body was immobile.  She had taken a seat beside him, stroking his hand while he gathered his thoughts and Brinley idly wondered if he recalled anything he said about the house fire. 

 

She didn’t want to ask him.  She didn’t want to know the answer to that question, honestly.  The fact of the matter was he didn’t set her house on fire, he wasn’t the culprit, and that just made her fall even more in love with him…and also she was pissed at him for lying to her all this time.  When this was all said and done and he was ready to return to the ring, Brinley planned on confronting him about it and forcing the truth out of him, no matter what.

 

Considering everything she KNEW he had done, being pissed over a lie seemed incredibly imprudent.  If she were to ask him right in this exact moment, Jon would have GIGGLED at her and probably sang at her about being stupid.  That would have been absurd because he was in the PERFECT place to be treated if she decided to bean him again for running his mouth.

 

“I don’t like it.” He was referring to basically everything.  Being trapped in a cast, not feeling anything in his surgically repaired arm, though he could feel his toes and he looked down. “Where are my feet?!”

 

She jumped at his exclamation, not expecting him to shout like that and calmly stood up from her chair to pull the blanket up, showing him his feet.  They were perfectly fine, not sawed off or anything of that nature. “Can you not feel your feet, Jon?” He wiggled his toes instantly and Brinley bit her bottom lip when he roared a ‘NO!’ while still wiggling them. “Okay, okay, do you want me to call the nurse?”

 

Another bellow of ‘NO!’ echoed around the room and Brinley held her hands up, covering them back up, only for him to shout at her to uncover them.  He wanted to see his feet for some odd reason.  This was going to take a lot of patience on her part until he was fully back to normal again mentally.

 

“How does the 7up taste?  Watered down or like regular 7up?”

 

He COULD feel his toes yet getting it to come out that way didn’t seem to register and he frowned, still wiggling his toes and watching them intently. “I don’t drink 7up.” He grumbled at her, even while sipping it. “Tastes like Sprite.” Gliding his tongue around his mouth again, Jon shook his head and let it lull back against the pillows, just staring at the ceiling clamping his lips shut.  The rational part of his mind was aware his feet were there, but his mouth and brain apparently weren’t cooperating. “I’m fine, I’m fine…” He mumbled after a solid ten minutes while holding her hand. “I feel weird.”

 

“You’re going to feel out of it for a while until you come out of the fog completely.  Just lay back and relax, let it happen naturally and don’t rush anything.” Brinley crooned, not worried about him because this was normal and it hit people differently. 

 

She would know since she’d had two major surgeries in her own life, though she didn’t remember anything she said or did coming out of the anesthesia.  Brinley also didn’t bother correcting him about the 7up comment either, just letting him continuing to sip it down even though he didn’t like it.  Apparently, he did, however.  She pulled her phone out, blinking when Jon slapped it out of her hand instantly.

 

“What the hell, Jon?!”

 

“I said no recording me!!”

 

“I’m not!  I was texting my brother about how you’re doing!  Jesus Christ…” Brinley went to stand up and grunted when he squeezed her hand, his eyes narrowing to slits. “Jon, let go of my hand right now.”

 

“Make me.”

 

“Can I at least get my phone?”

 

“No!  You’re gonna fucking sit there and not record me!”

 

Brinley frowned, not believing how he was acting and how paranoid he was, yanking her hand out of his roughly to fold her arms in front of her chest. “Fine, I won’t touch my damn phone.”

 

“Good!”

 

“It’s normal.” The nurse assured Brinley when she popped her head back in, having heard the commotion out in the hallway.  Mr. Good was rather loud and he wasn’t their first athlete, obviously, since they specialized in athletics here.  Anesthesia affected everyone differently and some people tended to get violent, so there were reinforced bed restraints on every bed, just in case. “Mr. Good, you have to behave.”

 

“I’m not behaving?”

 

“No, you’re scaring your wife.”

 

Jon looked at her and then at Brinley, frowning as he stared at her. “I’m not scaring you, am I, Angel?” What the hell?  He wiggled his toes again and then grinned. “Fuck, I’m high as balls!”

 

Brinley cracked a small smile, shaking her head, though she did not reach for her phone. “Everything’s okay, Jon, just keep wiggling your toes and drinking your water.”

 

She nodded to the nurse, letting her know all was fine.  It was very stupid of her to reach for her cell phone while he was still coming out of this.  Brinley just leaned back against the chair, reaching for the remote and handed it to him after turning it on, just in case he couldn’t figure out how to do it.

 

“The arrow button right here will turn the channel up and the down arrow button will turn it down.” She explained gently when he just stared at the remote questioningly. “Want me to turn something on?”

 

“No, I want to sleep.” He took another sip from his cup, then groaned. “I need to pee…” Jon didn’t WANT to though, lifting the blankets to peer down at his hospital gown clad backside and was relieved to see that he didn’t have one of those weird bags attached to him, a catheter…which would have sucked because he bet that hurt something fierce. “Where’s the pee button?” Bringing his hand up to slap himself in the face, the styrofoam cup tumbled down with the motion and he leaned over to watch it. “Oh this sucks, Angel…what the fuck did I sign myself up for?”

 

“Here, I’ll help you, give me the cup.” Brinley took it and set it on the tray, rolling it away from the bed before pressing the button to make him sit up a bit more. “Actually, hang on, can you hold it for a minute?”

 

Nodding, Jon was still out of it and she pressed the nurse button, needing assistance to help her man get up to use the bathroom.  The nurse walked in and ordered her to sit down while they helped him because he was a big man and he’d already shown a violent side towards her.  Brinley obeyed, watching them help Jon out of bed while he cursed a blue streak and shook her head, finally reaching for her phone once the bathroom door was closed, biting her bottom lip when she heard a very loud groan come from behind that door.

 

“Oh lord…”

 

“Mr. Good, I am NOT looking!”

 

“I’d look, that’s a fucking impressive cock!” Jon was having issues and glanced behind him at the nurses, one female and a smaller male. “Why’re you watching?”

 

“In case you fall.”

 

“Oh.  Don’t watch, I’m married.”

 

“We know, Mr. Good.”

 

“And she’s fucking hot, I have a HOT- oh thank Christ!” Jon was finally peeing. “A hot wife.”

 

~!~

 

How’s he doing?  He out yet? Brinley had some waiting messages. Jess said she sent him some ‘get well’ memes, no idea what that means.

 

Basically, ever since Jon had charmed the hell out of her at that anniversary party a few years ago, Jessica had included him in her little meme group and sent him random pictures she found amusing online.  He seemed to find it funny too, so this was her cheering him up.

 

He’s currently telling the nurse not to watch him piss and saying how impressive his cock is.  Jesus Christ, I’m trying so hard not to laugh right now. Brinley sent that back and could just picture her brother drinking something while reading it, spewing out whatever it was he had in his mouth.

 

She’d be right.  Beer went EVERYWHERE right on Jessica, who was sputtering at him and running out of the living room to change her shirt.

 

WHAT THE FUCK, BRINLEY?!  YOU JUST MADE ME SPEW BEER ON JESS!! Oh Chris was pissed and laughing at the same time, picturing Jon actually complimenting his dick to the nurse that was taking care of him.

 

He also said he has a hot wife and I’m in agreement with him.

 

More beer was spewed. “MOTHER FUCKER, BRIN!!”

 

Jess read the message and started laughing, having changed her shirt before snuggling back up with her husband. “Don’t worry, I’m not mad at you.  I probably would’ve spewed beer too, baby cakes.”

 

“Oh fuck, I don’t care if you’re mad…be mad, I’m in agony…” His NOSE was on FIRE and Chris figured if she was mad, then he could just assume the burning nose was punishment for the beer all over her.

 

Jessica just shook her head, overly used to his reactions by this point.  She just smiled and patted his forearm. “I bet you are.”

 

~!~

 

“Shit, I can’t make it stop, what the fuck did you do to me?!”

 

“Mr. Good…you’re on empty, shake and tuck, sir,” The nurse ordered dryly with the patience of someone who had been through this many times before. “And wash your hands.”

 

“Yes, ma’am.” He was feeling tired, but not so foggy anymore, splashing water on his face after washing his hands and peered at the male nurse through the mirror.  That was new.  Where the hell did this little shitstain come from?

 

The female nurse had been replaced with a male one since Jon kept accusing her of staring at his junk.  Jon hadn’t noticed the change since he was too busy talking to his penis for the majority of his peeing time, even after there was nothing left to come out. 

 

Brinley tucked her phone away just as the bathroom door opened and made sure Jon couldn’t see it, smiling at her handsome husband. “Starting to wake up a little bit more?”

 

“I think he is.” The male nurse answered, helping the patient back in bed and nodded at her, frowning when Mr. Good started narrowing his eyes.

 

“You hitting on my wife, punk?”

 

“You better go.” Brinley watched the male nurse leave the room and looked over at Jon, immediately taking his hand to squeeze it gently. “You feel better after peeing?”

 

“I’m pretty sure there were two nurses and they’re trying to fuck with me.”

 

He wasn’t wrong, there had been both the female nurse and the smaller male one, though at the end, it had just been the guy.  Mostly because the woman had gotten tired of being accused of ogling the wrestler’s flaccid penis.  Jocks had some issues, that was just a fact.

 

If not for the fact that he was a wrestler and had spent a lot of his adult life sharing locker rooms and showers with other men, he might have been unsettled by the guy.  As it was, he was more concerned about the female nurse who had probably snapped a picture of his backside or something, then bailed to hock it on eBay. “But yeah, I do…I also don’t want to come back here ever again, Brinley.”

 

“Well, nobody wants to go through surgery and be in the hospital, Jon.  Hopefully, this will be the only time you need to come here.  But if you do need to come here again, I’ll be right here by your side.” Brinley kissed his hand, seeing he was finally starting to come out of the fog and his eyes were becoming a little clearer, though he was miserable. 

 

Absolutely miserable. 

 

They stayed for another two hours before the discharge papers came.  Jon was fully awake and pissed off, fighting to get into the wheelchair because it was his ARM that was jacked up, not his legs.  The nurses sighed, remaining patient and all Brinley could do was apologize to them without her husband hearing, wheeling him down the hallway after he demanded her to do it.  If he was being wheeled out, she was the only one who would be pushing his broken backside outside.  The SECOND they were outside, Jon hopped out of the wheelchair and pushed it near the entrance before lighting up a cigarette, walking his happy ass right to their rental car. 

 

This is so embarrassing. 

 

If he ever needed another surgery again, Brinley didn’t know if she could handle him in another fog, not after his confession and mercurial attitude changes.  The nurses were more than used to this since a lot of patients didn’t want to be wheeled out, children, men and women alike.  They had tried reassuring Mrs. Good of that, that his behavior wasn’t really out of the ordinary, but there was no helping with that embarrassment that came naturally at that kind of behavior.

 

Jon was just leaning against the car, smoking his cigarette while watching her come towards him.  He WAS miserable.  He was out of that fog and could barely remember anything about his ‘recovery room’ experience outside of having to piss like a racehorse, that was about it. “You look like you want to either slap me or cry.” Recalling about being a total asshole about the wheelchair, that was ridiculous and Jon was standing by that sentiment.  His legs worked just fine, he had even gotten dressed mostly on his own, though it had been weird working with one arm only since the other was now immobilized.  He didn’t like it at all; Jon did NOT like the feeling of NOT being in control.

 

“I’m sorry…for being a dick about the wheelchair.” He apologized when she stopped in front of him, staring down at her intently. “I don’t remember what I was like when I came out of the room though, was it bad?”

 

“I don’t want to slap you or cry, I’m just tired.  It’s been a long day for both of us.  And it wasn’t bad at all.” It was…enlightening, actually. 

 

Brinley always felt as if something didn’t feel right whenever Jon would tell her little snippets about what he did to her house.  How he had burned it down.  Watching the flames as they licked away at all of her memories and lost treasures.  Something about it just felt…odd and now she knew why. 

 

Because he didn’t fucking set the fire in the first place. What bothered her about this situation was he had blatantly lied to her, so what else had he lied about?  What other skeletons were in Jon’s closet he had tried to hide from her? “I bet you’re starving and the doctor said as long as you’re feeling up to it, you can eat whatever you want.  So, what are you in the mood for?  You can have anything you want and we’ll get it to go, so you can relax back at the suite.”

 

Brinley’s biggest problem here was thinking in a way that implied they were in a proper marriage, a proper relationship, and HAD been all this time, when that was the furthest thing from the truth.  He had FORCED her to marry him.  Jon had threatened everyone she had ever known and loved repeatedly, and while he hadn’t set that fire to her house in Tampa, he HAD done other shady matters.  Brinley had fallen in love with him and that had definitely put some rose tinted blinders on her, not helped with the way he had changed his own behavior.  Jon had a whole closet full of skeletons that he wasn’t hiding; he was outright keeping them from her and she had known it all this time.  She just forgot about it as their marriage actually started BECOMING a marriage.

 

“No burgers, Angel.” Jon didn’t trust anything greasy right now.  He actually wanted comfort food of some sort, something soft, like a stew or a soup and sighed, flicking away the cigarette so he could reach out with his good arm to pull her into him. “Thank you, for sticking it out, Angel.” Brinley could have done something during the recovery, totally screwed him over and he knew it. 

 

The possibility had crossed his mind because sometimes his wife showed her scary, unstable side and she had the patience of a saint…or someone who was waiting to commit a murder and get away with it.

 

“I told you I would.  I keep my word, haven’t you figured that out by now?” Brinley teased gently, lighting up a cigarette while pulling out of the parking lot, once they were both buckled in, and headed off towards a place they could order a stew or soup. 

 

Deep down, Brinley knew she was being absolutely ridiculous about being worked up over this one lie when Jon had probably lied to her throughout their forced marriage.  It was foolish and she knew it, but that house meant the world to her and he had used it to his advantage, as a way to make her hate him.  She couldn’t understand why he would do something like that, what was the point?  Wasn’t threatening her loved ones and people she cared most about in this world enough leverage to keep her with Jon?  Why did he have to add insult to injury and make her hate him for that stretch of time?  Again, she was daft feeling this way and now that she did know the truth, Brinley already planned on throwing it back in his face that she in fact did know about him NOT being the culprit behind her house burning down during their next fight.

 

“I called my brother and cried to him while you were in surgery.  I was so worried about you, so I’m glad everything went well and now we’re on the road to recovery.  Next stop, Hawaii!”

  

Chapter 49

 

What if it wasn’t to make you hate him? A little voice had whispered in her ear, forcing her to stop and rethink that. What if he lied as a way to make sure you didn’t LEAVE him? Because it was clear as day after all this time that Jon didn’t really want her to hate him.  He may have encouraged it and said he didn’t care, but he obviously did.

 

“Yay…” Jon wiggled the one hand, the other…well, he wiggled his fingers with a sigh, shaking his head with a little grin.  This was entirely on him for not getting it taken care of sooner and he knew it.  The grin turned real because at least now it was over and done with, time to move on.

 

Looking over at him while stopped at a red light, that voice in her head made a lot of sense.  Jon didn’t want her to hate him and she didn’t.  Brinley loved him and it wasn’t forced like the marriage had been.  She hated how it all went down and wished they could’ve had a proper ceremony with their friends and family present.  To be walked down the aisle on her father’s arm and presented to him, to say their vows to each other that they came up with.  Yes, it did bother her that he lied to her about burning her house down.  There was no reason for him to do that because he already had her.  She was already in love with him, even if Brinley refused to admit it back then.  There was no sense bringing it up or confronting him about it since he’d probably lie anyway. 

 

The past is the past, and I need to keep moving forward with him, not backward. “For our 5^th wedding anniversary, I want to renew our vows and have an actual ceremony this time with friends and family.  I want to wear a wedding dress and have my Dad walk me down the aisle to you.  We have plenty of time to plan it and we can do it out at the Red Rocks in Vegas.  I think that would be a spectacular place and view for it, especially at sunset.  It doesn’t have to be anything big and we can throw the reception at a hall or at our place afterwards.  What do you think?”

 

He thought she was insane to ask him for anything right now, especially something that big that would need planning and potential input from him.  Jon had just gotten out of the hospital for surgery, glad he had his eyes shut, his head lulled back against the seat rest. “Sure, Angel,” That was the easiest answer right now and they had time before their 5^th anniversary.  Wait… “You want to do a vow renewal?” One eye popped open as that finally settled into his mind.  

 

He didn’t feel foggy anymore, but still weird.  The doctor and nurse informed him the anesthesia would be wearing off within the next several hours, pain medication included.  He was fine with that, betting it wasn’t helping his current mental state.

 

“Yeah, I do.” Brinley knew he was coherent enough to have a conversation and it had been on the forefront of her mind while he’d been in surgery.  They were married, but it felt at times they weren’t and she needed something more…official.  More concrete. “We can talk about it later, I just wanted to put that little nugget in your head.  Oh look, we’re here.  You stay put, I’ll grab our food, and then we can go back to the suite, eat, and then you’re probably going to sleep for the rest of the day and night.” It wouldn’t surprise her any as she unbuckled and leaned over, softly kissing his lips. “I love you.” Then, Brinley was out of the car and inside the restaurant to pay for their meal, looking out the window just to make sure Jon didn’t do something crazy like take off or try to get in the driver’s seat. 

 

No driving for him until the arm was mobile again since it was dangerous to drive with just one arm.

 

Coherent, he just wasn’t in the mood and personally thought anyone who sprung an idea of that magnitude on a person who had just gotten out of surgery was incredibly selfish.  That was rich and ironic coming from him, the King of selfish decisions.  Maybe he needed to be MORE selfish and put himself first properly; his arm was literal proof he was foolish about his priorities and where he choose to be selfish at.  NEVER again would he give the WWE 100% again, EVER.  The fact Brinley had then added they could talk about it later jarred him from his rambling thoughts and he sat there quietly.  Jon was a total cock bag for even thinking she was selfish; she was dealing with him now, wasn’t she?  Being alone was a bad idea.  It was giving him time to dwell on how terrible this all was.  Driving didn’t occur to him though a few hours ago, while under the influence of that anesthesia, he probably would have tried.

 

“I’m guessing I was a jackass right after surgery since you kept looking out the window watching me?”

 

“No Jon, you were fine.  I was just making sure you wouldn’t try to drive off or something since you’re still coming out of the fog.  People do crazy insane things and they told me it was a small possibility.” Brinley explained patiently, grabbing his hand after setting the food in the back and laced their fingers together. “I promise, you weren’t a jackass.  You were talking about your dick a lot though and that was amusing.  I think you scarred the female nurse that was attending to you for life.” She giggled at his eyes widening before his eyeballs looked down, then back up at her again. “And you did freak out a little bit when I grabbed my phone to text Chris because you thought I was going to record you.  Other than that, you were fine and you cussed a lot, which is normal for you anyway.  Now stop worrying, everything went the way it should and now you’re on the road to recovery.”

 

Therefore, he WAS a jackass and he groaned, taking his hand back to fumble for a cigarette.  He lit two of them, a little slowly since being one armed was a pain to deal with and passed her one, watching her take it. “I was talking about my dick…to the nurse…” Jon could only imagine what he had said, then he pondered it. “I bet she’s heard a lot of shit over her time, I’m probably not the only one.” It would be so embarrassing if he was, he didn’t like that, glancing down at his crotch. “When I freaked out, I didn’t hurt you or anything, did I?” It was hard to imagine himself hurting anyone right now, let alone while all uncoordinated and odd from the surgery. “New rule, I’m just going commando if I ever need surgery again.  I think I’d take the pain over losing my shit afterwards.”

 

“No, you didn’t hurt me.  You just…smacked my phone out of my hand and yelled a little.  Nothing violent or anything like that.” She was NOT telling him about how she’d been grabbed since her hand already had a small bruise forming on it.  Jon wouldn’t think anything of it since they had some pretty great, raw sex the previous night after getting drunk on Jack Daniels.  She’d simply tell him it was from sex, it wasn’t the first bruise he’d left on her and it wouldn’t be the last. “And no, if you need surgery again, you’re getting it done right away and none of this waiting bullshit anymore.” Now Brinley had grown serious while driving, the smile gone. “You could’ve seriously ended your wrestling career, Jon.  Your arm atrophied on you and it may never be the same again because of your stubbornness and stupidity.  I love you, but I’m gonna tell you straight, if I have to DRAG your ass to the doctor, if you get injured like this again, so be it.  I’m doing it.  I won’t let you be foolish like that again.” She STILL couldn’t believe how much damage had been done to his arm and it was his own fault for working on the damn thing for over two months. 

 

A torn triceps for two months…Jon really did have a high pain tolerance, even the doctor and surgeon had been amazed to discover what he’d done.

 

Jon was very glad he had established that no recording rule because he bet she would have made a killing off of it, capturing his stupidity for all time.  He didn’t want to think about it, trying not to run various scenarios based on what little she was telling him.  Without a doubt, she was withholding something, or at least, underselling the details to spare him, which he was grateful for.  He let the subject drop, not needing to know anything else about what he had said or done, imagining giving the nurses something to gossip about around the hospital thanks to his antics.

 

However, Brinley had his complete attention with the lecture though and he was actually listening, taking her seriously because she wasn’t saying anything he hadn’t already beaten himself up over.  It wasn’t until it was too late that Jon realized what he had done.  He had put a company that would replace not only him, but his wife in a heartbeat, without a second thought and that was NOT how things should’ve been.  DONE putting the WWE first when the boss couldn’t even take his wife’s safety seriously.  Never again.

 

“Yeah, I hear you, Angel, and trust me, it’s never going to happen again.  I’m done with giving Vince my all, he doesn’t fucking deserve it.  The only one who does is you.”

 

That made the biggest smile cross her face as soon as she heard those words, her heartrate picking up speed a bit in her chest.  She was the only one who deserved his all?  Really? “Why do you think I quit my job?  It was partially because they were forcing me to work with Wyatt, but…the bigger part was making sure you weren’t alone through this.  I want to be there for you and take care of you every step of the way.  So when Vince told me to either deal with the situation on my own or quit…I quit.  I walked right out of his office and didn’t look back.  And you’re right, he doesn’t deserve your all because you haven’t been rewarded for being the top Superstar in the company.  You carried WWE for the past almost three years, Jon.  I’ve seen it, others have to, and yet they’re hitching their wagon to Roman.  I don’t get it.  You are far superior to him in the ring in EVERY way, you can cut a promo and he can’t cut one to save his damn life.  I know he’s your friend, but…you’re better than him and Seth and everyone else on the roster, including Christopher.  And I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you make it back in that ring, no matter if I have to kick your ass to get into rehab every single day once you’re cleared to do it.  I’ll even rehab with you, we’ll do this together.  It’s about time you knew your worth and acknowledged what’s been going on.  I’m proud of you, Jon, more than you could ever know.” Pulling into the parking lot of the hotel they were staying at, Brinley put the car in park and grabbed their food while Jon carefully got out of the car. “You wanna lean on me while you walk or are you okay?”

 

Sometimes, he didn’t understand this woman or why Jon occasionally had this warm and fuzzy reaction to the things she said and did.  But…Brinley also knew the business and Vince McMahon was an idiot for letting her slip from his fingers and that was a fact.

 

“I walked from the door of the hospital to the car, Angel, I’m good.”

 

Jon wasn’t foggy or walking strangely anymore, he didn’t think anyway, he was just being careful because it was different with his arm.  When it had been in the sling last night, it hadn’t been set, unlike now.  Jon could take it out if he wanted and he had when he had fucked her three ways from Sunday the previous night.  Now, it was stuck until the doctors said otherwise and the difference between shouldn’t use it and couldn’t use it were disconcerting.

 

“Not digging this,” Wiggling that side of his body while gesturing to the cast, Jon frowned deeply. “It’s messing with me, Angel, how I knew I shouldn’t use it before, but did anyway and now I CAN’T.  The choice is gone, it’s just a weird feeling is all, you know?”

 

“Yeah, I can only imagine, but you just have to keep reminding yourself that it’s only for two weeks.  We’ll be in Hawaii in a few days, so that’ll take your mind off it and…I’ll help you in that department too.  Just because you have one arm right now doesn’t mean I still can’t be a distraction for you.” Brinley gave him a pointed, smoldering look before rearranging her face into something more natural, both of them heading up on the elevator to their room. 

 

Once inside, she could see Jon breathe a huge sigh of relief as he sat down on the bed and reached down with his one arm to take his shoes off, tossing them to the side.  While he got comfortable, Brinley was busy getting his dinner out of the bag set up.  It was a thick, yummy stew with vegetables and a lot of meat, so it would be good for him and hopefully, it would help him sleep too.  Jon would have to sleep a little propped up on a pillow and Brinley knew she’d have to try to keep him steady throughout the night to make sure he didn’t accidentally roll on his surgically repaired arm. 

 

She saw a lot of sleepless nights in her future and was prepared for it, walking over to him with the stew in a larger bowl with a spoon. “Here, let’s get you propped up in bed and then you can eat comfortably.”

 

A few minutes later, Jon was eating his stew slowly while she had her own food next to him, both eating in amicable silence with the television on.  Out of anyone in the world, Brinley was the most equipped to understand what it was like to have a choice taken from away.  She had experienced that on an emotional scale when he had flat out denied her the ability to do ANYTHING except what he wanted, like marrying him.  By the time that realization hit him, Jon was halfway through the stew and nearly choked on a bit of potato, nodding when she asked if he was all right.

 

“Fine, fine…” He contemplated sleeping in the recliner in the corner of the room honestly.  They had booked this hotel because it was recommended by the hospital itself; he kind of got why since there were little things that stood out as convenient for someone in his position.  Like a chair he couldn’t roll in. “Just tried swallowing without chewing, like a moron.” He lied with a small grin.

 

All because she was Chris Jericho’s little sister and he wanted to stick it to the veteran.  He wanted to make Chris suffer after finding out what the man had nearly done to him, Seth, and Roman.  Chris had gone down to developmental while they were still down there, right before the Shield idea had come about, and he wasn’t impressed with any of them.  In fact, he had gone out of his way to go to Vince and begged the old man NOT to go through with the idea of bringing these three rookies up to the main roster.  Chris had been worried about his spot on the roster, along with others, and he had been the man to go in to tell Vince how he and others felt.  Vince had thankfully ignored the veteran, told him to deal with it because the Shield idea would happen. 

 

Bryan Danielson had overheard Chris complaining to a few of his friends about Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns, and he was very good friends with Jon.  Naturally, Bryan had gone to Jon immediately and told him what he overheard, making sure it stayed between the two of them and Jon had thanked his longtime friend, assuring him that they wouldn’t let the opportunity slip through their fingers.  They would make a statement and the Shield did exactly that.  After that conversation with Bryan, Jon had done some research about Chris Irvine – Jericho – and found out about his little sister working as a match producer in the company.  Jon had targeted her instantly the moment he laid his eyes on her and that was what prompted him to start pulling her into dark dressing rooms on a weekly basis, becoming her mystery lover.

 

The whole forcing her to marry him and stay with him idea stemmed from the simple fact that he wanted Chris Jericho to suffer for YEARS.  Not just in WWE, but personally too.  Jon wanted to make his life miserable and what better way to do that than marry his little sister, someone he cherished in his life?  Jon supposed he could’ve gone after the man’s wife, Jessica, but even HE wouldn’t cross that line…not sexually or intimately anyway.  He nearly had Jessica’s brake lines cut in half until Brinley decided on the night he won the WWE championship to come back to him.  To stay.  Things had been very good ever since with only minor arguments, but other than that, they were kosher. 

 

However, Jon just never expected he’d feel something for Chris Jericho’s little sister since he had set out to use Brinley Irvine and nothing more.  He never banked on actually falling for her, wanting her for more than just revenge against her veteran brother.  Of course, Jon hadn’t fallen for her right away and didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, but after nearly 4 years of marriage, and seeing how well Brinley was taking care of him when he needed it the most…it was almost as if that need for revenge had evaporated.  He had no idea the amount of beans he spilled while coming out of the anesthesia fog earlier at the hospital…or that his wife knew the truth about what really happened to her house in Tampa.

 

Long after they finished eating, Brinley snuggled up against Jon’s side, his surgically repaired arm on the other, and looked up while they were watching a movie together, seeing he was sleeping deeply. “My poor baby.” She whispered softly, pulling the blankets up over them gently and snuggled against him, thinking if she slept this way, he wouldn’t be as willing to move from the propped position he was in. “I love you, Jon.”

 

Chapter 50

 

Hawaii was supposed to be one of the happiest and relaxed times of their life.

 

That was until Jon woke up two nights into their honeymoon with his surgically repaired arm dripping with blood and pus in bed.  It happened after they spent the night making love to each other with the ocean as their backdrop.  They had the windows and screen door open, which lead right out to the beach.  It was a small town home Jon had rented for them for the week, so they could have plenty of privacy instead of being in another stuffy hotel room.  The place had everything they could possibly need, stacked, and Brinley had made them a delicious meal that followed making out, foreplay, and then amazing sex.  His arm remained immobile, so Brinley knew he hadn’t done anything that would’ve gone against doctor’s orders.  The doctor even said they could have sex as long as he didn’t use his arm.

 

Jon was currently in the emergency room clinic the island provided and they had diagnosed Jon with MRSA, contacting his surgeon right away.  MRSA was a flesh-eating bacteria that could kill a person and shut their organs down if it got into their blood stream.  To say Brinley was scared would’ve been an understatement.  She booked the first redeye flight back to Birmingham, Alabama because Jon required a second emergency surgery.  They wrapped his elbow tightly, putting it back in the brace, and they were both on a flight two hours later out of Hawaii headed back to Birmingham. 

 

Currently, Brinley was in the waiting room pacing, chewing her thumbnail nervously, her skin sun kissed from the Hawaiian sun they had soaked in together.  They had done a little sightseeing while there and enjoyed the beach until Jon had been ready to call it.  The doctor and surgeon assured her they were going to do everything they could for Jon, but first they had to clean out the elbow again in another surgery, then he’d be pumped full of antibiotics to hopefully combat the MRSA and stop it from entering his bloodstream. 

 

Jon had been entering delirium with a fever from the infection that he hadn’t been aware of building in his body.  He had nearly lost his mind when they had woken up to that blood and pus, his first legitimate thought that SHE was in trouble somehow.  Then once they had realized it was him, that he was just oozing everywhere, he had been scared to death the pus, the infection, would wind up in Brinley and she’d be joining him in the ICU.  That was exactly where he was heading, without question.  

 

Before they had taken him back, his eyes had been glassy from the fever even with that clinic pumping him full of antibiotics, just staring at her.  When he had gone for the repair, he had been worried about himself, about never getting into the ring again, but now it was Brinley.  He had told her, probably a LOT, on the flight over to watch herself, to let the doctors know they had shared the bed, just in case.  Logically, the odds of her winding up ill were slim to none because it hadn’t gotten INTO her and obviously, MRSA didn’t come from semen, but Jon couldn’t stop himself from panicking.

 

Finally, after a long, agonizing wait, the doctor finally called her back through the doors from the waiting room. “Mrs. Good, we got all the infection.” That was the good news.

 

Brinley shut her eyes as soon as those words left the surgeon’s mouth, tears sliding down her cheeks.  She had been praying harder than she ever had in her life, her heart nearly stopping at the solemn look on the man’s face. “You did?  Really?” Then why did the man look stoic and not as happy as she felt upon hearing those words?  There was something wrong.  Was Jon all right?  Was he alive?  Why would they tell her the infection was taken care of if he wasn’t? “I have a feeling there’s a ‘but’ somewhere in there, so what’s the bad news?  Jon’s okay, right?”

 

“He’s in the ICU, he’s fine for the moment, as best as can be expected and he’s sleeping.” The surgeon was trying not to panic her, but from the way her face had been gray and pinched when she came over to join him, he could tell basically nothing short of hearing full recovery would do this poor woman any good. “While we cleaned out the site of the infection and everything there, it’s a pretty safe bet that it’s in his system, his bloodstream, given how bad it was and his condition when he came in.  He’s not awake and I don’t think he’ll wake for a while, the nurses said he didn’t react well the last time to anesthesia.  With him in this condition, we’d rather not have him agitated and disoriented.” In a nutshell, they had given him medication to put him in a deep sleep and when he finally woke up, he wouldn’t be groggy and disoriented as before. “We’re flushing him with a very aggressive round of antibiotics and based on the body’s response to that…well, that’ll determine our next course of action.” He’d need a lot of blood tests over the next few days.

 

Brinley felt numb from head to toe, listening to what the surgeon said.  She heard the words, but they weren’t computing.  MRSA had gotten into his bloodstream, which was a worst case scenario and it could…it could…she dropped to her knees in front of the surgeon, every part of her trembling, and couldn’t believe this had happened.  HOW?  He was perfectly fine when they went to Hawaii and…had she done something to him?  Had she pushed him too far somehow?  Maybe even going to Hawaii had done this…and Brinley felt sick to her stomach, the tears continuing to rush down her face.  A very harsh reality crashed over her and her eyes moved to the diamond ring on her finger, a flashback from the chapel that night in Vegas hitting her. 

 

Jon was going to die.  She was going to be a widow.  They were doing everything they could for him, but…it wouldn’t be enough, would it? 

 

The surgeon stooped to help her back to her feet, assuring her they were going to do everything in their power to help Jon and she shouldn’t give up on him for a second.  All Brinley could do was nod, once again the words not computing, and she thanked the surgeon before heading outside for a much needed cigarette.  It was pouring down rain and she shakily lit up a cigarette under one of the tables with an umbrella, sitting down before she collapsed again. 

 

Instead of calling her brother, Brinley dialed another number in her cell phone and waited for the voice on the other end to answer. “Bryan, it’s Brinley…” Her voice cracked as more tears began to fall down her face. “Jon’s…Jon’s in ICU and…he may not make it.” Slowly, she explained to Bryan what happened to Jon when the man gently asked her to tell him what exactly was going on.

 

Bryan let out a very slow, shuddering breath after she finally stopped talking, his mind processing everything she had told him.  It had taken her quite some time to get it all out, she had paused to compose herself, and he knew Brinley was falling to pieces on the other end of this line.  He was trying not to fall to pieces on HIS end, scrubbing a hand down his face as he let out another breath.

 

“He’s going to be fine.” Bryan spoke after a long stretch of silence, hearing her making soft, raspy noises…noises that said she was trying to reign herself in.  His voice came out with confidence he wasn’t sure he actually felt, his mind protesting the very idea of Jon succumbing to an infection and not breaking his neck in the ring.  

 

That was NOT how that man was going to die, absolutely not!  Bryan refused to believe Jon would die anywhere but inside the 20x20 squared circle.  Or maybe doing something insane with his woman in bed, but NOT in a hospital via an infection!

 

“He’s a fighter, he’s going to pull through this, Brinley.”

 

“Y-Yeah…”

 

Why didn’t Brinley believe him?  She had so much faith and belief with his surgery that he’d pull through, but now he had to have a second emergency one and was in the ICU.  The ICU was not a good sign.  The ICU was the place people were taken as a last resort to save their lives, the only card left for the doctors to play, and a lot of people died in the ICU.  She took one drag of her cigarette, stared at it, and then dropped it right in the ashtray, not able to enjoy the taste of it or anything.  In fact, it tasted all wrong and Brinley just listened as Bryan tried calming her down, giving her words of encouragement, but once again, it was just words.

 

“T-Thank you, Bryan.  I-I should get back inside…I’ll keep you posted on how he’s doing.” Brinley hadn’t even seen Jon yet and she knew she’d have to be by his side in his final moments. “I-If…”

 

“Don’t.” Bryan ordered, shaking his head vehemently. “Don’t say any ‘if’.  You let me know WHEN he’s doing well and keep me updated on his progress.”

 

“Okay.” Brinley whispered, hanging up the phone and letting it drop at her side, then set it on top of the table in front of her to bury her face in her hands, crying her heart out.  She was going to lose Jon.  It was a very real possibility and there was nothing she could do to stop it. I love you, Jon, please don’t leave me…don’t leave me!

 

The ICU was not just a last resort, it was also where high risk patients were put, so they were less likely to be exposed to anything that would set them back.  One of Jon’s nurses had just come off her shift, needing a cigarette before heading home to deal with her household and dropped down opposite of Brinley, knowing exactly who this woman was because she had been in the surgery the first time for the repair.  She pulled a small package of tissues from her scrub pocket and set them out for the younger woman for when she finally pulled her head off the table.

 

“Your husband has some color in his face.” She notified calmly, quietly when Mrs. Good stopped crying, watching the woman’s head cock just a little. “That’s a good sign, it shows he’s fighting this off.” She had been there for the MRSA removal surgery too.  THAT she would not be talking about because it had been one of the worse cases she had ever witnessed and the surgeon had cursed a storm when he seen how bad it was.

 

“R-Really?”

 

What if the nurse was just saying that?  The nurse smiled kindly at her while smoking her cigarette, explaining gently that normally, when MRSA entered a person’s bloodstream, it was hard for them to fight it off.  And the color in their face usually drained away whereas Jon was fighting it, hence the color in his face.  He still had a long road to recovery ahead of him, but so far, the antibiotics and medicine they were pumping through him was working. 

 

Brinley sniffled, wiping her tears away and blew her nose, tossing it in the nearby trashcan that was just a few feet from them. “Thank you.  I’m gonna go sit with my husband and keep praying for him.” The nurse nodded, letting her know where to go and where the ICU was located as Brinley thanked her again before heading inside, a glimmer of hope in her heart.  That was until she walked into the ICU, was directed to where Jon was, and covered her mouth with her hand at the sight of him. Jon… He looked awful, pale as a ghost with so many tubes and IVs sticking out of his body…Brinley slowly walked up to him, looking back at the nurse and asked if she could hold his hand.  The nurse nodded with a small smile before leaving her alone to tend to other patients and Brinley took a seat beside him, taking his hand in hers.  Warm.  His hand was warm and she lowered her head, fresh tears falling. You have to make it, do you hear me?  You made me marry you and you made me fall in love with you!  You can’t leave me now after all we’ve been through!  Please…please don’t go… “I love you, baby, and I’m right here…I’m not going anywhere, I promise…” Even if he didn’t make it, she would be here until the very end.

 

It was too early to really tell one way or another, but the fact that Jon WAS fighting, the slight change in his color, the small details nurses would pick up were good indicators.  It was good that his body was already starting to respond, the challenge would be maintaining that because MRSA was a terrible, deadly thing to face.

 

Brinley had fallen asleep and who knew how long she had slept, but she was awoken much later by a nurse who had come to inform her that Mr. Good’s brother, Bryan, was out in the hallway. “We needed to clear it with you first before allowing him inside.” She said after waiting patiently for Mrs. Good to gather her senses. “He’s slept pretty steady these past few hours, we’ll be dosing him with another round of antibiotics soon.”

 

Bryan had gotten a redeye here, after talking it over with his wife, and she’d been the one to push him to get on the redeye to visit Jon.  He knew what he had told Brinley, but he needed to be here, just in case he was forced to eat his words and Brie agreed wholeheartedly.

 

Bryan was here? “He’s more than welcome in here, yes.  That is Jon’s brother.” Even if they weren’t blood, Bryan was the closest thing to a brother Jon had in life.  He had other ‘brothers’, but Bryan had always looked out for him since they’re first meeting and match back in 2009.  They had traveled through the Indies together, made it in WWE around the same time, and were trustworthy of each other. “Bryan…” Brinley stood up from her chair, rubbing her sore eyes from crying so much and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, fighting back tears. “I’m so glad you’re here and I know Jon is too.” She whispered, pulling back after a long embrace and both turned to look at Jon. “T-They said he has color in his face and that’s a good sign…but it’s been touch and go and they’ll be dosing him with more medicine soon.”

 

“Where’s the damn color?” Jon was PALE and Bryan’s eyes were just roaming his buddy. “Here,” He had a backpack on, submitting to it being searched, but it held his spare clothes, few toiletries, and a short letter. “Here.” Taking those letters out, Bryan handed them to her. “I let Seth and Roman know what was going on, and a few others,” However, he hadn’t been able to get to the others like he had Seth and Roman. “Roman tried to come with, he was on the phone with McMahon, but the old prick wouldn’t give him the time off.  That’s from Roman, by the way.  Seth was going to text you later, and I imagine there’ll be a few people reaching out to Jon’s phone directly, if you got that.” He wiped at his face, turning to look back down at his best friend. “It’s fucking crazy…when they did the surgery, they were IN there, and they didn’t see ANY sign of this?”

 

“I…I don’t know…the surgeon said there was no sign of it, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t there…” Brinley didn’t understand it either, trying to make sense of this situation and took the letters from Bryan, not bothering to read them right now.  Maybe she would later. “Wait, Roman really did try to come with you?”

 

“He was adamant.  He was crying on the phone.” Bryan muttered, scrubbing a hand down his face and took the seat beside the one Brinley had occupied. “He feels guilty that they pushed Jon as hard as they did for the Shield shit they were doing.  They knew he was in bad shape, but…Vince kept pushing them to get to Survivor Series…” He wanted to kill that old man because now Jon’s life was hanging in the balance, all because he felt a loyalty and dedication to the bastard. “I know how stubborn Jon is, so if he didn’t want to get it checked out until HE was ready, he wouldn’t.  I’ve known him a long time and when he’s better and out of here, and back in that ring, I’m gonna kick his ass for putting us through this, Brinley.”

 

That made her smile tearfully as she looked back at Jon, walking over to press her lips softly against his forehead. “Do you hear that?  You got an ass kicking coming your way from Bryan, so you better hang in there for all of us.  There’s so many people who love and care about you, Jon, not just me.  These letters prove it and I will not read them until you do first.  I’m not reading them to you either.  You’re going to wake up and you’re going to read them yourself, so you know exactly how much you mean to everyone.  Don’t you dare give up, baby.  We all believe in you.”

 

Bryan had wondered, that first year mostly, how in the hell of hell’s Jon had managed to land her.  They were very opposite.  Brinley had always struck him as friendly and professional, very confident and with set goals, like…normal people goals.  Not Jon goals.  Jon was confident with goals, but he wasn’t professional about them and didn’t follow the rules.  She was a rule person.  Or had been.  It had been a pleasant surprise to see them last this long and seeing her now, the way Brinley was talking to him without shame, without anything except love emanating from her…Bryan didn’t know what Jon had done to deserve a woman like this in his life, but it must’ve been something really, really good.  

 

Little did Bryan know how wrong he was in those assumptions.

 

Chapter 51

 

Days passed. 

 

No improvement and no changes. 

 

Brinley was steadfast staying right by Jon’s side and had a cot brought in to sleep next to him.  She was not leaving the hospital or his room besides to get some fresh air.  Everyone in her family knew about Jon’s condition, she couldn’t hide it from them and Bryan had informed all of their friends as well as Brie and Nikki.  Tons of flowers were sent to the hospital, his room was covered in them with cards and get well wishes.  It was incredible the outpouring of support Jon had from everyone, including his Indie friends such as Sami Callihan.  They were former tag partners in the Indies and Jon had helped break Sami into the business.  He had driven down all the way from Ohio to check on his brother, visiting for a few days, and then had to get back on the road.  Roman finally made it and so did Seth, both of them wishing her well and made her promise to call them as soon as any change happened.  They were worried about him, but also praying that everything would be all right.

 

Days turned into weeks.  There was a small improvement and Jon had slowly come out of the danger zone, but they still kept him in the ICU.

 

Weeks turned into a month, then two.  Brinley had woken up on her cot and had to fly to the bathroom to empty the contents of her stomach.  It had hit her out of nowhere and she was afraid she’d caught the flu or something, dabbing her mouth with a paper towel from the machine.  A nurse came inside, asking if she was all right and Brinley slowly shook her head, admitting she might be sick.  The nurse got her right out of Jon’s room instantly to check on her with a doctor, giving her a full checkup.

 

“Mrs. Good, when was the last date of your menstrual cycle?”

 

“I’m sorry?” Brinley hadn’t expected to be asked that, even though it was routine to be asked that during a checkup with a doctor, she supposed. “Umm…” She started thinking back, rubbing the back of her neck and realized she hadn’t had her period in…over two months? “It’s been a couple months…”

 

The doctor smiled at her softly. “Do you think you could be pregnant?”

 

“I…” Brinley didn’t know, highly doubting it and felt her stomach, which was somewhat hard for some reason.  What the hell?  When did that happen?  When did the changes start in her body that she didn’t notice?  Her focus had been solely on Jon and staying by his side that she didn’t realize what was happening to herself. “Maybe?”

 

“Why don’t we give you a pregnancy test to take, hmm?”

 

Brinley nodded dumbly, taking the test and went to the bathroom to take it, sitting on the toilet waiting for the minutes to tick by to let her know the results.

 

Positive.  She was positive.  And she was certain that it was Jon’s baby this time.

 

She was positive and her husband, the father was her baby, was still in a coma.  It was medically induced because he had started coming around and his body went into shut down mode due to the fevers that initially had raged unchecked, even with the antibiotics they had been flushing him with.  The problem with MRSA was the fact that it was so resistant to EVERYTHING, it was becoming untreatable and it had been a very bad day when they had to explain THAT to Brinley.

 

“How about we set you up with a prenatal appointment, okay?” Mrs. Good was receiving a lot of attention because they had obviously missed something.  The infection had been THAT bad and was there PRIOR to the surgery.  Maybe removing the atrophy had done it, but whatever had caused it to metastasize had done it in a supernova fashion. “And I’m writing a script for prenatals too, it’ll be filled in the pharmacy downstairs, okay?”

 

“O-Okay.” Brinley was in a daze, not believing she was pregnant and placed a hand on her hardened stomach.  It was hard as a rock and she hadn’t noticed it until now.  What the hell was wrong with her?  How could she not notice something like that happening to her body? “I…I don’t even know how far along I am…” The holidays had been spent here, along with their 4 year wedding anniversary and New Year’s as well.  It hadn’t been a very pleasant ending to the year of 2017.  Hopefully, 2018 would be better and Brinley was begging Jon to wake up at this point and for this MRSA to take a flying leap off a short pier!

 

“Not a problem, we’ll schedule you with our OB for an ultrasound and full checkup.  She’ll be able to tell you everything, including how far along you are and even give you a ballpark of when you conceived.  That’ll be all during your prenatal appointment, okay?  They’re going to want to take a blood test as well, just to verify you-”

 

“A-Angel?”

 

Every part of Brinley’s body broke out in goosebumps as she whipped around, wondering if she was hearing things.

 

“B-Brinley…” It was nothing more than a weak rasp and luckily, Jon hadn’t had to be intubated since he was breathing on his own.

 

“Jon?” Brinley immediately went to his side, taking his hand and could feel the hope flaring in her heart, fresh tears in her eyes. “Jon baby, I’m here.” Holy hell, her heart was thundering in her ears and her watery eyes widened at the sight of his own eyes slowly moving before opening to stare into hers. 

 

Awake.  JON WAS AWAKE!!

 

Jon was sort of awake.  Coming out of a coma, contrary to television shows, did not mean the person just woke up and that was that.  Sometimes, it was a process, they’d start coming too, maybe doze again, come back, rinse and repeat until they were finally, properly up.  The nurse had hit the call button and was currently checking over his vitals, opening his eyelid to do a quick light shine.

 

“He’s definitely coming around… it might take a bit for him to come out of it completely.” She declared, seeing him working his mouth.  She bet it was dry as the desert he apparently lived near.  They had been keeping him hydrated naturally, all through IVs, and he had been constantly rotated and massaged because there was another fear of atrophy and bedsores, which were common in coma patients. “Mr. Good, Jon…Jon, can you hear me?”

 

He made a noise, still working his tongue in his mouth, his eyes moving behind those closed lids. “Angel?” He opened them again, focusing right on his wife.

 

The emotions overwhelmed her as Brinley kissed his hand repeatedly, locking eyes with him for the first time in over two months.  Those beautiful blues…she never thought they’d open again or she’d see them.  Brinley would never admit aloud, but she really thought this was the end for Jon.  He kept fighting though, refusing to give into the MRSA and now he was slowly coming back to her.  To them.  She was pregnant with their child and he didn’t even know it yet.  Now was DEFINITELY not the time or place to tell him about it either.  Brinley just had to learn how to breathe and could not wipe the smile from her face, pressing the back of his hand against her cheek.

 

“I’m right here, Jon.” Never once did she leave his side except to go back to the hotel for a quick shower, but other than that, Brinley was here beside him. 

 

The nurse continued looking him over until the doctor arrived with a relieved smile on his face.  It had definitely been touch and go with Jon for a while.  They weren’t sure if he’d make it, but now that he was coming around, that was a VERY good sign.

 

Jon had to deal with them running some very basic tests and a lot of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions, sort of understanding what was going on around him.  The very last thing he remembered was being wheeled through doors, hearing them yelling around him, feeling like his entire body was on fire, but he had been panicking over HER.  Remembering that clear as day, he had been so freaked out by the possibility that all that pus and blood had somehow gotten into Brinley’s system somehow and she’d wind up like him.  By the time they had finally stopped, someone had gotten him a cup and a straw with what was probably watered down 7up and he was sipping it with her help.

 

“I feel weak…” His voice was also hoarse and it wasn’t clearing up no matter how many times he cleared it, his eyes however, remained on her.

 

“You will for a while.  You were in a coma for almost 3 months.” The doctor had already told him that, so it wasn’t a shock to his system to hear it from her.  Brinley kept her voice soft and low, stroking his hair while he continued sipping that watered down 7up. 

 

Thankful Jon was all right and he made it through on the other side, back to her and everyone. 

 

Countless flower arrangements and plants surrounded the hospital room since Jon had been taken out of the ICU about a month prior.  His vitals were stable and his body was just fighting the infection off, which took time.  The doctor had been close to moving him back to the ICU if no improvement showed, but luckily, Jon had come around and woken up on his own. “I’m just…so glad you’re okay and awake again.” There was so much to tell him and Brinley had a lot of phone calls to make, text messages to send, but right now, in this moment, none of that mattered except helping her husband with whatever he needed. 

 

Once Jon was asleep again, THEN she would contact everyone to let them know what happened today.

 

That wouldn’t be long.  Jon had been warned that he was going to be extremely tired, even though he had basically just taken a seriously long nap and he knew he was going to be on antibiotics for a while longer.  Dreading that, he was also fearing trying to move and get out of this bed.  Just looking down at the blankets that covered him, he could tell he had lost even more weight.  Would he ever wrestle again?  

 

Yet that wasn’t even the top thing on his mind at the moment, his eyes moving to his wife. “You look like shit, Angel,” Brinley looked like she hadn’t slept at all while he had overslept and he drummed his fingers against the bed, watching as she moved to sit on the side of it. “If I could move over, we both would fit.”

 

“Don’t worry about it, I have a cot right next to your bed.” Brinley wasn’t worried about how she looked at the moment, her hair piled on top of her head haphazardly.  It’d been two days since she last took a shower, which was out of the ordinary for her.  Usually, it was every day and night she bathed, but ever since Jon had been in the hospital, it was every two or three days.  All she did was sit here, it wasn’t like she was active or anything. “I…oh shit…”

 

BOLTING away from him to the bathroom, the nausea spell struck her out of nowhere and Brinley couldn’t even shut the door before spewing the contents right into the porcelain bowl.  Morning sickness SUCKED!!  Brinley was in there for a good 20 minutes before finally standing on shaky legs and moved to the sink, washing her mouth out along with patting her sweaty face with a towel. 

 

Shit!  Jon was probably wondering what the hell that was about and took a deep breath before rejoining him, the color slowly returning to her face. “Sorry about that…”

 

He was in no proper mental state to think about her rushing off that way, though he had dozed while she was gone for that length of time, his eyes popping open when he had heard the toilet flush. “Hospital food that bad, huh?” It was a joke and he fumbled for his drink, blinking when he realized his bad arm was not in a cast anymore. “When’d that happen?” He rumbled, gingerly trying to move it, it felt stiff, like it hadn’t been used in years.  She looked pale as a ghost, but it didn’t register if she was sick.

 

“Oh, yeah your arm is good now and you can start rehabbing it once you regain your strength and get out of here.”

 

His arm had been in a cast, then in an immobile brace, then a regular brace that could permit mobility, and now…it was mostly healed up.  Jon had missed all of it, thanks to the MRSA in his elbow and the tests would hopefully show that the MRSA was finally, completely, gone.  The antibiotics would be precautionary for at least another month, so Jon wouldn’t be able to start rehabbing until after those antibiotics were done…along with physical therapy.  He’d have to regain all the muscle in his body slowly, but since he could move his legs still, thanks to the massages and whatnot he’d received, the doctors were confident he’d bounce back pretty quickly now that he was awake.  Brinley sat down in the chair beside him, taking his hand again and leaned her head back, feeling as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders.

 

“What tests were they talking about?” He asked curiously, having gotten the physical stuff, making him walk and all that, lifting his arms and testing his mobility and fine motor skills, everything that would be happening sometime today.  However, the doctor had also mentioned mental tests.  He listened quietly as she began explaining how he would be tested on recognition, cognization, and a bunch of other things. “I gotta look at pictures and say what I see?” That one, for some reason, stuck out to him, not making the immediate connection that they wanted to make sure nothing had been scrambled in his brain. “I hope they feed me first.” Jon was starving. “Have you been here the entire time, Angel?” Months, she had stayed here for months and he shook his head. “Thank you, Brinley.”

 

“Well yeah, where else would I go?  You’re my husband and…and I really thought I was going to lose you…” Christ, these hormones were going haywire and Brinley started crying, not able to hold the tears back like she had before.  No, they just came rushing out of her eyeballs and down her cheeks in two streams, her hands squeezing his gently. “Not gonna lie, you owe me big time for making me worry about you.  Probably got more grays on my head than before.” It came out in a joking manner while wiping her tears away, managing to crack a small smile. 

 

Bryan would be overjoyed to hear the news about Jon, as well as Roman and Seth, and others.  Sami Callihan came to mind…there were so many people she had to call and text, feeling a small headache coming on.  No, she owed it to them, especially those who had traveled here to check on Jon in person.

 

“Jon, I wasn’t the only one here.  Bryan came as soon as he heard.  Roman, Seth, and Brodie came to see you, as well as Sami Callihan, Drake Younger, and a few other guys that I’m sorry I don’t remember the names of right now.  I think one of them was named Scotty or something?  Bryan has been here at least once a week to check on you from the road and so has Brodie.  They also…um…you have letters that people wrote you.  I didn’t open them.  I wanted you to be able to open and read them yourself.”

 

Providing he could still read.  Jon was still quiet, rolling all of this over in his head.  He felt tired, still, which seemed stupid because he had just woken up from a serious nap, but he knew in the rational part of his mind that this was probably normal.  He was also concerned because what if there WAS something scrambled? “I’ll look at them later.” Nodding when the nurse knocked and asked if he were up for some jello, Jon watched as Brinley moved so that swivel tray could be positioned comfortably for him.  Slowly raising both arms up to rest them on it, he eyed the green, wiggling bowl before him before looking back at his wife. “You didn’t get sick from me, did you?” Brinley looked all right, tired and pale; maybe there WAS a stray strand or two of gray and she was definitely thinner than before.

 

“No, it’s not possible to transfer MRSA through the means you were worried about, Jon.” He had been in and out of it on the plane ride, but he kept telling her to get checked out.  Something about his sperm and blood getting on her…honestly, Brinley hadn’t been focused on herself, so she was never tested or anything like that.  Of course, Jon would probably demand her to be tested, but it was nearly 3 months ago, so there was no point doing it now. “I’m fine, Jon.  Nothing happened to me, just you.  Now please eat your jello and stop worrying about me.  I want you focusing on yourself.” Just like she would have to start focusing on herself and, more importantly, the child she was carrying inside of her.  Her appointment was in the morning…did she tell Jon about it now or later? Later, definitely later.

 

Probably a good idea.  He was still struggling to process everything around him and reconcile the coma situation.  How long he had been in it for, his brand new, emaciated body, and hearing she was pregnant would have probably sent him into shock. “Doc said that?” Jon asked after a spoonful of that jello, eyes still fastened on her. “About the blood?” He had never worried about the sperm.  Even he knew that wasn’t a way of transmission and Jon did know that, if any infection or pus had gotten into all that blood they had woken up with, and it had managed to get into her somehow, that was a whole new ball game.  He sighed when she nodded to ease his mind.  Fumbling for the call button hitting it, about five seconds later, the nurse was back in the room. “Can my wife get something to eat too?” She was so thin and pale looking, he was frowning.

 

“Yeah, sure, jello it is.”

 

“I-I’m fine, really…” Jello did NOT sound good at the moment and made her stomach turn. “I’ll go down to the cafeteria and get something in a few minutes, okay?” He was really worried about her and she could see it in his eyes.  Those electric blues…Brinley would never take life for granted again after what they’d been through together. “Or now, you want me to go now?  I need to make some phone calls to let people know you’re okay anyway.  I’ll eat and then come back since they’ll be coming in to do your testing and whatnot.” Jon looked hesitant about her leaving and she smiled, leaning down to brush her lips against his. “Keep eating and I’ll be back soon.  I love you.” Rubbing her nose against his, Brinley headed out of the room just the doctor walked in, pulling her phone out to dial Bryan as soon as she was in the cafeteria.

 

“Hello?” It was Brie and she looked over at her husband, who had tears in his eyes. “Brinley, is he…?”

 

“He’s awake.” Brinley couldn’t hold the tears in and started crying, hearing Brie choke up as well while she relayed the message to Bryan. “He made it…he’s going to be okay…”

 

All Bryan could keep doing was praising god and Jesus while openly weeping with his wife, both of them relieved that Jon had finally come out of this on the other side.

 

Brinley had a list of numbers to go through though she hit the top of the list first.  One by one, she went through them all, leaving messages when she’d get voicemail, and within minutes, she was getting phone calls and messages in return.  Everyone wanted to know the same thing, how was he, how was she, was he ‘the same’, all of it.  All of them were thanking Jesus and hoping that their friend hadn’t lost something in that coma, that was uncharted territory for wrestling really.  Tears and infections, injuries like that, they all had general ideas on what to expect, a coma was an entirely different ballgame.

 

Even Chris and Jessica were on her list of people to reach out too.  Chris had resigned himself to his sister basically being married to a vegetable at this point.  Coma’s were unstable and the longer they went on, the harder it became to reverse effects of them.  His blue eyes widened when he got that message, having learned a long time ago not to be drinking when he opened a message from her. That’s great news!

 

Chapter 52

 

“I’m pregnant, Jon.”

 

It was a week later in the hospital when Brinley finally told Jon, not able to keep it hidden any longer.  He was doing fantastic and on the mend, passing all the tests with flying colors.  The MRSA was gone.  History.  Now was the time to get him back into shape and he was doing physical therapy twice a day, walking, and a lot of stretching.  Brinley had her ultrasound and bloodwork done, confirming what she already knew to be true.  She was indeed pregnant, nearly 3 months along, which put her near the end of her first trimester already.  Another month to go and she’d be in her second trimester, her stomach already sticking out a bit and she had started eating a lot better now that Jon was on the mend and she had a baby to think about.  The color had come back into her cheeks and Brinley was taking better care of herself, which in turn made Jon very happy and less stressed out. 

 

Now, he was staring at her with wide eyes, not believing the words that just came out of her mouth and she took his hand to press it against her abdomen…her very HARD abdomen. “I’m just shy of 3 months along and they told me the conception date was around the time we were in Hawaii.” Meaning it was his baby, nobody else’s, and they were going to be parents. “They gave me the prenatal vitamins, I did the bloodwork and the ultrasound and everything looks good so far…”

 

Jon was walking with a walker and rehabilitation was a joke, a painful one.  One did not just miraculously bounce back after that long of a coma, he was so grateful he hadn’t been in it any longer or he may not have had any body mass to wake up with. “I’m sorry, what?” He could have sworn she just said she was pregnant and he pulled his hand away, eyeballing her. “No, you’re not, you’re not even…ah fuck…”

 

It occurred to him she was so scrawny because she couldn’t keep anything down, along with constant nausea.  Needing to sit, looking around the hospital courtyard for a bench, Jon began making his way to it, side eyeing her the entire time.  He dropped down, patting the spot next to him and watched her sit beside him, taking the cigarette she offered him and lit it, blowing smoke away from her.  

 

Chuckling gliding his finger down along his unshaven jawline, his blue eyes began to sparkle as he looked at her again. “Angel, I told you…” If it happened, it happened, because she had been pushing so hard to have a baby and it hadn’t worked…until they stopped trying and just let it happen naturally. “Shit, I gotta get back to normal.” Brinley needed HIM taking care of her, not the other way around. “Three months?” His eyes dropped again to her stomach, which was hard, and he had felt that, but she didn’t LOOK pregnant. “Jesus…”

 

“I’m okay, I promise.  I’m not malnourished or anything, they checked me out and I’ve been eating healthier instead of a bunch of junk food.”

 

At least she looked better in the face, it wasn’t as taut and pale as it used to be.  Jon in a walker was a miracle and she thanked god every day he was able to do this much, knowing he was making strides in his recovery.  The doctors had said once he could walk on his own, without the walker, they would release him to start rehabbing his arm and slowly get him back into the ring.  It was only the end of February going into March, Jon had plenty of time to rehabilitate and get back to what he loved doing best.

 

“You know you’re doing great, right?  You’re doing better than a lot of other people would in your position.  I’m so proud of you, I can’t even put it into words.  Bryan called again, he said he’ll be here tomorrow to visit and he’s not taking a fuck no for an answer.” That made her giggle.

 

~!~

 

Mid-April, which was a month and a half later, Jon was finally released from both the hospital and physical therapy, walking on his own without a walker and all.  He was in his right frame of mind, remembered everything he was supposed to, and his arm was covered since he was paranoid about getting MRSA again.  Ever since it happened and he woke up, Jon had been a germaphobe and did NOT like anything dirty.  At all.  Not even dishes.  He really had PTSD from this experience and showered every time he sweated even the tiniest bit.  Brinley took it all in stride and was finally ‘popped’, showing her small pregnancy belly at nearly 5 months along.  The ultrasound to find out the sex of their baby was just in a week in Vegas and Jon was stoked to be going home finally. 

 

She had woken up a few days prior to her belly looking like it had expanded three times the size and Jon had finally seen proof that she was indeed carrying their unborn child.  He was so sweet and pulled her into bed to start nuzzling and kissing on her bare stomach, talking to their baby like it was already here.  Brinley loved it, stroking his hair the entire time and giggled at the baby talk he was doing to her stomach.  It was the most adorable thing she’d ever seen in her life and the best part was her morning sickness was gone.  No more surprise vomiting episodes.  Now, she was really enjoying being pregnant besides the swollen feet and back pains every once in a while.

 

Every time she even showed the slightest discomfort, Jon was there to rub her feet and get them elevated, along with everything he knew for her back.  Given his job and whatnot, he knew how to deal with back pains, WITHOUT alcohol or a ton of medication, since he wasn’t very big on it to begin with.  Blue was so happy they were back, he had lived with the neighbor all this time, and Jon had paid them a LOT of money for taking such good care of his buddy.  Blue alternated between being with Jon everywhere he went and then lying on the couch with Brinley whenever she plopped down, always trying to rest his head right on her growing belly.

 

“Finally!” Jon was having a good day, he had been doing weekly weigh-ins, working on getting back to a healthy size, working out, on top of keeping the house spotless and germfree, AND loving on his wife. “I’m nearly where I want to be.” He flexed at her as he strolled out of the bathroom, wearing just a pair of loose shorts. “Mmm…” She was so huge already and he LOVED it.

 

Brinley smirked at him, wearing just a nightgown because shorts were NOT comfortable at the moment.  He really did look amazing and the muscle was slowly but surely returning, along with a good size weight.  Jon still drank, that would never change and Brinley was perfectly fine with it.  He had asked Brinley if she was all right with him drinking or if he should quit before their baby arrived.  Just the fact he was asking her opinion and thinking about them instead of himself…it made her love him even more if that was possible.  Brinley had simply told him to take one day at a time and if he wanted to drink, do it.  She would not take away the one vise he had besides smoking, which he had stopped doing in the house. 

 

Currently, she was laying propped up in their bed with a book in her hand that no longer had her attention, not with her handsome, delicious husband standing there flexing for her. “Mmm, I’m glad to hear it.  Flex some more for me and come a little closer.  I need a closer viewing of my gorgeous hubby.” Brinley crooked her finger at him slowly, her eyes devouring him from head to toe. 

 

Ever since she hit her second trimester, Brinley could honestly say she’d never been more horny in her life.

 

Whether he was aware of it or not, Jon was changing, had been changing since before the coma, but it was a lot more noticeable now that he was clear and free of it all and back to his life.  He didn’t want his ‘old’ life, or his old marriage, how things had been before, when it got bad, with their fighting and the threats.  He didn’t want the reasons for them being married because he wanted to spite the hell out of her brother and ruin Chris’ life, not anymore.  Brinley had somehow managed to worm her way right into his life and his heart, in ways he had not been prepared for, been ready for, and now it was beyond too late.  Even if he had wanted too, Jon wouldn’t have been able to pull back and put a halt to anything.  He loved this woman…this beautiful, caring woman who had stuck by him when he had given her every reason not to.  Hell, Brinley could have KILLED him during that coma or left him for dead in that bed; he would have died within hours no doubt about it, but she hadn’t.

 

“Do you now?” He teased, halting just out of reach because he knew how difficult it was for her to move, given she had went from svelte to huge overnight.  He ran a finger down his bare, unshaven chest, watching those darkened green eyes follow the motion.

 

To Jon, she was huge, but to Brinley, she had a small belly compared to some other women she’d seen at nearly 5 months pregnant.  She loved her baby bump and couldn’t wait for it to grow bigger, knowing she was carrying her rainbow baby.  Their rainbow baby.  They had lost their first one, but this one…this one wasn’t conceived out of malice or deceit.  It was conceived out of love and devotion between husband and wife on their honeymoon in Hawaii.  Brinley never wanted to go back to their old marriage, to the fighting and chaos, the arguments…all of that was behind her, including knowing the truth about her house.  She didn’t care about Tampa or her house anymore; she was happy as a lark in Vegas with her very alive husband and pregnant.  One of her dreams was about to come true in just a matter of months and Brinley couldn’t wait to be labeled a Mom.  Her parents were over the moon about it and her brother had simply congratulated her, but she knew deep down he didn’t approve of her marriage to Jon, and he never would.

 

“Mmm, yes and I think your sexy ass should lay down, so I can worship your incredible body from head to toe.  I bought some new lingerie too.” It was for pregnant women and made them feel desired, wanted, and sexy. “What do you say I put one of them on for you, hmm?” Jon loved her in lingerie and the way his eyes darkened down at her made her heartrate speed up.

 

She was huge.  Her feet were like two sizes too big and looked like mini loaves of bread.  He loved it.  Granted, he’d never tell HER any of that, not unless she royally pissed him off, but…even then, he knew at the best of times she was dangerous.  Pregnant, Brinley would be doubly so AND likely to get away from it.  First baby he rarely thought of because he still didn’t think it had been his, given the circumstances, a rape baby for sure, but not his.  Of course, he felt bad for HER loss and his cruel words; that’s where it ended and he hadn’t thought about that in quite some time.

 

“Nope.” Her jaw DROPPING nearly had him dying from laughter, but Jon kept it bottled up, instead moving down to start tugging her nightgown up. “I’m kinda digging these nighties of yours…”

 

“Really?”

 

They weren’t sexy at all, very comfortable though and short since she didn’t like long ones.  Brinley enjoyed showing off her legs and this nightgown was spaghetti strapped with a sweetheart shaped neckline and a peach color.  There was a little lace on the hem, but that was it.  It wasn’t sheer or see-through, it wasn’t lacy or sexy.  One thing she absolutely REFUSED to do was wear granny panties, so at least those were sexy and she had no bra on at the moment because they bothered her too much.  Her breasts were getting a little bigger by the day as well in preparation for the baby.  Everything about her was bigger to Jon, but to Brinley, she hadn’t noticed the significant differences he did.  Beneath the peach nightgown was a pair of white lace boy cut short panties that were insanely comfortable and still gave off that ‘sexy’ feeling and vibe.

 

“What do you like about them?”

 

They weren’t sexy to HER just like her body probably wasn’t sexy to HER.  Jon had come out of that coma and near death just grateful to be alive and so far, everything was a little bit more beautiful to him because he knew how close to death he had been.  His wife, gorgeous and glowing, rounded with their baby, she was a piece of art that belonged in a museum, or his bed, or a temple, somewhere she could be worshipped.  Her breasts, bouncing free of a bra, had definitely gone up some sizes and he bet she didn’t realize it because she refused to wear bras.  They were too tender and he was beginning to drool a little because Jon wanted nothing more than to take those plump globes in his palms, mash them together and go to town on them, sucking and nibbling.  Hell, he’d get everything all warmed up for when Junior arrived if Brinley wanted him too.

 

“They don’t show off anything, but the material clings to every little curve, including here,” Jon traced the ‘triangle’ area where the material hugged her pussy, right beneath that maybe not quite so big belly. “And to your tits…” Those were next on his radar.

 

There’d been no sex since Hawaii. 

 

Jon was very vain when it came to his body and he’d been too busy just enjoying life again, while rebuilding his body after the trauma it had endured.  A soft moan escaped her as soon as his hands were on her peach covered breasts, very gently.  Brinley had warned him about her breasts being oversensitive and Jon had listened to her, making sure not to grab and squeeze them hard, not wanting to cause her any amount of pain.  She giggled when he proceeded to motorboat them gently, tickling her and her laughter echoed around the room when he did it a second time, her hands sliding over his short hair.

 

“You’d probably lose your mind then with the lingerie I bought if you like this simple nightgown.” She murmured, his mouth mere inches from hers when he pulled his face up from her breasts, his forehead meeting hers. “You really do look incredible and your hands feel amazing anywhere on my body.  Touch me some more, Jon.”

 

Maybe he would, maybe he wouldn’t.  She had worn lingerie as a way to entice him to have sex with her multiple times a day when trying to conceive, the fun of lingerie had been replaced with a sense of dread.  Jon was somewhat curious if that feeling was gone and equally so about what kind of lingerie a pregnant woman wore.  Was that a thing? “I never stopped, Angel.” His hands had NOT stopped what they were doing, loving on her gently while also getting his fill.  Using his teeth to tug the material down, glad it had some stretch and give to the fabric, one of her breasts were freed before Jon began to trace her hardened nipple with his tongue.  Sensitivity could work both ways, both bad AND good; he was hoping to drive her off the good cliff.

 

“Oh god…” Brinley gasped out, not believing how GOOD his tongue felt against her nipple.  Just that simple thing sent electric sparks throughout her body and she melted into the bed, wanting to take the whole damn thing off. “Hang on, baby…” Jon stopped her, shaking his head, and went back to devouring her breast while molding the other one in his hand, which was still covered by the peach material.  Then she understood what he wanted to do and gave him complete control, complete surrender.  The lingerie had been a way to entice him into sex, but…she also loved wearing it for him. “I never want you to stop touching me.” Her other breast was freed, somewhat locking her arms at her sides for the moment until she pulled them out and brought his head up enough to where her mouth captured his, pulling him further on top of her.  The taste of him made her panties instantly damp and they had barely begun this dance. “Make love to me, Jon.  I need you and I know you need me too…it’s been too long for us…”

 

“There’s no rush, Angel.” One other thing Jon had also learned was to appreciate patience, something she taught him.  The woman, even with her former temper and spiteful mouth when in a mood and hurting, had to be the most patient person he had ever known.  It had just taken nearly dying to realize it and learn from her. “We got…” Keeping his weight off of her with his arms, Jon showed off his recovery because his palms were flat on either side of her.  He was in a pushup position, no trembling or shaking from exertion, and he felt nearly good as new. “All night.”

 

Nipping her bottom lip, drawing it between his teeth gently, he felt her shivering beneath him.  They needed to get in the quality, slow and playful, sensual and unrushed lovemaking in because Jon knew once the baby got here, they wouldn’t be having sex as often as they wanted to.  Bryan had flat out told him it had been months before he and Brie could even get a quickie in between her body healing and her hormones to simmer, on top of the baby not waking up all the time.  Every woman was different and Brinley would try not to neglect her husband for the baby.  It would be hard to balance at first, but she was determined to have it all. 

 

A happy, satisfied husband and a happy, satisfied baby. “You’re right.” Honestly, Brinley wanted to caress his body from head to toe, to touch every part she could, and kissed along his chin up to his strong jaw, loving how he hovered over her.  This was perfect exercise for him too as far as strengthening his arms because he was literally holding himself up. “Lay down next to me, so we’re both comfortable.” Her teeth took hold of his ear, gently tracing it with her tongue and heard him groan before moving to do as she asked.  Brinley sat upright and peeled the nightgown away from her body before laying back down on her side, draping her leg over his to softly kiss him, caressing him once again. “This is much better and damn near perfect.” Just them in their bed at home instead of in a hospital, separated from each other.

 

Brinley was setting herself up for failure with those ideas, especially as a first time mother.  Nobody was perfect, which was what she was trying to be.  If things did not work out the way she was envisioning them, she was going to be a very, very miserable woman.  Jon was doing the same thing, in reverse.  He was expecting the worst, assuming the baby would be fussy and maybe even colicky or something and that they would be ripping out their hair.  He was assuming Brinley would be tired and bitchy, maybe suffering that postpartum depression some women did, and that he would be walking on eggshells all the time.

 

If they were lucky, they’d have that happy medium in between the two.

 

“You HAD to take it off,” he grumbled, aware she had control issues in the bedroom.  Brinley liked setting the pace and tone when she was able.  He bet that had a LOT to do with his former beast self being rough with her, raping her.  Jon smirked when she cocked an eyebrow. “Okay, wife, show me the lingerie.” He was teasing her, running his fingertips up along her thigh and then the curve of her belly, right back down again to her thigh and then back up.

 

Chapter 53

 

Brinley was starting to wonder if maybe Jon didn’t want to have sex tonight.  He said he was feeling really good, so she naturally assumed he was getting back to his normal self.  Why was he prolonging this?  Did it have something to do with his near-death experience?  That would explain a lot, actually.  Stopping to smell the roses every so often didn’t hurt any.  Still, it was weird that she had to be the one to initiate sex with him.  Maybe she traumatized him from the ovulation schedule or maybe it had something to do with the baby.  The last thing she wanted to do was make him feel obligated to have sex with her.  That was a horrible thought she just had and Brinley had to wonder if maybe he didn’t desire her as much as he used to now that she was rounded out with his baby. 

 

He SEEMED like he did, but Jon could’ve been forcing it too.

 

“Nah, moment’s passed and I’m comfy now.  And I’m hungry.” Brinley pecked his lips and rolled away from him out of bed, slipping the nightgown right back over her head. “These damn cravings are going to be the death of me, little one, you know that?” Her craving for this pregnancy was fruit.  Any kind of fruit and she was in heaven.  It didn’t matter what kind and tomatoes were added to that as well. “A fruit salad, yup, got some made up already in the fridge.”

 

To be fair, she HAD traumatized him with sex during her madness over ovulating with the calendar and schedule.  They even had that last fight about it.  He had flat out told her it wasn’t working and Jon was TIRED of being held to a schedule.  He had been draining whatever juice he MAY have accumulated in those between periods, but when a man was fornicating three times a day, PLUS wrestling almost every night, everything got exhausting.  Right now, he was just taking it slow because he was ENJOYING it, enjoying her body and how it responded, taking time to appreciate the changes.  He didn’t realize Brinley was having doubts because he wasn’t already pounding her blind.

 

“Woman!” He was hard as a rock and she was…his blue eyes were about to roll out of his head when she blew him a kiss and then sauntered out of the room. “OH MY GOD!”

 

Her giggles floated behind her as well as she headed for the kitchen, the baby demanding her to eat fruit.  Right now.  Not later.  Right now.  This baby wasn’t even born yet and already owned her in every way and was cockblocking Daddy too.  Brinley pulled out the huge bowl of fruit salad she’d cut up earlier that day full of all different kinds, filling a bowl of it.  She popped a piece of pineapple in her mouth, groaning at the taste and then a strawberry before adding more.  Putting the bowl back into the fridge, Brinley dropped a piece of cantaloupe right into Blue’s mouth, who was by her feet and she winked at him while eating her fruit.  The house was clean, everything was great and peaceful.

 

“Want some?” She asked once Jon joined them a few minutes later, an innocent smile on her face while waving the fork at him. “Come on, it’s delicious.”

 

Grunting, he went for a beer instead, blue eyes narrowed at her as she continued eating that fruit salad.  Rifling for his meat and cheese tray, Jon dropped it on the counter and popped a few pieces of random things in his mouth, still staring at her.  She was eating that melon all slow, purposefully sucking the juices out of it and he was going to jack off all over her blown-up pregnant tits and whitewash her face.  Not even born yet and that kid had already messed up the sex!  They were definitely never getting laid again once little Jonny Junior arrived.

 

“You’re being evil, Angel.”

 

“What do you mean?  I’m eating my fruit salad before this craving drives me up a wall.” Brinley could act innocently all she wanted, but she knew exactly what she was doing to him and licked her fingers clean, then realized what she was doing. “Oops, sorry.” She immediately went to the sink and washed her hands, knowing how Jon felt about germs and whatnot, even when eating.  He had been a lot cleaner than normal ever since arriving home from Birmingham and she had tried to help him with it, following his lead in other words. “Oh, that was so good!  Did you know that fruit changes a woman’s vagina smell and taste?  It supposedly makes it sweeter from what I read.  Weird, huh?”

 

“Nah, not really, just like pineapple makes a guy’s cum taste better, less salty.  You know how much of that shit you really got to eat though?”

 

Now he knew this because when he was younger and had gone for express bulking.  Jon had done what a lot of other’s did and mowed cottage cheese with every meal.  Then he began adding pineapple to it because cottage cheese alone was bland and boring when one had it ALL the time.  Apparently, one of his…ladies, at the time, had noticed a big difference, so…he had looked it up.  

 

He tossed a piece of salami to Blue, shaking his head down at the bulldog. “Uh huh.  Mommy’s evil, right buddy?”

 

“Does it really?” Intrigued, Brinley wondered why Jon knew that piece of information.  Had he experimented and tried it out before?  That wouldn’t surprise Brinley at all as she bent down to pet Blue, scratching him behind his ears.  Then, she stepped up to Jon and wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning up to kiss his lips softly after making sure he had swallowed his next bite. “It’s been since November and it’s now the middle of April.  And I know we’ve gone a year without sex before, but…I miss you.  I miss being with you.  I know you’ve been focused on getting your strength and everything back to normal from what happened, and I understand that completely.  If you need more time, you just have to tell me.  If you’re simply not ready to be with me again, just say so.  I can wait, I’m patient, and I really don’t mean to tease you or anything like that or be evil.  I just thought maybe you weren’t ready yet and you just wanted to cuddle, which I’m fine with too.  I’m just…I’m hornier than I’ve ever been in my life, Jon, and all I can think about is sex.  I’ve been dreaming about it too, you and me going crazy on each other.  And watching you and feeling you earlier…you lit me on fire and I just wanted to be fucked as hard as possible by my husband, the man I love and the only man that I want and need.”

 

Mommy needed Daddy badly.

 

“What the actual fuck are you talking about, Angel?” Jon was so lost right now, then realized she had thought he didn’t want her because HE was trying to be slow and gentle, tender and loving, taking his time. “Ohhh…” SHE didn’t want that.  Brinley wanted to be fucked good and proper.  Well, not her ass, even he knew that was off limits. “I was trying some gentle, loving foreplay, woman…and then you rolled the hell away for fruit salad.” Leaving him to basically toss his own, not that he was saying that outside of his head.  He eyed her stomach and then her, having a feeling this would work best if she were on top and could set the pace. “I want you,” Obviously, his dick was tenting his shorts. “I just don’t want to HURT you or junior.”

 

“Would you STOP calling our baby that?  It’s not a boy.”

 

“Yes HE is.”

 

“So you’re psychic now?”

 

“Nope, but I know we’re having a boy.”

 

“And what makes you think he’s gonna be a junior?”

 

Jon smirked, sliding his hands down her sides to grip her hips gently. “Well, what the hell else are we going to name him?”

 

“You are impossible.” Brinley said it lovingly, draping her arms around his neck and didn’t realize he was trying to be gentle and loving instead of diving right into sex. “I’m an idiot, okay?  You married an idiot.  I feel bad now that I rolled away from you instead of letting you take your time.” She softly kissed him, sliding her fingers through his chest hair and sighed softly, rubbing her nose against his. “Can we try again?  Go lay down and take our time, go slow, build it up?  I’ll even keep this nightgown on for you since you think it’s sexy on me.  And I promise I won’t…take control of what happens like I did earlier.  I’ll…try not to do that since I know I do it a lot.”

 

Another brow raised, he wasn’t entirely sure his wife knew HOW to relinquish all that.  She was used to mother henning, nit picking, trying to have everything done a specific way, and he also knew she was hormonal, so…Jon didn’t want to upset that balance.  He didn’t want to make her cry or upset her in any way.  Not realizing it, but even as he had all these thoughts going through his head, brief flashes of memories of times with her both good and bad, including his reactions to those moments, slide through his mind.

 

“I love you.” Jon wasn’t even aware he had said it until it was out and something in her face changed.  He had never said it to her, at least not while conscious, but there it was and he cupped her face in his hands. “I love you, Brinley.”

 

Those words were the LAST thing she EVER expected to come out of Jon’s mouth. 

 

Never once, in all the years they’d been together, forcefully or not, had he said those words to her.  She had said them to him constantly, consistently, and Brinley honestly thought he’d never return them.  Here Jon was, doing it out of NOWHERE and the brightest and biggest smile crossed her face, tears filling her eyes.  Her hands came up to cover his, lacing their fingers together and let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding in.

 

“I know you do.” You always have and you always will. “I believe it with everything I am.  And I’m so happy that you finally said it to me.  That’s all I’ve ever wanted was for you to love me as much as I love you, Jon.  You are the love of my life and nothing will ever change that.” He wiped a tear away from her cheek that fell and the smile never left her face.  They were happy tears falling, not sad or heartbreaking. “I love you too, handsome.”

 

There was a lot about her he loved, including her babbling habit of being very gushy and sentimental when she got going, like right now.  Brinley had done it that night of the company party while they had danced.  Jon had been amused then, strangely touched, once he realized everything she was saying through those poetic, flowery words he knew he didn’t possess.  Of course, she was really good at cursing like a sailor and savage with her putdowns when she was in a mood as well, so it only made sense she also possessed the capability to write ballads when she was on the upbeat.

 

“Shit, I didn’t mean to make you cry, Angel.” Reaching up with both hands, he used his thumbs to catch those tears before wiping them away.  He bent down, pressing his head to hers and inhaled her sweet scent.

 

“It’s okay, they’re happy tears.” Brinley couldn’t remember the last time she was this happy and it was genuine, nothing forced. 

 

Suddenly scooping her up in his strong arms, really testing his surgically repaired triceps, Jon carried her back to their room and gently laid her on the bed, guiding her down with his mouth on hers.  This time, Brinley didn’t roll away from him or move to take her nightgown off, letting Jon have complete control and going along with whatever he wanted to do.  Not because she felt obligated, but because she wanted to.  After Jon spent a good amount of time worshipping her body and burying his face in between her soft thighs, he positioned himself to where he was settled with her legs over him.  They were in a T and he lifted her legs that were draped over his hips to slide inside of her, making Brinley moan out at how good it felt to feel her husband inside of her again.

 

“Jon…oh god…” Pregnancy made EVERYTHING feel a lot better, more intense, even though he was going nice and slow, his head propped up on his elbow while watching her.  Even though it was slow-paced, it didn’t make the sex any less intense and Brinley could already feel her sensitive body beginning to cave.

 

She was not a very good test since she hardly weighed anything, even with being pregnant and carrying his monster baby.  Jon had been working out quite steadily once given the green light, so he had tested his formerly torn arm diligently.  Jon supposed that time in the coma had been both good and bad, it had given his arm time to heal from both surgeries, which was good.  Bad because he could have atrophied again or something from not being mobile.  He was very pleased to report he was getting back to a hundred percent – no BETTER.  He was going to be BETTER than he had prior to all of this, definitely more cut, that was a goal of his.

 

It felt like she was a virgin, which was ridiculous.  She was pregnant, she was definitely not a virgin, but Brinley was just that tight.  He inwardly sent a prayer upward that he didn’t embarrass himself and climax too soon after all this time.  Going slow and leisurely was helping, he knew it; if he had started pounding her the way she had wanted earlier, it would have lasted maybe three minutes if they were both lucky.  No, this was so much better, and Jon swore he could feel her heartbeat with his cock, the way her inner walls seemed to pulse around him, trying to stop him almost from stroking in and out of her receptive body.  The only thing she didn’t like about this position, or didn’t care for, was the fact she couldn’t touch him.  The only part of his body that touched her was his cock sliding in and out of her and she craved more intimacy.  Still, this felt damn good and Brinley didn’t stop it or try to take the lead, simply laying there moving with him in tandem, her hands gently massaging her breasts to add just a little more stimulation to the moment.

 

“I’m cumming…ohhhhh…” She gasped and then cried out, feeling her pussy flood his cock, wrapping him in a tight warm, wet cocoon.  These bedsheets were screwed and she did not care, hearing Jon growl softly as he continued pumping in and out of her, riding through her first orgasm.

 

“Roll over on your side, Angel.”

 

“O-Okay…” Brinley managed to do as he asked and gasped out when he slid inside of her again, this time from behind, and he was even closer this time while rocking in and out of her. “I missed this so much…” This…this right here felt ten times better than the other position, especially his mouth on her neck and ear, once again taking things slow with no rushing.  Turning her head, he captured her mouth with his and her fingers gripped the back of his head, their tongues dancing together while he continued making love to her.

 

It was a slow and gentle tease with that last position.  She had been able to SEE him and feel his cock, nothing else.  Brinley had said she was going to try not to be controlling in the bedroom and that had been a great test.  He had enjoyed seeing the different reactions playing out on her flushed face, the pleasure and the frustration all at once, seeing her trying to control her own reactions and impulses to make demands and take the reins.  After that first orgasm, Jon had taken pity on her, knowing she desperately needed that contact with his body and to be honest, he did as well.  Touching and exploring as much of her as he could while their tongues gently dueled, a breast began to be massaged in his strong hand and was rewarded with her arching her chest into his palm.  The softest of moans came from her at that, causing him to smile against her lips.

 

Honestly, Brinley never expected a gentle side out of Jon.  She had seen it peak through from time to time, like when he was dancing with her at her parents’ anniversary party.  The way he held her close at night whenever they were on the same page and not on the outs.  Brinley never wanted to be alone again, to be without him, and she accepted him completely for who he was, flaws and all.  It was the many reasons why she refused to ever confront him about her house.  It just proved he wasn’t nearly as big of a monster as she thought and seeing him nearly die in the hospital had put a lot of things into perspective.  The past was the past, this was their present and future and she needed to focus on those, on their baby, on their marriage, wanting to strengthen it to where it was Fort Knox. 

 

Unbreakable. 

 

The monster had been silenced and laid to rest, dormant, but Brinley knew if Jon was pushed hard enough, he’d let that monster out from time to time.  Right now, in this moment, he was all man, her man, and their eyes remained locked even as her orgasm built, her body shuddering as it flooded through her, his name spilling from her mouth music to his ears.  Hopefully, the only way that monster ever came out was if something threatened their family or their relationship.  If it was provoked as a response to DEFEND what he very much cherished and coveted most in this world, which was his wife and his baby, Jon would unleash it without a second thought.  He was HAPPY and he had never expected it, never expected to find that with her, of all people, not when he had married her as a way to spite her brother.  

 

Chris wasn’t even on his mind anymore.  Jon didn’t care because he had learned something else from this near-death experience.  The company he had wanted desperately to work for, the company Chris had tried blocking him from, derailing his career over, was not WORTH it.  It was NOT worth dying over.  He’d finish out his time there and then move on, build himself up as best he could and find greener pastures.  Pocket those nice paydays and call it on his time with a company that didn’t give a damn about him or his wife.

 

“Delicious…” Kissing along her shoulder as she shuddered against him after that orgasm ripped through her, Jon snaked a hand down along the curve of her hip between her legs.  Gently, he began stimulating her clit, figuring he’d go three for three before he let himself get off, even though it felt like her pussy was trying to force him to cave in.  It was tempting, he knew how good it would feel, the cum in her body, to explode with her, feeling her milking him for everything he had. “Fuck, Brin…”

 

To this day, Brinley still didn’t know what made her decide to go with him the night he won the WWE title. 

 

Jon had approached her in the hallway, asked her to spend the night with him celebrating, and she accepted without any flack or argument.  That night with him had been absolutely spectacular.  The stunning sunrise over Red Rock Canyon, after they had spent the majority of the night making love.  She remembered leaning back against him in a sweater of his, watching the sunrise with their cups of coffee he’d brought in a thermos, and toasted his success under those beaming lights and sky.  Somewhere, somehow, that night Brinley realized just how much she did love Jon, despite him driving them into the ocean and nearly killing them. 

 

She didn’t want to live without him, so she had stayed and it had nothing to do with threats or manipulation.  Brinley had stayed because she WANTED to and it hadn’t changed, not even when he was in a coma in the hospital.  If she truly wanted her freedom from him, she would’ve gone to her brother and told him everything that happened, what Jon forced her to do, because he wouldn’t have been able to hurt a single member of her family since he was in a coma.  Instead, she stayed by his side, holding his hand, talking to him, and praying every day for him to wake up, to get better, to kick MRSA right in the teeth.

 

“Jon!” She cried out, losing herself with him as she teetered on that fine razor edge, her own hand snaking down to lace with his fingers fondling her bundle of nerves. “Together…cum with me…I need to feel all of you…” Brinley panted, both moving just a little harder and faster, their bodies moving in sync with each other as Jon bit down gently on her shoulder, just enough to leave a small mark.  That sent sparks throughout her entire body, shuddering back against him and just as they came together, his mouth landed on hers in an explosive, passionate kiss just as he erupted inside of her, making her cry out in his mouth from how incredible it felt. “Ohhhhhhhhh YESSSSSSS!!!” He was right, it was delicious.

 

Well, if she hadn’t been pregnant before, she definitely was now.  There would have been no way in hell he wouldn’t have knocked her up with as much as he filled her.  It had been a long time and Jon hadn’t even bothered jacking off since coming out of the hospital.  Of course, he had thought about it, but…also been working on the germaphobe thing and touching himself had seemed dirty.  Sometimes, touching her seemed dirty and he had freaked out, inwardly he hoped, about potentially getting her sick or something, getting their baby sick.  That probably wasn’t helped by what had happened in Hawaii, when they had woken up to blood and pus.  Jon had been working on that and tonight, there was no worries whatsoever.  He knew he’d still have his issues down the road, but at least now he knew inside the bedroom, he had conquered those fears.

 

“I love you.” He rumbled, kissing the shell of her ear after he had learned how to breathe all over again and his heart was now beating at a reasonable rate instead of trying to escape his body.

 

“I will never get tired of hearing you say that you know.” Brinley turned on her side to face him and draped her leg over his, scooting as close to him as she could without squishing the baby.  She softly kissed him, caressing his bearded face with her hand and felt his arm wrap around her to pull her just a little closer, until her stomach had to stop him from continuing to pull. “I love you too.”

 

Chapter 54

 

It was a healthy baby girl.

 

Jon had been wrong to call the baby a ‘Junior’ and Brinley giggled at the shocked expression on his face when the sex was announced.  He even demanded the technician to look at it again, just to make sure their eyes weren’t playing tricks on them.  Nope, it was a girl.  Brinley was a little bigger, a little rounder, and Jon couldn’t keep his hands off her.  Their sex life was back to normal, though they weren’t boning on a schedule and doing it when they wanted, which was a lot.  Mostly in the morning, a lot of lovemaking, and Brinley didn’t complain about any of it.

 

“You know what that means, Daddy?” Jon glowered at her playfully and she pulled him down by his bearded chin, passionately kissing him. “We’ll just have to try for a boy next time.” His eyes darkened at the thought and Brinley nipped his bottom lip, wrapping her arms around his waist. “She’s going to be a huge Daddy’s girl.  She already is.”

 

“No, you know what this means?  It means instead of having to give my boy a talk about not knocking any woman up, I gotta keep a girl on the straight and narrow, teach her to not cave to stupid boys, and OFF the pole.” Jon countered with a straight face and ducked when his wife’s hand came flying his way, beginning to laugh. “I’m sorry, Angel, but it’s true!” He was teasing of course, mostly. 

 

Little girls were way different than little boys, at least in a man’s eyes.  More fragile, they needed protected, and Jon was already dreading puberty and the different changes his daughter would go through, letting out a soft groan.  Karma was a quick bitch when she wanted to be because now Brinley was smirking, like she just knew something horrible had dawned on him.

 

“Just teach her to choke mother fuckers out at an early age and she’ll be golden.” Jon’s eyes lit up upon hearing that and rubbed his hands together, wondering if she was serious. “Yes, I’m serious.  Teach her to defend herself, by any means necessary.” Brinley would never fault her daughter for defending herself and rubbed her belly now that the gunk was off of it for the ultrasound.  She was elated to have a girl, but deep down, she wouldn’t have minded a boy either.  As long as the baby was healthy, that was really all that mattered at the end of the day. “It won’t be all bad, you’ll be the best man in her life for the majority of it until she gets married and stuff.”

 

“Hey, I’ve seen those Lifetime movies where the Daddy’s girl shit goes south and Dad turns out to be a psycho who can’t let go.” Jon shook his head, deciding they needed at least two boys, just in case Brinley changed her mind about him teaching their daughter how to defend herself.  He’d teach her more than just choking a mother fucker out; he’d show her the soft spots to target that weren’t the obvious: Dick shots, for example.  Effective and expected. “Hmm…” Beginning to see some possibilities, he stroked his bearded chin as he stared down at his wife. “We can enroll her in karate and shit, make sure she’s getting a lot of self-defense education early on.” Screw boys.  NO man would ever be able to do to her what he had done to her mother and now…now he felt like a big pile of manure. “Yeah, I need a beer.”

 

“I have no problem with that.  I want her to be able to defend herself.  Karate is great for girls.  I hope she’s in some sports too, like soccer or whatever she wants to get into.” Brinley slowly slid from the bedding to start getting dressed again, smiling when the technician walked back in with the pictures of the ultrasound, handing one to each of them. “Oh wow, look at her beautiful little face!” She gushed, seeing the nose clear as day and then the technician handed them a second one – one that proved the baby was a girl.  Their baby girl.  Brinley was choked up seeing the pictures and suddenly plundered Jon’s mouth with hers, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck before breaking it to hug him. “Our little girl, I can’t wait for us to meet her.”

 

“You still got a little time.” The technician chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck a little awkwardly.  She was used to displays, but that had been quite the kiss, usually it was just hugs and tears.  It was always nice to see passion in pregnancies, some couples grew apart, some didn’t, some had awkward issues about changing bodies and then there were people like this. “All right, on your way out, if you want to stop and schedule your next appointment, then you’ll be all set.”

 

Jon followed his wife out, listening patiently as she went through everything and it was on the way to the truck that he began chuckling, moving to help her climb in. “So, Angel, wanna take the credit cards and go shopping since we now know what we’re having?” They had that spare room for the baby’s eventual room and she had been holding off on it.

 

Her emerald eyes lit up, the biggest smile on her face. “Really?!  You want to go shopping with me?” Jon chuckled with a nod, lighting up a cigarette after rolling the window down.  She sometimes got nauseous from cigarette smoke.  Baby girl did NOT like it when Daddy smoked, apparently. “YES!  Don’t worry, I’m not gonna make it all pink and purple either.  Neutral colors are good for girls too.  We can mix it up a little and have a little bit of all colors.” Brinley was practically bouncing in her seat, wearing a light blue sundress that showed off her pregnant belly beautifully with the fabric. “I can’t wait to start painting the walls and getting her nursery finished, finally.  There’s that baby store I told you about on the Strip, do you wanna head there first to see what they have?”

 

Why the hell had pink and purple come into play?  Jon didn’t even think of them as ‘girl’ colors, he had been envisioning soft yellows and maybe turquoise.  Then again, he also didn’t see blue and green as ‘boy’ colors.  However, Jon didn’t do a lot of loud, bright colors, period; he had a thing for neutral and earth tones. “Anywhere you want to go, Angel.” Excitement was contagious and once they got into a place, his attitude would change into whatever she was spreading.  He had noticed that once his mind made those connections that Brinley immediately seemed to establish since she was his Princess’s house, he went from ‘oh’ to ‘OH’ instantly.  Quickly, Jon found a place and got out of the truck to finish his cigarette, frowning while flicking it away and considered quitting.  Yes, he would quit smoking in any enclosed space with her, windows down or not, from now on since the baby didn’t like it.

 

“You wait, woman!” Brinley had swung open her door and he held a hand up, blue eyes sparkling with amusement when she huffed at him.

 

Brinley grumbled, wanting to get in there and start shopping, really despising cigarettes at the moment.  They were stopping her from going into the baby store and Jon chuckled at the annoyance on her face. “Come on, just pop one of your chews in your mouth and let’s goooo!” He smirked at her idea, did what she wanted, and got out of the truck before walking around to help her down. “You know I’m pregnant, not helpless, right?”

 

“Just shut up and let me be a little chivalrous for a change, damn woman!”

 

Now it was her turn to chuckle at him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, shutting the door and both headed inside the baby store with wide eyes. “Oh wow…” She was going to have a field day in here and couldn’t believe how adorable this place was! “All right, Daddy, point in a direction and let’s mosey!”

 

It was a great thing that she had this all planned out and whatnot because, as long as he had this chew in his mouth and the lingering aftertaste, she couldn’t kiss him.  Jon would have to watch for those surprise kisses when she’d suddenly be up in his face kissing him senselessly because he knew exactly what would happen if Brinley tasted or even smelled the chew.  She’d turn into that Exorcist kid and spew EVERYWHERE; it wouldn’t even be a puddle on the ground just projectile vomit.  They had tested this theory at least twice and he wasn’t paying for the entire baby shop.  Chewing tobacco had an upside of being allowed indoors everywhere, even if people thought it was gross.  The downside was it smelled and tasted a LOT stronger than a cigarette; he had seen grown men try a piece and blow chunks everywhere.

 

“Uh…” Surveying the entire area, his eyes narrowed in on the furniture. “I want to check out the baby furniture, Angel.” Jon wanted an idea of the craftmanship, it was either going to be stellar and he’d buy it or he’d be custom ordering from the Amish because they built furniture like nobody’s business and he trusted it.

 

Brinley thought it was adorable how protective Jon was of their baby girl already and she wasn’t even here yet.  The way he shook every piece of furniture to see how strong it was…it amused her to no end. “Not this one either?” He shook his head, explaining how flimsy it was and she groaned, not believing they’d spent an hour just looking and testing cribs. “Jon…” He continued walking and her eyes landed on a beautiful piece in the far corner, hidden away from sight.  Or at least it tried to be.  It was cherry oak wood, sturdy, and a 2-in-1 that would transform into a toddler bed.  That would save them money in the long run and she loved the color, it would go beautifully with what she had in mind for the theme of the nursery. “This one is perfect, what do you think?  Wanna test it?”

 

Jon promptly did so, snorting when it wobbled and then seen the look on her face.  She wanted this one.  He had absolutely no idea what she was seeing in her head, but he bet she had décor and everything else already picked out.  Basically, he was just here to offer opinions and his wallet, well…he had actually volunteered all that. “Not this one, not the floor model.” Brinley proceeded to give him a ‘duh’ look, which he ignored as he continued examining it. “But yeah, assembled at home and it’d be sturdy as shit.” Maybe some extra adhesive like gorilla glue in the areas that didn’t need to transform or something into that toddler bed.  He was NOT thinking about a toddler bed yet, that infant wasn’t even here. “Wanna see if it has matching furniture?  Does baby stuff work that way?  Dressers and…a rocking chair?  Two of them.” His and hers.

 

Grinning, Brinley pointed at the other pieces that were on the box that matched it, her emerald eyes sparkling.  There was a matching changing table, dresser, and a rocking chair as well.  They wound up getting two, one for her and one for him in that gorgeous cherry oak wood.  Once they ordered that with the store to have it all delivered to the house, it was time to drag Jon into the clothing department and they spent another hour with Brinley gushing over the baby girl clothes.  A lot of it was pinks and purples, but there was still a great selection.  She even held some up to her stomach, laughing since it was impossible to measure the baby that way.  Jon let her buy whatever her heart desired, though he did pick out a few outfits that were in soft yellows and peach.  Sleepers were a need as well and she made sure they had the gloves attached, just so baby girl wouldn’t stab herself with her fingernails.  There was also swaddle blankets, adorable shoes that Jon went crazy for, amongst other things like bottles, pacifiers, and anything else baby. 

 

By the time they left the baby shop, it was dark outside and Jon asked if she wanted to go out for dinner. “As long as it has fruit, I’m good with wherever we go, handsome.”

 

“Yeah, so…” Jon eyed the Strip, not about to take his pregnant wife into one of the hotels or casinos that were much further down for dinner, even though there were plenty of restaurants in them.  

 

They’d also be crowded with normal people and potential celebrities, probably.  He was ENJOYING this downtime and, in a way, it was probably a blessing because the mishap with his arm had gotten them to this point.  The surgery, their very brief time in Hawaii that had definitely gotten her knocked up, MRSA, all of that had brought them to this point in their relationship and put a lot of things into perspective for Jon.

 

“I know where to go,” He chuckled finally, smiling down at her. “You good for a short walk down a block?”

 

“Yeah, my dogs are starting to whine, but they’re not barking yet.  I just really hope it’s not that far of a walk.” Jon assured her it wasn’t and wrapped his arm around her shoulders while they headed off down the sidewalk. 

 

Leaning against him, both chitchatted about what they’d bought for their baby girl.  They also discussed potential names both had in mind, neither liking them and Brinley assured him the perfect one would pop up for them when they least expected it.  Twenty minutes later, not only had they arrived, but they were seated almost immediately with menus in a quaint little hole in the wall restaurant.  Not a lot of people were here, which Jon preferred and the table was small enough to where she could reach over to hold his hand comfortably.

 

“I’m gonna need a foot massage from you when we get home, if you don’t mind.”

 

“You know I don’t.” Jon would carry her to the truck when they were done here if she wanted him too, he didn’t mind.  He had gotten all the fun parts of pregnancy, he got to help MAKE the baby and he didn’t have to worry about CARRYING the bundle of joy.  Of course, if his darling wife ever went nuclear, he was screwed. “I can get the truck and bring it around when we’re ready to leave, Angel.” He imagined it would take a lot less time to get the truck and bring it back then it had for them to walk here.  They had gone slowly because of her and her poor, aching feet. “Oh look, fresh fruit bowls…” Tapping the menu with an amused smirk, Jon continued looking it over to see what he wanted.

 

Her eyes zeroed in on the words on the menu, the picture, and her mouth was already watering at the sight of it. “This kid is going to turn into an apple or a piece of fruit with how much I’m eating it lately.” Cravings were really no joke when it came to pregnancy. 

 

Nevertheless, the baby wanted fruit and she would have all she could handle and more.  Not to mention, it was good for both of them, even with the natural sugars.  It wasn’t the ONLY thing Brinley ate, but it was what she enjoyed the most for the moment.

 

“I’ll have that along with some actual food.  I’m actually in the mood for a steak for some reason.” Even with the hospital bills from Birmingham, they were still sitting very well financially, thanks to Jon and her banking their money from their jobs at WWE.  Well, HIS job now since she had quit and Brinley did not regret it for a second, especially now that she was going to be a mother.

 

“I should have probably bought stock in Dole or something.” She was already licking her lips and they hadn’t even ordered yet, he was amused.  Jon wasn’t too worried about finances, he still had money trickling in from merchandise and other investments.  He had taken her advice a few years ago about investing and planning for the future.  Not remembering much of that conversation or how they had gotten onto it, but Jon had recalled and taken away from that key bit. “Get whatever you want, Brin.” A steak or fish, chicken, all the fruit bowls her heart wanted.  He was eyeballing the fried chicken platter himself, along with a big bowl of coleslaw, no idea why he wanted it, but he did, his eyes slightly narrowing. “You’re not craving coleslaw or anything, are you?” He had gotten plenty of ‘sympathy pregnancy’ text warnings from Bryan.

 

“Huh?  Hell no, that shit is nasty.” Brinley made a disgusted face at the mention of coleslaw, shaking her head. “You know what’s weird?  I know it’s made with cabbage, and I love hot cabbage like with corned beef and cabbage or something like that, but cold cabbage is completely gross to me.” She really did have some interesting eating habits, even when she wasn’t pregnant. “Nope, I’m craving a nice, thick juicy steak with a fruit bowl and baked potato with steamed veggies on the side.” That was exactly what she was having and Brinley would eat it all because her appetite had increased ever since she hit her second trimester. 

 

There was a lot of protein within this meal and she was happy with it.  The waitress came to take their order and naturally, Jon ordered a beer while she went with a sweetened iced tea and water, needing to keep up with her water intake for the baby.  A beer, that chicken platter with a ton of onion rings and a big bowl of coleslaw he was going to put on the seat beside him, so it didn’t overly gross her out.  Personally, he thought cooked cabbage, if not done right, was disgusting and tasted bizarre.

 

“So, what do we do with all that baby stuff?  I mean the stuff we’re not going to be using until she’s here.” She…he was having a little girl, a daughter, and Jon had changed his mind about needing boys.  

 

Boys were silly and very much likely to either GET in trouble or CAUSE it.  Girls were MUCH better and less hassle.  All he had to do was invest in a shotgun to keep boys away once she hit her teenage years, easy peasy.

 

“We’re going to set up her nursery.  First, we need to paint the walls and they said it would take about a week for the furniture to arrive, so we’ll have time to do that, get it prepped and ready to go for the move-in.  The closet doesn’t need any kind of work, so I’ll start hanging the clothes up she won’t be able to wear right away.  The other stuff will have to be stored in the guest room until after the furniture arrives.” Brinley explained while sucking her water down like it would disappear if she didn’t drink it right away.  She then took over Jon’s since he wouldn’t drink it, having his beer in front of him, and proceeded to start sucking that down too. “Damn, I was more thirsty than I thought.  I really hope I’m not dehydrated.  I drink enough water for a camel for fuck’s sake, there’s no way…”

 

“Wait, we can hang up the clothes?  You don’t wanna wash them first?”

 

Jon could not for the life of him remember the baby products Jessica had sent him information on, but the older woman had spammed the hell out of his message box with advice, coupons and other things that supposedly seemed random throughout the past few months.  Now he understood why.  Stuff he had thought he only ‘glanced’ at was now coming to his mind; he made a mental note to send her flowers or something because he felt pretty pleased with himself right now.

 

“It may just be that walk, Angel, it’s pretty warm outside and we were in that shop for quite some time. You feeling a headache or anything?”

 

“No, I’m just hungry and my feet hurt a little, but nothing out of the ordinary.” Brinley smiled at him, finally feeling more energetic after sucking that water down.  They were in that store practically three hours and she’d been on her feet the entire time.  They were probably swollen sausages by now, but it had been worth it to finally start shopping for their baby girl. “And I will wash the clothes before hanging them up, yes.  I forgot to say that.  Pregnancy brain is getting me again.”

 

It was true that pregnant women really were forgetful.  There were times while she was pregnant that Brinley set something down and could not, for the life of her, remember where she put it.  Jon had to help her find said thing several times and joked with her about having early Alzheimer’s or something.  Nothing malicious or anything like that, it was all in jest and she knew it.

 

“I was thinking in regard to maybe being dehydrated, but yeah.” Considering it seemed like she was always sipping on something, generally water, dehydration seemed to be the least of her concerns.  Unless she wound up with gestational diabetes, he knew a sign of regular diabetes was being severely thirsty all the time, which she wasn’t.  

 

Jon had to stop overthinking, he was going to give himself a headache AND an anxiety attack.

 

“Hey, Mr. Ambrose?”

 

Jon nearly flinched at that, though the fact that it came out of a kid’s mouth stopped him.  He peered to his side, wondering how this boy had managed to get to him without being noticed, that right there told him his wife was a major distraction.  Devilish wench. “What’s up, kid?” Here he thought he looked pretty unlike his ‘usual self’, couldn’t fool the fans however and he spotted the parents looking over from a booth, the Dad grinning and the Mom seemed a little embarrassed.  

 

Autograph, sure, he could do that, and then fielding some timidly asked questions about whether he’d be back.  The boy couldn’t have been more than 7 or 8 years old, looking almost scared of the big, bad Dean Ambrose.  It wasn’t the first time Jon had been approached by a fan while they were out in Vegas.  The fans knew this was where he resided, but most of them were very respectful and courtesy.

 

“W-We’re very sorry to disrupt your meal…” The parents weren’t far away from them and the woman Dean Ambrose was with smiled back at her.

 

“Don’t worry about it.” Brinley assured her, sipping some more of her tea while Jon continued talking to the boy quietly.

 

“T-Thank you, Mr. Ambrose, can’t wait to see you back on Raw.  I’ve, uh, been praying for you at church with my Mom and Dad…” The boy blushed, chewing his bottom lip and looked embarrassed for admitting that.

 

Brinley’s heart warmed at those words and she could tell the little boy touched Jon as well from the way his eyes softened.  She didn’t say a word and just kept watching, winking at the boy when he looked over at her.  Her stomach was hidden, thankfully, by the booth they were in or else he would’ve seen her pregnant belly.  The boy shook Jon’s hand, thanking him again for the autograph, and ran back to his parents’ table with the biggest smile on his face.  She reached across the table to take Jon’s hand, her eyes pure warmth.

 

“That right there is how I know you’re going to be an incredible father.” He brought her hand up to brush his lips against her knuckles and Brinley shivered, her eyes darkening slightly. “Turns me on too, I admit.”

 

“A little kid praying for me is a turn on?” Jon knew exactly what she meant, but he was being a smart ass, smirking when she shook her head at him in playful exasperation.  That was different and humbling, being prayed for, being thought about that way.  He had never ever considered legitimately praying for one of his favorite sports athletes or a celebrity he may have liked.  Sometimes, fans still took him by surprise, and he hoped it never stopped. “It’s easy.” He admitted, catching the waitress stacking their plates onto her tray from the corner of his eye, knowing they had an incoming meal. “To be nice to kids that aren’t mine, I have no experience with babies, Brin.”

 

“Neither do I, but we’ll manage.  We’ll learn on the fly like every other new set of parents do.”

 

Chapter 55

 

Brinley did everything she was supposed to do.

 

So why? 

 

Why was this happening? 

 

June had not been kind to Brinley and Jon at all. 

 

It happened so suddenly, almost in the blink of an eye.  Their baby girl was gone, another angel to watch out for them.  Just shy of six months along, complications arose and Brinley ended up going into premature labor.  They had tried to stop the contractions and she’d been stuck in the hospital for nearly a month to be monitored closely, strictly on bedrest.  All Brinley had done was pray and hope that their baby girl would stay cooking inside of her a little longer and Jon hadn’t left her side besides when he had to go workout and train.  He was gone most of the days, though he kept in touch via text messages and Brinley was fine with it.

 

On a rainy June evening, however, Jon was doing a late night training session when Brinley lost their baby girl.  They couldn’t find a heartbeat and when they delivered the baby, the umbilical cord was wrapped tight around her throat.  She was gone.  Brinley sobbed violently with Jon by her side, who had rushed back to the hospital as soon as he’d gotten the call they were doing an emergency c-section on his wife. 

 

Together, they cried and mourned the loss and Brinley was released the next day with orders from the doctor to take it easy.  However, the moment she got back to the house and saw the baby stuff strewn about…Brinley lost it all over again, screaming out her pain, frustration, and agony.  Jon held her tightly and she started hitting him with her closed fists, pounding on his chest, screaming until her voice gave out and her energy was depleted.

 

July rolled around with Brinley barely saying a word and Jon gone most of the time training and doing whatever he could to get back into the ring.  He had flown himself to Stamford, Connecticut to have a meeting in person with Vince, to pitch his ideas for his return.  All he was told was they had a Shield thing set up for Australia in the fall, so he wouldn’t be able to make any kind of change to his character until after that. 

 

Jon wanted to come back a heel, he hated his own character he portrayed on television and Vince didn’t care.  Vince gave zero fucks what he wanted and sent him on his way back to Vegas to train more.  Jon was originally supposed to be back AT Summerslam, which was his idea.  A few days later, he had gotten a text saying that they were bringing him back to television in a few weeks, the week BEFORE Summerslam, to be in Seth’s corner while he went toe to toe with Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental championship.  Jon was livid and instead of going back to Vegas where his depressed wife was, he opted for Cincinnati, Ohio, going back to his roots with his mentor and the man who coached him into becoming a wrestler, his trainer, Cody Hawk.

 

Brinley had cleaned out the nursery and everything, donating everything to mothers in need because she couldn’t stomach looking at any of it.  The house felt cold, barren, even with Blue there, and her stomach had shrunk back down to its normal size, minus some flab.  She was 40 years old and had two miscarriages…this was a sign that she was not meant to be a mother.  Brinley had texted Jon, demanding him to get a vasectomy and he ignored her, so she ignored him when he texted her back about coming home in a few days after spending time in Ohio. 

 

A camera crew would be there to film some kind of special that would air on the WWE Network and Brinley made it clear to Jon she didn’t want any part of it.  Keep it in his gym and that was it, no showing off the rest of their house because that made her feel very uncomfortable.  Brinley would stay locked in the bedroom while they were here; she didn’t want a camera in her face after just miscarrying their baby girl.

 

Jon didn’t care what she said right now because they weren’t talking.  He had already established his ground rules with the company, without her input.  He was drinking himself silly, away from her, because his normally happy drunkenness was not a very happy drunk lately.  They had lost their baby, and they had done NOTHING wrong.  Brinley had been meticulous about her health, doing everything she possibly could to ensure a healthy pregnancy and he had been doing his best to support her.  However, they had lost their little girl anyway.  Sinking into that depression with her was easy to do and when she had demanded he get his boys clipped, Jon had sort of lost it.  Now all he could think about was getting back into that ring and away from the wasteland that was their house.

 

Since Jon refused to listen to her, Brinley had gotten back on birth control, refusing to have another heartbreak with another pregnancy.  No, she was done.  She did not want to be a mother anymore.  This was god’s way of punishing her for lying to her family and being in a deceitful marriage with Jon.  It was all smoke and mirrors, he didn’t love her, not really.  If he did, he wouldn’t have ran away the first chance presented to him after they lost their baby girl.  He would’ve comforted Brinley and been there for her. 

 

Hadn’t she been there every step of the damn way for him when he was in A COMA, almost dead?!  Brinley could tell he had increased the intake in his drinking and honestly didn’t care, trying to do what she could to keep her mind off what happened.  She had gone on a cleaning spree of sorts, organizing everything and making sure not a single unpacked box was anywhere in the house by the time Jon arrived home.

 

“What time is the camera crew coming in the morning?  I still have a few more things to do, but I’ve got the house almost completely done.” She asked while pulling the vacuum out, wearing a sundress with a headpiece on top of her head.  The nursery was no more and that room was off limits, nobody would be venturing in there.

 

Why the hell would he get a vasectomy?  Brinley could just as easily get fixed and instead, she had demanded HE do it.  It wasn’t HIS body that was murdering babies, that’d be on her!  That was a terrible thought and he knew it.  Jon also knew she was hurting and needed him, but he was hurting too, in ways he had never known he could.  Maybe it had been her demanding he get his boys clipped that had further pushed him away because it was a stupid request on her part.  Was this what she had felt like before?  When Brinley had lost the first one?  He didn’t know, this time, how to comfort her because after what he said and done over that last baby, it all seemed like it would be hollow.  God was punishing him too.

 

“Soon and they’re not going anywhere but the gym.  I told Vince he could suck my ballsack.” His house was OFF LIMITS, they could see the gym and call it a day.  Fans didn’t need to see his graveyard.

 

“Okay.” Brinley knew she had to apologize to him for demanding the vasectomy so soon after they lost their baby girl.  She was angry and not thinking clearly, however.  Would he even care if she did it now? “I was wrong to demand anything from you.  It should be your choice to get your boys clipped, not mine.  Just like it was my decision to go back on birth control, so there won’t be any more trying.  I’m only saying this once: I don’t want any children.  My body is too old now to conceive and I’ve come to terms with it.  So, I’m sorry that I…yelled at you and ordered you to do that to your body.  And since they’ll only be in the gym, I’ll scrub it down from top to bottom to make sure it looks amazing for the footage.” Maybe she’d go do that now since the house itself looked sparkling clean, even smelling like it.

 

“No, leave the gym alone, Angel.”

 

Something in him seemed to soften with that apology and Jon finally looked at her, properly looked at her.  They had both been irrational.  Instead of grieving together, they had lashed out and been impulsive.  They had immediately got rid of and shut up anything to do with their little girl instead of taking the time to process and grieve together.  He had gone to drinking and working out, avoiding this place that felt like a mausoleum and his wife a wraith that haunted it.  Brinley had demanded all chances on HIS end of a child ever happening and, as horrible as it had been, he had also thought that wasn’t happening.  If they DID end, if he DID let her go, he wasn’t cutting future Jon off from having kids.  He took her into his arms, feeling how tense she was and just held her.

 

Slowly, Brinley relaxed in his arms as she hugged him back, nothing sexual or wanton about it.  Just pure comfort.  They had been so happy and content ever since she’d been pregnant and he had woken up from his coma.  Everything was on the ascend for them and then…it all came crashing down.

 

“I love you.  I don’t need or want anything or anyone else except you, Jon.”

 

Her love for him hadn’t changed or faltered.  None of this was his fault.  She was placing the blame solely on herself and her body not being able to withstand carrying a child.  Brinley supposed they could adopt instead or use a surrogate, but after two heartbreaks, she couldn’t handle another.  She wouldn’t handle another.

 

“Please don’t hate me for what happened, I tried so hard and did everything I was supposed to do for her…” Now Brinley was crying, burying her face in the crook of his neck.  She truly thought Jon hated her, which was why he had taken off right after they came home from the hospital.

 

“Angel, I never hated you.”

 

Jon hadn’t reflected that she would take it that way when it was the furthest thing from the truth.  He had been grieving, out of his mind, and he didn’t know how to do it, though he was also learning that there was no right or wrong way to grieve.  Everyone did it differently.  He supposed where they messed up was not by acknowledging each other’s rights to grieve, however they wanted.

 

“I never hated you and I never blamed you, Brinley.”

 

Taking her by the arms, Jon forced her to look up at him.  Granted, when he had gotten drunk or was spiteful after that vasectomy, he had thought some nasty thoughts, but never said them because even then he had known he didn’t mean it.  He was lashing out and he had known that too.

 

“Y-You didn’t?  You don’t?  But…it’s my body that…that lost both babies…” Brinley was trying not to cry harder, but her words were coming out in hiccoughs and Jon lead her over to the chair at the table, sitting her down with him squatting in front of her. “You should hate me, Jon.  You should blame me for what happened.  I’m such a fucking screwup.  I’m a fuckup and I’m a mess.” Angrily, she wiped her tears away and felt Jon take her hands as more tears poured down her cheeks like two rapid streams. “You were right.  I’m just…I’m an old fucking spinster and I deserve what I get.  I don’t deserve to be loved and I probably would’ve sucked being a mother too.  And now here I am, throwing myself a goddamn pity party with you and probably making you feel even worse than you do now.  I’m sorry, Jon…I’m sorry for everything…”

 

It was her body that had lost both babies, yes, but things happened that were out of their control.  He HAD had those terrible, horrible thoughts, and would never tell her them though.  Never. “Angel, that first one you lost because of all the stress most likely, and I didn’t help with that.” He squeezed her knees softly in his hands, trying to be reassuring.  Lord knew he hadn’t helped with that and said some downright cruel things before giving her alcohol.  Definitely not his finest moment and Jon knew it. “You’re not an old spinster and you’d be a great mother, it just…wasn’t meant to happen right now.” That felt wrong to say because WHY would they get so far and be so happy, expecting a little girl, and then she was snatched from them?

 

She trembled, wrapping her arms around herself, only for Jon to move up to take her arms to wrap them around his neck, his forehead resting on hers. “Right now?” He nodded, stroking her flat stomach gently with his fingers and fresh tears formed in her eyes. “Jon…w-what if we try again in the future and it’s too late?  What if my body simply can’t carry a child?” She wasn’t a spring chicken anymore, only a spinster, even if Jon refused to acknowledge her as that.  Closing the distance between them, Brinley captured his mouth with hers and kissed him softly, moving off the chair right into his arms, needing more than just his comfort.  She needed her husband and only broke the kiss when they both needed oxygen to breathe. “I missed you and I need you right here and now, Jon.” Pulling back, she lifted the dress right up over her head before starting to kiss him again, yanking his own shirt up to push it over his head, joining her dress on the floor. “Fuck me, and don’t hold back.”

 

His first thought was to push her away because he hadn’t even thought of sex since they had lost their baby.  The very idea did nothing for him, even if he was thinking about other women, like models or porn stars.  Absolutely nothing.  The desperation left her kiss and desire flooded instead, which in turn lit him on fire and damned if he wasn’t hard as a rock now.  

 

Brinley had gone back on birth control, which was probably for the best since she was still emotionally healing from what had happened.  She knew as well as he did, if it was going to happen, it would happen.  Hell, if she wanted a baby, they could always get a surrogate to carry her eggs and his sperm, it was pretty common these days.  That was a thought for another time, sometime to discuss after this.  Right now, his wife needed him and damned if he didn’t need her too.  Scooping her naked body up, he planted her against the nearest wall, feeling her hands already freeing him.

 

Reconnection is what they needed if their marriage was going to survive. 

 

Jon did not hold back at all, pounding into her with every ounce of strength he had inside of him, nearly breaking her in half.  It was a delicious feeling and it made her feel alive all over again, recalling their times in the beginning when the sex was rough.  Brinley hated him back then for what he had done to her, but now…now she couldn’t get enough of her husband pounding the stuffing out of her. 

 

The pain/pleasure mixture was exactly what she needed and she let him know just how much she enjoyed every second of this.  If screaming his name to the heavens wasn’t enough of a clue, then she didn’t know what more she could do to convince him otherwise.  They moved together, just like they always did, right against that wall and didn’t stop until they both were sated and satisfied, climaxing for each other intensely.  Brinley sagged against him, a sweaty mess, and held onto him while he kept her there for a minute, not wanting to drop her.  Once they regained their breathing, Jon lifted her from the wall and carried her to the couch, sitting down with her straddling him while they came down from their sexual high.

 

“Don’t leave me tonight.” She murmured, knowing how important his training regimen was to him, but…Jon had been gone for the majority of the month in Ohio. “Stay with me, I missed you while you were gone and…I’m being selfish.  We can take a dip in the hot tub together and order pizza, have some beers, and do more of this.” The loneliness had gotten to her again, reminding her of the last time she was alone and Brinley hated that feeling.

 

He almost denied her, he was right there, right on the return’s doorstep, and then he stopped, really looking into her eyes.  Jon looked past the sex flush she had going on, her dilated eyes and the dampness of her skin, that lovely freshly fucked look Brinley had going on right now.  When he did, he saw how sad she was.  She was lonely, he knew what happened when she was left in that state for too long and he sighed, cupping her face in his hands.  Jon could go off on his own, do his own things and be all right because he was a natural loner.  He liked the company of people well enough, but it wouldn’t destroy him to be alone.  Brinley was not like that and he wished it hadn’t taken him so long to learn it.

 

“Whatever you want, Angel,” Jon rumbled, brushing his lips against hers, pulling her into him for another hug. “Anything you want.  I love you, Brinley.” Burying his face in her hair, he squeezed her gently and could only hope maybe the healing process would begin between them.

 

They would. 

 

They would heal from this and keep moving forward together.  No matter what obstacles lay ahead for them, Brinley knew they were strong enough to overcome anything and any adversity.  It would be hard when Jon went back on the road to WWE, but Brinley would never deny him his dream.  She wasn’t that selfish, though she did have her moments like now.

 

“I love you more, Jon.”

 

Just as she wanted them to do, they went into the hot tub for a while until they were prunes and then ordered pizza, had some beers, and more lovemaking.  It was the perfect night for them, something they both needed, and falling asleep in her husband’s arms instead of alone felt amazing.  Perhaps Brinley would travel with him on the road and just stay away from the arenas since she wouldn’t feel comfortable being there after quitting.

 

Not thinking that far ahead, he was done planning anything outside of his career and where he wanted it to go.  His contract was up in 2019 and Vince was reassuring him they’d be going in a more darker direction, something that suited him more.  Jon was taking those words with a grain of salt because the old man said a LOT of things and never lived up to them or his interpretation was not…what he had said.  Basically, Vince McMahon was senile and needed to retire already and let Paul take over.  That’d be a cold day in hell, most likely.  However, being able to turn heel was interesting and he had a lot of ideas for the direction of Dean Ambrose.

 

A lot of ideas that would, yet again, be turned down.

Chapter 56

 

Roman – no, Joe Anoa’i had cancer.

 

Brinley couldn’t believe it while sitting backstage at RAW, watching this scene unfold.  The fans had went from booing to cheering him in a matter of minutes as Joe spilled his heart out to the WWE Universe about his health struggles.  Jon and Seth – Colby – had come out after Joe walked up the rampway and they all embraced tightly with tears in their eyes.  Actually, Colby was bawling his eyes out and Jon had tears in his eyes that he would not let fall.  Brinley was a crying mess, along with a lot of others backstage, and she could only imagine what Jon was going through tonight.  It would definitely be a liquor drinking, rough sex kind of night for him because he’d need an escape to forget about what was going down.

 

Nobody saw it coming. 

 

NOBODY expected Dean Ambrose’s heel turn to happen on the same night that his best friend, Roman Reigns, announced he had cancer and had to leave the company for a while to be treated for it.  Leukemia was serious and life-threatening, so he had to get on with the treatments as soon as possible.  Dean and Seth were in a tag match to win back the RAW Tag Team titles and…they won.  They actually won. 

 

And then…the turn happened. 

 

Dean kicked Seth in the stomach and delivered a Dirty Deeds to him in the center of the ring, the look on his face one of pure disgust and almost disbelief. 

 

Heartbreak. 

 

Frankly, Jon did NOT want to do this on THIS night of all nights, but Vince had been adamant about it. 

 

After delivering a second Dirty Deeds to Seth on the outside concrete flooring, once he pulled the protective mats away, Dean left through the crowd and looked back with tears in his eyes.  Heartbreak again.  And the show ended with Seth Rollins on the floor, tears rolling down his own face and he looked a million miles away, his heart also broken.  Dean didn’t have to do that second Dirty Deeds, but then again, Seth didn’t have to bludgeon him with twenty chair shots or more when he turned heel either. 

 

Karma was a bitch.

 

This was a leave him the hell alone with his hard liquor kind of night.  Of ALL nights, Vince had wanted this done.  When Joe had announced to the old man, with him and Colby present, what was going on, Jon had waited until the other two were gone to ask about the plans.  He was hoping Vince would show that flexibility and spontaneity he possessed that could either make or break a wrestler and they’d be able to do something different.  Nope, not Vince, just further cementing Jon’s opinion that this bastard was nothing more than a piece of trash with money and a god complex.  To come out and do that betrayal after that emotional, honest moment was one of the lowest points in Jon’s career to date.  He knew he had gone harder on Colby than he should’ve and had no excuse.  Truthfully, Jon had been livid and Colby had been his beating post, that extra shot a bit of a childish ‘fuck you’ to everyone and everything.

 

Need whiskey. Jon wasn’t feeling beer at all.

 

We’ll grab some on the way back to the hotel. Brinley didn’t bother asking if he was all right while she stood outside smoking a cigarette. 

 

Joe had left already and she gave him a big hug, letting him know she was praying for him and wished him well.  It was all she could do not to start crying again at the look on the man’s face.  Determination burned in his eyes though and she knew he would beat this.  He had to.  Jon would be devastated if he lost one of his closest friends and she knew that.  Sighing, she looked up at the night sky, saying another prayer for Joe and everyone involved in these horrible circumstances. 

 

Whatever Jon needed tonight and going forward, Brinley would give him without question, wanting to do what she could for her husband.  Once Jon met her outside, she merely took the keys from him since he wanted her to drive, not a word spoken between them.  Soft classic rock played through the speakers of the car while they waited in traffic to be let out of the arena parking lot.  Again, not a word spoken and Brinley was fine with that, though she did reach over to squeeze her husband’s thigh gently.

 

He let his free, not chain smoking hand, drop down on top of hers to gently squeeze in acknowledgment.  Jon honestly did not think things could get any worse.  Vince had just turned his character into the lowest of low and he, the man, felt like a total scumbag.  Why couldn’t that old bastard just LISTEN?  What worked before, some of the outrageous, hokey stuff did NOT work today, and honestly, there was going to come a point where his ‘persona’, Dean Ambrose, was just not going to bounce back from and Jon knew it.  He was starting to think this may be that point, could he really sink any lower?

 

Sometimes, people had to eat shit and learn to like it and live with it.  That was the bottom line.  Vince didn’t care what anyone thought of his ideas and concepts.  He was the boss and it was his way or no way.  He had built a creative wall around him full of ‘yes men’ that would do anything he wanted.  Now with his star on the shelf due to cancer, Vince had to scramble for a new star until Roman returned.  He figured he’d mold Dean Ambrose into what HE thought he should be as a heel and planned on being involved in EVERYTHING creative with Dean from here on out. 

 

Yes, things were about to get A LOT worse for Dean if he didn’t toe the line and do as he was told, which was reading promos verbatim he wrote the scum to say.  If Dean wanted to continue working in the WWE, he would eat the shit given to him with a smile on his face and deal with it or Vince would simply future endeavor him or keep him off the road and off television until his contract expired.  This heel run really was a make or break it moment for Dean.

 

Arriving back at the hotel, they went up to their room with the food Brinley stopped to get on the way, though neither were hungry.  Jon was standing by the window, smoking a cigarette with the window open and she walked up to wrap her arms around his waist, hugging him briefly.  That was her way of letting him know she was here if he wanted or needed to talk and anything else he needed from her tonight.

 

“Of all the nights to do that bullshit,” Jon hissed without moving, feeling her head resting against his back. “He had to do it tonight.  I begged him to do it another night once Roman told him,” Vince had been so gracious to allow Roman to announce it to the WWE Universe and for the Shield to come out and have that emotional moment. “He greenlit Roman giving that speech and us coming out, doing all that before the fans,” Even if it had been live and would be on television. “And then for…ugh,” Bringing his free hand up to scrub down his face, Jon shook his head pathetically. “I probably shouldn’t be surprised, the bastard once wanted to run a line about being Stephanie’s baby Daddy.” Gross and demented for any father to want to have a storyline of that caliber with their own daughter, no matter the circumstances.

 

“Nothing should surprise me when it comes to Vince anymore.  That old geezer doesn’t care about anyone except himself.  I’m so sorry about Joe, Jon.  I had no idea he had suffered through such horrible ordeals and what he’s STILL battling today.  I gave him a hug when he walked out of the arena and told him I’m praying for him every day and night.” That probably didn’t comfort Jon any, but Brinley honestly didn’t know what else to say.  What DID a person say when something like this happened?  There really were no words. “I know you wanted to turn heel and have a whole new character, but…this wasn’t the way to do it.  And it’s not your fault either, it’s all that old asshole’s fault.  This isn’t the right type of heat, this is wrong on every level.”

 

“We knew the day he found out,” It didn’t seem right, announcing it to the world when Joe hadn’t even really said much about it outside of his family and closest friends. “He sent Colbs and me a message and yeah…” Jon was pretty sure he had gotten himself lit that night come to think of it.  Though, to be fair, he did that a lot, but that had been particularly rough to read that text message.  His teeth gnashed when she changed to the subject of his heel turn.  Jon had been so excited for it and Vince had defecated all over it and him, his friends, and basically everyone because Vince was a pole smoker of the highest degree. “This is fucking stupid.”

 

Brinley couldn’t agree more and wished there was something she could do or say to make Jon feel better, to make all of this better.  There wasn’t though and she knew it.  The best thing she could do was be here for him.  Would wearing sexy lingerie do anything for him?  Brinley had brought a few with her, but tonight didn’t seem like the right time for it.  No.  Jon would be even more irritated with her as she kissed his back, stroking his lean, muscular stomach gently.

 

“If I left WWE, would you still love me and support me, Brinley?”

 

“Of course I would.  Jon, look at me.” Brinley waited for him to turn to look down at her and cupped his face in her hands, staring into his eyes. “I loved you before I knew who you were.  I didn’t fall in love with the wrestler Dean Ambrose.  I fell in love with you, the man, Jonathan David Good.  That’s who I married.” Even if it was by force, she still did it and deep down, she wanted to at the time.  She wanted to be with her mystery lover that had shown her passion beyond her wildest dreams and made her fall for him. “Wherever you go, whatever you decide to do, I support you, baby.  I’m with you all the way.  You wanna leave WWE, don’t you?” He nodded, the turmoil on his face, but she could tell he’d been contemplating this for a while. “Then do it.  There’s so many other possibilities out there for wrestling and I’ll go with you wherever you decide to go.”

 

“Go bounce at a bar?  Maybe open a school for wrestling?  How to fail in the WWE lessons?  I could offer a lot of those.” Jon could write a book and she was shaking her head, forcing him to catch her face between his hands. “When my contract is up, I’m done, I’m fucking done.  I don’t see how it can get any worse after tonight, but I’m done.” He didn’t know it yet, but it COULD get worse.  It was GOING to get worse.  Vince would be taking his character, Dean Ambrose, and adding on germophobic bitch, on TOP of a major scumbag, who had betrayed his friend on a highly emotional night. “I’m a fucking loser, Brinley.”

 

“Stop.” Brinley whispered, shaking her head and touched his hands with hers, lacing their fingers together. “You’re NOT a loser, Jon.  This isn’t your fault.  It’s Vince and his need for complete control over everyone and everything in WWE.  And I don’t blame you for being done.  You didn’t fail and you’re NOT a failure, do you hear me?  You’re one of the best wrestlers in the world and I won’t let you think any less of yourself.” Tears formed in her eyes, remembering what her brother had said to her about the Shield prior to them coming up from developmental. “If it wasn’t for you, one of the GREATEST factions in WWE history would not be here today.  Roman didn’t make it and neither did Seth.  All three of you contributed equally and you made it a juggernaut.  That’s not failure, Jon, that’s success.  And you know what I think?  I think everything, both good and bad, happens for a reason.  Something great is coming your way, I can feel it and it’s not in WWE.  It’s somewhere else, maybe Japan, maybe back to the Indies, I don’t know, but it’s not here as Dean Ambrose.”

 

“Yeah.” Not in the mood for her upbeat attitude right now, not when they had both been watching the solid tanking of his career ever since the Shield’s breakup.  He had wanted to fly solo, wanted to strike out on his own, but not like this.  Not this atrociousness that Vince kept having him do. “Let’s go to Japan.  You wanna pack up your life and go to Japan, Angel?” Moving away from her to go grab his whiskey and a fresh pack of smokes, Jon tossed down several shots in succession. “Pack up and leave everything here behind?  We could do that.” She’d have nobody except him in Japan; it was a whole different world, one where he wouldn’t be disrespected and the idea was suddenly appealing, his blue eyes slowly igniting.

 

“Japan?” A big smile formed on her lips as Brinley walked over, pouring herself a shot of whiskey and downed it, then did another for good measure. “I’m game.  I don’t mind packing up and going over there with you for a while.” What about Blue though?  They had to think about him and Jon had beaten her to the punch, letting her know Blue would be staying with his mother if they did this. “That wouldn’t be fair to him, Jon, and you know it.  No, as much as I’d love to just travel the world with you, we have Blue to think about.  I mean YOU could travel the world, but I’d have to stay home and watch over him…and possibly find a job before I drive myself stark raving mad.  I miss working, truthfully.” Now that she wasn’t going to be a mother, Brinley needed a new goal.

 

“Yeah see, so Japan isn’t going to fucking work then, is it Brinley?” Of course, they could always take Blue to Japan.  There were rules and regulations, but those wouldn’t be a problem. “I don’t know why it’s not fair, it’s not like we’d be over there for always and you had no problem in bailing on him for over a month.” That had been when Blue was a puppy and she had left him for those few months, pretty awful timing on her part given Blue had bonded with her first.  During that time, however, Jon had taken over to settle and train the puppy. “It’s fucked up you are okay traveling with me here in the WWE all over the country for lengths at a time, but not Japan.” Pouring another couple shots, Jon was not even realizing he was looking to pick a fight tonight.

 

“What the hell, Jon?  I’m not doing this with you, not tonight.  You want to take Blue to Japan with us?  You really want to move to Japan, leave Vegas and everything behind and live there?  I have no problem with that.  I just…thought you’d have a problem leaving Blue behind with your mother, that’s all.” Blue was as close to their child as they were getting and Brinley regretted abandoning Blue when he was a puppy.  Things were…horrible back then and she had to get away.  Blue had forgiven her, but if they abandoned him again…she waited for Jon to take another drink of whiskey before standing in front of him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’m not the one you’re angry at, so please don’t take it out on me.  Let’s go to Japan.  You, me, and Blue.  Let’s do it.  If that’s what will make you happy, then fuck it, I’m game and I mean it.  And we’ll stay there as long as you want and still keep the house in Vegas for when we eventually come back.  Unless you truly want to just live in Japan, we can do that too.”

 

Blue was a dog and, as much as an asshole it made him to even think it, he knew the dog would forgive them pretty much anything because dogs were way better than people.  That was just a fact of life.  They were fiercely loyal and would take all sorts of abuse for the humans they loved. “Shit, all this is just talk anyway until I’m free.  If I even brought up getting out of that contract, Vince would politely future endeavor my ass publicly while fucking me with no lube in my ass behind closed doors.” Such as making him sit out of everything for the remaining time on his prison sentence.

 

That was a long time to be MIA from the wrestling scene.

 

“I know that.  So that means we have time to figure out what you want to actually do.  And if it’s truly Japan, then that’s where we’ll go.”

 

Brinley brushed her lips softly against his and hugged him around the neck, refusing to let him push her away or stir up a fight.  She gently kissed his neck, feeling him tense and his arms did not go around her, but Brinley didn’t stop.  She kept going, continuing to love on her husband because that was what he needed.  Jon closed his eyes, already feeling himself harden and she smiled while continuing leaving a trail of fire down his neck and chest, on her knees in front of him now.  He looked down at her as she unfastened the belt of his pants and then pulled them down, along with his boxer/briefs, until that beautiful piece of flesh stood at attention in front of her.  Without a word, Brinley got to work and proceeded to give her husband the release she knew he needed.

 

Chapter 57

 

Her answer to everything was sex.

 

Brinley wanted to keep him ‘happy’, sex and lingerie.

 

She was having a bad day: sex.

 

He was having a bad day: sex.

 

They were celebrating something: sex.

 

The woman was in her prime and treated sex like men treated silicone and duct tape: as a cure all.  Jon nearly let loose with a barrage of verbal warfare on her…nearly.  It could also be construed as dirty talking, so maybe they were the same thing. “That’s right, my gorgeous little cocksucker,” Sliding his hand on the top of her head, Jon fisted her hair in his fingers. “Do your job and suck away all of my problems.” He was also tempted to start hammering her mouth and make her deepthroat him, but there was time for that.  Brinley was no slouch in the oral department, even if his cock did stretch those lips out to their max.

 

Suck away all of his problems?  What the hell?  No, it wasn’t dirty talk and it reminded her of the monster instead of Jon she knew lay dormant.  The one Brinley absolutely hated and despised.  Jon had been put through the wringer emotionally and mentally tonight, so instead of pulling back and sucker punching him in the junk, Brinley decided to be nice.  She did her ‘job’ and sucked him off, her blood boiling at those vicious words. 

 

“Cum guzzling whore…so fucking good you are to swallow my shit whole…” The barrage just kept coming though, Jon didn’t stop with the insults and finally, he came hard, but she didn’t swallow him like normal.  No, the moment she felt the first taste of cum, Brinley promptly pulled back and let him spray it on himself and part of the nightgown she had on.  That was worth it to see the look of bewilderment on his face and she rose to her feet, looking scorned and insulted.

 

“When you’re done taking your anger and frustration out on me, let me know.  I figured I could give you a distraction after what happened tonight, but apparently, I was wrong.  Don’t ever ask me for another ‘job’ again, it won’t happen.  Now while you go clean yourself up, I’m going to do the same and then I’m going to fucking bed.  Fuck you and all your goddamn problems, Ambrose!” Oh, she was pissed, her temper up and Brinley slapped him across the face for good measure before storming into the bathroom, slamming the door so hard, the walls rattled.  WHAT A COCKSUCKER!!

 

“I didn’t ask for that one, cocksucker!” He shouted through the door, hissing as he went to his duffel bag to get out the baby wipes he carried with him.  That was a habit he had picked up early on and kept all these years.  They were handy in a pinch.  Like when there was no soap in a bathroom…or his wife purposefully let him climax all over his damn jeans! “You just got to your knees and got to work, that’s your answer for everything!  SEX!” Man, Jon had been planning on wearing these jeans tomorrow too and she had totally messed that up.   He shed them, tossing them in a corner with a huff. “Lonely?  Sex.  Jon’s upset?  Sex.  Everything is sex, so WHY are you pissed exactly?”

 

“YOU’RE THE ONE WHO ALWAYS USED SEX AS AN OUTLET, AS A MEANS OF ESCAPE, AS A DISTRACTION, AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS WHAT YOU FUCKING WANTED, ASSHOLE!!  SINCE WHEN IS IT A CRIME TO BLOW YOUR HUSBAND?  IT’S NOT MY FUCKING JOB TO CLEAN UP YOUR WORRIES, YOU SOLVE YOUR OWN DAMN WORRIES AND STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME, ALONG WITH THAT PENCIL DICK OF YOURS!!” Brinley hadn’t lost it like this in a while as she tore her own clothes off, screaming at the top of her lungs and kicked on the shower sprays, feeling as though she was a volcano ready to absolutely erupt and explode everywhere.  The sprays weren’t hot at the moment, they were ice cold because of how pissed she was. “Do your job and suck away all my problems…what a fucking dickhead to say that to me when all I was trying to do was help him!  God I hate him…I love him and I fucking hate him at the same time!” Hitting the shower wall, tears poured down her cheeks full of rage and hurt.

 

That was the problem with being an alcoholic, eventually, alcohol became the end all, be all for distractions.  A person literally drank it all away until they blacked out and then rinsed and repeated all over again.  The normal distractions or things they would do to relieve stress just slowly petered out as the addiction took over more and more.  

 

Jon sighed, running his hands over his head in irritation as he paced the floor, glaring at that bathroom door.  He was naked now and in need of a shower, his blue eyes narrowing the more irritated he got.  A second later, he forced the door open and was joining her in the shower, which was ice cold and not normal for her.  Brinley liked them hotter than hell’s lakes of fire.

 

“Stop it, what are you doing?” She was beating up the tile wall like it had done her personal wrong and her palm was going red from repeated smacks.  His tone had gentled and he caught her hand before she could hit the wall again. “You’re going to hurt yourself, Angel.”

 

“I already hit you once, I don’t wanna do it again, so I’m hitting the goddamn wall!” Brinley trembled under the ice cold shower sprays as Jon wrapped his arms around her tightly, preventing her from continuing to hit the wall with her hand. “You did this to me!  You did it!  You made me think that all you wanted was sex from me for the longest time and sex was your way of pinning me down, making me submit to you!!  I was just trying to help you and distract you and you…you just had to…to call me a cum guzzling whore!  I am NOT your whore!  I am your fucking WIFE, you stupid son of a bitch!!  And if you EVER use those words with me again, I’ll fucking BITE IT OFF!!” It wasn’t just the fact Jon had called that blowjob her job…it was the fact he kept GOING, running his mouth while she sucked him off. 

 

Eventually, Brinley sagged back against him, shivering from the cold water and Jon put it on warm sprays, turning her to where she buried her face in his chest, crying harder.

 

Well, to be fair, some women liked being talked to like that in the privacy of their bedrooms, in a degrading way.  It was a kink.  Not one Brinley possessed and he knew she would bite his dick if he ever did it again.  Jon was making a mental note not to ask for or accept any offers of a blowjob from her for the next 4 months…minimum.  He hadn’t even thought that he had trained her, she had spewed a lot of poison at him about faking it early on, and now he knew better.  Letting her cry on his chest, gently stroking her back and now wet blonde hair, Jon reached out to turn the water up to something more her normal temperature, figuring warm was nice and all, but she needed the hot water to hopefully relax her.

 

“I’m sorry, Brinley.” He murmured in a low rumble, kissing the top of her head.

 

Maybe she’d gone about it the wrong way and…no!  No, she did absolutely nothing wrong this time around and Brinley would NOT allow that familiar feeling back in.  The feeling of making excuses for abusive behavior.  It would not be tolerated. “I forgive you, but I’m also not going to tolerate that again, Jon.  I am your wife, your equal, your partner, and you WILL treat me with respect both in and out of the bedroom.  You wanna talk dirty to me, that’s fine, but you crossed several lines tonight and…I never want to hear those words out of your mouth again.  You can have the rest of the shower to yourself, I’ve already washed my hair and everything.” Stepping out, she grabbed her towel and walked out of the bathroom, feeling better and cleansed after that horrible ordeal.

 

Frankly, that had gone better than he had anticipated, given Jon hadn’t planned on coming and comforting her.  He had actually been planning on going off on her, in that state of mind when he had gotten that door open, after she had bitch slapped him, called him out and stormed in there.  He had sort of assumed she would knee him in his now empty, sensitive balls when he had gotten in with her, but that didn’t happen.  Washing himself up quickly, Jon rinsed in ice cold water before stepping out and felt a little better himself.  Sighing, he began toweling himself dry and finally just looked at himself in the mirror, shaking his head in disgust.  When he finally joined her in the main room, Brinley was in clean pajamas and in the bed, still looking like she might cry, forcing that familiar painful tugging on his heart.

 

Brinley didn’t say a word to him while she played a game on her phone, something to occupy her mind on after the blowout she just had with Jon.  There would be no cuddling or anything with him tonight, not after the hurtful, brutal things he said to her.  No, he could deal with his pain and torment on his own for the night.

 

Don’t you dare touch me tonight, Jonathan. She dared him to reach out a hand she might bite it off at this rate. 

 

Even though she looked sad, Brinley was also very pissed off and didn’t look in his direction or watch what he was doing, too engrossed in her game.  The moment the bed dipped, she turned her phone off and laid down on her side, her back facing him, a silent sign to him not to touch or talk to her.  She just wanted to go to sleep, but there was one tradition she wouldn’t break.

 

“I love you.  Goodnight.” It was something Brinley had said to him every single night for years and she would not stop doing it.

 

“I love you too.” Jon already knew not to be messing with her, not while they were both awake at any rate. 

 

He couldn’t do anything about what happened in his sleep.  He was a natural cuddler and she knew it.  Brinley would probably wake up and nail him for being all up in her business and he was thinking suddenly that the floor might not be a bad option.  That old saying about never going to bed mad, probably about a half of their relationship was built around going to bed mad, it was just how it worked though he hadn’t pissed her off like this in QUITE some time.

 

“Angel…even though I’d deserve it…don’t nail me in the nuts in the morning if I’m holding you or something…”

 

Her body sagged upon hearing that, overwhelming sadness flooding over her and she rolled to look at him, defeat on her face. “I won’t.  Now come here and hold me like I know you want to.” She took his big arm and wrapped it around her, snuggling back against him and took his hand to rest over her heart, feeling his nose buried in her hair.  Brinley was not apologizing for anything she did to him, not even smacking him in the face because he deserved it. “Time to sleep now.  It’s a new day tomorrow and it’ll be better than today.  It has to be.” Closing her eyes, she didn’t let her husband go for a second and that was how they fell asleep, entangled with each other. 

 

Halfway through the night, Jon had moved on his back with her sprawled on him, her ear pressed to his heart and both of them covered up together.

 

Jon was up before she was, which on the road was not an unusual thing.  He had an internal alarm clock that just woke him regardless of if he had drank the night before or maybe only gone to bed within the past few hours.  It was just something his body was trained on.  He figured he’d try starting today off on a good note, ordering delivery from one of her favorite restaurants in the area that did breakfast.  That coffee she liked from the place, the delicious French toast and everything else he knew she’d sink her teeth into.  By the time Brinley finally poked her nose from beneath the covers, the food had just been delivered and the scent was permeating the room.

 

“Mmm…” Something smelled mouthwatering as Brinley slowly pried her eyes open, looking up just as Jon walked over to sit down beside her on the bed, a cup of hot coffee in his hand. “For me?” She smiled at his nod and sat up a little, taking it from him and stopped him from pulling away, kissing him softly. “Thank you, handsome.” She sipped it, groaning softly at how delicious it was and felt her stomach rumble with life.  Brinley would be lying if she said she wasn’t starving and her husband had gotten them breakfast. “How long have you been up?” She asked, once she was more awake after a few more pulls from her coffee. 

 

It was warming her from the inside out and she loved how smooth it was.

 

“Long enough to go grab a workout, shower, and then get this done.”

 

If the hotel they stayed at had a gym, he hit it for a quick workout of some sort, not about to lose any of this hard worked for body.  He had gotten himself ‘cut’ as his wife had worded it once for nothing; he wasn’t about to let that all go to hell, even if his career had hit some levels that were disgustingly low.  Bringing the two paper sacks over with him, Jon peeked into each one to see which was which.

 

“Here.” He set hers by her side, everything in containers with utensils included. “I think I got everything you liked, Angel.” He was sorry for last night, but words didn’t mean anything.  Jon was hoping this was a good start to proving he had meant his apology.  He was also probably buying future brownie points because Lord knew he’d screw up again.

 

“Smells fantastic, thank you.” Brinley smiled softly at him while pulling the food out of the bag to set it before her on the bed. 

 

The words were bubbling on her lips to apologize to him about last night, but she couldn’t do it.  If she did it, if she apologized to him, then the vicious cycle would keep repeating.  Jon could not think he could say awful, vile things to her and get away with it.  They were married and needed to treat each other with the utmost respect and love.  Dirty talk during sex was one thing, but Jon had been cruel with his words last night and Brinley would not be pleasuring him orally for a while as a result.  She poured the syrup on her French toast while sipping more of her coffee and dug in, mixing the scrambled eggs in with the syrup and even dipped her bacon into it.

 

“Did they give us ketchup for the hash browns?”

 

Jon nodded, rifled in his own sack and pulled out a handful of packets, depositing them between them within easy reach.  He had gotten himself a double order of a scramble skillet, lots of eggs and different types of breakfast meats, tossed with cheese and those weird green onion things.  Hashbrowns, also loaded and a double order on the side.  Jon wasn’t expecting an apology, not really, she had made it very clear where she stood on the horrid things he had said to her, not just with words, but with that vicious slap that would have made women everywhere proud.  He had done another tooth check this morning, pretty sure she had scrambled a few eggs.  However, Jon wasn’t apologizing again; he didn’t do that repeatedly for the same offense.

 

Saving his apologies for new ones.

 

Chapter 58

 

Things were rocky with Jon.

 

Every night he had to work was a nightmare. 

 

A complete and utter nightmare. 

 

Even winning the Intercontinental championship from Seth at the TLC pay-per-view didn’t make him feel better.  Brinley had gone home to be with Blue while Jon remained on the road, miserable.  They talked via text messaging because every time it was on the phone, Jon tried to pick a fight with her.  She would not rise to the occasion though and was steadfast in being there for him…from a distance. 

 

Being at home like this put her mindset into a whole new perspective and she warned Jon, point blank, if he brought work home with him, he could stay gone on the road.  She refused to live in a hostile environment all because he was unhappy and hated his job while everything else in his life was flourishing.  His health was on track, his marriage was good for the most part when he wasn’t trying to fight with his wife, and he had a lot of money in the bank to live on should he walk out.

 

This night in particular was really bad. 

 

Jon was on television and had a backstage segment where he was with his own personal doctor being administered a bunch of different shots.  One shot in particular was for dogs only…what kind of RIDICULOUS nonsense was this?!  Were they really trying to make this out to be heel material?  This was prop comedy!  What the hell?  Jon was NOT a joke in this business and they were making him out to be one! 

 

The moment that segment was over with, Jon hopped a redeye right out of there and went back home to Vegas, arriving home just a little after RAW ended.  It was on the East Coast, so Vegas was a few hours behind time wise.  Brinley had just finished making dinner when the front door opened and she had his favorite whiskey in hand in a tumbler with his name on it.

 

“Sit down, I just finished dinner and I’ll make you a plate.” She murmured quietly, turning to walk back into the kitchen.

 

Jon had thought his career, his persona, could go no lower after that segment with him turning on Seth, after Roman’s emotional leukemia announcement…he thought THAT had been rock bottom and there was no recovering from it.  NOPE!  He had been wrong.  So, so, so wrong.  Vince had tossed him a shovel and made him dig; there was a new bottom, a NEW low, and Jon knew THIS was the point of no return.  They had officially murdered Dean Ambrose in the most hokey, brutal, stupid of ways and he slammed that tumbler, nodding down at her to acknowledge her before moving to play with Blue.  He sat there on the floor while she made him a plate, quietly playing with the bulldog, contemplating serious career suicide, like…just murdering the entire thing and retiring.

 

It wasn’t until after they ate that Jon proclaimed he was leaving WWE when his contract expired on April 30^th of next year.  April 30, 2019 would be the day Jon broke out of the prison known as WWE and he already had some ideas in mind.  Brinley sat quietly, listening as he explained what he was going to do.  The Indies and Japan, he was going to do it ALL.  Nobody was going to stop him, nobody would have a leash around his neck yanking him in different directions or making him commit career suicide on national television.

 

“Sounds good, I’m happy you’re finally pulling the trigger on this.  When are you going to tell them?”

 

“When they give me my new fucking contract.  I’m gonna toss it back at them and say not interested.”

 

That would probably be around Royal Rumble time, if Brinley had to guess, since that was when they usually did the contract renewals for the company. “I’m proud of you.  I know you’ve been miserable and you don’t deserve to live like that.  I support you, no matter where you go and what you decide to do.  I hope you know that.”

 

“That’s good, because if I don’t get the fuck out of the WWE, I’m going to fucking straight out kill myself in that ring.” Jon already knew it, he’d make the ratings go through the ROOF for one night only because that was the better alternative to staying in that worthless company with Vince McMahon at the helm. “I feel like I can’t even BREATHE anymore, Angel, not without that poison just being pushed into me.” He DREADED going back on the road, about the only time he was remotely happy to work in this company anymore was at house shows when he didn’t have to be so ridiculous because it was just a house show.

 

Vince was about to encroach on the house shows as well, to try to get more heat for Dean Ambrose.  Jon didn’t know it yet, but he would have to start cutting cheesy heel promos at house shows instead of just on television and Vince had full control and authority over his heel persona and storyline.  He was determined to make Dean Ambrose the greatest heel of this year and the man would do well to remember who signed his checks and made him the Superstar he was today.  Without him, Dean Ambrose wouldn’t exist and would be nothing, just a leaf blowing in the breeze, back in the decrepit Independents.

 

“I know, Jon, but you have to hold on.” Brinley could tell he was at the end of his rope and began massaging his shoulders since he was sitting on the floor, sharing his meal with Blue. “You can’t walk out until your contract expires in April.  And DON’T ask for your release either or Vince will make you even more miserable.  Just wait it out, quietly.  Then at the stroke of midnight on April 30^th, you’re free with all of your royalties and everything.  You can do whatever you want and you won’t have a damn 90-day no-compete clause either.”

 

“Trust me, Angel, he CAN’T make me any more – actually no, he could, but it’d be pretty hard, even for his evil ass.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jon used his free hand to raise his plate up when Blue went for his vegetables. “Nuh uh, those are mine.” He stuffed his mouth with them, feeling his body beginning to physically relax beneath her magical hands, but that did absolutely nothing for his inner issues because she was right.  

 

Vince COULD and probably WOULD make everything worse.  Hell, this was the man who had MADE her work with her rapist.  Vince did not give a flying FIG about ANYONE’S feelings or mental health and that was a fact.

 

“You’re home now, I love you, and now you have a goal to look forward to.  2019 will be much better than 2018.” She stopped massaging him to wrap her arms around his neck gently, kissing the top of his head. 

 

It wasn’t sexual either. 

 

Brinley missed her husband and felt new hope in her heart for the future.  One thing she wished Jon would cut back on was his drinking.  She knew that was his vise, but at the same time, it was a horrible addiction that was slowly getting worse and worse as the days ticked by.  Sooner or later, it would catch up to him and it didn’t help that she fed his addiction by handing him drinks whenever he was upset.  There had to be another outlet, but so far, Brinley hadn’t found any that worked as well as alcohol for him.

 

“Why don’t I fire go fire up the hot tub and we can take a hot dip together and relax, hmm?”

 

Jon himself had squashed her using sex as an outlet because he had told her that was her answer to ‘everything’.  Sex after that night in the hotel where she had NOT appreciated the way he had been talking to her while she had been sucking his dick.  In the aftermath of that fallout, Jon had been amused, in private, by it because Brinley had FINISHED the damn blowjob!  

 

Granted, she hadn’t swallowed or anything, no – she had left that all for him to clean up on his thighs and jeans, but she had still finished.  Alcohol, now that was something Jon wasn’t giving up ever.  It was probably the only way he was going to survive this vaccine storyline, a lot of drinks after every show so he could go to sleep without his brain replaying all the horrors for him while he was lying in bed with his humiliation.

 

“Sounds great, Angel.” On the bright side…he didn’t have to worry about any of that here at home, unless he decided to get vile and then his wife had made it very clear she’d jack him up if he ran his mouth again.  Jon wasn’t sure he could handle it if she handed him his backside, on top of Vince’s shenanigans.

 

There was no sense in wearing a bathing suit when it was just the two of them in the privacy of their fenced in backyard.  Brinley simply undressed, threw on a robe, and walked out to fire up the hot tub, taking the lid off the top of it.  She could tell the chemicals had seeped in beautifully, so they wouldn’t be very strong.  Jon didn’t need to have them going up his nose or anything like that.  The pool looked inviting too, but maybe another time.  She knew how much Jon loved his hot dips, even though he hated hot showers…the man made no sense sometimes.  Pulling her hair up to pile on top of her head, Brinley walked back inside, petting Blue on the way since he was curious what was going on, and informed Jon it was ready.

 

“I’ll be waiting for you, handsome.  Bring your whiskey if you want, I’ll have a couple drinks with you.” Winking, she walked back outside, letting Blue out to roam the yard and took her robe off before stepping into the hot tub, groaning at how good the jets felt.

 

Over the years, he had gradually become accustomed to the boiling hot water because he loved her and it felt amazing against his abused body from wrestling.  He still didn’t stay in them overly long, but damn if those pressured jets didn’t feel good on his trouble spots.  Figuring by the time they finally did get around to visiting those hot springs she had mentioned before, he’d be just as much a heat bug as she was.  

 

Cleaning up his mess from dinner, Jon went to use the bathroom, stripping his clothes right there on the bathroom floor when he was done before ambling out to join her.  He did stop and grab the whiskey bottle on his way, debating on if they really needed glasses before finally pinching two.  When he stepped outside, Brinley was already in that bubbling hot liquid, looking calm and relaxed as she cooked herself.  He really did like seeing the sweat building up on her from the heat of the water, it was almost artistic in a way.

 

“Here,” He passed her the whiskey and glasses before joining her, shaking his head when she began laughing as he hissed out upon getting in. “Quiet wench.”

 

“Oh come on, it’s not even THAT hot.  I turned the temperature down a little just for you.” She grinned, already knowing he didn’t like to cook the way she did, but Brinley also knew her limitations with it too.  Taking the tumbler from him, Jon poured her a hefty amount before doing the same thing with his, setting the whiskey bottle behind him. “Wanna make a toast to new beginnings?” She held it up to him, seeing him roll his eyes and chuckled, tapping hers against his before swallowing it down.  One good thing about not having kids was they could drink to their hearts content, even though she didn’t drink nearly as much as he did. “Mmm, this does feel like heaven though…well, almost like heaven.” Heaven was when his dick was inside of her and they became one. 

 

Brinley wasn’t out for sex tonight though, just wanting to relax with her husband.

 

“I’ll toast to new beginnings once I’m done with the WWE.” Not a moment sooner because in their personal life, they had plenty of those new beginnings and yet they still getting tossed around and set back whenever things seemed to be going absolutely perfect.  It was hard having a new beginning when the universe seemed to hit the big, red RESET button on them at peak moments during those new beginnings. “I’ll toast to you,” Jon did, raising his glass to her and smiled, taking a sip. “I love you.” He didn’t always say it, knowing he probably didn’t say it enough.  A lot of his actions definitely contradicted those words, but they were the truth.

 

Jon loved this fiery broad irrevocably.

 

It warmed her heart whenever he did say the words.  She probably said them too much, but it was too little too late for that.  The ship had sailed and she had a tradition she would not break.  Brinley was stubborn that way, set in her ways, and Jon was the same way, which was why they clashed so much.  Clashing also lead to hot makeup sex between them, so it wasn’t all bad.

 

“I love you too, handsome.” For better or for worse and right now, they were in the worse stage due to his career going down the tubes in WWE.  That was fine, he just had to last until April and then he'd be free. “I have an idea I wanna run by you.” She moved towards him and sat on the big seat, feeling his arm wrap around her shoulders. “Would it make things a little easier for you to deal with Vince and his bullshit if Blue and I traveled with you the rest of the time in WWE?  I’ve been thinking about Christmas coming up and instead of buying each other meaningless bullshit, why don’t we invest in something together?”

 

Now that one Jon had to think about, studying the bubbling, steamy water before them as he sipped from his tumbler.  He had already downed one glass, sipping for now on the second, especially in this jacuzzi.  He had a feeling getting drunk in here would be a bad idea and he’d probably wind up breaking his own neck, or she’d drown him if he shot off at the mouth.  It was shooting off at the mouth that had his contemplating.  The last time Brinley had traveled with him had not ended well and he couldn’t promise things wouldn’t happen again.  He wasn’t even going to TRY promising because he knew when his temper was up due to frustration and he was a giant cocksucker with her being an easy target.

 

“You sure you wanna do that after last time?” He asked finally, resignedly.

 

“Yes.  I think it might make things easier for you if your family is there backing you up.  I missed you while you were gone and I know Blue does too.” She stroked his bearded face with the back of her hand gently, trying not to be sexual because of what happened the last time she tried cheering him up with sex. 

 

Ever since that night at the hotel after the TLC pay-per-view, she hadn’t touched him and Christmas was upon them in just a few days.  The house was decorated for it and everything, but no presents had been bought or put under the tree.  Brinley wasn’t in the spirit for obvious reasons and honestly didn’t know what to get Jon, so this idea of hers had popped into her head randomly and she decided to talk to him about it.

 

“What if we invested in a bus for us and Blue?  It’d save money on hotels and we’d be able to travel with you comfortably.  What do you think?”

 

Laughing, Jon shook his head at the money saving bit.  Busses were expensive when they weren’t ‘basic’, which was just a bunch of rows of seats.  Insurance, traveling and maintenance were ongoing costs as well.  A bus was a mobile house that was a money pit.  However, Brinley looked so earnest that he began laughing harder and it wasn’t even a bad laugh; it was a happy, amused laugh.

 

“Sure Angel, we can make that our Christmas gift to ourselves.  You eye any?” It wouldn’t surprise him if she had, she was pretty thorough about things and usually had everything decided before she had actually asked him.  Brinley would have made a great personal assistant, actually. “You thought about the driving thing?” Either they’d need a driver or they’d have to get CDLs.  Maybe they could do a leasing with everything included…driver, the insurance and maintenance.

 

The more he was thinking on this, the more Jon liked the idea.

 

“Whatever you wanna do about it, it’s not like we can’t afford it.  A little luxury every now and then, treating ourselves, won’t kill us or our bank accounts.” She snuggled against his side, stroking his chest hair gently and knew she had gotten his gears turning with the idea. “It was just an idea, we don’t have to do it if you don’t want to…” He growled, pinching her side playfully and she jumped with a laugh, smacking his chest lightly.  She pinched his side in return and it was an all-out tickle fest in the hot tub with her crying out in laughter.  Jon had placed her on his lap securely and once he stopped, Brinley could actually breathe and laid her head on his shoulder, not moving from his lap because it felt good being this close to him again. “As I was saying before you started that…mull it over and let me know.  I’ve looked at a couple, but then I stopped because I want to do this together with you.”

 

Chapter 59

 

“Uh huh, just a couple?” He side eyed her, snorting when she pinched him again and brought a hand up, flexing and wiggling his fingers. “Don’t be starting shit, woman, I’ll tickle you until you pee…and then drain this bitch.” That would suck because refilling and doing the chemicals also sucked. “When we go inside, you can show me the ones you’ve been looking at.  Are we talking like…a charter bus or basically a literal mobile home?” He could see that, kind of liking the idea of coming ‘home’ to a hot meal after doing something extremely stupid at work.

 

“I’ve looked at both, honestly.  I wasn’t sure which one to go with.” Brinley smiled sheepishly at him, knowing jumping the gun wasn’t the best thing to do with Jon, but…impulse was a bitch to ignore. 

 

She really wanted to be with her husband and figured, why not see just how much these buses price at?  The price wasn’t staggering and there were some good deals Brinley had found, but it would ultimately be up to Jon if he wanted to invest.  She could afford it on her own, but she wanted them to do this together.

 

“You know, we’ve been married a long time now.” Raising her head, she looked into his eyes and softly kissed his lips, smiling when he gave her a ‘no shit sherlock’ look, smacking his chest lightly. “I’m serious, we have and we love each other, even when we fight and argue.  It just blows my mind we’ve made it this far, through all the ups and downs.”

 

Jon was not surprised at all with her having already checked it out.  He had flat out asked her if she had because he had been expecting it.  That was the kind of person Brinley was and one of the many reasons she had been such a great producer.  Not to mention she had known what would and wouldn’t work for not only him, but for her stupid brother. 

 

That was her attention to details and habits of meticulously researching everything.  Refusing to ruin the mood by pointing out the obvious, Jon would have done something seriously shady and potential murderous if she had tried divorcing him, that just wasn’t happening he wouldn’t allow it.  He couldn’t at this point even if he wanted to, his heart wouldn’t allow it.  Jon had royally screwed them both over with his actions and antics.

 

“I’m sure we got plenty more ups and downs left to go, Angel.” He teased, burying his face in her damp neck, pressing his lips to her pulse point just to feel her heartrate picking up.

 

“Yeah, and we’ll get through all of them.  I think the worse is behind us.” Brinley could only hope. 

 

No, she was sure of it.  They would still fight and have arguments, but it was nothing like it’d been when they were first married.  Jon wasn’t driving them into oceans in cars either.  She would NEVER forget that as long as she lived.  Going back to him the night he won the WWE title…another night that would live forever etched in her memory.  There were so many amazing moments with him, in her eyes they far outweighed the bad.

 

“Mmm, Jon…” It was inevitable with them both naked in here, but that wasn’t Brinley’s intent at all.  Why was she even questioning this?  If her husband was kissing on her neck and taking the lead, she would simply follow and fought the urge to kiss him the moment his head rose to meet her eyes. “I missed you so much.”

 

“Mmm, even with me being evil half the time?” Seeing the unmistakable desire in her eyes, Jon knew she was restraining herself because of what had happened the last time. 

 

He had thrown her it in her face about using sex to solve all their problems, even calling her his cum guzzling whore.  In a normal world, where he was a normal guy, that would have never happened because he would have been bragging about it to his buddies.  His wife being a sexual cougar or something close to that, always wanting to jump on his dick.  It would have been bragging rights for sure.  Since he wasn’t a perfect, normal guy, he wasn’t bragging and using her being in her prime to hurt her.  He was such a cocksucker and the fact that she STILL wanted him was mindboggling.

 

“Hey, I can be evil too.  I’m far from perfect and I’m not a saint either.” Brinley was stubborn and bullheaded, and she couldn’t help who she fell in love with. 

 

Jon could be a monster and cut her down quickly with his words, but at least the threats towards her family had stopped completely.  That was a huge weight lifted from her shoulders and Brinley knew it was because she had come back to him willingly.  She had taken the time away she needed to get her thoughts in order and when he won the title, she wanted to be with him, to celebrate with him.  She was proud of him, regardless of what happened between them.  That was how she knew love was blind and she happily went along with it, being blind, stupid, and in love with both sides of him.

 

“You can be evil in very good ways too, and those are the ways I enjoy the most.”

 

Meaning don’t be driving us over docks into the ocean. That alone should have kept her far away from him like she had tried doing in the aftermath. 

 

Instead here they were, they had a LOT of good times since then.  Maybe his wife liked the adrenaline rush she knew she’d sporadically get from him when he totally went off his rocker.  Fortunately for them both, THAT incident, where he did go over the edge completely, happened very rarely these days.

 

“And what kind of evil things do you enjoy?” He purposefully turned her in his lap so her back was to him, gently pushing her hair all over one shoulder, leaving the other side bare to him.  Jon began kissing along that bare shoulder, one arm firmly wrapped around her waist to hold her still.

 

“Mmm, the way you tease me like now…that tongue of yours is particularly evil.”

 

Brinley clenched her hands while lulling her head back against his shoulder, loving how tight he was holding her against him.  She honestly didn’t expect sex to happen with him in this hot tub or even tonight because of how upset he’d been.  The last thing she wanted was another soured night like before when all she was trying to do was distract him and get his mind off what was happening in WWE.

 

“Those hands are evil too, they light me on fire with just a touch and it’s not fair.  It’s not fair how easily I’m turned on by you.”

 

Did she turn him on just as much?  Did she light him on fire?  Did she do wicked things to his body with certain things she did the way he did to her?  Brinley was older than him and not getting any younger, so she was trying to maintain what she could of her looks for as long as possible.  Sooner or later, she would be that old spinster Jon had loved calling her in the early stages of their marriage and Brinley dreaded that happening, wondering if maybe she should look into getting some altercations done to her body. 

 

Jon wouldn’t want to fuck an old spinster, not with the way he looked, and Brinley honestly worried he’d end up divorcing her once his eye caught a younger woman that could maintain her looks.  Even though she knew Jon was loyal and faithful to her, it would not surprise her at all if one day the temptation being on the road without her would be too much and he did wind up cheating on her.  Brinley kept waiting for it to happen, kept waiting for the love to dwindle and the bubble to completely burst between them.  It was something she thought about often and telling Jon all of this would just make him laugh at her, so she kept how she felt to herself.

 

She was worrying way too much and if she had confided those things to him, in this exact moment, he would have told her as much.  He also probably would have used those insecurities in a future fight against her.  He had ONE boundary, just one, that he would never ever cross, which happened with that rape baby, but he would never cross it again.  Never again would he EVER throw those pregnancy losses or make any reference to her body not being able to carry and deliver a baby in her face as retaliation.  If he ever crossed that line, there was NO coming back from it.  After losing their very much wanted baby girl, he couldn’t even begin to imagine throwing those insults at her, no matter how pissed or vicious he was feeling.

 

“Mmm all part of your charm, Angel, I like you being turned on by me.”

 

He could set her panties on fire with a look and he knew it.  Jon LIKED having that power over her.  Brinley held power over him too, not that he was divulging it.  This woman had him wrapped and she didn’t even know it. Suckling on her neck, he slid his hand down between her legs and felt her thighs parting for him instantly, letting him do whatever he pleased.

 

The water felt as if she was being dipped in molten lava.  Brinley moaned softly the moment his fingers began massaging her bundle of nerves beneath the hot bubbly water, arching back into him slightly.  Nobody could make her feel the way Jon did and nobody ever would.  Jon had his hooks into her so deeply that, even if Brinley tried, she couldn’t escape him.  And she didn’t want to. 

 

Without realizing it, she had her hooks deep into him as well, so much so that, if she tried leaving him, Jon would burn the whole planet to the ground.  As good as the hot tub felt with him, it also wasn’t the place to keep her properly lubricated for him, so Jon stopped what he was doing and lifted her with ease in his strong arms, carrying her out of the hot tub.  They had enough, they were starting to turn into prunes, and he wanted to properly pleasure her without any restrictions. 

 

Water was not very conducive when it came to sex and he didn’t bother taking her back into the house either.  There was a perfectly good outside sofa and he gently set her down while pulling it out into a sofa bed.  It was a futon and he blistered her lips with another passionate kiss before scooping her up again, this time guiding her down on it never breaking the kiss.  Brinley was in a whirlwind, pulling him closer and couldn’t remember the last time she felt this amount of passion from Jon, soaking it in for all it was worth. 

 

They were going to make love outside, under the stars of Vegas, with the Red Rocks in the far distance, and Blue had gone off somewhere like the good boy he was.  He knew when Mommy and Daddy were getting down to business and never dared interfered, not in his older years.  Then, those fingers began working their magic on her again, along with his lips on her neck, and Brinley was back to moaning and letting Jon know just how much she enjoyed what he was doing to her.

 

This was much better than the jacuzzi.  The hot water and chemicals, if they had continued, would have probably dried her natural essence up, on top of the inability to move the way they would want without having to worrying about slipping, sliding, and potential injuries.  Since she didn’t work anymore, he had no problems in making sure she was marked, though he made sure not to go biting and leaving those kinds of marks.  His wife would not like those, but hickeys…he was working on one right now and Brinley cried out softly as he did it, sucking on her neck while fingering her, stimulating her.  For someone who was worried about her age, she had the most gorgeous, responsive body, his fingers were getting soaked.

 

They hadn’t been this intimate since the blowjob incident and Brinley was worried she had done some major damage that night.  Jon had been attentive, caring, and loving towards her, trying like hell to keep his anger and temperament in check, and she loved him even more for it.  This was the first time they had been intimate since that hotel incident, which was well over a month ago.  Jon couldn’t even celebrate being the Intercontinental champion because of how horrible his character on-screen was.  None of that mattered because she wasn’t with Dean Ambrose, she was with Jonathan Good, the man she loved, and he was making her completely ruin the futon mattress with her essence as she came hard for him from just his fingers alone, singing his praises into the night sky.

 

In retrospect, after learning his proper name from her friends that night years ago, and then insisting on using it ever after, that was the best thing to happen.  Because now, if she had still been calling him Dean or Ambrose, he would have probably lost his mind just because it would always be a reminder of the shitstorm he was in now.  The funk and depressive spiral Vince had plopped him in with this garbage storyline.  Jon’s temper would have ALWAYS been simmering just beneath the surface and that would have destroyed them quicker than his random, spaced out outbursts.  It was easy to bounce back from those really.  They didn’t happen often, but constant, daily fights and bad moments, that was killer on a relationship, even one like theirs.

 

“You’ve ruined the futon, Angel.” Jon pointed out to her in a soft growl when he finally stopped giving her all those delicious orgasms from just his skilled fingers alone.  Sitting back, he looked down, able to see the wet and then felt it, more than just a smidge of pride and amusement in his tone. “I think you’re warmed up and ready for me…” Gripping his cock, Jon began sliding the head of it up and down her wet sex. “What do you think?”

 

“I…agree with you…” Brinley was trying to catch her breath and trembled at the feeling of that delicious head being soaked by her wet pussy, her eyes locking with his as Jon hovered over her. “I’m more than ready for you, baby…make me cum for you again.” Bringing his mouth down on hers, stealing her breath even more, Brinley moaned as he slid past her tight wet folds and didn’t stop until he was fully sheathed inside of her. “Jon…” She breathed out against his lips, gripping the back of his neck as he started thrusting in and out of her, moving right along with him. “Fuck, I missed this…I missed you so much…Harder, give it all to me and don’t hold back…” Missionary was boring to a lot of people, but if it was done right…and Jon knew exactly how to do it…it was incredible and Brinley did not hold back either, giving her all to this, to him, surrendering everything. “Yes…Yes!”

 

Missionary was intimate.  Face to face with her, Jon personally thought it got a bad rap, probably by people who didn’t know how to fuck properly or just didn’t like being watched during sex.  This was an honest position, he see her beautiful eyes darkening, cheeks flushing and sweat beading, see the way her mouth contorted as he fucked her…as she let out a sweet symphony of sounds that were a testament to their chemistry and how they made each other feel.  Another thing he was doing right now was pulling back to draw her legs up over his shoulders, forcing very specific areas of her delectable body to tighten and he let out a curse when he plunged back into her hot depths.  Feeling like stunningly wet, velvet covered hands were inviting him in further to stay, his cock pulsated powerfully inside of her. 

 

No, Jon wasn’t cumming yet, not until she HAD ruined this futon.

 

Brinley loved this position almost as much as doggy style, it felt so damn good and she would give anything to hold onto this feeling for the rest of her life.  Jon rarely did it, which was probably why she loved it so much.  When he pulled it out of his bag of tricks, it was a nice surprise, like now, as she gripped his arms to keep from bucking away from him.  That was how hard he was plowing in and out of her, and there were zero complaints from her.  She didn’t give a damn who heard them going at it outside on this futon, meeting him for every single powerful thrust he gave her.

 

“Jon, oh fuck!  Right…there!” It came out in nothing more than a pant as her nails dug into his strong, muscular arms, the sounds of their flesh colliding echoing around them.  The wet slapping noise was music to her ears as she arched her body, making him go deeper inside of her if that was possible. “THERE!  OH JON!!” There it went, the waterfall flooding directly out of her body and those velvet hands were practically suffocating him at this point. “OHHHH YEAHHHHH!!!!”

 

She did it, the wet gushing everywhere and that just triggered his own climax.  His boys had been tingling and Jon had been mentally telling them to hold back, but as soon as those literal floodgates opened and it felt like his dick could breathe again from being waterboarded by her, he climaxed harder than he ever had in his life. “FUCK!  Fuck, Angel!” There went his speech capabilities, all down the cum tube he had just created inside of her.  Jon had to hold her bucking backside steady, keeping her right THERE as he continued trouncing her until he wasn’t able anymore.  If not for her legs up on his shoulders, kind of holding him steady, he would have dropped. “Fuck…”

 

Chapter 60

 

“Fuck is right…I needed that…” She panted out, laughing breathlessly at their bodies having a fine sheen of sweat glistening on their skin. 

 

That had been intense, delicious, and she wished it could’ve lasted all night.  That had been built up for over a month, so they were both very eager and the need for each other outweighed everything else.  Slowly, Brinley dropped her legs from his shoulders and groaned, not moving to sit up at all.

 

“Jesus...I think you needed that too.” He nodded as she rolled over, draping her leg over his while they just lay there under the stars catching their breath.  Raising her head up, Brinley turned his head to passionately kiss him, tasting her husband all over again. “I love you, Jon.  And I hope you know, the night is young and I’m not nearly done with you.  I wanna flood your face and feel you drink me dry until there’s nothing left.” She brushed her lips against his softly. “I wanna sit on your face, baby, I wanna cum for you again…”

 

“You are fucking TRYING to kill me, woman!” She was going to drown him, legitimately, and his cock gave a very feeble, valiant twitch, like it was trying to rouse itself.  Given how much baby juice he had just probably knocked her up again with…Jon reached down to slap it. “We need water…” That was probably strange coming from him since they had started this all off with drinking, but they needed to hydrate, not dehydrate. “And a cigarette, and then…start round two with that beautiful pussy on my face.” He wasn’t trying to turn that one down, figuring enough time had passed since dinner that it was acceptable to have dessert.

 

Giggling, Brinley nodded and kissed him softer this time, stroking his chest hair lovingly between her fingers. “Mmm, you stay right there and relax that gorgeous body.  I’ll go get the water and cigarettes for us.” It was an order and he smirked, merely folding his arms beneath his head, not moving a muscle. 

 

Good boy, she would reward him for listening to her and planned on grinding her pussy on his mouth as long as he wanted her to.  Brinley was back in record time, the cigarettes already lit and passed his over to him, along with a bottled water and the whiskey, setting it to the wide on the coffee table in front of them.  Laying sprawled halfway on him against his side again, they lay there, smoking and drinking their water, just gazing up at the stars.

 

“You know what would’ve made this even better?  Doing this and having our voices echo off the Red Rocks like we did when you won the WWE title.  That was a magical night…as magical as this.”

 

Jon was thinking along her lines, ‘good girl’, he had decided to stop looking at it as she was a bossy woman who wanted things done her way.  In reality, it all tended to work in his favor.  He had her trained, that was his new schtick and he also knew if he EVER voiced that outside of his head, Brinley would fillet his balls and serve them to him mignon style.

 

“Maybe, but that would have required planning.” Sucking down a long drag from his cigarette, Jon stared up at the sky while he smoked after draining half that water bottle. “This wasn’t planned…” And sometimes, the best situations in life weren’t. “You want to go to the Red Rocks?” He was always up for a visit to one of his favorite places, especially with his wife who was not shy about sex outdoors.  She was the perfect woman.

 

“Really?” Her emerald eyes lit up at his suggestion and she nodded, immediately hopping up from the ruined futon.  Nothing a little scrubbing wouldn’t take care of.  She wasn’t worried about it and neither was Jon, who was up on his feet too. “Come on, we can pack a picnic like we did last time too and spend the rest of the night hearing our voices echo while I flood your face and you fuck me.” His eyes were ignited too as they headed inside with Blue hot on their trail.

 

Once they were out at the Red Rocks, with the mattress already set up in the back, Brinley wasted no time planting her pussy right on her husband’s face.  She held onto the truck and anything she could get her hands on while he devoured her, her hips gyrating to grind against his tongue and lips.  It felt so good being intimate with her husband again and the time seemed to stretch on for an eternity, which they were both completely fine with.  Their voices did indeed echo around them, bouncing off the glorious Red Rocks as Jon finally pushed her off him, positioning her on all fours with her backside in his vision.

 

“You like getting dirty with me in the desert, don’tcha, Angel?”

 

“Yes, oh fuck yes…I’m such a dirty girl…” Brinley whimpered out, gasping when Jon began to smack her cheeks and pounded into her even harder, growling at her words. “I’m YOUR dirty girl, Jon…only yours…” THIS was the type of dirty talk she could handle, not being called a cum guzzling whore and the other things Jon had said to her that night at the hotel. “Harder…I wanna scream…break me, baby, please!”

 

To be fair, SOME women did like that really hardcore, nasty sexual encounter and some women didn’t.  Jon had learned the very hard way that his woman was NOT one of those seriously brutal porn stars in the making.  Leaning forward, he grabbed the side of the truck to give him some extra leverage as he began upping the pace, his body slamming into her much smaller one at a rate he was starting to get genuinely worried he WAS going to break her.  Brinley was encouraging him, however, begging for more and he just let himself go, fucking her like she was indestructible.

 

“Holy FUCK, Brinley!” She was SQUEEZING his cock, so sure she was going to break him instead.

 

“JON!!” She screamed out, doing exactly what she wanted him to do and was on the verge of tapping out, knowing she couldn’t hold back much longer.  Or now.  Right now. “OH GOD JONNNNNNNN!!!” Brinley had never climaxed harder than she had in this moment, her entire body trembling from head to toe while milking her husband’s cock that refused to submit and surrender. 

 

Brinley was done, completely spent, and collapsed face first with Jon continuing to thrust in and out of her.  She didn’t stop moving with him, but that orgasm had taken every bit of energy she had left.  Certainly, her heart would pop right out of her chest and land in front of her from how hard it was pounding, thundering in her ears.  Her voice shrieked out again when he finally came, exploding inside of her with all the power he could muster up, and barely finished before collapsing back on the mattress, reluctantly leaving her body.

 

Making sure to roll away from her in the limited space, so he didn’t totally crush her, one leg propped up with his knee angled towards those stars, the other draped lazily over her as he focused on breathing.  His balls were screaming uncle right now even while the rest of him was enjoying the thrumming in his body from that explosive round with his vivacious wife.  And she worried about her age, the woman needed to realize just how young and vital she still was!  He doubted there were 20 year olds out there, literally half her age, who could go the way she could.  Thoroughly changing his mind about her being a spinster over the years, he had married a smoking hot cougar with some serious sexual prowess.

 

Considering they hadn’t had sex in over a month, it was well overdue and she managed to pull herself up enough to light a cigarette of her own. “Now I’m good.” Chuckling breathlessly, Brinley moved to lay beside him to stare up at the beautiful starry sky with the smoke from their cigarettes drifting in the air. “I really needed this night out with you.  This time with you.  I think the bus is a bad idea now that I’ve thought about it.” Now Jon was staring at her with a raised brow and she turned her head to smile at him, stroking his bearded face with her free hand. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder and…I think if I travel with you and we’re always together every night, things might get worse.  They’re not bad now, but they could get bad if we’re constantly up each other’s asses.  And I’ve enjoyed being home, even though I’ve missed you a ton.” The sex should’ve spoken for itself. “I don’t mind waiting for you to come home to me.  It makes the time we have together all the sweeter.”

 

Brakes just went screeching in his head, along with a sour taste in his mouth about being a booty call for his own wife, which had his blue eyes narrowing.  Jon kept those eyes on the sky while he smoked his cigarette, wondering how pissed off she would be if he told her she wasn’t allowed to think anymore. “Yeah no, you already got my heart and mind set on this touring thing.” He argued, keeping his tone light and amused, kind of boyish, wondering if she was serious about this absence makes the heart grow fonder malarky.  It was stupid because earlier he had been thinking this idea was a bad one because she’d be RIGHT THERE for him to vent on and he’d probably not do it in a nice, fun, and sexy way.

 

“Jon,” She sat up to look down at him, seeing the sour look on his face despite that smile he wore and frowned. “I was stupid to bring it up.  It’s stupid for me to go on the road with you.  With everything going on in WWE and your career trajectory, I…I don’t want to be your venting post, okay?  I don’t want another incident like what happened over a month ago at the hotel.  The things you said to me that night were vile and cruel…even by YOUR standards.  I’ve forgiven you and I missed you so damn much over this past month that…I wasn’t thinking about this potentially blowing up in my face and making our marriage even rockier than it already is.” Then she got an idea, deciding she could compromise with him. “How about AFTER you get out of that shithole, we get a bus and travel together then?  That way I KNOW you won’t be pissed off every night you come back from the ring looking to vent.  And if you go to Japan, we can figure out what to do over there, but I don’t want to travel with you while you’re in that shithole.” Brinley was human and allowed to change her mind.

 

Oh no, she was not allowed to change her mind just because he had caved into her oversexualized backside and given her the fucking of a lifetime a FEW times!  Her changing her mind AFTER sex was screwing with him.  Jon bet this was how women felt with men in a normal situation.  Like, they said all the sweet nothings and then as soon as the goodies were given up, everything was backtracked.  He did NOT like that.  That was another 4 or 5 months and then who knew how long before he was back to work again?  He sat up as well, just because he didn’t like her towering over him right now and scoot his naked backside down to the edge of the truck bed, letting his legs dangle over the edge while staring out at the desert.

 

“Yeah, that’s fine.  I don’t care either which way, Angel.” Nope, he DID care because something felt wrong here, off, and Jon didn’t like it at all.

 

“Good, we can shop around and make sure we LIKE what we buy instead of just rushing things.” She didn’t follow him, knowing when he needed space and took a long drag of her cigarette. 

 

The last thing she wanted to do was be a target for his venting and frustration.  There was no way in hell Brinley would put herself in that situation, not after what happened last time she went on the road with him.  WWE was hell on earth for Jon, so he could take his anger and frustration and vent it out to a bottle of Jack Daniels every night instead of her.  This was the right thing to do, 4 months wouldn’t be that long and there had been buzz in the air lately about a new wrestling promotion opening soon called AEW. 

 

All-Elite Wrestling. 

 

Earlier that year, they had a BANGER of a pay-per-view event, a one-time only deal, ran by Cody Rhodes and his wife, along with Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and it was all backed by the Khan family, who owned the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL.  Something big was on the horizon, Brinley could feel it, sense it, and she already knew her brother would be putting all of his chips in with AEW since they talked frequently.  Now, she just had to put a bug in Jon’s ear about it without mentioning her brother since they couldn’t stand each other.

 

“Have you heard about All-Elite Wrestling?  There’s a rumor going around that the Khan family is backing Cody and Brandi Rhodes, along with others, and they’re going to make AEW a real wrestling company.  Brandi told me about it, but there’s no definitive details yet.  She said an announcement should be made soon though.”

 

The look Jon gave her was a bit on the sly side, his blue eyes narrowing suspiciously.  Though she may not have caught it thanks to it still being night and his face wasn’t directly in the light of the moon and stars. “I’ve heard the rumors about it.”

 

Everyone had, there was also an indirect backstage ban talking about the potential competition.  There was also a rumor going around about her asshole brother maybe jumping ship because he had yet to give Vince a definitive answer about staying on.  Apparently, the old man wasn’t giving dickhead enough leeway to go pretend he was a rock star or something.  Personally, Jon preferred the real Ozzy, not the inflated knock-off that was his brother-in-law.

 

“Maybe you should look into it, talk to Cody and see what it’s about.  Brandi told me you’re more than welcome to reach out to him since you two were close while he was here as that stupid Stardust character.”

 

Jon and Cody would spend countless hours watching old school wrestling matches on the WWE Network in the locker room.  He would go in there while Cody was painting up for Stardust.  They both had a deep passion for the business, so if anyone would run a wrestling company correctly, it would be an actual wrestler who knew the ins and outs of the business.  Brinley already knew he wasn’t fond of her brother, but the bottom line was Chris Jericho was a great marketing name and the company would have leverage and power behind him in the beginning, to gain their footing.  He was a veteran and one of the best in the game.

 

“Up to you though.  Just thought I’d put that in your ear.”

 

“I’m leaning towards Japan.” Jon admitted coolly, something they had talked about before.

 

Right now, he wasn’t inclined to listen to anything she was suggesting because of the stunt she had pulled with the tour bus before.  She was a very, very sexual creature and he knew Brinley had self-esteem issues or had.  He idly wondered if she’d do what other people with mid-life crises did, have an affair or go find someone younger.  It occurred to him that she may have even been considering leaving him, finding something closer to home and that didn’t settle well EITHER.  A lot of scenarios suddenly didn’t sit right and Jon decided right then and there, he was going to mess up her birth control and knock her up again.  That way Brinley COULDN’T leave him, ever.

 

She’d never think about it again with a baby on the way.

 

If Brinley had an inkling of a clue what he was thinking at that moment, she would’ve bashed him over the head with the cooler they brought.  As hard as she could.  There was no way she’d ever leave him because she loved him, she was in love with him, and there was always that lingering fear of him going after her family again.  Her parents in the hospital came to mind, the carbon monoxide poisoning they suffered and nearly died from.  She still had no idea if Jon was responsible for that and honestly, Brinley never wanted to know.  Just like part of her never wanted to know the truth about her house…and that was something she hadn’t confronted him on and she never would.

 

“Whatever you want to do, you know I support you.” Moving to where he sat, she stepped in between his legs since there was room, forcing him to scoot back a bit and leaned against his chest with a smile. “There’s no other place in the world I’d rather be than with you, Jon.  So wherever you go in the world, I’ll go with you once you’re out of that cesspool company.”

 

Encircling an arm around her, making a ‘hmm’ to acknowledge what she had said, Jon was also quietly studying her.  She really had changed her tune once she had gotten fucked.  He had always known she was an energizer bunny on sex; she initiated it more than he did, and now he was wondering other things.  If this was what it was like to be on the flip side, be the ‘woman’, he didn’t like or appreciate it and Jon wanted the gender roles switched back to how it should be.

 

“We got time.” No, no they didn’t because she had just triggered his paranoia with her flipflopping antics and she had tried leaving him before.  No doubt Brinley was probably thinking about doing it again because of what had happened the last time she was on the road, when he had called her his cum guzzling whore.

 

Chapter 61

 

As much as Brinley loved having her husband home, she also needed a break from the nonstop sex they’d had during his two days off.  She figured he had his fill the first night, but right after they came back from the Red Rocks, he sexed her up again and then left to go do his workout routine.  He didn’t take it easy on her either, Brinley was SORE in both a delicious and hurtful way.  She couldn’t recall the last time Jon had been rough with her…and then she remembered the beginning of their marriage, the time she had asked him not to be so rough with her.  Brinley frowned, not liking this change in her husband and wondered what had triggered it.

 

“I fuck you like no other man does or ever will, Brinley.  Remember that, Angel!  You’re MINE forever.”

 

“Yes, Jon, oh god you’re the only man I want…please don’t stop…”

 

“Mmm, I do love it when you beg for me…do it again!”

 

“Jon, please…please make me cum for you, baby…”

 

“That’s right, only me.  Say it again!”

 

“Only you!  Jon, ONLY YOU!!”

 

What the hell is going on?  Brinley sat in the hot tub, contemplating and mulling over everything the past two days brought. 

 

Wrapping her arms around herself, even in this hot tub, she felt cold suddenly, almost as if a chill had rushed down her spine while looking out in the yard as Blue played with his ball.  What Brinley didn’t realize also was Jon had distracted her with so much sex, she hadn’t taken her birth control during those two days like she was supposed to.  She preferred the pills as opposed to the shot, hating needles with a passion, but never once did Brinley suspect Jon had just sabotaged her birth control by using sex as a distraction.

 

He had just taken a page out of her playbook.

 

Jon had done that on purpose because birth control did NOT come in bottles; it came in stupid little packages, which was hard as hell to get his hands on placebos that matched all that.  Hard yet not impossible.  It was just going to take some time, but he was patient.  Jon also knew if those bitches came up missing, she’d instantly get suspicious, so he left them alone.  Her forgetting to take them was on her and he also knew it only took missing one pill for something to happen.  By the time he returned home, it’d be with her ‘new’ placebos.

 

Brinley had gone from wanting to be up his backside, to properly fucked and sated, to doing a 180.  That didn’t set well with him and Jon suddenly didn’t trust her.  All those paranoid feelings from early on, when he knew what a spunky spitfire and how devious she could be, had come back.  Worse actually because now he LOVED the broad and he’d be damned if she was going to leave him, especially for someone else.

 

There was NO ONE else! 

 

Brinley didn’t even look at other men because she was completely in love with her husband.  Besides the occasional glance at actors she found attractive like Jensen Ackles, men she knew she’d never have a prayer with.  They were still very easy on the eyes and nice to look at though.  It was all fantasy, but reality was Jon was her all.  Jon meant everything to her and more.  She loved him with her whole heart and soul, never once contemplating leaving him.  She still said ‘I love you’ to him every night before bed and every morning when she woke up, even if it was through texting most of the time since he was on the road.  Today was no different and he had responded with the same, making her smile.  Still, her stomach lurched with worry and immediately, Brinley shoved it aside. 

 

Everything was fine. 

 

They were fine.

 

Right?

 

His new worries and paranoia about her gearing up to leave him because he wasn’t around to satisfy her nymphomaniac tendencies, on top of work continuing to toss him brand new all-time lows consistently, had his mental state all jumbled up.  Jon and a messed up mindset were not a good combination when factored in with his rather destructive impulse tendencies.  He was also considering getting those odd security cameras in his home, the ones he could monitor via his cell phone, but she’d definitely notice that.

 

What are you doing? Who, who was she doing?  And Jon had to slap himself in the face, pacing his hotel room naked while working his way through a case of beer.  She wasn’t doing anyone.  Just him.

 

Laying on the couch watching a movie with Blue. For some reason, Brinley felt the need to prove to Jon that she was telling the truth. 

 

It was so weird and strange, a foreign feeling she hadn’t experienced in a while.  Why was that?  Why did she feel as if Jon was watching her every move or something?  She snapped the photo of her and Blue on the couch, a blanket over her and she had her head resting on top of his head with a smile on her face.

 

We miss you, can’t wait for you to be home. She meant that too.  This house just didn’t feel complete without Jon and she kissed the top of Blue’s head before snuggling back down on her side to continue watching the movie.

 

Brinley was feeling that way because, subconsciously, she was probably aware she had royally screwed up with him by backtracking the way she had in the course of a night.  He had made it clear what he thought about her using sex as a cure all.  Jon had shouted that accusation at her, and then she had changed her mind on being up his backside, AFTER she had gotten sex.  Even if it didn’t smack her in the face just yet, eventually, she’d realize he had issues with that whole situation.

 

“Well, you COULD have been here with me, dickhead.” Jon snorted, crushing his now empty beer can in his fist before tossing it in the already pretty full trash can.  He lit a cigarette before going to grab another. Any new lingerie?

 

No, but I can get some new sets for you if you want before you come back home. Brinley sent back and wanted to ask him what was wrong because she could FEEL like something was bothering him.  She could not get the roughness out of her head, no matter how hard she tried.  Sighing softly, she pushed Blue up from the couch and walked over to the window to stare out of it, closing her eyes. “Please Jon, I don’t want to go back to the way things used to be.  If something is bothering you, you have to tell me.  I’m not a mind reader and I’m scared that…that I’m not making you happy anymore.” She whispered to herself, tears forming in her eyes.

 

I love you. The whole reason why she changed her mind was because she didn’t want to be his venting post.  She was scared Jon would vent on her in a bad way, just like he did previously, and that would tear them apart. There’s something bothering you and I wish you’d tell me about it because it’s giving me anxiety. Brinley didn’t send that message, deleting it and scrubbed her hand down her face, deciding to call him. “I wanted to hear your voice instead of texting you.” Were the first words out of her mouth as soon as he answered. “I love you and I miss you.”

 

He was asking about lingerie because she used to collect it like some people did marbles or trading cards.  Of course, he had helped with all that because Jon had told her to make herself a lingerie closet on his dime and she had definitely gone to town on that.  At the time, it had been exciting and fun, seeing what new things she’d buy to wear for him.  If it would be something innocent yet sexy or something nasty and raunchy.  Then she began using it during that baby making fiasco and he had begun associating it with pressure.  Now, he was associating it as one of her go-to’s, so…he was hoping to trigger that impulse in her again.

 

“I miss you too, Angel.” He rumbled in a low, raspy voice. “And I love you too.”

 

A shiver shot through her at the sound of his voice and Brinley felt marginally better already, not hearing any annoyance or anger in his tone.  He was in a good mood it sounded like.  Maybe she had underestimated him.  Maybe traveling with him wouldn’t be a bad idea after all.  Shit!  What if Jon thought she was flip-flopping though?  Would he still want to do it?

 

“I’m such an idiot, baby.  You married an idiot, I don’t know how many times I’ll say that in our lifetime, but…” A sigh escaped her while she held the phone to her ear, looking up at the night sky. “I want to be with you, Jon.  Here at home, on the road, wherever.” Brinley chewed her thumbnail lightly, trying to find the right words to say. “I don’t want to move backwards with us, I want to keep moving forward.  I’m honestly scared that you’re going to vent on me because of what’s going on with you in WWE.  That’s why I…I changed my mind about the whole bus idea, but…maybe I was wrong.  I should start giving you more credit and stop letting the past haunt me so much.  So…if you still want to, I want to get the bus and start traveling with you.  WWE or not, I don’t care where you work anymore and I’m sorry for doubting you, and I promise not to do it again.”

 

Jon ALMOST asked if she needed fucked again, emphasis on ALMOST.  He just barely managed to refrain, keeping the cell away from his face as he drained about half a can in two swallows.  No, he just wouldn’t fuck her UNTIL they had this bus and she was with him. “You sure, Brinley?” His tone was amicable, warm and amused, though his eyes were pure ice.  Admittedly, Jon had gone through a lot of beer tonight. “I’m not gonna lie, I was looking into them once you put that idea in my head and it was hard to get it out.” That was true and…it would also be easier to knock her up if she were with him all the time.

 

“Yes, I’m 100% sure after thinking over it some more and…missing you.  I hate being alone and you know that.  I tried to find a job, something to do while you’re on the road, but stopped doing it because of our plans heading into next year.  I don’t want to do anything to screw them up.  I want to help you get through these next months in WWE too.” She had no idea just how evil her husband was or the current mindset he was in.  A smirk curved her lips as her voice dropped to an octave, a more husky tone. “I’ll make sure to get some new lingerie too and have a stock full of it on the bus just for you, my husband.” It’d been a while since she wore lingerie because of the miscarriage…and Brinley was having a crisis regarding her age and looks.  She had no unearthly clue her husband was planning on knocking her up and setting her up for failure again. “In fact, why don’t I book a flight and come to you tomorrow until we get our bus?  Would you like that?”

 

“No.” Not happening, but his tone was filled with regret instantly.  That one simple word, nothing except remorse at having to tell her that. “I’m buddying up with Colbs this week, I thought I told you?  Keeps my mind occupied after all this bullshit.” That was a half-lie, but one he and Colby were both running with each other at the moment.  Colby needed a buddy to be his alibi and Jon had, for totally no reason at the time, requested the same story.  Again, he had impulse issues and Colby was the perfect semi-shady friend for situations like this. “You got all my info and shit, why don’t we find a bus,” Jon had a cell with Wi-Fi and Internet. “Get this done, and you can meet me with it next week?”

 

A bright smile lit up her face, not suspecting her husband was lying for a second. “Fantastic idea, I’ll get started right now and send you some listings I looked at prior.” Heading to the study they shared together, she fired up her laptop while Jon was still on the phone and began pulling up the listings. “Okay, I’m going to text you some of these links and I want you to tell me if you like any of them.” For the next two hours, they stayed on the phone with each other, trading links back and forth with each other on buses they potentially wanted to buy. “So, you really don’t mind not seeing the bus or the interior before purchasing?  You want me to decide on it?  I’d rather us do this together, but…if pictures are enough for you, then I’ll make my best judgment on it, Jon.”

 

It was like a partial lie because if Colby DID need to stay with him, Jon had already accepted and vice versa.  Bro code was alive and strong for the scumbags of the WWE that was for sure, though if Colby knew just how demented Jon was, he probably wouldn’t have been comfortable with potentially lying if someone asked.  As it was, Colby didn’t know about Jon’s more…psychotic…tendencies…which was for the best.

 

“Angel, I’ve been on busses, and as long as I can see the pictures, that’s good for me, you know all I care about is a bed that isn’t going to kill either of us and room for my big ass.” Since he was not a standard size man. “That last one you sent, I liked the looks of.” Plenty of space for them and Blue, decent little kitchen and room for potential kids too.

 

Grinning from ear to ear, it was also her favorite. “I won’t lie, that’s the one I had my eye on the most.  It just…jumped out at me.  It has a king-sized bed, plenty of storage space, the kitchen is more than efficient and big enough to cook in, and it even has another room for Blue.  He’ll have his own little doggy bed and everything in there, including his bones and toys.” The more she looked at it, the pictures, the more Brinley fell absolutely in love with it and this idea, just like she had prior to Jon coming home. “This is the one, Jon.  None of the others compare to it.  I’ll go there first thing in the morning and look at it and make an offer if the pictures do it justice.  Sound good, baby?”

 

“Yeah, I’m going to set you up with a mechanic buddy to meet you there, okay?  Don’t trust any mechanic they recommend.” Those assholes would be getting a kick back from the bus company and probably not tell them straight up if there was anything wrong. “Also, a contractor, to make sure the inside is good.” They’d be covered both on the interior and the mechanical aspect and Jon had a few good friends in Vegas he trusted, which he was already sending out texts to. “Just let me know what time you’ll be able to do it and they’ll meet you there.  I think you already know them, actually.  Darren and Kyle?  Darren came in and inspected our basement when our well water started seeping in, remember?” And had fixed it up incredibly fast for a reasonable price. “And Kyle was at the cookout last summer.” Genuinely happy now, everything was falling into place with only minimal crap on his end.  Jon hadn’t had to pull any strings or nothing, it was almost TOO easy.

 

The tension was gone now that she would be on the road with him on this luxury bus.  Brinley wasn’t stupid and she could tell changing her mind had upset Jon a great deal.  He refused to tell her, but after being rough with her…it made sense.  It made a lot of sense the more she thought about it.

 

“Sounds good, whatever you want to do, I’m game.  I’m also going to look into that package deal you told me about with the driver, insurance, maintenance and shit like that.” Jon gave her a specific number to jot down, ordering her to call it since it was a company he trusted.  He would not go through the company this bus was located at.  Jon didn’t trust easily and he refused to be screwed over in this deal. “Got it, any other numbers you want me to call?”

 

“Nope, just check on that leasing option because it covers everything.”

 

They’d be paying monthly, but would also not have to worry about maintenance and any other problems because it would be part of the package.  Jon knew all this because of Paul and Stephanie with their brood due to them going this route with their family.  The man had said something about it being a lifesaver in their kids early years, so neither parent was missing much in the way of milestones.  If his plan to get Brinley pregnant worked out this time and they could actually carry their future son or daughter to term, this bus thing would work out.  That room for Blue could be converted into a room for a kid and Blue would get a rug under the drop down table, it’d be perfect.

 

“I feel better, Angel.” Jon admitted, the beast and paranoia in him both settling down for the moment.

 

Chapter 62

 

A wave of relief washed over her as Brinley closed her laptop, walking out of the study. “I do too.  Jon, why didn’t you just tell me you were upset about what I said?  Baby, I’m not a mind reader, you know?  You were…rough with me before you left and I knew something was wrong that had nothing to do with the company.  I knew it was me, I just couldn’t figure out what it was.  You were angry that I changed my mind about the bus, weren’t you?” Jon grumbled a ‘yes’ and Brinley shook her head, heaving a sigh while walking out to have a much needed cigarette. “I’m sorry, Jon.  Jesus, I wish you would’ve told me and I could’ve better explained what was going through my mind.  I was afraid of being your venting post when it came to WWE.  It scared me that we’d go back to the way things used to be and I refuse to do that.  I refuse to move backwards when it comes to us.  It’s not going to happen, do you understand me?  We really need to work on our communication a lot better and this adventure we’re about to go on will help with that.”

 

“Angel, you already know if I say something the second it passes through my head, it’s not coming out right.” That was the honest to god’s truth, especially when he wasn’t in a good mood.  Cum guzzling whore came to mind and while he had ENJOYED spewing that down at her, Jon hadn’t enjoyed the aftermath when she had bitch slapped him and ripped him a new verbal asshole. “And if I remember rightly, you ENJOYED that roughness…”

 

It puzzled him about her reaction and why she was bothered by that when in the truck in the desert under the stars, she had BEGGED for him to break her sweet pussy into pieces and damned if he hadn’t tried.  This woman sometimes made no sense to him, not unless it had something to do with her needing to be in the proper mood for it or something.  In which case, Brinley needed some kind of flashing sign that told him exactly what she wanted every time they had sex then.

 

Nevertheless, that was all side talk to the big issue, which was miscommunication and right now would have been perfect for him to open his mouth and tell her his fears and anxieties. But what if she IS planning on leaving your ass the moment shit turns sideways again? His mind was his own worst enemy sometimes. Because it WILL and you both know it.  She thinks she’s getting too old, which means too old to deal with your shit. It was best to leave all that stuff in his head. “You flip-flopping on all that had me fucked up.” He admitted begrudgingly, ignoring the idiot his mind hissed at him.

 

“I do enjoy the roughness…but I felt like something was off that night.  I could feel your anger and resentment, but I didn’t put together it was because of the bus idea.  You were rougher than normal, Jon, too rough for me to handle.” There was good roughness and bad roughness when it came to sex.  That night had been bad.  The night under the stars in Red Rock Canyon was good, great even. “I’m sorry I flip-flopped on you with the bus idea.  But now you know why and I know why you were angry.” This was wonderful, they were finally communicating the right way with each other instead of using underhanded means to get their points across. “We can solve it and move forward together.  I love you, Jon, and if you want me on the road with you up your ass,” She giggled softly at that, trying to lighten the mood between them a little. “Then so be it.  I’ll be with you all the time now that we’re getting this bus, I just hope you don’t get sick of me.”

 

“Nah, you already know I have no problem going to get space if I think I need it.”

 

Brinley had been married to him for years at this point and she was probably used to the random times he just up and vanished.  He was pretty good about giving her a heads up when he felt the need to be alone, emphasis on pretty good, sometimes he didn’t.  It wasn’t like he went out and did anything bad, he just took the time to be alone and breathe, which was healthy for everyone at one point or another, he supposed.

 

“You know that works both ways, Angel, you might get sick of me and being so close to me all the time.” If you’re not already. Jon didn’t think she had a lover, but he did think she may be in the market for one.  One who was gentle and polite, who didn’t try drowning them in oceans.

 

“I doubt it, but if I do, I’ll just fly home for a day or two with Blue for some alone time.  Give you space too.” Brinley had no idea she had just caused him even more anxiety and problems with that statement. “Then again, I’ll probably stay on the bus or go somewhere while you’re working, so that’ll be more than enough ‘me’ time.  I don’t see myself getting sick of you.” They’d been married how long now?  If Brinley wasn’t sick of him now, she wouldn’t be sharing a bus with him with their baby Blue. “Just…be expecting a lot of attention from me since you’re pretty much the only one I’ll be with.” Brinley had no friends in the WWE anymore, the Bellas had left long ago to pursue other avenues and she already knew Bryan was looking for a way out as well. “I’ll try not to go overboard.”

 

There was a major difference between being sick of someone and needing some alone time.  Jon personally thought people who didn’t need some breathing space every now and then were not mentally healthy.  That was probably bizarre coming from HIM because he was the poster boy of mentally unhealthy, but there it was.

 

“Meh, I can always run and hide in a gym if need be.  Oh damn…” Jon reflected, realizing the downside to giving up hotels was the lack of a gym within indoor walking distance. “We need to make sure there’s a closet for a fold-down workout bench.” Thank Christ those things were portable now.  Weights were also a necessity since he refused to lose the banging body he now had.

 

“Oh, you mean for working out?  Why not just find a gym in the area and go there?  They’d be a lot better equipped than the bus.  It’s not THAT big, you know.” Jon snorted in her ear, telling her he’d figure it out and not to worry about it. “Fine – fine, you win, my husband.  Honestly, I wouldn’t mind watching you work that fine specimen into a sweat.  Makes my mouth water at the thought and I could lounge on the bed, wearing a piece of lingerie you love on me, and then give you a second workout after your first one…” She giggled wickedly at his groan, hearing the longing in his voice and proceeded to tease him with other scenarios that had popped into her head. “Oh yes, I do believe I want you working out on the bus, after all, baby…”

 

There she went, being all hyper sexual over a thought and it just cemented everything for him.  One, once a woman hit her 40’s, she hit her prime and he needed to take advantage of that before that uncanny menopause struck.  Two, if Brinley had a mid-life crisis and he was fully expecting it after everything she had been dealt over the years from life, him, and losing TWO babies, she was going to be hunting for someone who was the polar opposite of his semi-abusive self and that wasn’t happening.  Three, he had to knock her up immediately.  Those placebos, the ones he had to dig for because of packaging issues, were at the very bottom of his duffel bag and he was swapping those bitches out as soon as they were on the road together.

 

“You’re trying to destroy all my muscles, you know that?  Blow out is a thing.” His tone was dripping with lust, so she knew he was teasing her. “I’m going to blow you out before all is said and done.” Brinley would wind up with a destroyed pussy and she would enjoy it all.

 

“Mmm, wouldn’t have it any other way.” They needed to get this bus immediately.

 

~!~

 

Jon more than made up for the rough and callous way he treated her the last time they had sex.  Brinley had run off the bus and jumped right into his arms as soon as he walked out of the arena, surprising him with it.  She was a few days early and Jon didn’t seem to mind from the way he chuckled with her in his arms.  They had a driver and everything, so they’d be moving onto the next area while getting their fuck on.  There was a soundproof window visor that went up and down, like a limousine had, so the driver wouldn’t hear anything that happened between them. 

 

This time, Brinley was the aggressive one and undressed him before revealing what she had on under her own clothes.  A lacey black number that made Jon’s mouth water and Brinley guided him down on the bed, wanting to properly break it in.  She did everything she was supposed to do in record time, it was amazing she had gotten the bus going in just a few short days.  Currently, they were both basking in the afterglow of their intense sexual encounter, and christening of their new bus bed, cigarettes lit in hand with content expressions on their faces.  Her head was on his chest while his hand played with her breast, just stroking it, and Brinley didn’t want to be anywhere else except here.

 

“It’s good to be home again.” Jon was her home.

 

Not having time to examine the bus in person, his wife had thoroughly attacked him.  Jon knew it was solid inside and out and under the hood, she had met with his buddies and they had each conducted a thorough examination in their respective areas.  He had noticed a few things that just stood out, like she had grabbed some things from their house and made the place ‘homey’.  Jon supposed there was more; he just hadn’t seen it yet.  Raising his head up to kiss the top of her damp hair, Jon smirked when she practically purred in response.

 

“I love you, Brin.” Peace at last is what he felt with her here and he knew everything would be better, be in place for him, once she was pregnant again.

 

Scooting up a little to be eyelevel with him, Brinley caressed his bearded face with her free hand tenderly kissed him, feeling complete being in his arms again. “I love you too, and I’m so happy I’m here with you.” Her eyes spoke pure truth in those words as she kissed him again before taking a pull from her cigarette, blowing it away from him.  Even though they were both smokers, they didn’t deliberately blow the smoke in each other’s faces.  Well, Jon had a few times in the past when they first got married, just to taunt her, but that was long ago. “Once we both cool off a little more and can pull ourselves out of this bed, I’ll give you the grand tour of Casa Bus Good.” She grinned with a chuckle at the name, rubbing her nose gently against his and could get lost in those electric blues for hours on end.

 

Brinley could already tell this had eased her husband a great deal and that just made her more content.  Now granted, they could’ve easily gotten hotel rooms and did this, minus Blue, but there was something about having an actual home on wheels that was far more appealing.  And Blue could be here with them too.

 

“Just so you know that dresser,” She pointed to the one against the wall with twinkling green eyes. “That’s mine and this one,” She gestured to the opposite side of the room. “That one is yours.  I also want you to know that the whole top drawer for mine is loaded with all new lingerie for your viewing pleasure, baby.”

 

“Is it now?”

 

Jon figured the only way this bus could possibly get better was if they had a mirrored ceiling and maybe a retractable ‘dancer’s exotic’ pole, though there was also the chance that his wife wouldn’t agree.  Maybe in a few weeks he’d bring up one or the other, providing she didn’t read his mind as she was wont to do.  In some ways, Brinley was the worst thing for him and the best, it all depended on the day, he supposed.

 

“And what kind of lingerie did you buy for Daddy?” He smirked when her lips quirked at that.

 

Stroking the hair on his chest, Brinley always loved the feeling of it between her fingers and an evil gleam lit up her eyes. “Lots of lace, sheer, different colors, hugs my curves…and all of them are thongs.” Jon loved thongs and always complimented her backside in them.  They were comfortable, she loved them too, so it worked out for both of them.  Even when she was pregnant with their baby girl, Brinley never stopped wearing them.  They made her feel sexy and beautiful, even if it was just a piece of fabric up the crack of her rear. “Tonight’s was just a sample, a taste, of what I bought.” With his credit card again, Jon was adamant about her using his credit card for the lingerie.  It was more for him than her, even though she did enjoy wearing it. “My favorite part is the way you look at me when I have lingerie on, the way your eyes darken as you devour me with those eyes.  I love the way you look at me, it makes me feel beautiful and wanted, Jon, especially when I’m naked.  I never want you to stop looking at me like that.  I want your eyes only on me.  And now they will be since I’m here with you.”

 

As long as she didn’t use it as a tool for whatever she wanted at the time, Jon adored lingerie.  He also occasionally adored panties that just showed parts of her cheeks, but those were scarce in her wardrobe.  She had always worn thongs from the day he had met her to years later.  He was going to buy her some silky, half cheek baring, lacey panties and see what she thought.  Jon bet it’d screw with her.  He LOVED her backside in a pair of thongs; he basically got to see the entire bouncy, delicious backside with a strip of fabric at the top.  Sometimes, less could be more, though those were rare moments.

 

“You could just start walking around naked all the time too.  Cook naked, clean naked, just BE naked…” That was an idea and he could envision it, seeing himself coming aboard after a show and there she’d be, naked serving up dinner. “Fuck...” Well, Jon was trying to give his own drained cock some more issues, apparently.  He raised his body enough to clap his hands on those bare cheeks he had just been thinking about. “All right woman, off of me.”

 

Great idea, she would tuck that away in her mind for the time being and one night, after Jon had a really bad time on the show, she would be cooking a hot meal for him, naked. “Okay.” She passionately kissed him first before slithering out of the bed to stretch her limbs in the air, feeling refreshed and energetic. 

 

Wasn’t it supposed to be the opposite after being pounded into the mattress by her husband?  Well, then again, Brinley had attacked him and done most of the work.  Jon had let her take full control and let her ride him as long as she wanted.  And she did.  For the next hour, naked, she showed him everything the bus had to offer, including a rather nice sized shower.  That was a must since they both enjoyed showering together and shower sex was incredible with Jon.  Any kind of sex was, really.  Jon gave his approval, letting her know he was happy and satisfied with it, and then proceeded to properly reward her with more sex.  This time, he was in charge, not her, and planted her backside right on top of the table before claiming her again. 

 

And Brinley had zero complaints.

 

Chapter 63

 

“Is it crazy I miss the bus?” Brinley asked on New Year’s Day 2019, following her husband up the peak they were hiking on. 

 

It was the start of a new year, new beginnings, and Jon felt more hopeful than he had in a long time for the future.  He decided they were going on a hike, something to clear his mind and all the bad juju out of their lives and systems.  Crisp, fresh air and becoming one with nature, it was intoxicating and Brinley was right by his side for it.  She didn’t mind hiking, having done it a few times with him over the years, and took his hand when he extended it to her, both of them vaulting over a cavern to make it to the other side.

 

That was a tiny entrance to what was a proper cavern, or cave, below and he had already explored it a time or two.  Jon had offered to take her in once, but he had also warned Brinley that there was a chance for rattlesnakes and other creatures, which he had learned the hard way, she had denied him instantly. “Nah, it’s become our home away from home.” That had been the point and he didn’t miss hotels at ALL; the only downside was they had to clean up after themselves, but since he wasn’t a full on pig anymore, it wasn’t that big a deal.  They even had a small dryer and washer that was very water and energy efficient.  Jon had been amused when the driver had explained how their water tank and stuff worked. “We need a painting of this view in the bus though.” He stopped to admire the horizon, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to pull her into him.

 

It really had.  Their home away from home was the bus and she took very good care of it, along with Jon.  They’d only had it for two weeks and it was almost as if they’d had it their entire lives.  That was how comfortable they were in it. “It is very breathtaking.” Brinley agreed, recalling the painting in the dining room they had at home and wondered if Jon would mind putting it on the bus instead.  Hmm…or maybe they could find an even better one. “It reminds me of the painting we have in the dining room.  I think I got that one online, so maybe we can find one similar to it online unless you want to just take the one at the house and slap it on the bus.” She snuggled into him, her arm wrapped around his waist while he stroked her back, squeezing her backside gently. “This was a great idea, handsome.  A perfect start to this year.”

 

“Yeah, it was.” Jon loved the desert, the canyons, all of it and even though he had been exploring both for years, it felt like he hadn’t even touched the surface.  He wasn’t sure why he loved this place so much.  Maybe because for all the tourism and people trying their best to screw up nature, it was still beautiful.  

 

Beautiful, desolate, and dangerous.

 

Jon adored it.

 

“Maybe we oughta take some pictures and then have it blown up poster style… they have those frames now, that rotate the pictures.  What are they?  Those digital ones?” Did he make any sense?  Brinley was already nodding, he had seen them a few years ago when they had been the smaller, new thing on the market.  Tech frames that used a small SD card to swap out the pictures based on a timer or something.  Jon kind of liked that idea. “Yeah…we could do a bunch of pictures of the desert, the Rocks, and everything to just rotate out…” For whenever they got homesick, or whenever he did anyway, he loved this place.

 

Brinley got to work snapping pictures on her cell phone, which was just as good as any camera.  They had apps now where pictures could be instantly sent or downloaded to whatever device one desired.  It was insane how far technology had come in the last 20 years.  It was mind-boggling, actually.  Brinley wasn’t too fond of the technology and neither was Jon, but she hoped he realized that once he got back on the Indies, or even in Japan, social media was a must.  He would have to use social media in order to get his name out there all over again.

 

“Have you thought of a name you’ll be wrestling under once you’re done with WWE?  I have a feeling you’re not going to use the Dean Ambrose name, so…what about going back to your roots as Jon Moxley?”

 

Jon appreciated technology, but he did not appreciate social media because he felt like people already had PLENTY of insight into celebrity lives, thanks to sites like TMZ and people like Vince McMahon.  McMahon had capitalized on people’s desires to view into his Superstars’ personal business, doing glimpses, such as with the surgery stuff, and reality television.  Hard pass.  If not for that and his distaste for that kind of technology, maybe he’d of been a little more accepting of social media.  Also, maybe if he hadn’t been forced into having the accounts, things would be different.

 

“Already on everything, Angel.” Over the years, her ideas were still great, but he had also been planning his ‘escape’ and mentally charting out what he wanted to do and how he’d do it. “Been talking to Sami too.”

 

Jon had forked over a lot of money to produce a ‘return’ video of sorts for his Indie character, Jon Moxley.  He had decided that was who he would be when he left WWE and he would not ride Dean Ambrose’s coattails.  He wanted to be something new, fresh, and he honestly missed going balls to the wall as Jon Moxley.  On April 30^th, at the stroke of midnight, the video would drop for the return of Jon Moxley and the internet would collectively lose their minds.  He would become the social media king, with only one tweet and nothing more.

 

However, that was in the future and whatever Jon had planned, Brinley supported, and could only imagine what it all involved. “It’s going to be fantastic, Jon.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, Brinley passionately kissed him and pressed her body to his, moaning at the taste of her husband.  They hadn’t had sex in a few days due to Jon being exhausted because Vince was running him ragged at work. “Everything is going to be better than it ever was this year, I can feel it and I believe it.” Would he be against fucking her in this cavern? 

 

Nothing like cavern sex to kick off 2019, right?

 

Jon had learned quite a bit about how her mind worked over these past few years, how her observations about what could work for someone tended to play out.  Then he had picked her brain a little during some of their good times, figuring he could try applying Brinley logic himself.  As far as life itself, no, because sometimes he didn’t even know HOW she reached her conclusions or what motivated her to do some things she did, but when it came to business that was completely different. 

 

When Brinley mentioned going into the cavern, he raised a brow. “What happened to you being afraid of the snakes and shit?” They tended to go into hibernation mode during this season and that was a good spot for a nest.

 

“Oh…right.” Brinley wondered if they were still in there, figuring Jon wouldn’t want to fuck her silly in a cavern where they could potentially be poisoned. “Yeah, best not to try our luck with that.” She smiled at him, taking his hand as they started hiking some more until they were at the top. “Oh wow!”

 

Now THIS…THIS was a view. 

 

Snapping some more pictures with her phone, Brinley wanted to capture this moment and even managed to convince her husband to take one with her.  Their cheeks were squeezed together and they had smiles on their faces, looking happy as larks. “Happy New Year, Jon.” Turning, she wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him close to her, breathing him in. “I love you now and forever.  And you can call me a sap all you want, I don’t care.”

 

The answer to her question was probably yes.  Jon wasn’t sure about all snakes, but he knew there were some that went into some strange kind of stasis during winter, or colder times, like hibernation, but not exactly.  They would sense the footsteps and wake up in a heartbeat.  He also knew some types of snakes, specifically some types of rattlers, tended to do that TOGETHER.  Once down further south, Jon wandered into a cluster of 20 of those bastards all curled together in a slithering, deadly ball.  Jon had learned his lesson about wandering into potentially stupid areas in the wild.

 

“You are a sap, Angel,” Pulling away to stare down into her face, Jon brushed a strand of loose blonde hair back from her face before brushing his nose alongside hers. “But you’re MY sap.”

 

“Mmmhmm, your sap forever and ever and ever and ever…” She kept pecking his lips every time she said ‘and ever’, giggling at his eyeroll, but he never pulled away from her. “I’ll admit, if the snakes weren’t in that cavern, I was going to ask you to fuck me back there.” His brow raised and she traced his top lip with her tongue, her emerald eyes darkening slightly to forest orbs. “The truck with a mattress is one thing, but…I wouldn’t mind if my husband fucked me senseless up here either.” Now both brows were raised and Brinley giggled wickedly, removing her clothes in front of him to reveal a saucy lingerie piece she’d slapped on prior to coming out here with him today.  It was burnt orange and had lace in all the right places…with the half panties he wanted her to try. “What do you think, Daddy?”

 

“I think you look like a desert nymph.” Those colors with her stunning green eyes and luscious blonde hair…she looked like some mythical, beautiful creature out of a painting come just to seduce him.  Moving away from her, Jon brought his cell phone up just to snap some pictures of her.  This woman had planned this all along. “Mmm, maybe we should get a couple of those digital poster frames…” Snapping a few more for good measure, Jon figured maybe they could put one in the bedroom of their bus, so he could have a few nice sized pictures of her in lingerie. “I may take up boudoir photography as a new hobby.” She’d be his one and only subject and he took a few more as she playfully posed for him.

 

The way he looked at her…Brinley never wanted that to go away.  The burnt orange suited her sun kissed skin beautifully and her hair was piled on top of her head, a few tendrils curled about her face.  Brinley turned, giving another sultry look into the camera while showing her backside off in the half lacey panties, they were called boy cut, though they were also a little TOO short to be boy cut.  She wasn’t fond of regular panties, but these…she could definitely work with them.  Jon had bought her a pair, asking her to wear them for him and she obliged, instantly falling in love with how the fabric hugged her backside and cheeks.

 

“I better be the only woman you take pictures of, Jonathan.” He nodded, tucking the phone in his back pocket and pulled her back against him, his mouth sealing to her neck.

 

“Bend over.”

 

“Yes, Daddy.” Jon loved her calling him that and he had demanded it a few times over the course of the past few weeks. 

 

For some reason, he wanted her to keep calling him that and Brinley would do almost anything to turn him on.  Bending over like a good girl, she heard the zipper glide down, the shuffling of his pants, and moaned uncontrollably at the feeling of his cock gliding up and down her slit.  There was a rock they were in front of and her hands splayed against it, moaning at how good his cock teasing her felt.

 

“Does Mommy want Daddy’s dick?”

 

He had also started calling her Mommy for some reason, though Brinley didn’t think anything of it. “Yes.” A smack on her backside made her gasp and then another on her other cheek. “Yes, Daddy, Mommy wants your dick very much right here and now.”

 

Brinley had started that Mommy and Daddy stuff years ago when they had gotten Blue.  Blue had been a little puppy and bonded with her before she had taken off on them both and then bonded with Jon.  Now, their little boy was a fairly well adjusted grown bulldog with a bit of a Diva complex.  Jon attributed that to their spoiling tendencies when it came to the mutt.  The cell phone was also back out, recording a little home video for later.  Brinley could watch this on the big screen at home with him.  His hand was shaking just a little bit as Jon finally gave them what they both wanted, positioning himself just right and slid inside her very hot receptive body.

 

“Oh fuck, Angel…” Sex outside, with her being wanton and devious, was a good time and Jon would have part of it at least on video.

 

The lingerie never left her body, Jon had just pushed the fabric to the side to plunge in and out of her depths, both of them reaching sexual heights only they could together.  Yes, 2019 would definitely be their year, she could feel it even as their mixed juices slid down her legs from how much cum was between them.  Her voice shrieking his name echoed all around them and Brinley loved hearing her name bellowed out of his too, a growly rasp.  As if she’d go to another man when Jon more than sexually satisfied, too much sometimes. 

 

He was more than enough for her, she did not need nor want anyone else. 

 

Jon didn’t slide out of her right away, instead brought her up to start kissing along her neck, licking away the sweat that beaded on her skin and continued moving in and out of her slowly until his dick went limp, forcefully leaving her body.  Shit, her legs were going to give out and Brinley continued holding onto the wall even while Jon held onto her, both of them trembling against each other.

 

“Mmm, thank you for going along with my idea, Daddy.  I wanted you this morning, but when you wanted to go for this hike, I figured I’d…slap this lingerie on and surprise you once we made the goal.” Now it really was a Happy New Year.

 

“Beautiful idea, Angel…”

 

Jon was out of breath, but also loving it, eyeballing a nice large boulder with a fairly worn down, smooth area that told him other people had used it for sitting on over the years.  It never failed to amaze him how time changed everything, even things that seemed to be near indestructible.  With that all in mind, he gently pulled her over until he was sitting on that boulder and pulled her still trembling form down onto his lap to cradle her against him.

 

“Let’s hope we can maintain all this through the new year.” He was praying to get through the next few months.

 

“We will.” Things wouldn’t always be perfect and there would be times where she’d feel the urge to bash his skull in, but…making up made all of this worth it.  The good times far outweighed the bad and Brinley brushed her lips against his softly, leaning her head on his shoulder while they calmed down. “I want a lifetime with you, not just years.  I want it all with you.  I just wish…” Brinley stopped herself, biting her tongue and shook her head when Jon nudged her to finish her statement. “I wish we could have it all.  Everything we’ve ever wanted together, like…having a family.  I still think about it sometimes, even though I tried to forget it ever happened.  That’s probably horrible of me, but…it was the only way I could cope with losing our baby…” And now it was too late.  Now she was too old to have children and Brinley had accepted it.  Didn’t mean it didn’t hurt her, however. “This year is going to be amazing, for both of us, you’ll see.”

 

Without her knowing, Jon had every intention of granting her wish.  He wanted to say out loud that they could try again, but just the thought was going to hurt her.  Because there was always that chance, that fear, of her losing another pregnancy for absolutely no reason.  Granted, the doctors had told them that there was a possibility there had been something wrong with their daughter, a defect, and the body’s natural defense tended to get rid of things like that.

 

“Yeah, it will, Angel.” He kissed the side of her head and hugged her against him tightly, knowing nothing was ever going to take the pain away of losing their daughter, not even time. “It will.”

 

Truthfully, deep down inside, despite her age, despite her worries and regrets, Brinley longed to ask Jon to try again.  She wanted a baby with him, but she also knew Jon had a LOT on his plate right now.  It wouldn’t be fair to bring something like this up, to make it about her.  No, she would wait it out, find the right time to ask him to try again with her.  Brinley thought about getting off birth control and just letting nature take its course, but…that was wrong. 

 

If she was going to do something like that, she had to consult with her husband first. 

 

Jon had also been making love to her a lot more lately, taking his time with her, with them, and she wondered what had changed about him.  She had no idea he was trying to get her pregnant, to give her the one thing she longed for and dreamt of.  They were on the same page without realizing it, both having the same goal, and she would not be complaining about all the sex either.  Today was the first time Jon had actually been rough with her, rough in a good way, and she had practically begged for it with her lingerie plan.

 

At that very moment, while they held onto each other in the desert, an announcement had been made globally.

 

All-Elite Wrestling, a new wrestling promotion, was alive and would be backed by none other than Cody Rhodes, Brandi Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and the legend himself, Chris Jericho, amongst other top names in the industry.

 

Chapter 64

 

Royal Rumble weekend was here.

 

WWE still hadn’t given Jon his contract renewal with the company and he was CHOMPING at the bit for it, just to throw it back in their faces.  Brinley was on the bus while he had to do a bunch of media for the Royal Rumble for the company, shaking her head at the text messages she was sending him.  The contracts STILL weren’t ready and Jon was at the end of his rope.  He had just told one of the backstage assistants that worked for Vince he was done with the company.  He could not hold it in any longer, he flat out told the man he was done with WWE as of April 30^th and the man had become flabbergasted by the announcement.  Jon didn’t speak loudly, keeping his voice down, so it was only the two of them that heard it. 

 

Brinley shook her head with a grin, not surprised Jon had finally told them even before the contract renewals happened. I bet you feel one hundred pounds lighter after that, baby.  I’m proud of you.

 

I’ll feel better once it’s all over. Jon was practically foaming at the mouth.

 

He had finally let her in on some things he had been working on, videos he had done prior to her coming back on the road with him and their new mobile home away from home.  Nobody except him, her, and Vince knew about the contract not being renewed, but gossip was a thing and he knew wrestling outlets and social media warriors were speculating on what he’d do, if he was waiting for some big re-signing offer.  WWE couldn’t pay him enough to stay.  Even with her jackass brother being the big name draw for AEW, he had heard some interesting tidbits about that…and Jon was curious, admittedly.

 

Brinley knew better than to bring AEW up to Jon. 

 

If he wanted to go there, it would be solely his decision and nobody else’s.  It wasn’t a surprise that he didn’t win the Rumble, especially after making that announcement during the media weekend prior to the pay-per-view event.  Brinley knew he’d be sour about it, so she busted out some lingerie and decided to cook for him.  A hot meal and some sex would turn his night around, along with his coke and Jack Daniels.  She already had that on ice, waiting for him as well. 

 

The moment he boarded the bus, which was stationed just outside of the arena – Vince could suck an egg, he couldn’t stop her from being here for her husband outside of the place – Brinley greeted him with a soft kiss and a tumbler of coke and Jack Daniels on the rocks, not saying a word.  No words needed to be said between them, though he did look more at peace than she thought Jon would.  She wanted to tell him how great he did in the Rumble, but that probably wouldn’t have gone over well, so she just continued cooking their dinner while he had his drink.

 

Jon was at peace because he had known what was coming.  It was the same scenario as that time when he had returned to the hotel in a bad mood and she had done sex as a distraction.  If anything, his wife was predictable.  Though, there was a difference in HIM, he wasn’t about to do or say anything stupid, like calling her a cum guzzling whore, because he liked the peace in their life.  Also, he was trying to knock her up and give them both what they wanted, what they needed.  Having already showered inside the arena, Jon figured he’d use the arena’s water instead of draining their tank on the bus, so he simply settled himself on the couch and watched her.

 

“You look gorgeous, Angel.” He complimented quietly, finally breaking the silence.

 

She smiled back at him, stirring the sauce in the pot on the stove and walked over with the spoon, her hand held under. “Thank you, now taste and tell me what you think.” Her eyes darkened the moment his mouth wrapped around that stirring spoon to pull the sauce in, tasting it, his own eyes darkening back at her.  Their eyes were locked as he took the spoon a little more in his mouth and then she slowly pulled it back, leaning down to softly lick some of it from the corner of his lips. “I think it’s perfect.”

 

Brinley was making spaghetti, something filling with a lot of carbohydrates since she knew Jon would need them.  The lingerie piece she had on tonight was scarlet red with a crisscross design and once again, it came with those half panties Jon seemed to love more than her thongs.  Honestly, Brinley had taken a liking to them and ordered a lot.  They were slowly replacing the thongs she used to adore.

 

“I wanted to do something nice for you after the hard night you’ve had.” The last thing she wanted was Jon thinking she was using sex as a distraction when that wasn’t the case at all.

 

Only, she was and always did, or else she wouldn’t wear sexy things and purposefully tease him.  Jon was learning not to panic over it anymore, he was working on ensuring she never left him.  She’d be tied to him with a baby boy or girl, on top of the fact that he was willing to bet money no man would ever fuck her the way he did.

 

“I see this.” Smelled it too, his stomach was growling in both anticipation and appreciation.  Jon was famished on a few levels.  When Blue came over for some loving, he reached down to give it, admitting to himself that this HAD been a good idea because there was something almost therapeutic about walking out of work and directly into ‘home’.

 

Brinley wasn’t going anywhere. 

 

She was completely happy with Jon, with her marriage, even after everything that had happened between them.  There was no other man she had her eye on, he was it for her and if he didn’t know and believe that, after 5 years of marriage, then Brinley didn’t know what more she could do to convince him otherwise.  Of course, she was oblivious to how he felt or what he was thinking because Jon put on quite the front with her.  She also had no idea her birth control had been nothing more than placebos or that Jon was secretly keeping track of her menstrual cycles when they happened.  Making his plate, she set it down in front of him with a fork and then made her own, shooing Blue away.

 

“Go lay down now, boy.  Now.” She ordered, watching the dog trod off with a huff and smiled, patting his backside gently before setting her plate down beside Jon at the table. “Shit, need my beer.” Jon held his hand up and went to get her one out of the small fridge, setting it down with her dinner. “Thanks, baby.”

 

Jon wanted to discourage her from drinking, knowing if by chance she WAS pregnant, alcohol wasn’t very good for a baby and too much of it could cause that fetal alcohol syndrome.  However, it wasn’t like he could just come out and tell her that or even suggest it without rousing her suspicions.  Once Brinley was ‘onto’ something, she was like a bloodhound until she figured it out.  Honestly, she’d probably choke him to death in his sleep or maybe poison his food if she discovered what he’d done.

 

“You’re welcome,” Inhaling the mouthwatering aroma coming off his plate, Jon groaned and was tempted to start shoveling it in his mouth, risking the burning. “Woman…it is a good thing I work out.” Brinley could cook like no other.

 

She didn’t drink nearly as much as Jon did, only on occasion or when she felt the need for a beer.  Tonight called for it.  Brinley never was a big drinker, just a big smoker, which she was still doing since she had no idea what her dear husband was plotting. “I’m glad you like it.” She giggled softly, taking a bite out of it herself and nodded at how delicious it was.  The sauce was perfect, she had gone shopping while Jon was doing media and press for the Rumble, making sure to buy everything she needed to make the meal. “We should get one of those plug-in toaster ovens or something, or an air-fryer because garlic bread would’ve been perfect with this.” Jon nodded in agreement and she decided she’d be looking for one and having it shipped overnight delivery immediately. 

 

Tomorrow, she’d get on it tomorrow.

 

There had been the option to have a small oven, but Brinley had flat out denied it because it was just that, extremely small.  A single person serving small.  They had gone for the extra cupboard space as it were beneath, and that would definitely store an air fryer or a toaster oven. “They got them now with the, uh…I don’t know, they look like ovens, but they’re air fryers.” Jon only knew this because Bryan had bought one for Brie and then sent him a link because the thing apparently was amazing.

 

“Ah yeah, Brie told me about hers.  I think that’s what we’re going to get too.”

 

The rest of the meal was finished in silence, both two famished to make idle conversation while stuffing their faces.  Brinley cleaned up after them, pouring her husband a second Jack and coke before doing the dishes, moving to the beat of the soft music pouring from the MP3 player she had hooked up to the bus sound system.  All in her comfortable lingerie.  She looked back at Jon, who was staring back at her with intensity in his electric eyes and she winked before turning her attention back to the dishes.  There wasn’t that many, but she also didn’t want the food to go bad, so she pulled the containers to store it properly and securely.

 

He moved to stretch out on the couch, rather content to sip his drink and watch her be all domesticated for him.  He pat his lap when Blue came back out, obviously hoping to lick some plates or something and let out a groan when the hefty bulldog took the invitation to jump his fat butt up. “Buddy, I think you’re gaining weight.” He muttered once Blue was settled, putting his drink down in order to take that sloppy, drooly mug in his hands. “You’re definitely gaining weight, we’re going to do some freaking cardio for you tomorrow, butterball.” He was speaking in what could only be described as a ‘baby talk’ voice and THIS was why Jon didn’t do social media.  It’d wind up everywhere.

 

It was adorable.  Brinley loved whenever Jon spoke to Blue in ‘baby talk’ because it didn’t happen often.  Or it did and she wasn’t in the room when he did it to the bulldog.  Finishing up with cleaning, she could tell Jon was having a moment with Blue and walked over to sit down in the only other area available at the sitting table.  Blue moved from Daddy to her side and she sipped her beer while petting him, chuckling as he nudged her when she stopped petting him. 

 

It was something he did when he wanted attention, so she gave it to him.  In a way, Blue had saved their marriage because prior to getting him, Brinley was on the verge of throwing in the towel and risking her family’s wellbeing by leaving Jon.  Even though she had left him for almost 2 months to clear her head, and then was driven into an ocean with him…Brinley had once again gone back to him and Blue. 

 

Deep down, Brinley knew where she belonged and it was with them.

 

“Love you too, baby boy.” She murmured softly, taking another pull from her beer and glanced over at Jon, seeing he was on the verge of drifting off to sleep laying there.  Smiling, she scooted Blue off the couch and stood to walk around the table, bending down to brush her lips softly against his. “Bedtime, come on Daddy.”

 

Reluctantly, Jon moved from the couch, standing and didn’t bother grabbing his drink as she lead him to the back of the bus where their bedroom was located.  Gently, Brinley undressed him since Jon preferred sleeping naked and guided him into bed, joining him moments later after the lights were turned off.  There was nothing sexual about any of it, she was just taking care of her exhausted husband.  Immediately, he pulled her into his arms and she snuggled against him, kissing his chest before turning to spoon up against him, their fingers laced together over her heart.

 

“I love you, Jon.” She murmured, keeping up with her tradition and felt his arm tighten around her to let her know he heard her loud and clear.

 

Sometime the next morning, Brinley was woken up in a delicious way to her husband stimulating her enough to start spoon fucking her, slowly moving with him until she was awake completely.  She turned with him still gliding in and out of her to lay on her back, her leg bending up to where her heel pressed against his thigh.  Their eyes locked, hazy emeralds on darkened blues, both moving as one. 

 

Jon did love morning sex, so this wasn’t out of the ordinary for him.  However, he also had a motive, a goal, so sexing his wife up as much as possible, without overdoing it, was a priority for him.  She moaned, panting against his lips, their foreheads pressed together, and her fingers were curled around the side of his neck to keep him as close to her as possible.  It was very intimate and slow, but neither minded it as they made love in that position.

 

He was going to knock her beautiful backside up, that had been his goal for a hot minute now and until it happened, he wasn’t stopping.  Jon wasn’t doing sex three times a day or anything like that; he knew better and nearly cried from dehydration last time when she had been pushing it and his balls had started trying to wave white flags.  Feeling this was more organic, not bothering with a schedule like she had, but with what felt right for hopefully them both. 

 

It was also a little concerning that she wasn’t pregnant yet.  Jon knew she was fertile, regardless of what she thought, Brinley had gotten pregnant twice.  Enough time had passed, right?  It never really occurred to him that it could have been the alcohol on his end.  Alcohol for a pregnancy could result in problems.  He didn’t think about the effects it would have on his sperm, refusing to admit that the issue may very well rest with him.

 

Chapter 65

 

The Shield’s Final Chapter

 

Vince really was a bastard and had concocted Jon’s exit to be involved with the Shield.  He had also hoped the boys could convince their comrade to stay with WWE instead of going to the competition.  Throughout the past 4 months, things had been really strange in WWE with Jon.  Announcers were talking about his exit on live television and the company even sent out a press release stating that he would not be re-signing with the company.  It had never been done before. 

 

Unprecedented. 

 

Jon actually had that printed out and it was framed and hung right on their wall on the bus.  Brinley had no idea what was going on and her brother simply told her this was Vince’s way of trying to get Jon to stay.  He was playing games, trying to bait the man, but her husband refused to fall for any of it.  Jon had gone from one of the worst heels in the history of the company to one of the most beloved because the fans could tell, clearly, what Vince was trying to do. 

 

The old geezer wanted to bury Jon on his way out the door and the fans were NOT having it.  Anyone he went up against, no matter what low, underhanded trick he pulled out to keep his heel heat going, the fans cheered him and booed who was supposed to be the babyface.  It was hilarious to witness and Brinley was happy the fans could see what the company was trying to do to her man.

 

It was such a long road, but they were finally here. 

 

Jon’s TRUE final match in the WWE, which had been advertised for the past month.  It was a WWE Network special called The Shield’s Final Chapter and it revolved around Jon’s exit from the company.  Dean Ambrose would be gone and the Shield no more.  They could not have the Shield without all three members, after all.  The WWE Universe wasn’t just saying goodbye to Dean Ambrose, but the Shield as well. 

 

Brinley was front row for the event, after Jon demanded his wife be allowed to be there for his final match or he wasn’t doing the program.  Vince had caved, giving her access to the venue, and Brinley was all smiles as the Shield made their final entrance in the WWE.  It was an emotional night, an emotional match, and when it was all said and done, Jon had taken the microphone to send the fans off with a heartfelt, Jonathan Good promo, not a Dean Ambrose or Jon Moxley one, but one from his heart.  Brinley cried and cheered, not bothering to wipe her tears away because she was extremely proud of her husband, of all that he had accomplished, and what the future held for them.

 

WWE would be in their rearview mirror after tonight – for good.

 

Admittedly, as he made his way backstage, Jon had a few of his own tears.  Part of them were from that recognition from the fans, the acknowledgement from them of everything he had gone through, on top of being able to sort of end things on his own terms.  Another was just pure, sweet relief.  It was OVER.  His time in this hellscape company that had once been his biggest dream was OVER.  

 

Finally, Jon was a free man and the wrestling world was his oyster.  There were already offers that had come in, some had made his blue eyes widen and near pop out of his skull, they were THAT good.  Vince had tried to bury him six feet deep so nobody would touch him, but all that old man had done was ELEVATE him.  Gave Jon a podium to show that he could NOT be bought and he COULD make something out of those last few, stupid years Vince tried crushing him under.

 

The moment Jon was backstage, Brinley was waiting for him since she had left her seat to head backstage, tears of her own sliding down her cheeks.  She started crying harder as soon as she saw his own tears and ran to him, jumping right into his arms to hug him tightly.  Colby was bawling, not wanting Jon to leave and Joe was misty eyed, accepting another group hug with Jon still holding Brinley against him.  This was a moment that would live in infamy, regardless of all the crap Jon had to go through to get here. 

 

Colby and Joe pulled back while Brinley clung to him, finally feeling her feet touch the flooring of the arena and kissed her husband passionately, pouring everything she felt into it. “I love you.  And I’m so damn proud of you.”

 

He made it. 

 

Jon actually made it and in 9 days from tonight, he would truly be a free man and Jon Moxley would make his triumphant return to the wrestling world.  Dean Ambrose was dead, long live Jon Moxley!  She turned to face Colby and Joe, knowing this was bittersweet for them because the Shield was also gone now. “Thank you both for what you did for him.” She hugged Joe first and then Colby before taking Jon’s hand to lace their fingers together, wiping her tears away.

 

Jon had to pull away from his emotional wife in order to accept the next group hug, just the three of them, all their heads pressed together in their own little circle.  Colby had tried convincing him to stay, which obviously hadn’t panned out well at all.  Jon loved his friends, his brothers, but he was no martyr.  He wasn’t about to stay miserable just to be with them on the road, not happening.  Joe had known that there would be no changing his mind and hadn’t bothered.  For someone who was a moron about letting Vince turn him into something that was going to be genuinely hated and mocked, the big man was rather insightful.

 

“All right guys,” Jon reached up to swipe at his nose that was NOT a sniffle. “Time to call it.”

 

Brinley stayed back, letting them have their moment, and then others walked up to say goodbye to Jon, everyone backstage practically.  He was loved by everyone, respected and they all wished him well.  A few asked him what was next and all Jon did was grin at them, shrugging his shoulders.  He had stayed completely silent all this time, not telling anyone a thing besides his wife, not even Colby or Joe. 

 

It was nobody’s business and Jon was keeping it that way. 

 

An hour later, the goodbyes were still happening with Brinley and Jon walking down the hallway of the arena in Moline, Illinois, Jon accepting handshakes, high-fives, bro hugs, and the latter on his way out the door.  He’d shower on the bus, he was on such a high right now and Brinley felt it, excited to finally be done with WWE for good.  The moment he was outside, Jon lit up a cigarette and proceeded to spew the word ‘FUCK!’ at the top of his lungs for a minute straight, making her laugh while she smoked her own cigarette.

 

Brinley still wasn’t pregnant, even after almost 5 months of trying and she had no idea that was weighing heavily on Jon’s mind lately.

 

He wasn’t going to let that destroy tonight’s high.  It had been a victory, a bittersweet one, but a victory, nevertheless.  He was FREE of the glass bowl cesspool that had been his own personal hell, complete with his own personal Satan in the form of now his ex-boss Vince McMahon.  Speaking of, Jon turned after that ‘FUCK!’ for a minute straight, both middles fingers up and proceeded to do it again this time aimed directly at the cameras and with a ‘YOU!’ for the second half of that minute.

 

“Okay,” Jon grunted around his cigarette once he was done, turning to look down at his grinning, red faced wife. “Let’s go grub, I’m STARVING.” And there would be no cooking tonight, they were having a feast.

 

They wound up at a waffle house, Jon’s favorite kind of place to eat out at, and he proceeded to order half the menu.  He wanted to feast, ingest a lot of carbohydrates, and enjoy himself with his wife.  Brinley spotted the fruit bowl and snatched a piece of strawberry and pineapple off the top of it with a grin, popping them in her mouth.  While they ate, Jon explained to her that once they arrived home, they would have some visitors in the form of Cody Rhodes and his wife, Brandi, along with Tony Khan to discuss a contract.  Brinley’s eyes lit up, happiness shining in them and she reached across the table to take his hand, squeezing it gently.

 

“We’ll have a few days to get the house together, dusted and whatnot since we haven’t been there in…4 months now?” Somewhere around there, she had lost track since they both enjoyed their bus immensely. “It will be good to be home for a while though, I admit.”

 

Unfortunately for him, a LOT of the carbs here were NOT good ones.  Sure, he’d get a bit of a boost, but they were a lot of empty calories.  Jon had absolutely zero fucks to give tonight, if ANY night called for a ‘cheat’ occasion, this was it.  Well, the eggs were a GREAT form of protein, that counted, right?

 

“Angel, I can have someone come in and do all that so we can just enjoy the downtime.” She had seen him bust his backside for the WWE and that was NOT his 100%.  It hadn’t been in a long time.  She was about to see him at 100% and ENJOYING himself, that was a whole new Jon. “We deserve some R&R, right?”

 

“Absolutely, if you wanna pay someone to come in and have our house deep-cleaned, I’m not going to say no to that.” Jon toasted her with his beer and she laughed, holding her water up since she felt a little dehydrated lately. 

 

Brinley wasn’t sure why, but she started feeling a change in her body and wondered if she was going into early menopause.  It was honestly scaring her, but at the same time, she couldn’t stop it or rewind the clock called life.  She just had to keep living her best life with Jon and if it was early menopause, so be it.  They feasted like their lives depended on it, enjoying themselves and went back to the bus for some celebratory sex while the driver headed out towards Vegas.  After hours of lovemaking, Brinley was snuggled up against Jon with his arm around her and his hand moved to her stomach to gently caress it, his mouth by her ear.

 

“Turn around and look at me, Angel.”

 

She obeyed with a smile, not remembering the last time she saw her husband so relaxed and full of life and vigor.  WWE really was slowly killing him and she softly kissed his lips, rubbing her nose against his. “Something on your mind, handsome?”

 

“Yeah,” Jon figured now that they were out of WWE, he could finally bring this subject up to her and hoped she didn’t freak out on him over it. “I wanna try again, Brinley.”

 

Brinley wasn’t comprehending what he was saying, raising a slow brow. “Try again with what?” Maybe it was the passion haze her mind was currently trying to clear or the relaxed, lethargic feeling she had going on, but it wasn’t computing what he was referring to. 

 

That was until he stroked her stomach with his fingers and cupped it gently, their eyes locked.  Then she understood what he was saying.  A baby.  Jon wanted to try again for a baby.  She could see the determination burning in those electric blues of his and scooted closer to him, draping her leg over his while continuing to caress his bearded face with her hand.

 

“You really think it’s possible still?” He nodded and Brinley couldn’t deny him anything, not even this, though she had her doubts about being able to carry to term due to her age. “I’ll stop taking my birth control then.  It’ll probably take a month or two before it’s fully out of my system, but we can keep practicing until it happens.  As many times as you want.” The natural, organic, passionate way instead of using calendars and schedules. “Give me a baby, Jon.  Right now.”

 

Holy fucking shit! The amount of RELIEF that coursed through him was probably very visible to her right now, but Brinley would very likely assume that it was due to the fact that she had lost two babies. 

 

He would, SHOULD, be hesitant to do that to her again.  To risk that strain not only to her body, but mental health as well.  If he were a good husband, that WOULD be the cause for his relief, all of the cause.  It wasn’t.  It was like a third of it.  All the rest was relief that Jon wouldn’t have to worry about lying and sneaking her pills; he wouldn’t have to worry about being caught and it wasn’t like he would ever tell her anyway.

 

THIS would be their new beginning.

 

He knew she had wanted that on New Year Day and agreed, but for him, secretly, Jon wanted everything washed away.  Their relationship and the woes with it, which a lot stemmed from the WWE and people in it, whether she knew that or not, all of it, gone.  New company, new year, new everything.  Hell, they could move from Vegas if Brinley wanted and have a totally clean slate.  And a baby, he wanted a baby so badly it felt like HE might have an internal clock counting down.

 

“I don’t know about RIGHT NOW,” Jon rumbled teasingly, considering they had JUST spent hours making love. “You may need to give me another hour.” If it took months to get out of her system…he felt better now that he knew that and that would explain why she hadn’t conceived right out the gate.

 

“I know, I know, like I said, I have to get off the birth control first.”

 

She’d been off it for months and just didn’t know it, but now Brinley wouldn’t have to take any more placebos.  Jon wouldn’t have to sneak around anymore either, so that was one less thing for him to worry about.  Brinley had more than proven she wasn’t going anywhere and now she wanted to try having a baby with her husband again. 

 

One last time. 

 

If it didn’t work this time around, then it really wasn’t meant to be.  It would just be them unless Jon wanted to try other routes like a surrogate or adoption, which Brinley was open-minded about.  Brinley flat out refused to try any experimental drugs or invitro, it was either going to happen naturally, like the first two times, or not at all.

 

“You really want a baby?” Her husband nodded, pulling her closer to him and took the cigarette out of her hand to stub it out in the ashtray. “I suppose no more smoking and drinking on my end, huh?”

 

Jon had told her before that surrogacy was a viable option.  He figured if she herself couldn’t naturally conceive or even carry to term, then IVF was just money down the drain.  That did not mean someone ELSE couldn’t carry their baby for them.  Jon had given that thought the LAST time they had been trying for a baby and it hadn’t happened right away, or for months.  In fact, it had taken them STOPPING trying to have one when they finally got pregnant and it had been while he was fighting for his life.

 

“I don’t know about quitting cold turkey…” That wouldn’t be good for her at all. “Maybe this time wean yourself off the nicotine and you can skip that smoker’s flu…”

 

“Sounds good, I’ll start weaning myself off of them now and I won’t drink anymore.”

 

Withdrawal was no joke and it had given her the flu, of sorts, so she was laid up in bed for a full week.  Then the coughing fit on top of it wasn’t fun either.  That was her body’s way of clearing out all the tar that was in her lungs that she had ingested over the years.  With all the stress of losing their baby girl, Brinley had made the mistake of going back to smoking and now she was on a pack a day.  It was time to cut way back on that, especially since they wanted a baby.

 

“You have no idea, no clue, how happy you’ve made me tonight.  You want a baby with me and I didn’t think you did after what happened last time…” Tears filled her eyes and it wasn’t from sadness, it was happiness spilling out of her. “I love you.” She kissed him. “I love you.” She kissed him again. “I love you, I love you, I love you…”

 

Jon stopped her by capturing her mouth in a searing kiss that lasted longer than mere pecks, rolling her on her back now that he was done with his cigarette.  Brinley went from giggling against his lips to moaning as she gripped the back of his neck, pulling him as close to her as possible.  This was the man of her dreams, her one and only, and Brinley would never leave him, no matter what the future held.

 

Resting his forehead to hers, rubbing their noses against each other,  Jon wished his body was capable of doing what hers did, just be ready to go all the time, no matter how many times he had already gotten off.  How in the hell was that fair?  That did not mean they couldn’t engage in foreplay while his cock was in recovery, or just gentle loving.  She wanted to have his baby, still, and that was just another weight off his shoulders.  Brinley hadn’t been planning on leaving him or at least no longer was.  Jon felt his inner beast simmering, almost purring and he felt a rush of love for the woman beneath him.

 

“Angel, I never stopped wanting a baby with you,” He informed her in a gentle whisper, needing her to know and believe that. “I was concerned about what trying again might do to your mental health if…if things went south.” Again.

 

“I know, and you know what?  You did the right thing.  I wasn’t in the…best place after losing her, so you were right to give me time to…heal from it.” She had treated him horribly, remembering how he had ran off to Ohio just to get away from her and all the tension in the house. 

 

Brinley regretted what she did, knowing she should’ve consoled Jon instead of demanding him to clip his boys.  Good thing he didn’t listen to her or else they wouldn’t be having this discussion right now.  Hell, their marriage would’ve probably folded too.  Everything happened for a reason, including their dark dressing room rendezvous’.

 

“There is a matter of my age too.  I’ve been feeling very…self-conscious ever since I turned 40 and I didn’t want to tell you about it because it’s stupid.  I know it’s stupid.  I just…don’t want to get all wrinkly and saggy and have you find some hot younger number out there that can give you however many babies you want.  I thought about getting work done just to make sure I didn’t lose my sex appeal.  Again, stupid I know.  I just…hope it’s not too late for me to have a baby, that’s all.”

 

He wished he knew what she was thinking, about how he had ‘run off’ to Ohio to get away from HER, which wasn’t necessarily the total truth of it.  Jon had run off to get away from the MEMORY of how happy they had been, expecting their baby girl.  He had been GRIEVING and never realized that Brinley had never seen him grieve in a depression outside of problems induced by work.  Not running from her, but from the mausoleum they had turned their house into, shutting up that room, acting like that baby hadn’t existed…acting like they hadn’t shopped for her, meticulously planned for her arrival, for her life, killed him inside.

 

Admittedly, her losing her marbles and telling him he had to get fixed had NOT helped situations in any way, shape, or form and he had definitely ignored that order.  Not happening, ever.  That all kind of fell by the wayside as he eyeballed her, wondering if she were serious. “You’re gorgeous and nothing is sagging.” Jon assured her, trying to imagine her dipping into plastic surgery and shuddered.  Never once had he seen a single plastic surgery that looked natural.

 

Just hearing that wasn’t enough though and Brinley knew Jon was only saying those words because she was his wife.  She noticed the difference in her body and part of her dreaded conceiving another baby because there was no way she could bounce back from it.  At the same time, however, a BIGGER part of her wanted to destroy her body with a baby because one of her dreams was being a mother. 

 

Her main dream, really. 

 

She already had the wife part, even if it was forced on her in the beginning. “Thank you, handsome.” Brinley murmured, brushing her lips against his and smiled when he gripped her backside firmly in his hand to squeeze. “Onto a different topic, tell me honestly, how are you feeling after tonight?”

 

Granted, Dean Ambrose would always live on in the minds and hearts of WWE faithful.  He had etched his name in the history of the company.  There was no way Vince or anyone else would be able to change or erase him from it either.  The Shield would go down as one of the greatest factions in WWE history ever and the men who were involved were the ones who built and created it, made it their own.

 

Why did he have a feeling this stuff about her body wasn’t over?  Jon was tempted to order her not to go doing anything stupid or drastic.  He did not need to fuck a plastic woman with unnaturally perky, odd tits or an expressionless face due to Botox.  He would have to dissuade her from anything like that, feeling his cock already telling him hell no.  Unfortunately, Jon knew how body imagery went inside a person’s head though.

 

“I feel like I just walked out of a courtroom having won a divorce with everything in my favor.” This would be his only ‘divorce’, unless she legitimately went crazy on him. “It’s like…freedom, I suppose.”

 

“Yeah, and the best part is you did it all the right way.  They can’t deny you a damn thing as far as royalties go or anything.”

 

Brinley wouldn’t get Botox or anything like that since she was terrified of needles.  It was why she didn’t even have a tattoo on her body.  Brinley could not handle any kind of needle going into her skin and she always broke out in a cold sweat whenever she had to get any kind of bloodwork done.  Her two surgeries she had, they gave her laughing gas prior to knocking her out, so she didn’t feel anything happening to her, not even the IV going into her arm.  That was the ONLY way she had gotten through them without completely losing her mind or otherwise.

 

“And it WILL be the only divorce you have in your life, bank on that, Mr. Good.”

 

“Yeah, no kidding?  You’re stuck with me for the rest of one of our lives, Angel.” Jon made it clear time and time again that he had no intentions of letting her go.  

 

Unless, again, she totally lost her mind and then maybe he wouldn’t even divorce her, he’d just have her committed.  Given how everything had started, how everything had went, and where they were now, divorce really wasn’t even on the table for him.  Jon had invested way too much into her, into this marriage, which included staining his soul with a one way ticket to hell undoubtedly.

 

“You worry about me looking for someone younger…what about you?  Do I need to worry you’re going to look for a young guy or something?” He’d have to kill someone then, but given her nympho tendencies, it had been a concern.

 

“Younger than you?” Brinley snorted, shaking her head.  She was a cougar enough as it was with Jon and did not see herself with anyone else ever. “Nah, I don’t like boys, I like men.  And you’re all the man I need, want, and can handle.  You have nothing to worry about, my eyes are only for you, Jon.” Holding his bearded face in her hands, she kept her eyes locked with his, not wanting him to have any doubts or worries about her leaving him. “I’m not going anywhere.  I love you, I’m in love with you, and you’re my world.  Fuck the past, okay?” They had a very rocky start full of threats and insults, rough sex, and legitimate hatred, but they had survived through all of that. “If I truly didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t be, regardless of the threats towards my family.  I would’ve found a way out by now and we both know it.  But I’m happy with you, so blissfully, permanently happy and I WANT to be with you.  I want to be your wife and I want to have a baby with you, start a family, maybe even get another fuzzball to adopt and look after with Blue.” That made her smile and his lips curved a little. “I want to make love to you and wake up in your arms every single morning and fall asleep in them every night, if possible.  You’re everything to me and I couldn’t leave you now even if I tried.  My heart wouldn’t let me or my brain.  I’m forever yours and I hope you’re forever mine too.”

Not much older than him, Jon would never understand how the convoluted female mind worked and he was never planning on it either.  He liked keeping what was left of his sanity, trying to sort out how SHE thought would completely screw all that up.  Also, he didn’t bother correcting her on her assumption she’d have gotten away from him.  He would have actually drowned Brinley instead of letting her escape that car in the ocean.  At the time, he had been a very sick, demented person.  Hell, the animal was currently dormant, but Jon was still that way, just better controlled.

 

“I am, believe that.” He brushed his lips against hers again.

 

“I still want to have that vow renewal we were supposed to have, you know.  Maybe for our 10^th wedding anniversary?” Brinley grinned when he told her whatever she wanted he’d be there with his leather jacket and jeans on.  She giggled, picturing him doing that and wondered how he’d feel if they did it on the beach in Florida.  A leather jacket and jeans wouldn’t mix well with the Florida heat, but they’d figure it out. “How cute would it be to have our little boy or girl be the ring bearer or flower girl?” That made his eyes light up at the thought and she realized just how much he really did want to have a child with her.  It warmed her from the inside out and she suddenly pushed him on his back, capturing his mouth in a heated, passionate kiss while swinging her leg over to straddle him.

 

Another round of lovemaking commenced and hopefully, they made their baby that night.

 

Chapter 66

 

It was supposed to be their new beginning, but all it did was turn into Brinley’s new nightmare.

 

It’d been roughly 7 months since Jon signed with AEW, 5 months for Brinley.  They had hired her on to help orchestrate the matches with the wrestlers and there were no writers within AEW.  It was completely fresh, new, exciting, and Brinley loved everyone she worked with.  There wasn’t a lot of tension, Jon got along with everyone and had become the biggest, fastest rising star in the world of professional wrestling. 

 

This wasn’t sports entertainment, this was professional wrestling. 

 

Britt Baker was an absolute sweetheart and dream to work with, along with the other ladies.  Everyone respected each other and got along well, there were almost no egos because everyone wanted to put on the best show they possibly could.  AEW was an alternative for fans that were sick and tired of WWE’s creative nonsense by the old man who refused to relinquish his power to his daughter and son-in-law.  Thankfully, they were out of that cesspool and had found a company that let Jon play his music his way.

 

Almost no egos meant there were a few and one of those egos belonged to her very own brother, Chris.  Ever since he left WWE and went over to Japan, something within him changed that Brinley didn’t like.  He immediately started badmouthing Jon to her, warning her that this marital bliss of theirs wouldn’t last because he was incapable of making her happy.  He called Jon a washed-up WWE has-been and blamed him for Brinley losing not one, but two babies. 

 

The miscarriages.  All Jon’s fault. 

 

Jon’s career in WWE – all his fault. 

 

Everything that had happened was Jon’s fault and Chris still didn’t understand why his sister put up with the assclown.

 

“Look, you’re out of WWE now.  Just divorce him and find someone that WILL make you happy, Brinley.”

 

“But he does!  I love him, Chris!”

 

Chris couldn’t fathom why his sister had fallen in love with someone like Dean Ambrose – no, he was Jon Moxley now.  It made his stomach twist violently every time he saw them together.  For some reason, Chris felt the overwhelming urge to get his sister away from the nutcase, but she refused to budge.  Brinley wasn’t thinking clearly or seeing just how dangerous and wrong Jon was for her, so it was up to her big brother to show her the way.  She was in her 40’s now, she should’ve known better than to stay in this shame of a marriage, so Chris planned on doing everything in his power to destroy it. 

 

When Jon had called him about a job in AEW, Chris wanted to tell him to go to hell, but instead, he had invited him here…and there was a reason behind it.  Chris wanted to expose Jon as the fraud that he knew he was, even back in the FCW developmental territory in Florida, where he first met Jon.  He would be the one to show everyone on planet earth just how awful Jon was in the ring, he couldn’t hack it in this business, and then maybe that would open Brinley’s eyes enough to where she left him high and dry.

 

If Jessica knew what her husband was planning on doing, she would’ve knocked him senseless and possibly left him.

 

Jon was very aware Chris was running his cocky mouth about him.  In a company where nobody was an egotistical dick was the norm, the BIGGEST egotistical dick out of those few would have to be his brother-in-law.  It wasn’t surprising given the piece of trash had purposefully tried cocking up his career in the WWE by cock blocking him from being called up.  Jon had his own personal little ‘happy’ every time something Chris said got back to him.  He was married to that douchebag’s little sister, fucking her, planning on having a family with her, and she LOVED him.  The best part was Chris hated that there was nothing he could do about it.  

 

THAT was the BEST revenge EVER, the fact that Brinley LOVED him and defended him vigorously against her own brother.

 

If not for the fact that Chris was arguably the biggest star at the time in AEW and part of the reason for its success…Jon might have driven HIM off a pier into the ocean.

 

On top of dealing with Chris’s egotistical crap, Brinley and Jon were STILL trying to have a baby.  They were trying not to get discouraged over it, just letting nature take its course, but…it was hard for Brinley.  She couldn’t imagine what Jon was thinking since she’d gotten pregnant twice already.  Why wasn’t it working?  Maybe they really weren’t meant to have a baby together.  Her job kept her mind occupied while Jon focused on his career, working out, and at night they spent the majority of it talking and making love. 

 

Brinley kept what her brother said about Jon to herself, not wanting to create even more animosity between the two men.  Currently, Chris was the AEW champion and Tony Khan already had it written in the stars that Jon would be the next AEW champion, so Chris and Jon would be feuding very soon.  Chris Jericho with his goons against The Purveyor of Violence, Jon Moxley.  And that was very unsettling for Brinley, to say the least.

 

Jon was looking FORWARD to it, truth be told.  He wasn’t too worried about Brinley getting knocked up, they had tried for months and months before and then when they ‘stopped’ trying, it happened.  He knew it would again; it might take a little longer because of her age, but she WAS having periods still, which meant her body was still doing what it needed to in order to conceive and have a baby.  If, in a few more months, Brinley felt like it might not happen, there was always the fallbacks of surrogacy or something.  Someone else could carry that strain for them and they’d just pay her really well.

 

Brinley wouldn’t be able to do surrogacy if her eggs were all dried up though.  She had told Jon as much and he had waved her off while pouring himself a double shot of Jack Daniels, not believing her.  He didn’t seem to understand that the older she got, the harder it would be to conceive a child.  She was 41 now and after the age of 35, the probability of having children dwindled.  Jon was trying to keep her spirits up and be there for her, but there were nights she didn’t want to be touched let alone have sex.  He held her close, letting her know it would be all right and some nights she had turned to bury her face in his chest, crying. 

 

It didn’t happen often, but maybe once a month, usually when her period inevitably showed up, was when Brinley became overly emotional and Jon had to weather the emotional turmoil until she was back to normal again.  She always rewarded him with some hot, raunchy sex and foreplay, which he enjoyed, so it all worked and balanced out between them.  Brinley even threw on some sexy lingerie, new pieces she had purchased for him since her husband loved seeing her in it, and made sure he was taken care of as far as eating right and whatnot, performing her wifely duties.

 

Jon understood that it was HARDER to conceive after a certain age and that her eggs lessened year by year.  He also knew as long as she was still having her periods, still not in those menopause years, her eggs were still ready to go.  She didn’t seem to want to acknowledge that, he got that it was easier to just give up and not get her hopes up because it hurt less.  Jon figured surrogacy would be easier because it wouldn’t take a toll on her body, but…he also knew the surrogacy laws were stupid, having done extensive research on it.  Jon had been reading everything about all of this minus anything pertaining to the man and how it could be on him.  That never even crossed his mind since he figured he was young and vital still.

 

Men did not age the way women did and that was a fact.

 

“I’m thinking about murdering your brother in the ring, any issues?” No, that wouldn’t work, he’d have to word it better. “Khan is gonna put us together in the ring, accidents happen, that okay?” Nope, that wouldn’t either.  Jon shook his head, pacing the parking lot as he enjoyed a cigarette. AEW was MUCH better than WWE and he wasn’t exclusively tied here; he could perform for other promotions.

 

The ONLY downside was Chris Jericho.

 

Honestly, Brinley didn’t care if they murdered each other because Chris had mentally and emotionally drained her lately. “Accidents do happen, you’re right, but if you murder him, then I won’t see you that often and you’ll be locked away for life.  I’d rather have my husband with me, thank you.” She had overheard what he said in the parking lot, walking up to him while he continued puffing away on his cigarette. 

 

Jon didn’t think it was him because he was a man with an ego and didn’t think his seed was tainted.  However, with his heavy drinking, it lowered his sperm count exponentially, not that he’d ever know that because he refused to get himself checked out.  Brinley mentioned it once, they blew up at each other, and that was the end of it.  Jon didn’t want to help the situation, so Brinley didn’t bother mentioning anything about doctors or getting checked out again.  If he wasn’t doing it, neither was she.

 

“Ready to head out?  Great show tonight, by the way.”

 

Jon was very touchy about anything to do with his boys, mainly because she had flat out ORDERED him to go get them neutered.  They had gotten Blue fixed and that poor bastard had been medicated for a few days and then miserable for a few weeks.  Jon imagined it would be amplified by a million for him because he actively used his balls and didn’t just…lick them, or whatever it was dogs did.  He tried not to pay THAT much attention to his buddy’s ball habits.

 

“I’m just saying, Angel, conjugals are a thing, it’d be hot…prison sex, me all chained up so you’d have to bend over the wooden table they’ll have us at, with a security guard watching from behind the glass as I fuck you silly.” He was deadpanning, flicking away what was left of his cigarette and exhaled it into the night.

 

“Oh Jesus…” She flushed a deep crimson red at the thought of that happening, chains on him and her bent over a table.  Lord, Brinley could already feel her panties drenching and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, walking up to him. “We could always roleplay that, if you’d like, once we’re home.” Brushing her lips against his, Jon’s brows raised and she giggled mischievously, wrapping her arms around his neck to press herself closer to him. 

 

The taste of cigarettes didn’t bother her, even though she no longer smoked and only stuck with wine for drinking.  Wine was fine while trying to conceive and she didn’t drink that often since alcohol wasn’t conducive to procreating.  Brinley had actually brought that up to Jon once and he had snapped, so that subject was never brought up again.  He was a full-fledged controlled alcoholic and she accepted that flaw about her husband completely.

 

“I could even be the guard and let my dirty prisoner have his way with me, hmm?”

 

Of course he had snapped, she had gotten pregnant before while he was major alcoholic.  Jon had been this way for YEARS at this point, so he saw absolutely no reason why it would be an issue this time around.  He had just barely managed to keep himself in check; his nastier side had emerged and he had almost said something that would have done irreparable harm to their marriage, their relationship.  Whether he liked it or not, Brinley had mostly tamed the beast and he sometimes wondered if she knew it.

 

“Hmm, there’s a sex shop not too far from here…” Jon bet they had some interesting chains, maybe even a set for her too, that clamped to her nipples with the chains running from nipples to cuffs on her wrists.  He was hardening in his jeans already at the mere thought of having Brinley in a getup like that.

 

“Mmm, you could be my big bad warden and I’ve been a very naughty inmate.  I need to be punished.” He growled, his hands gripping her pert, bouncy backside to press her body against his, tracing his lips with her tongue. 

 

They needed something fresh and new in their sex lives and this was perfect.  If Jon wanted her to wear nipple clamps with chains attached, she’d do it.  Brinley was adventurous, not afraid of exploring her sexuality, though she was strictly dickly.  She’d never ate out a woman or been with a woman sexually and never would in her life.  Jon was the only partner she wanted and tonight, she was in the mood for some hot, raunchy sex instead of the continuous lovemaking and regular fucking they’d been doing lately.

 

“Let’s go see what they have.”

 

“Where are you two heading off to?”

 

“A sex shop.” Brinley answered without hesitation, watching her brother’s eyes nearly bug out of his head.

 

Chris promptly snorted the water he’d been taking a drink of and let out a string of curse words, not believing what his sister just said. “FUCK, BRIN!!” ‘Hangman’ Adam Page was with him, also staring at her wide-eyed and trying not to laugh.

 

“Exactly what we plan on doing tonight.”

 

Chris cursed more, taking the napkin Adam had in his back pocket to hold it up to his nose and glared at his depraved sister and brother-in-law.  Jon really was a horrible influence on her and the sooner he split them up, the better. “What’s the hurry?  Can’t hang out with your dear brother for a few minutes and talk?”

 

“Depends, my dear brother,” Brinley turned to face Chris, folding her arms in front of her chest with Jon right behind her, wrapping his arms securely around her waist. “Are you going to be nice or a dickhead?  We can stick around for a few if you’re going to be nice, but if you say one wrong thing, we’re gone.”

 

Chris really did not like being talked down to by his little sister and knew Jon was responsible for that too.  Her attitude had changed ever since she married the prick! “I’ll behave.  How about we all go out for a meal, my treat?  Hangman, you wanna tag along with us?”

 

Adam glanced between the couple and the brother, seeing the animosity between Jon and Chris barely reigned in and he bet the only thing stopping them from stepping to each other was the woman they both loved. “Yeah, I can.” He accepted slowly, not trying to step on anyone’s toes here or get involved in whatever was going on.  

 

Chris talked a mean streak about his brother-in-law and Adam took it with a grain of salt because he had seen the work Mox had put in.  He also knew the work Chris had put in.  Horrible place to be, in the middle.

 

“Unless you two had plans, ma’am?” Adam was addressing Brinley since Jon wasn’t even looking at him.

 

Jon dropped a kiss on Brinley’s head. “Up to you, Angel, I could eat.”

 

What about the sex shop though?  Why did Jon want to share a meal with her brother all of a sudden?  Something was up with this and if he wanted to eat with them, who was she to deny her husband or his appetite?  If the sex shop wasn’t open, they could always hit it up tomorrow.

 

“I could eat too.” They could build their appetite up with dinner on her brother’s dime and then spend the rest of the night sexing it up on their luxury bus.  It was a win-win situation…as long as Jon and Chris maintained their temperaments. “And my name is Brinley or Brin, I’m not old enough to be called ma’am, cowboy.”

 

Jon DIDN’T want to share a meal with her brother, but he was trying to behave in front of Page and not embarrass her.  Also, he knew he was a mean prick and seeing him and Brinley together in a fairly intimate setting would just needle Chris even more.  Jon was internally living for these moments.  This is what that blonde, ancient prick deserved, seeing just how HAPPY and in LOVE his sister was with his own personal pain in the dick.  Most sex stores were open around the clock, he wasn’t worried about it and regardless, he would have had to eat beforehand.

 

Not to mention, Jon didn’t foresee this meal lasting all that long if he was honest.

 

“Yes, ma-” Adam cleared his throat with a sheepish smile. “Brinley.”

 

Chris rolled his eyes and shook his head, but he was also smiling, trying to ignore the pole smoker holding onto his sister. “All right, let’s go.”

 

Chapter 67

 

Deep down, Chris always wondered why Jon went after his little sister. 

 

There were COUNTLESS women in the WWE, both on and off-screen, and he had targeted Brinley out of them all.  Why was that?  It was always in his head, that constant question of ‘why?’  The same had been for Brinley when Jon had forced her into marriage with him.  Why?  Why did he want to marry her?  He didn’t love her and she had stated as such and he had laughed it off. 

 

Now 5, almost 6 years later, they were trying to have a baby and they did love each other truly.  Hatred had somehow changed and blossomed into actual love.  If Chris would’ve known the true reasoning behind Jon targeting his sister, however, he would’ve killed the man outright, paid for the trash’s funeral expenses and made his sister a widow. 

 

Jon could see that question swirling in those narrowed blue eyes, smirking right before Chris turned and led the way to his own rental. “We’ll follow.” It would not be a good idea for him and his brother-in-law to share a vehicle, not with his psychotic tendencies when it came to using cars as weapons.  Jon caught the keys when Brinley tossed them at him, still to this day surprised that she trusted him behind the wheel after he had driven them right into the ocean. “You okay, Angel?” The tension radiating off of her was palpable and entirely her brother’s fault. “I promise to behave.”

 

“You know I love you and I’m with you for life, so please don’t do anything to him.  Outside of the ring.” She added that last part, seeing how angry her husband was. “Look, I’m not listening to a goddamn word he says and you know that.  So please don’t murder my asinine brother.  Even though he’s being a dick right now, I still love him and he’s still family.” As long as she was with Jon, no harm would come to any of her family. 

 

That had stayed true all these years and Brinley expected Jon to be a man of his word.  No harm would come to them as long as she stayed.  If she left, all bets were off.  That hadn’t changed, even though she was in love with her captor now.  Brinley didn’t even think of Jon as that, he was her husband, plain and simple, and the sooner her brother got that through his head, the better off he’d be.

 

The fact that she had actually asked him not to do anything to her brother told him that even though things were all lovey-dovey with them now, she still hadn’t forgotten about how dangerous he could be. “I never said or implied I was going to murder your brother, Brinley.” She was going to put him in a horrible, mercurial mood. 

 

It wasn’t going to be hard for that prick to pick a fight either.  Jon pulled his hand from her in order to grab a cigarette, lighting it up and took a deep pull from it, the tension draining from him and he just shook his head with a slightly amused smile.  It was much more amusing to keep the prick alive since he was married to Chris’ sister and Chris did NOT like that at all.

 

“You worry too much, Angel.”

 

Brinley had every right to worry when it came to her husband and brother, especially Jon’s tendencies.  He hadn’t mentioned threatening her family or killing them in a long time, but…that would always be in the back of her mind.  That was what ultimately kept her with Jon, even if she wasn’t hopelessly in love with him.

 

“You’re right, I do and I have a right to when it comes to you and Christopher.” Half of her had been worried and wanted to tell Jon not to sign on with AEW because of her brother being here.  It did not take long for Chris to start in on her about leaving Jon either, which really bothered her and made her even more paranoid. “Fine, I’ll leave it at this: Whatever he’s planning, it’s going to fail and blow up in his face spectacularly, especially if he’s going to try using that cowboy to woo me or some shit.” Page hadn’t looked at her in any particular way, but then again, this was Chris she was talking about. 

 

He was capable of ANYTHING.

 

Jon had been a good boy over the past few years for the most part.  He hadn’t done anything overly naughty outside of their spats and then that time he had called her a cum guzzling whore and treated her face like his personal fuck pad.  No harm had come to her physically either, OR anyone else, on purpose, outside of the ring in quite some time.

 

“Yeah, I don’t think Hangman is that kinda guy.  I’m also pretty sure he has a girl.” Page was a gentleman, it was disgusting, and he wasn’t about to go trying to dip those cowboy boots of his in someone else’s pasture. “I think your brother is going to try needling me or something and he wants Page as a witness.  You know your brother thinks I’m mentally unstable or something, right?” It was TRUE, but that was BESIDE the fact.  

 

Chris needed to mind his own business or else Jon was REALLY going to upset the older man.  Hell, it wouldn’t take much…and Chris was a known drinker, just as bad as Jon.  He was OLD, a heart attack could easily be on the menu.

 

“I’m aware.  All I’ll say is handle it how you see fit.” There was nothing she could do to stop Jon from hurting her brother, especially if Chris kept egging him on. “Just don’t kill him.”

 

Hurting him was fine if Chris got out of line, but she did not want her brother’s blood on Jon’s hands.  Honestly, Brinley didn’t want to see them go at it in the ring or this upcoming feud because it was going to be a war.  A war that somehow Jon would win.  Brinley couldn’t do anything to stop it or convince them not to do it because it wasn’t just about egos and pride.  The AEW World Heavyweight championship was on the line since Chris was the current champion.  Jon wanted the title, wanted to be the face of AEW and carry the company, to prove to all the doubters and WWE that he had what it took to be THE man. 

 

It was his time to shine, finally, and nobody would stop him or take it away.

 

That was more like it.  Brinley had gone from basically ‘please don’t kill my brother’ to the ladder and he liked that.  She had given him permission, even though he had no intentions of killing the older man, not on purpose anyway.  If the giant blonde prick DID die of a heart attack or something, that wasn’t on Jon at all, but it would be a cherry on his cake.

 

“I already said it once and we’re not going to discuss it again, I’m not going to kill your fucking idiot brother.”

 

Jon was a little annoyed that he had already TOLD her, just minutes ago, that he wasn’t planning on murdering the bastard and she had repeated herself.  Causing his eyes to narrow, it actually reminded him of years ago when she’d do that.  Toss out her little sentences that niggled at him, reminders or just whatever Brinley felt like.  It was annoying.  He cocked an eyebrow when he followed Chris’ car into a Denny’s parking lot.

 

“Waffle house is way better.”

 

“Agreed.  Let’s get this over with.” Brinley muttered, stepping out of the car as soon as Jon parked, closing the door with a heavy sigh.  She did NOT want to be here with her brother and could already feel the tension.  Sucking in as much of the night air as she could, Brinley waited for Jon and walked with him towards Chris, keeping her arms at her side. 

 

“Everything okay?  You don’t look happy, sis.”

 

“I’m fine, just tired.  Shall we?” Brinley walked past them inside the building, really wishing they went somewhere with alcohol because, even though she didn’t drink anymore, she really needed something to take the edge off tonight.  Drunken sex wasn’t conducive to conceiving a baby, though.  It was still fun, nevertheless. Why couldn’t we have gone to a steakhouse or something?  Denny’s, brother, really?

 

Drunken sex was a great way to conceive a baby, there were literally millions of people throughout history who had conceived because of a night of drunken sex.  They were probably one of them if they were honest, given they had given up before and then she had wound up pregnant.  Jon was pretty sure that was a night they both had been chasing whiskey.  Wrapping his arm around her once they were settled in a booth wide enough to accommodate the three wrestlers and her tiny frame, Jon dropped his head to rest on hers for a moment and hopefully assuage her that he had meant what he said.  Nothing would happen and he was going to behave.  He already knew Chris was going to be a swine, so knowing that in advance made it easier to ignore it.

 

Chris was well aware that if he came out and was blatantly a dick, he’d be begging for trouble, so…he didn’t do that, even though he usually was loud and said what he was thinking.  It was a trait people either loved or hated about him, there was never an in-between.

 

Adam was just a little curious about the entire situation, smiling when the waitress immediately appeared to give them all menus and take their drink orders. “Coffee, please, ma’am.”

 

Did Denny’s have beer?  Probably not.  Brinley wasn’t surprised when Jon ordered a coffee and she added to that, snuggling against him.  Pushing him away would only fuel her brother and she refused to do it, placing her hand gently on Jon’s jean covered thigh.  It was obvious to anyone, even a blind person, how much they loved each other and there wasn’t an ounce of possessive nature in either of them.

 

“So, we haven’t chatted in a bit, how are you liking AEW, Jon?” Calling him anything else wasn’t an option and Chris could tell his sister was about fed up with his antics and the horrible things he said about her husband. 

 

Chris didn’t care, but he also didn’t want to lose the relationship with his sister.  When things DID go south with Jon, and they would eventually since 5 years wasn’t that long, he wanted Brinley to be able to trust and come to him.  It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her brother, it was the fact his life was on the line when it came to her leaving Jon.  It would never happen, she had sacrificed herself, including her own happiness, and had to find it again with the man that forced her to marry him. 

 

If Brinley truly believed her brother could stop Jon, years back, she would’ve gone to him in a heartbeat, but deep down, she knew Jon would’ve kept his word and killed her brother, possibly her entire family.  Of course, nowadays, she didn’t think about any of that and was truly happy and in love with her husband, not able to picture herself being with anyone else.  And Brinley STILL had no idea why Jon had done all of this, that was still a mystery and would probably remain one for the rest of her life.

 

There really was no mystery to it and Jon knew his intelligent wife would eventually figure it out when Chris tipped his own hand too far.  Chris had tried manipulating and ruining his career, a few times at this point.  Even when Jon had proven himself time and time again, the old bastard still didn’t give an inch.  It was the fact that the egotistical prick had decided that HE didn’t think they, being the Shield, being Jon, were ready for the big leagues, as if that was HIS call to make.

 

“I like being able to hop around from promotion to promotion.” Jon could literally go anywhere, not tied down and that was fantastic.  He kept his own tone cordial, not about to be the one who started problems or an argument over dinner, not in front of another coworker and his wife.  One day, Jericho was going to overstep more than he already did and he would wind up getting beaten down with a crowbar in a dark parking lot.

 

His blue eyes lit up at the idea.

 

“I tell you what, it’s amazing not having any writers to answer to.  The wrestlers can do what they do best, create great matches and tell actual stories that pull the audience in.” Brinley loved the fact she had no writers to answer to when it came to coming up with matches. 

 

For the most part, she bounced ideas back and forth between the wrestlers she worked with and they worked as a TEAM instead of everyone being in self-preservation mode.  There was no tension, no pressure, because everyone who was signed in AEW knew what they were doing, what they brought to the table.  They showcased it week after week in the ring thus far and it had been working brilliantly.

 

“Oh, I wanted to talk to you about Thanksgiving, Brin.  Jessica is adamant about having it at our house this year, so she wanted me to ask if you and Jon boy wanna join the family this year for a change?” Chris took a sip of his iced tea, also keeping his voice casual and cordial.

 

Why would he bring this up now?  Thanksgiving was just about two weeks away, so that wasn’t a lot of time and they were busy trying to have a baby. “We’ll have to discuss it and get back to you, Christopher.  We kinda do our own thing for holidays, you know that…”

 

“Yeah and you’re alienating the family and we’re sick of it.  You’re coming to Thanksgiving, both of you.  Mom and Dad were already told you’d be there.” Chris wasn’t taking no for an answer, folding his arms in front of his chest tightly. “When’s the last time you even called Mom and Dad?  You’ve been so consumed with this marriage and Jon that you’ve forgotten your actual family and it’s going to stop.  You need to be more involved, life is too short and Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger.  They nearly died a few years back or do you not remember that?”

 

Brinley shut her eyes, remembering being at the hospital during the carbon monoxide poisoning.  It was a main reason why she had gone back to Jon because he could’ve killed her parents. “Of course I do.  I just…damn it, Chris, we’re trying to have a baby, okay?  We’ve got PLANS right now, not that it’s any of your damn business!  If we don’t want to attend Thanksgiving with the family, that’s OUR choice!  I knew it, this was all a ploy to get me and Jon to sit down, so you could rip us apart like you always do!  I’m done.  Let’s go, Jon, we’ll find food somewhere else and then spend the rest of the night naked.  I like that idea a lot better than being here.” Rising from the table, Brinley shoved her chair roughly against the table and stormed out of the restaurant, ignoring the fact her brother had stood up the moment she did.

 

Chris’ nostrils flared and he stopped Jon from going after her, now standing in front of Jon. “You’ve corrupted my sister, you piece of shit!  You corrupted her and poisoned her against her own family, keeping her isolated from them!  Why?  Why did you marry her?  You don’t love her, I know that and I can see it written all over your face.  Five, almost 6 years, is enough, now leave her and let me help her get her life back on track that you tore apart, Good.”

 

“Hey, it’s not MY fault she thinks trying to have a baby is a good excuse to avoid the holidays with your family.” Jon shot back innocently, quietly, because that was NOT a good sentence period.  He was dying inside though, hardly believing she had legitimately used that as an excuse.  People went on with their lives while trying to conceive and she was starting to do it again, put that above things she probably shouldn’t. “It’s not my fault that she doesn’t give a flying rat’s ass about her parents either.” Brinley didn’t really talk to them and she hadn’t seen them in a few years…it was a vast difference from years ago when she had meticulously planned that party.  Everything had definitely changed and Jon was proud to say he had corrupted her. “She’s MINE, you best remember that.”

 

“You son of a bitch…!”

 

There were a few reasons Brinley alienated her family and it had to do with keeping them safe from Jon.  She didn’t want him around them and the only way to do that was cutting herself off almost completely.  The only one she really conversed with anymore was Chris and, even then, it was done mostly through text messages.  Jon wanted her all to himself, so Brinley gave him what he wanted.  He was her world and what it revolved around.  Jon wasn’t wrong in what he said – she was his completely. 

 

Also, Brinley didn’t want them seeing any marks or abuse that Jon inflicted on her, though he hadn’t touched her in a violent manner since the night he drove them into the ocean.  Frankly, Jon didn’t like being around her family, he wasn’t that type of man and she didn’t want to make anything awkward for him.  Nearly losing her parents because of him had scared her into submission, complete surrender, and there was no turning back because Brinley was too deep into this.  Her heart would be shredded if she lost Jon because he had stolen it from her and held it captive.

 

When Jon walked out of Denny’s looking somewhat smug, Brinley could only imagine what he had said to her brother and walked up to him, capturing his mouth with hers in a sultry, hot kiss, pressing her body against him. “Mommy wants to get shitfaced and be fucked hard by Daddy.  Let’s get lit and our fuck on, handsome, you game?” Maybe just letting loose and not worrying about conceiving was the best way to do this. “Sex store is still an option too.”

 

There was always the option to see her family, especially since things had mellowed out in their relationship from crazy, dangerous, and volatile over the years.  Hell, Jon spoke to Jessica, their sister-in-law, more than she did!  Jessica was still constantly sending him random memes, all these years later, on top of information about dogs since they both were ‘doggy parents’.  In fact, he was the one who usually told HER about things going on with her family via Jessica.  Brinley STILL had her spunk and fire; he knew she did because she had no issues in putting him in his place when she felt he was disrespecting her or overstepping boundaries he hadn’t been aware she had.

 

Basically, Brinley chose to alienate her family and she couldn’t even use the ‘all to himself’ excuse anymore.  Out of the two of them, Jon was the one most likely to take off due to needing space from her.  Hell, her mother had LOVED him, he had charmed the hell out of them years ago, he found this all amusing to no end.  Jon was in a GREAT mood, pulling her snugly against his body again and kissed her this time, not stopping until she was breathing heavily and her face flushed.

 

“Sex shop, alcohol and a night we may or may not remember.”

 

Chapter 68

 

The following Wednesday on Dynamite…

 

“You know, Jon Moxley and I go way back…ALLLLL the way to that OTHER sports entertainment company we’re not allowed to mention or talk about.” Chris Jericho smirked while pacing in the ring, his goons nowhere to be found because this was personal to him.  Since Jon didn’t want to leave his sister alone and continued going through with this sham of a marriage, he was about to start revealing all the cracks within. “I’ve known Mox for a long time…I spotted him in developmental and if it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t be who he is today.  He wouldn’t have become a huge Superstar and made a name for himself, that’s right!  I’m responsible for ALL of his success and how does he repay me?  By coming after what I cherish MOST in this world.” He held up the AEW championship, gazing at it fondly, and then glared spitefully into the camera. “Moxley, it’s bad enough we’re family…literally.  It’s bad enough you married my baby sister, Brinley, but I’ll be DAMNED if I let you take away the ONLY thing that I EARNED in this goddamn industry!!  You’ll have to kill me to pry this out of my hands, assclown, and remember that!  You are nothing, but an ungrateful piece of shit and when I get my hands on you next, it may very well be the last time we all see you.  Don’t forget, I’m always 10 steps ahead of you and like I told you down in developmental in that OTHER company, you’re not ready for the big leagues, baby, and you never will be.”

 

Jon was listening and watching from the back, his face giving away absolutely nothing, but his eyes had iced over.  Anyone who had ever seen that on him, how they’d go from calm blue sky colors to Antarctic glacial, knew it meant dangerous times ahead and tended to steer clear.  He was in a pair of jeans with a beater, his leather jacket on and his arms were folded over his chest, wondering if Brinley knew her cocksucker brother had been about to pull all this out of his backside.  Probably not, there was no real scripts, no reasons for people to even deal with her if they didn’t want too.  He doubted Chris had wanted to give her a heads up on the garbage he was going to spew.

 

Mentioning his wife, first and foremost, by name and putting her out there, had been Chris’ first mistake.  His second had been claiming he was the reason for Jon’s success.  Third…well, he just existed and that was reason enough for Jon to head for the ring, planning on putting his boot up the older man’s stupid backside publicly, just for shits and giggles.

 

Jon was jumped from behind as soon as he headed down the rampway by Chris’s goons.  Jake Hagar immediately grabbed him into a chokehold while the others kicked him in the stomach several times.  Chris was laughing, hanging over the top rope, and shook his finger at Jon while he continued watching his brother-in-law’s beating.

 

“You really are a stupid son of a bitch, aren’t you, Moxley?  You KNEW damn well I wasn’t out here alone, not really!  And yet you charged down here anyway!  You stupid idiot!” He roared into the microphone, laughing while the crowd continued booing and headed out of the ring up the ramp, grabbing Jon by his chin while Jake and the others held him still even as he struggled. “This is the CLOSEST you will ever get to MY championship, you piece of shit!  And it’s only a matter of time before my sister comes to her senses and leaves your sorry ass when you lose the big one, like you ALWAYS DO!!”

 

Jon had not given his 100% in that struggle, saving all that for this exact moment because he had known Chris’ arrogance would have him down here, figuring the beast was restrained.  On one hand, Jon admired the older man’s ability to turn himself into a heel.  Then again, it was the truth, Chris was an evil prick and he could not WAIT for Brinley to tear her brother to shreds with her words and she would.  That was just how his wife was.  When the idiot blonde grabbed him by the chin again, he LUNGED and bashed his forehead right smack into Chris’ face.

 

A second later, they were both seeing stars and now he was going to have to get a bunch of tests for STDs and HIV because Chris’ nose had just spurted blood everywhere.

 

Brinley was absolutely mortified, watching as the Inner Circle proceeded to beat her husband down again while her brother held his gushing nose, ordering the assault.  What the HELL was going on here?!  Granted, there weren’t any scripts, but Chris had crossed the line by involving her in their feud!  She couldn’t believe what was happening and knew if she went out there…Brinley couldn’t handle the beatdown of her husband a second longer, swallowing hard.  This would be the first time she was seen on national television as she made a beeline out of the curtain in gorilla before anyone could stop her.

 

“STOP IT!!  STOP IT RIGHT NOW, CHRISTOPHER!!” She screamed, shoving right through the Inner Circle since there was an open gap and covered Jon’s body with her own.  The crowd was going insane and Brinley didn’t care, looking up at her brother with tears burning in her eyes. “ENOUGH!”

 

Even though the painful haze he was currently living in, Jon was very aware it was his wife who was covering him and he had some jumbled thoughts about how everyone would know her now.  Know who she was, who she was married too and she would be subjected to the social media and speculation circus he had spent years trying to avoid in the WWE.  He wasn’t thinking about anything except her right now, not thinking about it was her brother, so Chris wasn’t likely to attack her.  All he was thinking was that his wife was here, during the middle of a beatdown that HADN’T been discussed and all that was going on in his jumbled mind was he needed to protect her.

 

That was just pathetic, Chris was sneering, staring down at his little sister and her idiotic husband who was trying to push her.  This was what he was talking about, that moron was bloodied, beaten, and trying to PUSH her.  Actually, he was trying to get over her, provide her cover because it wasn’t processing that the danger had sort of passed.

 

This went way beyond wrestling and storylines.  Even Brinley knew it and sensed it.  She had been in this business almost as long as her brother, thanks to him.  She knew the ins and outs of it and this was OUT of the ordinary. “Leave him alone!  He’s had enough!” She shouted, looking down at her bloody husband, who could barely lift his arms at the moment or move to get up.

 

Chris stepped forward cautiously, ordering the Inner Circle not to lay a finger on her and looked down at the piece of trash she was protecting. “Are you sure, Brinley?  You sure he’s had enough?”

 

Looking down at Jon, Brinley’s facial features changed into something almost demonic, a slow smile curving her lips. “For now.” Taking her brother’s extended hand, she took it and felt him pull her up to stand over the broken, beaten Jon Moxley, pure hatred boiling in her acidic eyes. “Did you really think I’d ever have a baby with you?  That I’d ever be happy with you after everything you did to me and my family?” She nailed him right in the junk for good measure and took her wedding ring off, dropping it right on his chest. “The divorce papers are already in the mail and you WILL comply or you’ll go to prison.  He knows everything, Jon, including how you nearly killed our parents and forced me to marry you, all of it.  He knows every single thing you did to me.  You should’ve thought about the repercussions of cheating on your fucking wife, asshole.”

 

Brinley had gone to her brother shortly after they came to AEW, after finding out that Jon had been unfaithful to her while working in WWE.  While on the road, he had been with countless other women and both his Shield brothers, Colby and Joe, had covered for him.  Brinley had taken Jon’s phone one night after he passed out drunk and saw all the text messages, having cracked the code with ease since he used the same number lock every time.  She could deal with a lot of things, but Jon going back on his word, betraying her by fucking other women…the deal was off as far as she was concerned. 

 

So, brother and sister concocted a master plan to persuade Jon to go to AEW, all to fall into their trap, and this was the culmination of it.  It was a beautiful thing, watching him writhe and squirm at her feet like a worm on a hook and Brinley felt vicious vindication for what she just did to her soon-to-be ex-husband.  And she’d never felt more free in her entire life as she backtracked the rampway with her brother, laughing hysterically along with him and the Inner Circle.  The moment she was backstage, Brinley took the biggest breath and let it out slowly, her heart pounding in her ears while continuing onto the Inner Circle’s locker room.

 

Everything that scumbag had done to his sister, had held against her, had done to their parents!  The lunatic had been planning on cutting the brakes of one of their cars!  He had THREATENED Chris’ own children!  Moxley was LUCKY to even be breathing right now and the ONLY thing that had saved him was Brinley pleading that she didn’t want her big brother to go to prison.  Chris, after hearing everything, had gotten up with intent of taking the gun he kept at home for his wife to be protected, and blowing that mother fucker’s head off.  Brinley had to talk him down, reminding him he'd lose more than he’d gain and he had a wife and three babies at home.  They weren’t really babies anymore, his kids, they were nearly grown, but they were his BABIES and that bastard had threatened them.

 

“You okay?” Chris walked over to take his sister into his arms, hearing her still laughing though it was softer now.

 

“No.” She wasn’t laughing because of humor, it was heartbreaking and her voice cracked even on that one word, slowly shaking her head. 

 

Six years…they had just celebrated their 6^th wedding anniversary and it had taken everything inside of Brinley to get through it with a smile on her face, to keep the act on.  She sniffled softly, burying her face in her brother’s chest, and had apologized profusely for letting Jon manipulate her the way he had.  She told him everything, including being driven into the ocean, the truth behind that story…not one single thing was left out. 

 

Chris had listened to everything, comforting her the only way he could.  Jon had been over in Japan when Brinley came to him in tears, before he had signed anything with AEW, and showed him the proof since she’d sent the various pictures to her cell phone.  Countless pictures Jon had taken on his cell phone of different women in poses for him, all in lingerie, and some were even WITH him in sexual positions.  He truly was a sick man and she couldn’t believe she had fallen in love with a heartless monster like him.

 

“I still love him…I hate him so much for what he’s done to us, but…I fell in love with him, Chris.” A person could not help who they fell in love with, but even Brinley had a limit and she had told Jon from the beginning NO CHEATING.  That was the final straw that broke the camel’s back. “The moment I found those pictures and the videos…”

 

There were videos of him fornicating with these whores too, a few of them WWE women wrestlers and backstage personnel too.  Jon had gone hog wild while she was at home in Vegas.  The only REDEEMING factor she had told Chris about him was that she knew he hadn’t burnt her house down, then proceeded to explain how she knew that information.

 

Jon have may thought Chris was nothing, but an arrogant, drunk old man, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.  When he had tried stopping the Shield years ago, in honesty, it had been Jon he had been concerned with.  There had been something that just seemed wrong about the guy even back then and now – now he knew, the man was criminally insane and there was nothing that could be done about it because of time and statute of limitations.  On top of the fact that Jon WAS popular and Brinley would be coming forward with very little proof outside of the fact that the bastard had cheated on her.

 

“Sis,” Chris bit his tongue, knowing telling her she SHOULD have come to him sooner, consequences be damned, meant jack because she hadn’t and they were long past that point. “We’ll get your divorced and everything sorted…He can’t hurt you anymore.”

 

The way the technology landscape had changed over the past several years was AMAZING and while psycho fuck may have avoided that like the plague, Chris had not.  He embraced and utilized it to the fullest extent.  It was great for branding, both wrestling and his musical career, which had finally LAUNCHED.  However, technology and how FAST information spread, Jon would lose everything if he pulled anything these days.

 

Nodding, Brinley pulled back to wipe her tears away since she had shed more than enough for the bastard to last her several lifetimes.  Thankfully, she had discovered the placebos with her birth control and had gone to get the shot once she discovered what Jon had done.  That hadn’t bothered her nearly as much as cheating.  Brinley also decided since he wanted to be sneaky, she would be too.  She had to beat the prick at his own game, finally.  Her perversity and determination reigned over every feeling she ever had for Jon.  Every time she had to sleep with him, pretend like she was happy, including trying for a baby, Brinley had to push through it. 

 

Honestly, she thought she could get over what he did to her, which was why she brought up the idea of getting a luxury bus with him.  Since Jon couldn’t resist temptation on the road, Brinley wanted to take that away from him and she had also gotten tested for STDs and diseases as well without his knowledge.  Brinley didn’t know if he was pulling other women into dark dressing rooms to screw them while inside the arenas, away from her, and it had started destroying her mentally and emotionally.  Still, she had a part to play and the moment Jon was out of WWE and he went to Japan, she put her plan into action to get away from him once and for all. 

 

Success or die. 

 

Do or die. 

 

She could not stay with a man who refused to be faithful to her and didn’t keep his word, let alone everything else he’d done to her family.

 

Now along with her perversity, Brinley had also gained her freedom and the security that her family was finally safe and sound.

 

Now she just had to find the one thing Jonathan Good tried to take away from her forever.

 

Her happiness.

 

The End.