Chapter 1

Jaycee sighed as she walked inside Seattle Grace Hospital, raking a hand through her hair, having been paged 911 to the pit out of a dead sleep. She hated that part about her job as she hurried to the elevator, seeing her brother, who looked just as drained as she did, on it and slid inside.

“What's happened?” She asked tiredly, rubbing her eyes and stifled a yawn. It was two o'clock in the morning; she had a right to be a little tired after working a forty-eight hour shift and only getting five hours of sleep.

Oh the joys of being a second year surgical resident.

Mark Sloan shook his head tiredly, letting out a weary sigh. “I have no idea. I'm not sure I even want to know.”

He was an attending at the hospital, having transferred his firm from New York to Seattle a few years back. He was also the best ENT in the country. Waiting patiently as the elevator descended, Mark prepared himself for the pit. Not exactly his favorite place in the hospital, second only to the morgue. He blinked when he seen a slight crowd around one of the beds.

“Now come on already, it ain't that damn bad!” Came a gruff voice from the middle of said crowd.

Jaycee looked at her brother and then back at the bed before continuing on, arriving at the pit. They slipped on their covers with gloves, pulling her long black hair up in a ponytail before heading inside. She stopped upon seeing the carnage in the pit and went to Bailey, her chief resident.

“Go to trauma room one. He has a severe laceration across his forehead and he may have some internal bleeding. Take him down for a CT scan and MRI.” Doctor Bailey instructed, walking away from her to tend to other patients.

Her sea green eyes looked over at the huge crowd that was pouring out of the room and sighed heavily, wondering who she pissed off this time before going to tend to the patient. Mark got his instructions, arching an eyebrow when he realized everyone he needed to see had some sort of disfigurement, though not in the holy hell serious sense. He began to really look around, taking in the people.

“Come on, just lemme go on back to the hotel. Nothing a towel and some ice won't fix.” Steve all but growled. He hated hospitals, and yet he seemed to be spending quite a bit of time in them as of late. “It's just my damn knee...” He trailed off, looking up when the door opened.

“Just your knee, huh? Then why do you have a laceration across your forehead that looks like it's going to need staples instead of stitches, Mr. Austin?” Jaycee retorted swiftly as she looked down at the bald headed man, glancing down at his chart, and sighed gently. “You went through a table...” Her eyebrows drew together, wondering what this man did for a living, not even wanting to know before flipping the chart back over and set it in the plastic slot at the foot of his bed. She then took her flashlight out of her pocket, checking his pupils. “They're a little dilated so you might have a concussion. The MRI will let us know.” Her intern, Lexie Grey, walked in causing Jaycee to turn around with a smile. “Please get me a sewing tray and kit.” She instructed before turning back to the patient, ignoring the twenty something men surrounding her at the moment.

“Yes Doctor.” Lexie replied before rushing off to do as instructed.

“The laceration ain't from goin’ through the damn table.” Steve said, his voice still a bit gruff, though that was partly his natural tone. “It's from gettin’ hit in the damn face with a ring bell.”

“You want to shut up and let her do her job?” One of the men gathered round chuckled. “How often do you have a beautiful woman tending you?”

Steve smiled slightly and replied, “Good point Dwayne.”

“I'm going to need everyone out of here.” Jaycee ordered, her eyes dead serious and even, raising an eyebrow as if daring ONE of these men to disobey her. She smiled when they all began walking out, wishing Steve well and telling them they'd see him later on. She closed the door once all of them were out and rolled a stool over, sitting down on it, and began cleaning his cut with substance, preventing infection. “So how did this happen?” She asked, trying to strike up a conversation, having ignored that beautiful woman comment from one of his friends. She'd heard it all before and was used to it.

Steve's blue eyes were shocked a little before sparkling good-naturedly. “You really don't know who I am, do ya?” He murmured, more to himself then to her. That was interesting. “A guy I was wrestlin’ decided he was going to jump script and clocked me with one of our time bells. Bastard got me pretty good, didn't he?” He sounded almost happy about it, though the happiness was from the thought of how HE was planning on jumping script.

“No, I have no idea who you are except your name is Steve Austin and you have a laceration the size of Texas on your forehead.” She replied with a smile, raising an eyebrow when he mentioned wrestling and jumping script. “Why would he clock you with an object if you were wrestling him?” She asked her curiosity getting the better of her as Lexie walked in, rolling the sewing tray and kit in. “Thank you Doctor Grey.”

“Not a problem, Doctor Sawyer, is there anything else you need from me?”

“Go help Doctor Sloan with his patients. I can take it from here.” She replied before turning back to tending to this deep cut on her patient's forehead.

“Yes Doctor.”

“Because it's sports entertainment. We mix the wrestlin’ with a bit of everything else. Though he jumped script because he's an ass-” Steve caught himself. “He's a moron.” He finished, flashing an apologetic smile.

“I resent that.”

Steve probably would have leapt off the table if not for the needle thing. “What the hell are you doin' here?” He snarled angrily.

“Checking out my handiwork.”

Jaycee turned around, seeing whoever was in the doorway was upsetting her patient and turned around, her eyes widening at the size of the man standing there. He had long black hair that went over his shoulders and down his back with arms covered from wrist to shoulder tattoos. Jaycee blinked and quickly recovered before narrowing her eyes slightly at the man. “Sir, I'm trying to do my job here and you're upsetting my patient.” She stated the professionalism in her tone firm.

“I would hope so.” He replied in a flat voice, not seeming the least bit perturbed by her.

“Get the hell outta here, ‘Taker.” Steve said, trying to keep his voice even, beginning to physically shake with rage.

“Everything alright here?” Mark asked, appearing behind his sister's shoulder, wondering if the circus had come to town.

“Everything's fine, Doctor Sloan.” Jaycee replied as she turned around to continue on her patient's forehead, sighing when blood gushed out of it when she tried doing stitches. “Okay, hold still.” She ordered, taking a needle out and flicked it before sticking it in the gashed wound, numbing it. “I was right, you need staples.” She completely ignored the man in the doorway as she worked, taking the staple gun from the tray and began doing what she hated most, suturing. “Sir, I'm giving you to the count of five to get out of here or I'm calling for security. Do not make me repeat myself.” She said from behind, knowing her brother would handle him, seeing how pissed off her patient was getting. “Steve, look at me.” She turned his face to stare into her eyes. “You need to calm down. Your blood pressure is rising and you have a concussion, do you understand me?”

“Yeah doc, I hear ya just fine.” He replied, blue eyes shooting back to the other man, ‘Taker. “You heard the lady, get the hell on outta here, son.”

“See you, Austin.” ‘Taker almost smirked, his lips curving just a tad. His green eyes narrowed on the female doctor for a moment before chuckling quietly. He turned on heel and walked out.

“I'll make sure he leaves.” Mark said quietly, slipping out the door after the freak.

“Sorry about that.”

“It's fine, we're used to it.” Jaycee smiled down at him reassuringly before beginning to staple his forehead shut, having a sinking feeling that giant was the reason why her patient was currently laying in a hospital bed at Seattle Grace Hospital. When she was finished, Jaycee wrapped deep, thick gauze around his forehead to stem the bleeding before cleaning up her mess. “Okay Steve, let's get that CT scan and MRI done and see if there's anything else you need fixed.” She smiled at him before unplugging him from the wall and wheeled him out of the door and down the hallway with his IV intact.

“You know doc, I can walk.” Steve laughed. He was used to this, a bit too used to it, but that was life in the ring and it came with the territory. However, he wasn't normally this well behaved for his other doctors. Not that she needed to know that. “You're used to it huh? How many seven foot tall freaks of nature do you get comin' in here like that?” He asked, hiding a smile.

Jaycee chuckled back at him, having to admit he had a point. “Not very many, but we do have drunks and lunatics come in here from time to time and we have to have security escort them out. Most of them are with a patient that they've hurt and so on.” She wheeled him down to the CT scan room and smirked before helping him lay on the cold padded surface. “And I know you can probably walk right now, but it's required by law that you don't until discharged so just bear with me on this okay?”

“Oh, you're one of them.” He commented, winking at her when she shot him a confused look. “A stickler for the rules.” He was quiet throughout the scans, holding his butt still even though all he wanted to do was get up and go find that jackass who'd sent him here in the first place. Adrenaline was still coursing through his veins. “How's it looking, doc?” He asked finally.

“Almost done Steve, hang in there.” She called through the microphone, knowing there was one in the machine before going to the MRI.

After that was finished, Jaycee looked at the scans and sighed, seeing he had some internal bleeding going on in his abdomen, probably from the table he was driven through. It wasn't serious to the point of needing surgery, but he would have to stay overnight for observation. She sighed, knowing this wouldn't bode well with him, and took him out of the CT scan room, heading to the elevator to admit him. This was going to be a long night, Jaycee could already feel it.

Steve cocked an eyebrow when he seen the admission desk, groaning and tilted his head back to look at her. “At least promise me I don’t have to wear no damn paper gown.” He pleaded. “Lemme call a buddy and have him bring me my bag.” He was pretty certain he could tolerate staying over night with this beautiful doctor, providing he wasn't flashing his ass around.

Jaycee sighed gently, raising an eyebrow down at him, and finally decided that could be arranged. “Very well, I'll let you use the phone in your room when we get there.” She chuckled when he kissed her hand and shook her head, telling the nurse's at the third floor station he was being admitted before filling out the paperwork, signing it before wheeling him to his room. “Okay here we go, Steve.” She clipped his bed to the wall before setting his IV in the proper place, seeing the water was almost gone and ordered a nurse to come change it before handing him the phone. “I'm breaking the rules technically by doing this so please hurry.”

He nodded, calling Dwayne and then had to bribe the man into coming back to the hospital. “Yes, I know...I owe you...” He snorted into the phone then hung up. “Come on now darlin', it wouldn't be good for me to be-” He groaned when a nurse walked in and promptly dropped the IV bag she was carrying. “To go almost naked.”

“You're- Stone Cold!” The nurse scrambled to pick up the bag. “I am so, so sorry!”

“Stone Cold?” Jaycee had to raise a slow eyebrow at that, blinking at Olivia, who shakily picked the IV bag up and growled, snatching it from her. “Get out. You're a ball of nerves. Go do something constructive.” She shook her head, muttering something about 'pathetic nurses' before replacing the IV bag and looked down at her patient. “You're very popular. What you do must be well known.” She commented before checking his vitals. “I'll wait to give you your sedative until after your friend drops your things off. Remember, be quick about it.”

“Sure, sure.” He nodded, blue eyes twinkling. “You mean to tell me you never heard of the WWF? You don't know who the Rock or the Undertaker is?” He found this woman both amusing and refreshing all in one. It was nice not to be harassed the hell out of. “Wait- what's the sedative for, honey?” He frowned, eyebrows drawing together. “I can sleep just fine without it.”

“Judging by how high your adrenaline and blood pressure is, you won't be falling asleep for quite a few hours and you need to rest that concussion off.” Jaycee replied, writing in his chart before placing it back in the slot, staring back at him with slightly narrowed eyes. “The Rock, Undertaker? God that sounds morbid.” She commented, shaking her head, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “So let me guess, whatever you do in this WWF place, your name is Stone Cold?” She smirked when he nodded, shaking her head. “No I've never heard of any of it. I don't watch television. I basically work, drink, eat and sleep. Welcome to the life of a second year surgical resident.”

“You're going to put me to sleep with a concussion?” Steve asked incredulously. “From my understanding, you're not supposed to sleep with one of them. And yeah, my ring name is Stone Cold. You can call me Steve.” He teased again. He snorted when Dwayne walked in. “Thanks, man.”

“So this is why you're staying overnight.” Dwayne chuckled, glancing at the doctor. “Hello, ma'am. Need anything else, Stoney?”

“Nah, maybe a lift in the morning.”

Jaycee sighed and smiled at his friend. “Actually your friend here has a MINOR concussion, but I'd like to keep him overnight for observation. Not to mention he has some internal bleeding going on that we'll monitor, just to be sure it's not anything surgical.” She explained professionally before turning to her patient. “I'm giving you a sedative because it's only a minor concussion and you need to sleep. Now if you can promise me you'll fall asleep within the next hour, I won't administer you one. I know how to do my job so please, don't question it, okay?” She winked at him before walking out of the room, leaving him to talk to his friend for a few minutes alone.

Chapter 2

“Feisty isn't she?” Dwayne mused as Steve began changing into cotton shorts and a muscle top.

“You noticed that too?” Steve smirked. “She told 'Taker to get out here without flinchin'.”

“And has a set. Very nice.”

Steve groaned, settling himself into the hospital bed, grumbling under his breath. “I'm goin' to whoop that jackass until his mamma is screamin' for mercy.”

“AFTER you're better.”

“Okay gentlemen, visiting hours are over.” Jaycee said as she walked back in, holding a cup of water with some aspirin in her hand, handing it to Steve. “It'll help with the headache.” Was her way of explanation as she checked on his vitals again, more importantly monitoring the internal bleeding, which seemed to be going away slowly. The guy was lucky, especially being driven through a table.

“Alright, see you in the morning, Stoney.” Dwayne said, slapping his friend's shoulder as he walked out. “Ma'am.” He nodded at Jaycee as he passed her.

Steve popped the aspirin without a word, just watching her. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, he was getting tired as hell. He groaned, stretching and laid out, still watching her. “You look tired, doc.” He commented softly.

“It's all apart of the job, Steve.” She replied nonchalantly, used to it, checking over his chart again before nodding, writing down his new vitals and seen how drowsy he was getting. “I'm going to leave you be in a few more minutes so you can get some sleep.” She finished and walked over, lowering his bed a bit to his liking. “If you need anything, just have one of the nurse's page me.” She informed him, patting his shoulder gently before walking out to go check on her other patients and to get something to drink.

“Yeah, I'll be sure to do that.” He muttered when she was gone. He flipped off a nurse who poked her head in shortly. “Lady, flash that camera and I'm gonna stick it up your ass.” He cautioned, smirking when she hastily backed out. Wondering if he'd have to worry about that all night, he rolled onto his side. If they wanted a picture, it could be of his damn back.

When Jaycee heard about the nurse's unprofessionalism, she closed Steve's door and ordered they ALL stay away. “I don't care WHO he is, he is a PATIENT who needs rest! Do I make myself clear? If you don't listen to the patient's doctor, ME, then you can go talk to Chief Webber.” She then stalked away, growling, not believing how they were acting. She didn't care if he was the biggest star on the planet, he needed rest and she'd be damned sure he got it.

Mark rounded the corridor, falling into step beside her. “Busy night?” He yawned, pulling off a pair of gloves. He had just finished doing an emergency surgery. Fixing a popped breast implant. “You got stuck with one of those wrestlers too, didn't you?” He nodded to a nurse who walked by, looking back over his shoulder before focusing on his sister again. “Is she new?”

“I don't know Mark and yes I did get stuck with one of the wrestlers.” She stifled another yawn, looking completely dead on her feet, and knew she wouldn't get any sleep tonight, not with the nurse's flocking to Steve's room. “They won't leave him alone.” She said after explaining, shaking her head. “He's not a piece of meat, he's a damn patient and he deserves the same treatment as every other patient that walks through those doors and goes into our care. They need to be more professional.” She sipped some coffee he handed her and smiled gratefully. “You're my hero, did I tell you that?”

“Every day since you were five.” He teased. “The woman I had to tend too is a wrestler, or something associated with them anyway. She gave me her number.” He smirked, and then coughed. “Not like I would call her or anything, very unprofessional. So the nurses are giving you problems? Want me to come down and straighten them out?”

“No because all you'll do is flirt with them and give them what they want as they bribe you with pussy.” Jaycee replied evenly, causing her brother's blue eyes to widen, and chuckled before nudging him. “You do what you want, but if ONE nurse is caught in Steve's room, I'm telling the Chief and believe me, Mark, you won't like the Chief cranky, especially since he's currently at home in bed.” She then walked away, leaving him with that thought, sipping more of her coffee.

“At least they'd be bugging me and not your patient!” Mark called after her before she disappeared around the corner. Chuckling under his breath, he turned in the other direction and walked off.

~*~*~*~

Steve groaned, his eyes slowly opening and rolled over. “Two more minutes damn it.” He grunted, pulling a pillow over his head then cursing when he tugged the IV. He checked to make sure he hadn't pulled it out before yawning, glancing at the clock.

Jaycee chuckled softly when he did that, shaking her head. “Steve, you have to get up so I can do a quick check on you.” Her voice was low and quiet, hating to wake patients up, and sighed when he growled at her. “Mr. Austin, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, take your pick.” She stated firmly, standing there with her arms crossed in front of her chest.

Steve arched an eyebrow, more then tempted to enquire about the hard way just because he was curious. However he sighed and let her do what she needed too. “What time is it, darlin'?” He asked, his voice low and husky from sleep.

“Five thirty.” She answered softly, checking his heart, nodding before taking her flashlight and checked his pupils, nodding again. “Good, everything looks fine. Your concussion is gone and your internal bleeding has stopped. You can be discharged once you've had a few more hours of sleep.” She informed him, a smile on her face, and turned to walk out of the room, needing to do rounds with her interns, refusing to let them in incase one of them was a fan of Steve's.

“You wanna come grab a few hours with me, doc?” He asked, his tone mostly teasing, though there was just a bare hint of sincerity. “You still look dead on your feet, been up all night?” He made himself comfortable on the bed, stretching his long muscular legs out in front of him and his arms over his head, his tank drawing night across his chest.

“Yeah, but I'm used to it. Go to sleep.” She ordered gently, winking before walking out of his room, ignoring his first comment, knowing that was crossing lines she knew couldn't be.

She found Steve incredibly attractive, especially with his icy blue eyes and bald head. Who would've thought she would ever think in a million years a bald man would be attractive? Jaycee was more for the long hair look, but Steve had something about him that caused her insides to melt, which is why she'd broken a few rules by not forcing him to wear one of the hospital gowns. Of course, she did it after all of his testing and scans were completed. She walked up to her interns and nodded at them silently, going to do her morning rounds with them.

“His friend is in there.” The nurse at the desk said when Jaycee made it back a few hours later. “They're waiting on you to sign release papers.”

Steve had grabbed a quick shower in the tiny bathroom off the room and was feeling better in tight fitting blue jeans and a black tee shirt, a ball cap on his head.

Dwayne was pacing the floor, waiting impatiently.

“Why didn't you page me sooner?” Jaycee groaned, wanting to deck the nurse right in the face and jogged down the hallway to Steve's room, walking in. “I had no idea you were ready to be released, Steve. Sorry about that. Damn nurses don't know how to do their job.” She was cranky and had every right to be considering she was running on five hours of sleep in 56 hours. She checked him over one more time, nodding when she seen he was good to go. “I want that wound checked out every day by a physician to make sure there's no infection. It also needs to be cleaned twice a day with soap and water and I know you probably already know all of this, but it's my job as your doctor to inform you of everything. You're also not allowed back to do your job for a week.” She held up her hand when his eyes narrowed. “Take it up with your boss if you have a dispute, but a gash wound like that needs to HEAL properly before you do more damage to it.”

“She wanted to page ya honey, I told her not too bother you.” Steve said calmly, ignoring the bit about not going back to work. He'd just keep out of the ring and things would be fine. He signed the paperwork stating he understood everything she explained to him and whatnot. “Damn doc, I'm gonna miss you.” He grinned, blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “You feel like going on vacation?”

“Stoney...” Dwayne shook his head, chuckling softly.

“I don't even know what a vacation is.” Jaycee replied with a chuckle, taking the paperwork and scrawling her signature on it, handing it back to him with a smile. “You definitely were one of my favorite patients, Stoney.” She smirked when he chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. “Take care of yourself and no more going through tables.” She stated, winking at him before walking out of the room, sighing heavily and knew deep down she would miss him more than she was letting on. “Goodbye Steve.” She whispered to herself before her pager went off, sighing as she jogged off to the pit.

“Ready to go convince Vince to let you whoop ‘Taker's ass?”

“You know it.” Steve replied absent-mindedly, more intent on the doctor who'd just left. He followed his friend out of the room, planning on talking to Vince alright, but not for the reason's Dwayne was surmising, well not JUST those reasons.

~*~*~*~

After another forty-eight hour shift, in which Jaycee slept an on-call room for two hours, she was finally released and went straight home, needing some sleep desperately. She was dead on her feet as she walked across the street, living in the apartment building across from the hospital, and walked up the steps to her door. She slipped her key in and walked in, closing it behind her, and threw them down, immediately kicking her shoes off and checked her messages. While they played, she walked into the kitchen, needing something to eat besides hospital food.

A noise came from her couch and her brother peeked over the top of it. “Hey. Hope you don't mind that I crashed here. Callie was being a pain in my ass.” He yawned. He'd left a message for her though he didn't know if she got it. “Somebody called for you by the way, name of Vince McMahon, or an assistant to him.” He rolled off the couch, scratching his stomach through his shirt.

“It's fine.” Jaycee yawned loudly as she walked over, plopping on the couch beside her brother, and leaned her head against his shoulder. “And that's not surprising.” She smirked, referring to his comment about Callie, even though she liked her.

The woman kept Mark in line, something even Jaycee couldn't do. She sat there and listened to the messages until a man's voice sounded over her machine, causing her head to whip up, eyes narrowing.

“Miss Sawyer, this is Gerry Briscoe with the World Wrestling Federation. I'm calling you with an offer to join our medical team.” The message trailed off into a job description, the wages and benefits and a number for her to call back.

Mark stared at his sister in shock. “That guy must really, REALLY like you.” He finally said, blinking.

Jaycee's eyes widened when she heard the sum over her answering machine, dropping her cup of coffee on the white carpeting, not believing what she just heard. “Oh my god...” She breathed out, seeing her brother was already on it to clean up the mess she made, and slowly walked over to press the repeat button on her answering machine, wanting to listen to it again. She slowly turned around, suddenly not tired anymore, and stared back at her brother blinking. “W-What is the World Wrestling Federation?” She closed her eyes and suddenly they popped open, her mouth dropping open. “The WWF...”

Mark stared down at the white carpeting, knowing that she'd need to steam vacuum it to take the stain out completely, he'd lightened it considerably, but...he wasn't a miracle worker. On carpets anyway. “Damn, Jaycee.” He whistled, not believing how much they'd offered her. “You going to call them back and tell them to screw off?” He stared at her intently.

“That's three times what I'm making at Seattle Grace, Mark...” She trailed off and turned around, staring out the window at the beautiful city, wrapping her arms around herself.

She didn't know what to do. That money could do so many things; she could get an actual house instead of a condo. She could go on a vacation to Australia like she always wanted, not to mention she loved to travel. There were a lot of pros to this offer and Jaycee was seriously considering taking it.

Mark could see she was actually contemplating this move and stilled himself. Yeah it would suck to not have his sister around but at the same time, if this is what made her happy, then he wasn’t going to stand in her way. “You do what makes you happy, Jaycee.” He said softly, walking over to stand next to her. “Hell, you could even retire early if you wanted too. That’s a pretty sum they’re offering you.”

“I know.” She whispered, still in disbelief, and wondered if Steve had anything to do with this offer. Probably. She sighed again and looked up into her brother's eyes, tears welling up in them, knowing what she had to do. “I love Seattle and I love Seattle Grace. But this offer could be my ticket to being set for life, Mark. I have to do this. I have to see what it involves before shutting it down, especially with an offer like this.” She sniffled when he wiped her tears away and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his neck, her heart breaking at the thought of leaving Seattle.

“It's not like you can't come back and visit, Jaycee.” Mark soothed, knowing he'd have to talk her into it even though she was already set on going. “This is a good deal for you. You just call them back and schedule an appointment, go talk and find out the big picture. Then you can take it from there.” He looked down at her.

She nodded, knowing her brother was right, and smiled before tapping his nose with her finger. “You always know the right thing to say.” She wiped her tears away and sighed, suddenly feeling completely drained. “Before I make any rash decisions, I'm going to sleep on it. You can stay here as long as you want, that's why I got a two bedroom.” She winked before hugging him again tightly and walked down the hallway to her bedroom, not believing what the last forty-eight hours involved. She peeled her clothes off and slipped under the comforter, sleep almost instantly taking over her body.

Chapter 3

“Any word yet?”

“Man, how many times a day you gonna ask me that, Rocky?”

“Until you stop asking Vince.”

“You are such a jackass.”

“I did learn from the best.” Dwayne smirked. “Meaning you of course.”

~*~*~*~

After sleeping for ten hours straight and realizing she had a day off, Jaycee finally decided to call the WWF back to find out what was all involved. Her heart nearly stopped when a voice sounded over the phone and quickly regained her bearings. “Hello this is Jaycee Sawyer. I need to talk to a Gerry Briscoe. I'm returning his call from last night.” She said, her professionalism going full blast as she sat on her couch, sipping a cup of tea, glad to finally have a day off from the hospital.

A minute later, a soft, almost mumbling voice answered her. “This is Gerry.” He scratched his head, trying to remember a Miss Sawyer then perked. “You're returning the call about working with our medical staff? What we're looking for Miss Sawyer is a lead doctor. It's a lot of time on the road because you'd have to travel from place to place with us.”

“Okay, what all involves this lead doctor job?” She asked, writing notes down, nodding. She had plenty of experience and training on all of this, knowing she could do this job easily with her eyes closed. But was it too easy? Was there going to be any obstacles or...competition involved? Jaycee sighed as she listened to the man over the phone and nodded when he said she would have to fly to Stanford, Connecticut for a meeting with Vince McMahon, the owner of the WWF. “I suppose it can't hurt. I haven't made a final decision yet and I would need at least two weeks notice to inform the hospital on my leaving.”

“That's fine, Miss Sawyer. We'll send you a round trip ticket then?” Gerry asked politely. He smiled when she agreed. “It'll be there tomorrow morning.” He didn't bother to add it would be first class, he assumed she'd know that. They were wining and dining her after all. “We look forward to meeting with you, Miss Sawyer. There will be someone waiting for you at the airport.”

Jaycee blinked, not believing how fast this was going already, and agreed before hanging up. She then called Seattle Grace, telling a little white lie, saying she had a family emergency and she had to go out of town for a few days. She smiled when Richard told her to be safe and hung up, knowing she was leaving tomorrow morning and immediately went to pack. Stanford, Connecticut. She'd never been there before, even though she lived in New York throughout her childhood with her brother Mark. She thought about her brother and knew she'd miss him like crazy, but she was doing what she had to do. She was living her life, her dream, and knew she couldn't pass this opportunity up.

~*~*~*~

Shane McMahon was waiting at the airport for the doctor. He stood besides a limo driver who was holding a sign with Jaycee Sawyer on it. He arched an eyebrow when he seen a woman heading towards them, wondering if this was her. “Miss Sawyer?”

“Not fucking likely.” The woman snorted and kept on walking.

Jaycee walked through the terminal, rolling a luggage carrier behind her, wearing a pinstriped skirt suit, the skirt going two inches above the knee. It was light blue and black and she was wearing a silk light blue shirt underneath the matching cardigan with black pumps on her feet, her black hair was down and curled at the ends, giving it bounce and she had just the slightest bit of make-up on her face. She looked around, seeing a sign with her name on it, and headed in that direction, seeing a man with grayish black hair and piercing blue eyes, raising an eyebrow.

“I'm Doctor Jaycee Sawyer. Are you Gerry Brisco?” She asked politely, not knowing who was going to be picking her up from the airport.

“I'm Shane McMahon.” He took her hand in a firm shake, smiling pleasantly at her. “I'm Vince McMahon’s son, I work with him.” He gestured her towards the waiting limo while the driver got her bags. “How was your flight?” He asked politely, sliding onto the comfortable black leather seats across from her.

“Nice to meet you Shane.” She politely replied, shaking his hand and slid inside the limo. “It was fine, very luxurious and comfortable.” She replied with a smile, crossing her ankles and looked around the limo, wondering how rich this man was. She'd never watched wrestling in her life, whatever it was, and was actually feeling excited to see what it was all about.

“I'm glad to hear it.” He was mildly curious about her but had both the common sense and good manners not to ask personal questions or stare. It wasn't easy considered he'd had to listen to Steve praise this woman and that wasn't something that happened every day. “How many years have you been a doctor? If you don't mind me asking of course.”

“No not at all. I've been a surgical resident for two years, did my year of internship and went to medical school for four years. So all together, I've been in the profession three years, but all around it's been seven years.” She answered, explaining herself, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

Knowing they had to know these answers, Jaycee honestly didn't mind. Granted, she still had a lot to learn, but she was damn good at what she did. She was proud and could not imagine doing anything else besides being a doctor.

Shane nodded, the easy going smile still on his face. “Besides Steve, do you have any experience working around athletes?” He frowned slightly. “Or maybe entertainers?” That seemed a bit more accurate considering she'd have Divas to attend to as well if she took the job and entertainer compassed everyone.

“It doesn't matter if they’re athletes, movie stars, entertainers, whatever. A patient is a patient and I give one hundred percent to all of my patients. I know how the muscle works, I know the proper dosage to give a patient for any problem, and I know when they're dehydrated or when they break a bone. So what I think you mean, Mr. McMahon, is if I've had the proper training in my field and the answer is yes. I AM a doctor and I have been for over three years now.” Her voice was firm, but polite at the same time, very calm and professional.

Shane smiled at her even more. “If I offended you Miss Sawyer, I didn't mean too.” He assured her calmly. “I have no doubt of your capabilities as a doctor. I'm asking if you have any experience tending to famous people for a reason. Most of the time, regular people will see a doctor and not argue or give them a hard time, though you do have that on occasion. It's a constant battle with our stars. Some of them are stuck-up and won't listen to what you say. Some will question every decision you make.” He explained, wanting her to see his point of view.

“No I'm not offended.” Jaycee laughed softly, waving him off dismissively, smiling softly. “I completely understand what you mean now and the only thing I can do is my job. If they don't want to listen, then their injury will get worse and they will put their career in jeopardy. I am not their therapist or whatever. I am there to do my job and heal them. It's their choice if they want my help and if they want to listen to what I tell them.” She shrugged nonchalantly. “They can think they're better than me all they want, but the fact remains is that unless they've walked in my shoes for the past seven years, they don't know medicine. I do.”

Shane liked that answer, he liked it very much. The reason he was here right now was because his father had sent him to get a feel for her so to speak. Vince trusted Shane's judgment and if Shane said she'd be alright in the company, Vince would hire her. “Ah, we're here.” He peered out the sun roof.

Jaycee looked out the window and gaped at the huge building before her, blinking, knowing now the WWF must've been extremely popular. The limo pulled up to the front double doors of Titan Towers and the door opened as Jaycee stepped out, inhaling the cool air of Connecticut. It was a beautiful sunny day, the perfect weather for the outfit she'd chosen, and smiled when Shane extended his arm to her. She took it and allowed him to guide her inside, looking around, not believing how beautiful the building was. It was luxurious and breathtaking as they walked to the elevator, something Jaycee was used to. She briefly wondered how many floors this building had.

Shane clasped his hands before him, listening as the generic elevator music played with its mind numbing cheerfulness. “Here we are.” He extended his arm to her again before leading the way. He knocked on one of the door before walking in. “Vince?” He didn’t call him dad unless they were off duty for legal reasons.

“In the office.”

Jaycee took a deep breath before allowing Shane to guide her inside the office through the double glass doors and seen a man sitting behind a black desk, two chairs in front of it. She looked directly at him and left Shane's side before walking over, extending her hand. “It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. McMahon.” She said and smiled when he looked up, taking her hand, and shaking it before asking her to take a seat. She did and crossed one leg over the other, folding her hands in her lap, the mere presence of this man sending a shiver down her spine.

Vince studied her over his glasses then through them, glancing down at an open folder in front of him on the desk. “A doctor Mark Sloan faxed us some very good recommendations.” He said by way of greeting, rereading something then smiling, steepling his hands together. “Well Doctor Sawyer, I've heard nothing, but great things about you, I must say I've never had a hospital cooperate this well when I'm trying to 'steal' one of their doctors. They sent me recommendations, your work history there...”

Brother Mark had been sneaky.

Jaycee made a mental note to take her brother on a vacation the next time he had some time off, knowing he went out of his way to make sure she got this job. “Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. McMahon. I must admit, I was very surprised to hear that your company was interested in me since all I really did was do my job and take care of one of your employees. That's not to say I'm not qualified for this position because, let me assure you, I am.” She stated, a smile on her face as she stared at this powerful man in front of her, knowing he could make or break her. If he didn't hire her, she'd go back to Seattle Grace, if Richard accepted her back. “I do hope whatever they faxed over is to your satisfaction, sir.”

“Quite, quite.” Vince glanced curiously at his son, smiling widely when Shane nodded. “Well Doctor Sawyer, if you're interested, you have a job with us.”

Shane looked at Jaycee, wondering if she'd frozen in her seat.

“Of course if there's any part of what we're offering that's not to your liking we can always dicker.”

Jaycee quickly composed herself and shook the mental shock from her system before smiling. “If you wouldn't mind, Mr. McMahon, I would like to read over the contract before I sign anything.” She said and took the documents he handed her, knowing this was it. She looked over it, reading every page, and after an hour, with one stipulation changed, Jaycee signed on the dotted line and handed it back to him, not believing she was doing this. She was officially apart of the World Wrestling Federation and had no idea what the company was.

Vince smiled, feeling pleased with himself. “When you leave, Shane will take you to the receptionist for a check.” He said suddenly, almost as if he'd forgotten something. “Travel expenses,” He began to explain. “Because you're a doctor, we'll provide you with a car allowance and then we'll reimburse you so much per mile. I realize you have to give your two weeks yet so this will give you some time to car shop. “He stood up, extending his hand to her. “It's a pleasure to have you joining our family. Now, if you'll excuse me, I still have salaries to review. Shane will answer anymore questions you may have.”

She nodded back at her new boss and smiled, her heart feeling like it was going to explode out of her chest, not having anymore questions for the moment. She couldn't really think as she was guided to the receptionist desk and picked her check up, her eyes nearly falling out of her head when she seen how much it was for. “Holy mother of...” She trailed off in a murmur and blinked before tucking it safely in her bra, not taking ANY chances, and walked out of Titan Towers. She got in the limo, which took her back to the airport, and an hour later she was back on a plane to Seattle, needing to finish her ties there. She still couldn't believe what was happening with her life and could only smile, knowing she was doing the right thing and knowing she was about to embark on an adventure she'd never forget.

Mark was waiting for her, having taken a few hours break so he could greet his sister. He leaned against a pillar, casually flirting with a woman who'd just gotten off a plane and was waiting for her boyfriend to show up. Who was he to make her pass the time in boredom?

Jaycee walked out of the plane and a bright smile lit her face when she seen her brother, running over and jumping in his arms, hugging him tightly around the neck as he spun her around in circles. “I got hired!!” She cried out when he set her down, pulling out the check from her shirt, shaking from head to toe, showing him it. She laughed when his eyes nearly fell out of his head just like hers nearly did when Vince told her she was hired. “Mark, this is it. This is the right road for me.” Tears filled her eyes as she stared back at him, one sliding down her cheek. “Thank you for sending all of those recommendations and everything you did.”

Mark grinned at his sister's good fortune his eyes twinkling. “You're welcome, but let's keep that between us, shall we? I wouldn't want the boss knowing I helped sell you down the river if you know what I mean.” He laughed, draping an arm over her shoulder, looking at the check again and whistled. “What the hell is this for? You sure it's real?”

“It's for car shopping. I'm going to be doing a lot of traveling so Mr. McMahon said that's for a car. A CAR, Mark!” She squealed with excitement, leaning against her brother, and snatched the check from him before slipping it in her bra, keeping it nice and safe. “I have a lot to do. I'm giving my two weeks to Richard and I'm keeping my condo here. Seattle is still my home, just not Seattle Grace. Oh my god, this is all happening so fast!” She was out of breath by the time they arrived at Mark's car and slipped inside, buckling up, taking the check out and just staring at it, wondering if this was a dream. “Pinch me. I want to make sure I'm not dreaming.”

He leaned across the seat to pinch her, smirking when she yelped. “I’m happy for you Jaycee. That is one helluva car budget. What's he expecting you to buy? A Cadillac Escalade?” Mark navigated the traffic easily with one hand, the other turning down the radio. “You sure you're going to have time to come home? Isn't that a traveling circus, so to speak?”

“I will make time.” She stated, meaning it. “We travel 250 days out of the year so there is SOME time that we get off. I'll be in Seattle for it.” She reached over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you again Mark, for everything you did.” She couldn't say it enough and smiled before looking straight ahead.

The first stop they made was the bank before Mark had to go back to the hospital. Jaycee decided to join him, going to Richard's office, and thanked him for the opportunity to do her internship there. Richard informed her she could come back anytime and wished her well, letting her know they would be paying her out the last two weeks and she could use her vacation time to get things settled. Jaycee thanked him and then walked out of Seattle Grace Hospital, looking back at it, tears sliding down her cheeks at the memories that ran through her mind. She was going to miss it and hoped the WWF gave her a new peace of mind and a home. With one last glance over her shoulder, Jaycee headed home to make some phone calls before going car shopping.

Chapter 4

“Yes, she's comin'.” Steve said when Dwayne went to ask him.

“Good thing too, you look like shit. Who did it?”

“‘Taker.” Steve's blue eyes narrowed. “Jackass caught me outside the arena last night.”

“You two might be getting a little too personal, don't you think?”

“It ain't my damn fault he thinks he IS the Undertaker.”

~*~*~*~

Tonight was her first night on the job as Jaycee stepped out of her black Jetta, wearing a pair of black dress pants with a lavender colored shirt, her hair pulled up on a high messy bun, a few tendrils of hair hanging down her face that came out of the bun on the way to the arena. That's one of the problems she had with having her hair layered. She took a deep breath, holding her bag over her shoulder and walked inside the huge arena. She immediately blinked at all the chaos as soon as she stepped through, showing her pass to security. It reminded her of the pit in Seattle Grace.

“Come on already, move!” Snapped a brown haired woman from behind. She snorted, rolling her eyes. “Jackie, wait up! Dumb bitch.” She stormed by, disappearing with another woman.

“Have to move quick if you don't want to get plowed.” Dwayne said, appearing behind Jaycee. “I never did introduce myself, Dwayne Johnson. Or Rocky, whichever.”

“Oh hi! Jaycee.” She smiled and shook his hand quickly, glad to see a familiar face and rolled her eyes before going against the wall, staying out of the way for the most part as she tried making her way to her office. “This reminds me of the hospital in the ER.” She called over her shoulder to Dwayne, knowing he was still there before finally making into her office. Why were people running around like chickens with their heads cut off?

“Yeah, it's bad. It settle down a bit when the show starts.” Dwayne said, leaning in the doorway. “Good luck Doc.” He tensed as he looked behind him, turning and moving so his whole body blocked the doorway. “What's up, Deadman?” He waited patiently, watching as ‘Taker disappeared from sight before walking away.

Jaycee didn't notice that exchange as she looked around her office, nodding, seeing she had all of the supplies she would need, smiling to herself. She set her bag down on the floor and took her leather jacket off, hanging it up on the hook that was on the wall, and raked a hand through the top of her head before pulling her cell phone out, texting her brother, letting him know she missed him already.

~*~*~*~

“You seen ‘Taker?”

“Yeah, but I'm not telling you where. Put down the chain, Stoney.”

Steve arched an eyebrow, grinning. “What? This thing, son? It's just for decoration is all. I'm not going to use it on anyone. That'd just be wrong.”

“Why don't I believe that?”

~*~*~*~

“Okay, there won't be any scarring, you're lucky.” Jaycee said, sitting on a stool, currently fixing a deep gash on the side of Jeff Hardy's face, who had rainbow colored hair. She didn't understand it and honestly didn't care as she began stitching his face with a smile. “Trust me, my brother is the top plastic surgeon in the country. Your face is in good hands.” She winked and finished him off before putting a huge bandage over it and sent him on his way, slipping the gloves off.

So far that night, she'd had a dislocated shoulder, several suturing, a broken heel, which she had to send to the hospital for and a broken nose

Echoing throughout the arena was a sudden scream from the fans as the sounds glass shattering permeated the building. Several minutes later, the Undertaker's theme music rumbled, sending yet another scream through the audience. The main event had arrived. Jaycee was about to get another patient most definitely. Question was, which man?

Steve narrowed his eyes, staring across the ring as his on screen and off screen enemy just stood there, an almost indifferent look on the 'Taker's face. Well, he was fixing to change that into one of pain.

After fixing a dislocated shoulder, Jaycee decided it was time to take a break as she cleaned her hands and walked outside of her office, looking around and nodded with a smile. It wasn't that crowded now that the show was nearly over. She walked down the hallway, peaking around corners, trying to find the cafeteria, raising an eyebrow. “Damn...” She cursed and rounded another corner, seeing it was a darker one than the rest, and immediately turned back around hoping she could find her way back to her office. All she wanted was a damn water!

“Who the hell are you?” Demanded a deep voice. A tall, African-American man with strange symbols painted on his chest stepped out before her. He stared down at her, behind him, flanking two more men, both wearing black. One with another strange symbol appearing carved into his forehead. “You can't be here lady. This is the Undertaker's corridor.”

“She's Austin's doctor.” The man with the carved forehead spoke up quietly, his eyes glinting almost feverishly as he stared at her.

“No, I am the new on-road doctor for the World Wrestling Federation and I work for Vince McMahon.” She corrected them, crossing her arms in front of her chest, and raised an eyebrow at their symbols. “Okay, I didn't know this was kindergarten. Those look ridiculous on you.” She commented, shaking her head, seeing three men surrounding her and wondered briefly if they even worked for this company. “Look, I don't know who you are or what you want, but I'm looking for the cafeteria. Can one of you help me out before I die of thirst?” There was no fear in her eyes whatsoever, just pure curiosity and tiredness.

“I'll show her.”

Farooq arched an eyebrow, staring down at Mideon. “No. You won't. We need to be ready for 'Taker's signal.” He grunted, turning his back on the doctor altogether. “Cafeteria is down this way, keep following the red line on the floor.” He said without turning back, guiding the others in the opposite direction.

“Thank you.” Jaycee replied, her eyes narrowed slightly, confusion registering on her face.

‘Taker? Who the Hell was that? She didn't care and walked away from them, raking a hand through her hair, and looked down at the floor where the red line began. Okay so she wasn't that far off. Jaycee sighed with relief when she finally found it and went straight for the water machine, pulling a dollar out of her pocket, and put it in the machine, not able to get those three men out of her mind. Would they really have harmed her?

Gathered around a monitor in the cafeteria was half the roster, all watching the fight between ‘Taker and Stone Cold. “Shit! Did you see that?” One of them yelled. Then cursing followed. “The damn Ministry! Hell, too bad for Steve.”

Steve was gesturing the Ministry on. “C'mon son, fight your own battles.” He snarled at 'Taker.

“This isn't a battle, Austin.” ‘Taker rumbled evilly. “It's genocide.”

What in god's name were they all gawking at around a television monitor? Jaycee briefly wondered what she'd gotten herself into and slowly walked over with her water, her eyes widening in shock by what she saw on the TV, covering her mouth with her hand. “Oh my god! Someone has to help him! He's bleeding!” She shouted out of complete surprise, ignoring the people around her, her eyes focused solely on the screen. Jaycee suddenly remembered the two men that were currently on the TV. One was Steve, her patient from Seattle and the other was that man he got pissed at for visiting him. What was his name? She sighed and her eyes widened when he was cracked in the head with a chair again.

Jeff Hardy, looking much better, turned to glance at her. Seeing her concern he offered a reassuring smile. “Hey, it's okay. They know better then to actually hurt each other seriously.” Well, they knew better but generally these two didn't follow the rules so to speak.

In the ring, 'Taker gestured his Ministry forward, staring down at Austin. He held out his hand, a coarse rope being placed in his palm almost immediately.

“Oh shit...”

Jaycee felt sick to her stomach and actually backed away from the monitor, her eyes widened and couldn't believe this people weren't going out there to stop this. What the Hell was going on? She couldn't take it anymore and ran out of the cafeteria with her water, heading back to her office. What the Hell kind of company was this? She knew there was something about tables, which was why Steve was in Seattle Grace Hospital that night, but cracking other's over the head with steel chairs? What the Hell had she gotten herself into?

Steve snapped too seconds before the noose was placed around his throat. He grabbed the loop and jerked, sending 'Taker flying head over heels. Before anyone could stop him, he started tossing the Ministry morons out of the ring, collapsing against the ropes when they began their retreat. He could feel a gash bleeding just over his eye and groaned, knowing a trip to the doc was in order.

Jaycee was doing anything and everything in her office, cleaning, pacing, and cleaning more...trying to keep her mind off of what she witnessed on the monitor in the cafeteria. Her door hit the wall forcefully, causing her to jump out of her skin and whipped around, seeing Steve standing there with a bloody gash over his right eye, blood slowly gushing from it. “Jesus.” She whispered, rushing over to him as he stumbled into her, already snapping on a pair of gloves and laid him down on her table, shaking her head.

“Hey Doc.” Steve greeted, turning his head to spit out some blood that had seeped into his mouth. “How's your first night going?” He tried to smile at her but then stopped, realizing the blood would have stained his teeth, making it a gruesome gesture. “I was planning on comin' and sayin' hi to you, honey, just not like this.”

“That's alright.” She whispered gently, cleaning the wound over his eye, and sighed heavily as she shook her head. “You actually ENJOY doing this for a living?” She couldn't help but asking, her eyebrows drawn together a bit and threw away her huge cue tip before grabbing a needle and stitches along with her flashlight. “You know the drill.” She said, checking his pupils, and sighed heavily. “You have a concussion.”

Steve already knew that, he'd been working on a concussion for awhile now. Almost every week, ‘Taker gave him a new one. Of course if the Deadman ever grew a set and could face him man to man, things would be different. “I love my job, can't always pick who I work with though.” He watched her prep the needle and groaned. “I hate stitches.”

“I can't believe I took this job. This is barbaric and inhumane. Nobody went out and helped you. They all just stood there with their thumbs up their asses and...” She growled, throwing the needle in the sink and gripped it with her hands, needing a minute to calm down. She finally picked it back up and loaded it with the numbing serum before walking back over, placing her hand on his face. “Hold still.” She ordered, piercing his gash with it, and pulled back before setting it aside and began the stitches. She was seriously considering going back to Seattle Grace, not knowing what she'd agreed too and regretted not asking Mr. McMahon what exactly this job entailed.

Steve frowned, staring up at her incredulously. “Honey, this is wrestling. Most of it is fake, but accidents happen. It's sports entertainment, but it's still a sport.” He loved wrestling and would defend it to his dying day. “I'm still having a hard time believing you didn't know about the WWF...” He would have shaken his head, but he didn't want to get his eyelid stitched together.

“Wrestling? I always thought that was men on the mat with those spandex on doing moves that spin the body or whatever?” She replied in question, beginning to stitch his cut up, still not understanding it. “What exactly is sports-entertainment, Steve, care to enlighten me while I'm closing you up?” She asked, looking down into his blue eyes with her sea green orbs, a small smile on her face. She couldn't leave, not now, not when she just got him back in her life.

“That's wrestling-wrestling. Like Greco-roman wrestling, mat wrestling, high school and college wrestling.” Steve chuckled, not willing to look away from her beautiful face, her gorgeous eyes. “Sports entertainment is a soap opera played out in the ring. We have romance, comedy, action, horror, you name it. We act but the final scene is always in the ring where it's settled physically one way or the other. Most matches are 'walked through', meaning we choreograph the beforehand so they look great but don't damage us too bad.”

“Okay, so getting blasted with steel chairs and getting thrown through tables is for storyline purposes?” Jaycee asked, raising an eyebrow, and actually laughed when Steve nodded. “You're serious aren't you?” It was more of a statement than a question as she continued threading the wound closed, hating to see this man in pain. It hurt her for some reason and she didn't understand why. She didn't understand how people could do this to themselves for entertainment. She was definitely out of her element.

He wasn't about to tell her he didn't usually get the hell knocked out of him with inanimate objects until 'Taker and him started feuding outside the ring as well as inside. “I'm crazy, I admit it honey, but I love my job.” He inhaled softly, beginning to get jittery. “So Doc, how bout a cup of coffee or somethin' after this? You know, to help keep me awake.” He smiled teasingly at her.

She frowned back at him, seeing how jittery he was, and knew he had to calm down as she checked his heart rate. “Steve, look at me. Look at me.” She ordered gently, taking his face in her hands, staring into his deep blue eyes that she couldn't get out of her mind since that night he was her patient back in Seattle. She nodded when the jitters slowly stopped, running her hand up and down his arm, smiling. “That's it, relax.” She murmured quietly, knowing she had to keep him up, but that didn't mean he couldn't relax. The poor man just got his ass handed to him for entertainment. She then started back on his stitches again.

“Sorry, Doc.” He said apologetically. “I just really hate being patched up, no offense. Hospitals and usually doctors just aren't my thing. You're the exception, of course.” He became acutely aware he was still in just his wrestling trunks when she ran her hand down his bare arm and mentally began thinking of every non-sexual thing that he possibly could. Where in the blue hell had THAT come from?

“Believe it or not, I hear that a lot.” Jaycee chuckled back at him softly, rolling a chair over and sat down as she continued working on him, taking her time, not wanting him to leave her yet. “Steve, I know it was you who went to Mr. McMahon about me. Why?” She asked, looking at his wound, her voice full of curiosity, no anger evident.

He chuckled, looking almost like a little boy as he shot Jaycee a sheepish look. “Because I liked you.” He said simply, studying her face curiously. “You did such a good job, you made me feel at ease in a hospital of ALL places. I figured you could do a great job here. I guess what I didn't figure on was you being upset by what we do.”

“It's not that I'm upset, I'm just confused. I'll get used to it.” She replied and patted his arm reassuringly, smiling before finishing up his stitches and took her gloves off, throwing them in the garbage. “My eyes nearly fell out of my head when I got the offer over my answering machine. Though I must admit, I didn't know you were serious when you offered it to me at the hospital before you left.” She turned back around and faced him, a small smirk on her face.

“Of course I was serious, I'm a very serious man, Doc, or didn't you notice?” He said in a stern voice though the mischief twinkling in his eyes gave him away. “Yeah, Vince tends to be very generous when it comes to his employees, providing they do their job well. So honey, how bout that coffee?” He glanced at the clock. “Damn, it got late. Never mind Doc, I'm sure you're tired.”

“Actually, I'd love to go get a cup of coffee with you, but caffeine isn't good for a concussion. How bout we both just have some water or juice?” She suggested, smirking when he groaned at her, raising a slow eyebrow. “Now you can either listen to me or get jittery again, which would cause your heart rate to skyrocket, which would then mean you'd have to go to the hospital. A hospital that I'm not involved with, now is that what you want, Steve? Cause if it is, I'll drive you to the hospital myself and save you a trip.”

Steve sighed melodramatically, shaking his head. “Damn, henpecked by a doctor.” He smirked at her before arching an eyebrow. “I suppose a beer would be out of the question too?” He wasn't surprised at the look she gave him. “Alright doc, lemme get dressed.” He gestured to his bare chest. “And we'll go get a...juice.”

Jaycee giggled at the disdain on Steve's face, amusement shining in her green eyes, and started cleaning up, knowing he was her last patient of the evening. “Go on, I'm not going anywhere.” She turned her back as he walked out the door, laughing softly to herself, and turned the sink on as she washed her hands before drying them off. She turned around when she heard footsteps sound in her office and smiled, thinking it was Steve and opened her mouth to speak, immediately shutting it upon seeing the man who had busted Steve open on the monitor in her presence, clearing her throat. “May I help you?”

Chapter 5

‘Taker technically didn't need her help. His hand was just bruised from how hard he was punching, maybe even a fractured knuckle, but he had wanted to meet the woman Steve Austin had insisted on Vince hiring. “I'd like you to look at my hand.” He said, the words were polite, the tone was something else entirely. His voice low, a deep rumble coming from the center of his chest.

“Okay have a seat.” She replied gently and walked over, snapping on some gloves, the mere presence of this man sending a shiver down her spine. She wasn't sure if it was dread or what, sighing when her cell phone began to vibrate. ‘It'll have to wait.’ She thought and turned around, taking his hand gently in hers and looked at it. She began pressing on it, more importantly the knuckle, and nodded. “It's fractured. The only thing I can recommend is a lot of ice, rest and pain killers. So pick your poison.” She stated, taking the gloves off and threw them in the trash.

“My poison is bourbon, perhaps you'd care to join me?” He offered, standing to his full height, staring down at her intently with piercing green eyes, almost acid green in their color. He didn't expect her to accept his invitation at all. He heard her cell vibrating again and tilted his head to the side, his long black hair swaying with the motion.

“My brother.” She said by way of explanation, seeing his eyes drift down to her pocket, where her cell was before looking back up into her eyes. “Actually, I have other plans tonight. Maybe some other time.” She replied politely, not believing how huge this man was, and swallowed hard in spite of trying not too. No wonder he was a wrestler, he could probably snap her like a twig with ease and that thought scared her more than anything else about him. Still, she squared her shoulders and cleared her throat. “So if there's nothing else you need, I have to get going.”

He merely nodded, stepping out of her way, his large body moving with a feline grace that was just wrong for a man his size.

“Hey Doc, you bout ready-” Steve stopped, halting in the doorway when he seen 'Taker, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits.

“Austin.” 'Taker's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Steve nodded, his fists tightening at his sides, but managed to smile tensely at Jaycee. “I'll walk you to your car.” He said not wanting ‘Taker to know they were going out for a drink.

Jaycee raised an eyebrow at both men, wondering what the hell was going on between them. “I don't get it.” She mumbled under her breath, shaking her head, and growled when her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. “WHAT?” She shouted in the phone, sighing when she heard her brother. “I'm sorry Mark okay? Look I'm in a world right now where people beat the shit out of each other and I have to patch them up and I got a tattooed giant and Steve to deal with right now. Can I PLEASE call you back later? Thanks bye.” She hung up and raked a hand through her hair, picking her bag up, not caring WHO overheard her. She was confused and pissed off all at the same damn time.

Steve fell in step when she walked out into the hallway. “Jaycee, look,” He began, using her first name for the first time. “If he was bothering you...” He trailed off, shaking his head. “That's 'Taker, you might remember him from Seattle. We don't...see eye to eye, to put it mildly.”

“No really? I hadn't noticed.” She replied sarcastically, watching as the tattooed giant named ‘Taker walked in the opposite direction, raking a hand through her hair in frustration. “I thought this was all sports entertainment or whatever?” She questioned as they walked out of the arena toward her car, still not understanding it. She felt terrible for snapping at her brother, but she honestly didn't have a choice. It'd been a LONG night and her mind wasn't exactly on Seattle at the moment. “I know he's the guy from Seattle. He's also the reason why I had to stitch you up again tonight.”

“It is sports entertainment and the majority of it is scripted.” Steve said, nodding his head. “'Taker and me are the exception to the rule. He don't like me and I sure as hell don't like him.” Seeing the confusion on her face, he sighed. “What you see on TV with him is what you get. He IS into all that dark, demonic shit.”

Jaycee actually stopped in her tracks on the way to her car and blinked at him, swallowing hard. “Are you serious?” She blinked again when he nodded and shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself. “Are there...other people like that? Do people get hurt in the back, off camera?” She had to ask, remembering those three men who surrounded her earlier, and suddenly wondered if working for the World Wrestling Federation was such a smart move after all.

“Not usually.” Steve assured her. “His Ministry are about the only nuts who subscribe to what he's preachin', but they normally don't go out of their way to bother anyone. Basically, they're his entourage.” He snorted, looking around the lot. “You're lookin' shaken up honey, how bout I drive you?” He offered softly.

She could only nod and handed her keys over without argument, blinking more, and allowed him to guide her to his truck that had Austin 3:16 painted on it. Her eyes widened in horror when they got closer and a purple T with an X through it was painted on his hood, causing her to stumble back because something about that symbol caused her nerves to heighten even more.

“Um...I know I shouldn't ask, but...what is THAT?”

“THAT is 'Taker's callin' card.” The anger was radiating off of Steve in waves as he surveyed his truck. “That mother fucker...” He hissed. Steve was quite tempted to turn around, go find the Deadman and really kill him for this. “Don't worry about it, Doc. Nothin' that can't be fixed.” He said finally, taking deep calming breaths and opening the passenger door for her.

“Actually, I'm not feeling so well. I think it's the jetlag. Rain check?” She asked and didn't wait for an answer before darting to her car and unlocked it, throwing her bag in the backseat, and got in the driver's side before peeling out of the parking lot. That symbol flashed in her mind as she cleared her head, driving to the hotel, wondering what the hell was going on. “I really got myself into a mess this time.” She mumbled under her breath, needing a hot bubble bath and bed after the night she had.

After a bubble bath, Jaycee felt a little calmer as she poured herself a glass of wine, deciding to call her brother back, and apologized ten times for the way she treated him. She explained what had happened, explained what sports entertainment was, and sighed when Mark demanded she come back to Seattle. “I can't, Mark, not yet.” She stated, sipping some of her wine, and looked out the window wearing a black silk robe with a matching nightgown underneath. “I have to go to bed now. I'll call you later. I love you bye.” She then hung up and downed the rest of her wine before heading to bed, knowing she had to be up early in the morning to go to the next city.

~*~*~*~

Jaycee Sawyer. A doctor from Seattle, a two year residency with Seattle Grace Hospital. Brother Doctor Mark Sloan, a plastic surgeon and ENT. How interesting. 'Taker tossed the file onto his bed, sinking down into a chair, staring out the hotel window. It seemed the Rattlesnake had a little crush on the good doctor. How interesting indeed. He chuckled darkly before exiting his hotel room.

Discovering where she was staying wasn't hard. Procuring a key to her room even less of a challenge. 'Taker stood over the sleeping doctor, just staring down at her. He could see quite well in the dark, his eyes quickly adjusting to the night. A hint of a smirk played on his lips as he gently pulled back the blanket covering her body, taking in the nightgown. “Black...” He murmured. Nostrils flaring slightly, he stepped away, turning to leave. When she woke up, she would find his gift. A black rose on the nightstand beside her.

When Jaycee found that gift the next morning, she knew something definitely wasn't right and checked all of her things to make sure nothing had been taken. A pair of panties. Great. She sighed and shook her head, jumping in the shower before having a quick cup of coffee. She was on a deadline, always meeting them in Seattle, so this was nothing new to her. She grabbed her bag and left the black rose on the nightstand, pretending like it wasn't even there. She had a job to do and she was going to do it come hell or high water.

~*~*~*~

Steve was lounging in his locker room, at the arena early. Knocking back a few pre-show beers and contemplating just how he'd pay back 'Taker for ruining his truck. Not that it was ruined anymore, he'd gotten that fixed as soon as possible. No way in hell he was driving that thing as it was.

“Did you know your doctor has quite an...exotic taste in panties?”

“Get the fuck outta here, boy.”

“Mmm.”

Steve knew he shouldn't have looked, but he did, eyes widening and shouted, “You sumbitch!”

Jaycee sighed when she arrived at the arena a few hours later, seeing Steve waiting for her and knew she'd have to explain herself for the previous night. She didn't mean to bolt, she simply...she got scared. Not to mention that gift she found in her hotel room this morning caused her fear to heighten a little more. She blinked when he held a pair of panties...the same panties that were stolen from her, on his fingertips, immediately growling as she snatched them from him.

“You son of a bitch!” She shouted, shoving him back and walked into her office, slamming the door in his face. “Go away right now Steve!” She ordered when she heard the door open, knowing it was him who broke into her hotel room.

“I am not Steve.” The disdain at the mere thought dripped from his tongue like venom. 'Taker held up his hands when she whirled around to glare at him. “I'm not here to bother you, I'd just like you to have a look at my hand.” He extended his left hand, the one with a broken knuckle, only now it was red and swollen. “Austin decided to smash it with a chair.” He explained, trying to flex his fingers, but couldn't, hissing with pain through his teeth.

“That damn...” She sighed, composing herself and nodded before gesturing to the bedding. “Have a seat.” She sounded almost in disbelief as she snapped some gloves on and turned around, wearing a deep purple tank top with a pair of black dress pants and black shoes. “Try flexing your fingers.” She ordered gently, wincing slightly when he let out a hiss between his teeth, pressing against them and bit her bottom lip when he could barely move them. “It's broken.” She confirmed, shaking her head and taking the gloves from her hands. “You need to go to the hospital and have it x-rayed for further damage. If you don't and the bones heal wrong, they will have to rebreak your hand to set the bones right, which will take a LONG time to heal. The choice is yours though.” She then turned her back on him, not believing Steve would go that far as to break a man's hand.

“Is there anyway you could tape it for me for the night? I'll go to the hospital after the show.” 'Taker said, standing up, standing directly behind her. “I have a few segments tonight that'll be aired live, I can't just leave.” He waited patiently for her to turn back around, almost tempted to lean down and smell her hair, her skin, but refrained. Time for all that later.

She sighed, knowing there was no way she could convince this giant of anything less and nodded. “Sure.” She walked over and snapped on a new pair of gloves before grabbing the tape, swallowing hard as she rolled the stool over and sat down on it, taking his large hand in hers and began wrapping it, focusing all of her attention on what she was doing and not on the man before her. She was pissed at Steve and vowed to get a bolted door in the hotel rooms she stayed at from now on and extra security.

'Taker smiled down at her when she'd finished, the expression very out of place on his otherwise grim face. “Thank you, Doctor Sawyer.” He said, staring into her eyes for a moment. He nodded at her then walked out. As soon as he was out the door and down the hall, the smile turned into pure evil. Breaking his hand had been worth it, oh yes indeed.

Jaycee had to learn how to breathe again as she took the gloves off and threw them away, shaking herself mentally, trying to focus on what was going on around her. He had hypnotic green eyes that pierced her soul and she didn't understand why he had such a strong effect on her. Clearing her throat, Jaycee's next client, Jeff Hardy, stumbled in, causing her to sigh.

“You hit another door again, didn't you?”

“You wouldn't even believe...” Jeff mumbled in his slow, easy drawl, groaning and closed his eyes. “I was walkin' and Terri opened the door to the women's locker room, bam!” He pulled his hand away from his forehead, revealing a beautiful lump. “Got me good, didn't it?”

“Doc, we gotta talk, honey. There's been a misunder-”

Jeff looked at Steve expectantly, fluttering his eyelashes, and asked, “Yes, Stoney?”

“Steve, unlike you, I have a job to do right now so kindly vacate my office so I can finish with my patient. Then you can explain your misunderstanding.” She ordered gruffly, not even turning around to face him, dabbing at Jeff's cut on his forehead and shook her head. This boy was going to wind up with brain damage if he wasn't careful. “No more running into doors, Jeffrey. Now get moving. I have more patients to see.” She ordered, taking her gloves off and threw them away before washing her hands.

Jeff hesitated, his hand on the door knob and looked back at her, chewing his bottom lip thoughtfully. “You gonna be alright, Doctor Sawyer?” He asked quietly. “I mean this has gotta be different as hell from working at a hospital, dealin' with all us nuts, I mean.”

“C'mon Hardy, I need to ask the doctor a question!”

“Your implants can wait Terri!”

Jaycee had a very hard time keeping a straight face and nodded back at him with a smile. “Yeah, I am Jeffrey. Go on now so I can answer the dumb blonde's question.” She smirked when he laughed and held her hand up to Terri. “The swelling WILL go down, Terri, I assure you. They are new, it usually takes around four weeks for them to COMPLETELY heal. So try staying out of the ring, m'kay?” She then guided her out of her office and closed the door, shaking her head.

Chapter 6

When there was a lull, Steve returned, looking contrite. “Look, Jaycee, I don't know where it happened, but there was a misunderstandin' somewhere.” He said before she could start yelling at him. “I don't know WHAT happened last night and I don't wanna know. Hell, I don't even know why YOU'RE pissed with ME.” It bugged the hell out of him that she blew him off for...‘Taker.

“You BROKE into my hotel room last night while I was sleeping and STOLE my panties!! And you wonder WHY I'm pissed at you?!” She sounded incredulous as she shook her head, cleaning the sink and scrubbing it furiously, her eyes lit on fire. “I'm sorry I didn't go out with you last night Steve, but Jesus Christ, this is A LOT to take in and I wasn't necessarily prepared for it. I wasn't prepared to watch your skull get hammered with a chair last night and I wasn't prepared to stitch you up. I hate it when you get hurt, okay? I HATE IT.”

Steve was so shocked at her outburst about hating him getting hurt that he was stunned into momentary silence. “Honey, it's part of the job.” He said gently, moving to reassure her with a pat on the back or something before blinking. “Wait- what the fuck are ya talkin' about woman? Break into your hotel room? Are you shittin' me?”

“You had my panties in your hand when I got here. How could it not be you when you had the evidence?” She demanded in a softer tone, already knowing it was part of the job, but she didn't know that until last night. She had no clue about any of this and it was a little bit too much to handle all at once. “When I woke up this morning, there was a black rose sitting on my nightstand...” She admitted, adverting her gaze to the floor, feeling her cheeks turn a deep crimson red. “I didn't realize you knew what my favorite flower was.”

Steve's bald head flushed dark red, his eyebrows shooting down as his eyes narrowed angrily. “I'd say your welcome, but I'm not the one who left it.” He said tensely. “I only had yer panties because I TOOK them from 'Taker.” He folded his arms over his chest, staring down at her. “So I'm guessin', he was the one in your room.”

Jaycee's eyes widened to the size of potatoes, her mouth going dry and dropped the towel that was in her hand, staring back at him in shock. “Oh god...” She felt like throwing up, feeling dizzy, and walked over to sit on the bedding, putting her head in her hands. “No way, there's NO WAY he could've...he...did you break his hand earlier?” When Steve shook his head, Jaycee groaned and closed her eyes tightly shut, moving her head back and forth in disbelief. “He came in here with a broken hand when I got here and I had to tape it up for him. He said you did it.”

“Hell, I WISH I'd done it.” Steve growled, slamming a fist into the palm of his hand. “I'd of broken his hand, his arm, his neck...” He trailed off, grunting out an apology. “More then likely he had one of his followers do it or did it himself. Sick bastard...I'll handle this, doc. I'll make sure that bastard doesn't bother you anymore, alright honey?”

“Steve, just let it go. You have enough problems with him as it is. I'll just pretend like it never happened. I'm sorry for accusing you for something you didn't do.” She slowly looked up at him and cracked a small smile, patting his hand gently before hopping off the bedding, raking a hand through her hair. “At least I know how slick he is and I won't be falling for anymore of his tricks.” She was trying to convince herself by saying that and hoped he believed her as well. She was a master at hiding her true emotions after all.

“Doc, if you act like it never happened, he'll keep it up.” Steve cautioned. “He's gotta know your off limits or he'll play games with you until you go nuts.” He wondered if working for the WWF wasn't going to do that to her anyway. When he heard his name being shouted, he sighed. “Shit, I got a promo to cut. I'll see you later?”

“Then do what you have to do.” She replied quickly to him, not wanting to be drove crazy, and swallowed hard before going back to her own job, nodding at him silently that she would.

The rest of the night went fairly smooth with just a few broken noses, busted ribs she had to tape up and send to the hospital for x-rays, a busted nose, and two dislocated shoulders. She finally decided a break was in order and instead of going to the cafeteria, she opted for outside, making sure to have the pass around her neck. The crisp night air hit her face as she inhaled it, closing her eyes, and leaned against the building, just needing a few moments of tranquility.

“Where the hell is the damn doctor?” Roared an official some time later. “Find her damn it! 'Taker, can ya hear me? ‘Taker?” A crowd was forming around the Phenom, who lay curled in the fetal position, coughing copious amounts of blood, a crowbar lay a foot away from him. “Shit...‘Taker, come on, man. Who the hell did it?”

“He was arguing with Austin right before it happened.” One of the crew spoke up nervously, wringing his hands.

Jaycee rushed to the scene, having been in her office stitching up Matt Hardy, her eyes widening at what she saw. Okay either this man was SERIOUSLY demented or she knew Steve really did a number on him. “Christ, move!” She ordered, taking her flashlight out, and checked his pupils, shaking her head. “They're glassy and dilated. Call an ambulance STAT!” She shouted, checking for a pulse while they did what she said, and checked his heart beat before his lower abdomen, feeling the rigidness. “Shit...He had abdominal bleeding and possibly some broken ribs.” She stood up when the ambulance was wheeled down the hallway and immediately helped the officials put him on it before going with him to the ambulance. “I'm going with him. He has a broken hand too. He's my patient, ask Larry for help!” She shouted when they argued with her, slamming the doors shut and put a breathing mask over ‘Taker's mouth. “Shhh you need to calm down ‘Taker, you need to slow your heart rate down before you go into shock...”

If he heard her, there was no telling because blood suddenly filled the breathing mask, his eyes rolling into the back of his head. His back arched before he fell limp, head lolling to the side.

Jaycee's eyes widened as she took the mask from his mouth and intebated him, beginning to do CPR. “Push one of eppy!” She shouted at the EMT, nodding at him while the other pushed the breathing bag.

When they arrived at the hospital, Taker was brought into trauma room one and Jaycee instantly pulled a cover on with gloves, going with him, and helped the doctors hook him to monitors. She sighed with relief when his heart beat came back, weak, but it was there before taking him down for a CT and MRI scan. She had full authority from Vince McMahon and any hospital in the country that she was allowed in the surgeries with her patients for any reason, it was part of her contract that she changed.

“Shit, he has internal bleeding in the ribs and abdomen. He's gonna need surgery.” She stated, looking up at Doctor Smith, who was going to assist her with this surgery. “We need to get him to an OR now before he bleeds to death.”

Shane McMahon appeared on-scene, looking frantic. “Sawyer, you can't do the surgery.” He said instantly, hearing her last words. “If something goes wrong, you'd be accountable. Let the doctors here do this.” He had to firmly tug her away. “Just listen to me, please.” He begged. “Let them do it. We need you to go back to the arena and file a report with the police, about 'Taker's injuries. Steve's been arrested, there was a witness who placed him at the scene of the crime. Please.”

“Damn it Shane, he's my patient! I can't leave him!” Jaycee shouted back at him, her doctor instincts kicking in, and sighed heavily when he gave her a stern look, taking her gloves off and throwing them away. “Fine.” She stormed out of the hospital and got in the car that was waiting for her, going back to the arena where the police were waiting for her.

She gave her statement, telling them the extent of ‘Taker's injuries, nodding when they released her to go downtown to the police station. Could Steve really have done this? There was no way ‘Taker could've done that to himself unless he didn't have a care in the world about his own well being? The man needed serious help if he did as she headed back to the hospital, knowing ‘Taker was probably out of surgery by now.

Smith was taking 'Taker's vitals when she came in. “He's doing fine.” He whispered, checking the dressing on the incision from the surgery. “He'll come around in an hour or so if you need to talk to him. Did they get the guy who did this?” He asked softly, handing her the clipboard with 'Taker's info on it.

“Yeah, they did. He's downtown right now for questioning.” Jaycee answered while her eyes scanned his chart and looked back at him, shaking her head sadly. She felt sorry for the man, no matter what he'd done, nobody deserved the beating he took. Steve took it too far this time as she walked over and checked his incision. “Thank you for being cooperative with me, Doctor Smith. It's very much appreciated. I got it from here. Go on and rest. You look exhausted.” She quietly said, guiding him out of the door before closing it and shut the blinds of the window before walking over to sit in the chair beside the bed, her eyebrows drawn together. At least he was extebated and breathing on his own.

“Son of a bitch.” 'Taker groaned, not even bothering to open his eyes. From the way he moved, it was plain that he could tell he was in a hospital room. He tried to sit up and grunted, feeling his stomach. “What happened?” He demanded flatly, green orbs opening and instantly focusing on Jaycee, his face still pale.

“You were brutally attacked with a crowbar at the arena.” She softly replied, standing up, gently pushing him back on the bed. “‘Taker, you can't move. You had to have emergency surgery for internal bleeding the beating caused. You nearly bled to death.” She whispered that last part, staring back into his green eyes, worry evident in her own and checked his vitals and whatnot, making sure the incision wasn't infected before nodding. “You're going to need to take a few weeks off from the ring to heal properly, ‘Taker.” She informed him, knowing he wouldn't like the sound of that, hoping he wouldn't fight her on it.

“Go figure.” He snorted, eyes narrowing angrily. He looked at her curiously. “Why are YOU here?” He asked then, distracting himself obviously from the unpleasant thought of being benched. “I was under the impression you didn't care much for me. Something to do with me supposedly stealing your...” He made a face. “Undergarments.” He snorted again, shaking his head and winced.

“That's not important. I'm not even concerned with that right now. You are my patient and as such, you are my number one priority. I never said I didn't care much for you. I don't know what's going on between you and Steve, but it needs to stop before you two end up killing each other.” She said, not pulling away as she changed his IV bag with ease to keep him hydrated. “I'm a doctor, it's my instincts.” She sighed heavily and stifled a yawn before walking over and sitting back down in the chair, raking a hand through her hair. That's the best she could chalk it up to. He was her patient and she was his doctor, end of story.

He nodded, silent as he considered her words. He remained silent for a long time after, his eyes shut. It almost appeared as if he had fallen back asleep before he looked at her again. “When I'm...shelved,” The word sounded painful in his mouth. “I would like you to be my attending physician, if you could?”

She looked up at him and nodded with a small smile, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Of course, on one condition?” When his eyebrow slowly raised, she smirked and stood up, looking over his chart and looked back at him. “Do you mind if I start calling you by your real name or is it too painful for you to bare?” She honestly wanted to know and placed his chart back in the slot, walking over on the other side of the bed to stare down at him curiously.

“Mark.” He breathed, staring right back up at her. “If it is your wish to call me that...you may.” He said finally, adjusting a pillow behind him. He watched her until his eyelids closed, falling into a deep sleep.

A few days later, Mark was released from the hospital with Jaycee by his side, helping him into the waiting SUV, knowing it'd be big enough for him and she would be driving. Shane was kind enough to have Trish retrieve her things from her hotel room and bring them up to the hospital while Jaycee kept an thorough eye on Mark. She sighed when he grumbled and shook her head, knowing the drive would be long and tedious for him, especially his ribs, so she would try her best not to discomfort him. It was a doctor thing, she knew she had to do this until he was better before starting the ignition and driving off from the hospital.

“I bet you're glad to be out of there.” She commented with a smile, turning on some classic rock on the radio, keeping it low.

“More then.” He grunted, a pair of black sunglasses over his eyes, a wide brimmed hat on his head. He ignored the look on some kid's face as they peered through the window as Jaycee pulled out of the hospital. “I could have had one of my...friends, drive me home.” He said finally, tilting the seat back some so he could rest more comfortably.

“You told me you wanted me to be your attending physician, which means I'm also your physical therapist, unless you want someone else. I won't mind giving your grumpy ass up to someone else, trust me.” She stated with a raised eyebrow, pulling on the highway as Def Leppard played through the stereo, wondering if she was really in the mood for them. “It's up to you Mark.” She shrugged nonchalantly, not afraid of him, especially since she took very good care of him the last few days and nobody bothered him. She had to tell the nurse's to leave him alone before she shoved her foot up their ass once and after that, he was free of sound and bother.

He let out a long suffering sigh, appearing to think it over. “I suppose it's a good thing I have a guest room.” He grumbled finally. His eyes narrowed when his cell phone rang, having his belongings again courtesy of Mideon. “What?” He listened intently to whoever was speaking, growling. “So HANDLE it then.” He snarled, hanging up.

“Okay, that's another thing,” She snatched his cell phone away, pausing, and slipped it in her bag before shaking her finger at him. “No stress. If you want to get better and start kicking ass in that ring again, you need to relax as MUCH as possible. So if I were you, all business calls can wait until after you're healed. Unless of course you want to strain your muscles, your insides, and potentially need surgery again. Be my guest.” She batted her eyelashes at him playfully before moving her eyes back to the road, switching the station to country and grinned when Josh Gracin began playing.

It was a good thing her eyes were on the road because his narrowed dangerously, almost shooting sparks if it were possible. He just grunted, nodded and laid down, closing his eyes.

Chapter 7

“What do you mean she's not here?” Steve demanded when he'd been arraigned and was back to work.

“She's with 'Taker.” Shane said calmly. “She's his attending physician and physical therapist, Steve.” He looked at his employee pointedly.

“You mean to tell me she's alone with that psycho?”

~*~*~*~

Jaycee listened to country and classic rock, switching back and forth during commercials, stopping halfway through to take a break and to let Mark stretch his legs. She walked over to the vending machine, wearing a pair of blue jean Capri’s with a lavender tank top, her black hair pulled back in a messy bun and white tennis shoes on her feet. She got two waters and two bags of chips before going back to the car, handing Mark some bugles before leaning against the car, chomping on her own and staring straight ahead.

“So, how did you come up with the sports entertainment name Undertaker?” She asked, trying to strike up a conversation with him.

“Vince picked it out for me.” He said quietly. “He called me up and asked if he was talking to the Undertaker. I took the name and made it mine.” He finished the chips in no time flat, he was a big man. It'd take a hell of a lot more then that to even take the edge off his hunger. “Why? Does it bother you?”

Jaycee sighed, knowing he was hungry, and when she saw the first exit that saw there was food, she would take it and feed both of them. “No, it doesn't bother me. It's kind of morbid sounding, but it's just a name. I was just curious how you came up with it.” She replied, finishing off her chips and downed half of her water before getting back in the car, turning to face him while she drove. “How are you feeling? Any pain?” She asked, glancing at his stomach, where his hand was currently resting, before looking up into his green eyes.

“Like my stomach was ripped open.” He replied wryly, his upper lip quirking as if he was trying not to smile. He seen where they were heading and reached for a small leather bag between his legs. “My wallet is in there.” He said, answering her curious glance.

“You are just a colorful person.” She retorted with a roll of her eyes as she kept driving down the road, going between eighty and ninety miles an hour, wanting to make up time. She was a speed demon at heart, just like her brother, and put the cruise control on before reaching over to take another swig of her water just as Jason Aldean came on the radio, beginning to move her head back and forth and sing the lyrics.

He was tempted to change the station to something else, maybe classic rock or the blues, but refrained, sipping his water instead to occupy himself. “How did you come to work for the Fed?” He asked finally, already knowing the answer to the question, but his tone of voice suggesting otherwise, wanting her to talk.

“Well you know I was Steve's doctor.” She said point blank, the song ending and changed it to classic rock, smirking when Queensryche started playing. “I guess I put a damn good impression on him, even though I was just doing my job. I got home after a forty-eight hour exhausting shift and checked my messages and Gerry Briscoe left a message on my answering machine, telling me the WWF was interested in hiring me as their new on-road doctor. I admit I had doubts about it because I love Seattle. I fell in love with that city and I miss it. I miss it like crazy.” She sighed wistfully, feeling a tear in her eye, but blinked it back, clearing her throat. “This was my chance though to travel, to get out of the city and explore everything. I couldn't pass it up.”

“Fair enough.” He lay back, pulling the brim of his hat down over his eyes and laced his hands behind his head. Might as well cat nap before they reached his place. He was mentally smirking. “Who's Mark?” He asked suddenly, eyes still closed, remembering a conversation she'd had with someone on the cell phone. “Boyfriend?”

“My brother.” She replied simply and let the music carry her on the road, knowing he was going to sleep for a few hours.

She honestly didn't mind, he was getting on her nerves. Her mind drifted to Seattle and the beauty the city brought forth. She wasn't lying when she said she missed it. She missed her brother, she missed feeling safe. She didn't feel safe in the WWF and most certainly not with Mark. Still, she had a job to do. This man was her patient and she took a vow to save lives and to heal. She couldn't back down now, no way.

~*~*~*~

Steve was in an uproar. He was met with suspicion in the back by a few, though most people seemed not to blame him for what he supposedly did to 'Taker. He grunted, pacing a hole in Shane's make-shift office. “I didn't touch the sumbitch, Shane. I wished I had, but it wasn't me.”

“Tell that to your lawyer, not me. I don't represent you.” Shane replied calmly.

“Where'd he take the Doc?”

Shane shook his head and replied, “I'm not allowed to tell you, you know that.”

~*~*~*~

It was night by the time they arrived in Houston, Texas, where Mark lived. It was a nice town, a little too redneck for her liking, but she'd manage. She smiled and looked over at Mark, who was staring out the window, having stopped and grabbed food a few hours prior at a little restaurant that was in a hick town she couldn't even remember the name of. Mark gave her the directions to his house and nodded, remembering them incase she had to run out to the store or something. Mark was hereby on bed rest for the next two weeks. He would then start his physical therapy on his ribs and hopefully he'd be back in the ring in a month's time.

He breathed a sigh of relief when they pulled through the gates surrounding his property, not sure how much longer he could stand being cooped up in this vehicle with her and her horrible country music. Though she alternated with the classic rock, blessed relief. “I have dogs.” He rumbled when they came to a halt, opening the door and easing himself out, wondering where exactly his pets were. He let out an ear piercing whistle.

“Jesus...” Jaycee groaned as she stuck her finger in her ear, glaring up at him, and watched as three huge mongrels came running at them. She squealed out when the pure black one tackled her, her back hitting the grass with a thud, and grunted a bit as she stayed perfectly still why he sniffed her. She giggled when he started licking her face and scratched him behind his ears before slowly standing up, dusting herself off, and looked up at Mark laughing at the reaction on his face. “What? Did I do something wrong?” She asked amusedly, still petting the dog’s head.

“I'm trying to get past the sight of the dignified doctor squealing.” He said in what could be considered a teasing tone of voice. “Hades, get the hell off of her.” He grabbed the dog by the collar, pulling him away and grunted, a hand moving to his stomach. “Damn, that don't feel so good. Go on, inside.” He ordered the dogs, mouth pressing into a grim line. “Not one of my better ideas.”

“Come on.” Jaycee's worried tone rang through the air as she immediately went to his side, wrapping an arm around his waist, and guided him inside and up the stairs, one step at a time, to his bedroom. When he tried stopping her, Jaycee rolled her eyes. “Oh stop being such a damn baby! God, it's a BEDROOM.” She opened his door and guided him inside, getting him in bed and took his shoes off since he couldn't bend down to do it. After that, she checked his incision and nodded before giving him a pain killer for the pain, knowing this was going to be a long month. At least she was getting paid for it.

He had to stop himself from going for her slender throat when she'd entered his room. It was his space, his privacy. Not to mention, if she took a real damn good look around she was very likely to take off. “Thank you, I'm fine, now mind getting out?” He growled, sighing and running a hand down his face. “Sorry Doctor Sawyer, I'm tired and not used to company.”

She smiled down at him, nodding. “I understand, but since you are on bed rest for the next two weeks, that means I have to come in here to take care of you. Otherwise what's the point in me even being here?” Her voice was low and soothing as she patted his hand gently before gathering her things. “Just relax Mark and try to rest as much as you can. If you need anything, page me.” She noticed the phone on the nightstand and could tell this place was huge so she wouldn't be able to hear him yell for her if she was outside. “I figured it'd be easier for you than shouting and straining your muscles. Good night.” She then walked out, closing the door behind her, and looked around the house for the first time. Wow, this guy truly was on the dark side.

He waited until he could hear her disappearing down the hallway before tossing back his covers, looking down at the incision on his stomach and shook his head. Who was stupid enough to try to take him out? He was tempted to get up and stretch, but didn't. Instead, another thought came to him. Beginning to laugh under his breath, he laid down, arms stretched over his head. A few hours sleep and then he'd be calling that pretty doctor back in here.

Jaycee bolted upright in bed, her black hair wild all around her, wearing a pair of black cotton shorts with a red and black tank top, hearing her pager go off. Her eyes widened when she realized it was Mark and immediately threw the covers off, standing up and stubbed her toe on the nightstand. “FUCK!!” She bellowed, her toe throbbing as she hobbled out the door and went to Mark's room, knocking once before entering, hobbling in, raking a hand through her hair. “What's wrong?” She demanded, trying not to sound pissed off, but her toe was throbbing and she'd barely gotten three hours of sleep.

He blinked, staring at her like she'd done lost her damn mind, his eyes moving down to the foot she was favoring, realization crossing his face. “Didn't realize I was bothering you.” He said calmly. “I would've walked, but you probably would bite my head off.” He was standing up, his shirt was off and his jeans unzipped. “I'm wanting a shower, just have a slight problem...”

“Seriously? You called me in here in the middle of the damn night for a SHOWER?” Jaycee blinked at him and held her hand up at him. “Okay sorry, that was rude. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be unprofessional. Damn it!!” She gritted out as she hobbled over to him, not even smirking at his comments, in too much pain at the moment. “You're not bothering me. This is my job after all.” She took a deep breath and pulled down the rest of his pants, keeping her face and eyes to the floor before stepping back. Her toe was probably fractured since she hit the corner of it. “Is there anything else you need Mark?” She managed to grit out, trying like hell not to show pain, not even favoring it with her hand because they were needed elsewhere.

“I'm nocturnal.” He said apologetically, wondering just what her expression would be if she looked up. He always went commando. Several unprofessional thoughts were going through his mind at the moment and he clasped his hands behind his back to keep from reaching for her hair. This position was just too tempting. “Thank you, Doctor.” He murmured when she backed away, stepping out of the pants. “I promise I won't bother you again for awhile.” Though he was giving serious thought to asking her to help him with the shower, not that he needed it. It was just too much fun putting her in compromising situations.

“No, you bother me for anything, no matter how small of a task. I'm your doctor and...” She groaned and lowered her head, breathing in and out heavily before looking back up at him, smiling grimly. “Don't hesitate to page me, Mark. I mean it because I would've yelled at you had you tried bending after a strenuous surgery such as that.” She looked pointedly at his scar and shook her head, still not believing Steve could be so cruel with his job. “Enjoy your shower and be careful.” She warned before turning and hobbled out of the room, letting out a string of cuss words as soon as the door closed, letting her pain show finally.

He smiled, hearing her cussing outside the door and walked into his bathroom, leaving the door open. He turned on the hot water and stepped under the stream, adjusting it to the perfect temperature. He quickly let down his long hair, tilting his head back and letting the hot water work out the kinks in his shoulders. He groaned, tracing his hand over the stitches.

Jaycee groaned when she checked her toe, seeing it was black and blue, but not fractured. Thank god. That's all she needed was to be injured along with her patient. Sighing, Jaycee decided she wasn't going back to sleep and walked downstairs, or rather hobbled, looking at the pictures and decorations as she went. A bachelor DEFINITELY lived here that was for sure. There was no light in his home, no life. It was dark and dreary, probably the way he liked it. It made Jaycee miss Seattle even more and felt the tears sting her eyes as she went to get a glass of water, blinking them back. She made her decision and now she'd have to cope with it.

When he was finished with his shower and had dried off, he realized his cell was ringing. Mildly curious as to who would be calling, he answered it.

“Got someone who would like to talk to you, boss.” Mideon grunted, sounding like he was struggling with something.

“You sick sumbitch!”

He began roaring with laughter, knowing it was probably killing Steve that his precious doctor was with him alone.

“Yer sick, you’d better not hurt her, you-” Steve was cut off when he was kicked in the ribs again. “Fuck!”

“Sweet dreams.” He hung up, still laughing. 'Taker frowned slightly when his stomach rumbled and looked at the phone still in his hand. Nah, he'd venture down the stairs. It was good to walk a little after a surgery like his, he knew that from experience. It would also help ease the tightness of the damn stitches. He considered getting back into his jeans, but shrugged, just wrapped the black towel more snugly around his waist and stepped out into the hallway.

Chapter 8

“I'm fine Mark. No, I have to stay at one of the wrestler's place while he recovers from surgery. He got attacked by one of the other guys.” She explained, cringing when her brother started yelling on the phone about her being in a dangerous situation. “Mark, he's my patient...I took a damn vow!” She yelled back, finally hanging up on him before tossing her phone on the table, putting her head in her hands.

Tears poured down her face as she covered it with her hands, sniffling silently and jumped when a wet nose collided with her arm. She looked down at the pure black German shepherd husky mix and immediately started petting him, knowing he was trying to comfort her, smiling. She loved animals.

“What's your name?” She asked the dog, raising an eyebrow, wondering if she could guess it. “Hmm...let's see...how about Pain?” The dog snorted, causing her to chuckle. “Okay...it has to be something dark right?”

She shook her head, not believing she was talking to a dog and stood up, grabbing her phone and put it on silent, ignoring her brother's call. Sometimes he didn't know when to stop and crossed a line. She would call him in a few days and get an apology. Jaycee sighed and turned around, ready to go upstairs, only to bump into Mark, letting out an ear piercing scream that sent the dog running for the hills, her eyes widened.

Mark grabbed her by the shoulders, arching an eyebrow. “It's just me, Jaycee.” He said calmly, watching Panic live up to his name and flee. “Damn coward dog.” He muttered, stepping away and hitching the towel back up. “Didn't mean to startle you.” He grunted, stepping around her and heading towards the kitchen. “How's your foot?” He called over his shoulder, shaking his head when he seen Panic crouching under a kitchen chair.

“What are you doing out of bed?” She demanded, after getting her heart rate back to normal, crossing her arms in front of her chest. When he said he was hungry, she rolled her eyes and snorted. “You should've paged me then, Mark. You are to be on STRICT BEDREST for the next two weeks. Do you honestly think walking around is going to help you? I just bumped into you and you're acting like you're not in any pain.” She immediately walked over to him, scowling, ignoring his question about her foot. “Come on right now. Don't fight me on this. I will make you whatever you want, but you need to get your ass back upstairs in bed. You are to get up and use the bathroom and take a shower. That's it. No strenuous activity, no walking around. You're not superman, you don't heal overnight, whether you want to believe it or not.”

“Let's just clarify a few things.” He said suddenly, holding up his hand to stop her from talking even more. “You are obviously not used to being disobeyed, I am not used to obeying. This isn't my first surgery and will most likely not be my last, so I've been around the block. The pain is mildly annoying I'll grant you, but one, I'm not used to calling for help. Two, you appeared tired when I last saw you and I didn't want to wake you, you look like you need to sleep.”

“You just don't understand.” Jaycee sighed heavily as she sat on the counter in front of him, her hands in her lap, crossing her ankles and stared into his green eyes. “Mark, I was a second year resident at Seattle Grace Hospital. I BARELY got five hours of sleep on a forty-eight hour shift. I'm sleep deprived, but I've learned to deal with it. You are my patient, you are my number one priority. You are the only thing that matters to me right now until you are one hundred percent and back on the road and in the ring. I can't help you if you don't want to be helped, so you need to tell me if I'm just wasting my time by being here. But I'm telling you right now, you will NOT find a better doctor than me, unless of course you don't want a doctor. Then I will go back on the road with the WWF and leave you be and let you make your own decisions.” She touched his shoulders, not backing down. “Think about it and let me know.” She then hopped down off of the counter and walked out of the kitchen, knowing she spoke her piece.

He leaned back against the counter, contemplating this. He did not want her going back on the road, not just yet. At the same time, he was having a hard time being treated like an invalid. Clenching his teeth, he snarled at the floor, knowing he'd brought this on himself. He would just have to suck it up. Finally, he pushed away from the counter and headed back upstairs, deciding he would let her rest before telling her his decision. Damn woman.

After getting a few more hours of sleep, Jaycee finally got up around six and decided she was up for the day. She changed into a pair of blue jean shorts with a red tank top and pulled her hair up into a ponytail, deciding to do some cleaning. Mark was still sleeping so she had some time to pass. She sighed and seen how dusty everything was, getting to work, smiling when all three dogs followed her around. She didn't mind it, enjoying their company, laughing when they licked at her legs and gave them each a treat before letting them outside. She wasn't hungry and wouldn't cook until Mark was.

He slept for half of the day, waking in the early afternoon. He glanced down at his stitches and shook his head, swinging his legs out of bed and groaned. Running a hand down his face, 'Taker slowly stood up, heading for the bathroom, his heavy footsteps shaking the ceiling fan on the floor below him. He splashed cold water on his face. He'd slept mostly well until he began having a dream that involved a doctor, his king sized bed and him not being injured. “Damn.” He grunted out roughly.

Jaycee couldn't hear him due to having the radio on in the kitchen, making something to eat and wondered if Mark was up yet. She sighed heavily, knowing she probably shouldn't have been so hard on him earlier. The man wasn't used to it and she had to understand that. ‘I hope he tells me to get the fuck out so he doesn't have to deal with me anymore.’ She thought, wondering what Steve was doing, wondering where that came from all of a sudden.

He had to take a cold shower, and when that failed, resorted to caring for the problem himself. When he'd managed to somehow pull on a pair of loose sweat pants and brushed his hair back, he opened his bedroom door and peered into the hallway, calling out, “Doctor?”

Jaycee walked upstairs just as he stepped out of his room, smiling softly at him, holding a plate with a burger on it. “I hope you like it. I didn't know what else to make you and I knew soup was out of the question.” She smirked as he took the plate from her and cracked her neck, groaning softly. A sheen of sweat was on her arms, legs and forehead as she fanned herself with her hand, not believing how dirty this place was...and she wasn't done yet. “Do you need anything else Mark?” She asked softly, seeing he was fresh out of a shower, and decided not to yell at him for trying to do things on his own. She would have to learn to deal with it.

“No.” He shook his head, staring at her curiously. “Just what are you doing to get so filthy?” He asked, reaching out with his free hand to swipe a long, pale finger down along her cheek. “You need a shower. Feel free to use mine. I know the guest room bathroom only has a..tub.” If it could be called that, it was so small he wouldn't even be able to sit in it without poking his eyes out with his knees. Jaycee, in his shower. What a delicious thought!

“You mean to tell me that this huge house, there's only one bathroom that construes as decent?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow, chuckling when he nodded, and shrugged before peeling her tank top off, clad in a red bra as she walked past him. “Thanks for the offer, Mark. Oh and just letting you know, I dusted and cleaned all of downstairs.” She winked at him before sliding into the bathroom and closed the door, locking it and started the shower, looking around at all the black and white. She had to admit, it enticed her as she started the shower water and undressed fully before stepping in.

He blinked, groaning and set the plate down on his night stand, no longer hungry for food. He crossed the room and placed his hand on the bathroom door, hearing her in there. He dragged his nails along the wood, not surprised that he left light gouges. “Not professional, doc.” He murmured, retreating to sit on his bed, staring moodily at the door.

After a nice hot shower, Jaycee stepped out and dried off with one of the fluffy black towels, wrapping her hair in another, and dressed, her bra looking like it was a workout one. It wasn't lacy or anything. She only wore that when she was alone in her room, needing to feel beautiful every once and awhile. She walked out after drying her hair, hanging both towels up, and seen Mark was laying in bed staring at the ceiling, sighing. “You can get up and walk around. I was too hard on you. I know I'd go nuts if I had to stay in bed all day like that.” She then walked out to get a brush for her hair.

“Oh thank you Lord, you heard my prayers and answered them.” He murmured sarcastically, slinging his feet out of bed and got up. He made his way downstairs, helping himself to a beer. Then hesitated, sniffing it and poured it down the sink. He didn't know how long it'd been in there. He tried the scotch instead, aged beautifully. “Want a drink, Jaycee?” He called out, his booming voice echoing through the house.

“No alcohol.” She said as she walked in, raising an eyebrow at him when he scowled at her. “You honestly want to mix your medication with alcohol, Mark?” She asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest and shrugged, deciding to let him do what he wanted. “You know what? Go ahead, do whatever you want. Just when you want some advice from a doctor, let me know.” She winked at him before turning around and headed outside, needing some fresh air.

He put down the bottle and followed her out, placing a hand on her shoulder and turning her gently so she was facing him. “Maybe what I need is some company.” He said softly. “I'm not used to this Jaycee, I'm sorry.” He raked a hand through his black hair, staring down at her, his green eyes softening. “You can be both can't you? Doctor and maybe friend?”

“You want to be my friend?” She asked and just the sight of his green eyes tore her heart apart, nodding gently. “Sure Mark, I can be your friend and doctor.” She smiled at him, hating to see the look in his green eyes. He looked so lonely, it broke her heart. Steve suddenly vacated her mind as she smirked back at him. “As your doctor, no alcohol, at least until your pills are gone, okay?”

“May I set a condition?” He asked, sinking down onto the reinforced porch swing -he was a large man after all- and gestured for her to join him, scooting over to give her personal space. “When I have that drink, I'd like for you to join me.” Mark looked down at her, attempting a warm smile, but he was so out of practice he wasn't sure if he pulled it off. If anything, he looked boyish.

“You got it, I'm a Tequila girl though.” She replied and laughed at the look on his face, patting his thigh gently before looking out at the beautiful sunset, feeling at peace for some reason. “You're not as bad as people make you out to be, Mark.” She said out of nowhere, swinging with him gently, crossing her ankles as she leaned her head back against his arm since it was around her and the swing. She was enjoying Texas and loved the house, though a little light wouldn't hurt.

“I'd appreciate it if you didn't share that with anyone else.” He said gruffly, though there was a hint of humor in his tone of voice. “I've got a reputation to uphold.” He stood up as the last of the sun faded from the sky, the porch light automatically turning on. “I think it's time to lay down again.” He groaned, feeling the pain of moving around. “You tired?”

“No, surprisingly I'm awake, but you go ahead. I'm going to sit out here for awhile longer and don't worry, your secret is safe with me.” She winked up at him before continuing to rock, giggling when the black dog came up on the swing with her, laying his head in her lap. “Big baby.” She muttered with a smile, petting his head, not noticing Mark hadn't gone in yet as she closed her eyes, enjoying the warm night air that blew through her hair and over her body.

He leaned in the doorway, watching her. He could almost picture her remaining here, a permanent fixture in his house and smiled slightly. “When you're done,” He murmured, his natural accent, a smooth drawl beginning to emerge, something he'd suppressed from using his LOD tone all the time. “Maybe you'd come watch a movie with me?” In his room of course, best TV in the house, not to mention an oh so comfortable bed.

Jaycee smiled up at him and nodded. “I'd like that. I'll be up in a few minutes.” She watched him walk into his house and sighed as she leaned her head back against the swing, closing her eyes. The man was gorgeous and he had the most beautiful eyes she'd ever seen on a male.

Chapter 9

After a few more minutes, Jaycee finally went back inside, locking the sliding glass door after letting all three dogs in and headed upstairs. She changed into a pair of midnight blue cotton shorts with a matching tank top, leaving her hair down, and walked to his bedroom softly knocking on it. She poked her head in and smirked at him, seeing he was looking through his DVD collection. “So what are you in the mood for?” She asked casually.

“I have no idea.” He replied, now in just a pair of black shorts, roasting his ass off even though the air conditioning was going. Frankly, he just needed to be kept chilled, that way he wouldn't offend the good doctor if any of his thoughts took a literal life of their own. “What do you like?” He swept a hand at the collection. “It's been so long since I kicked back and watched a movie I don't even know what to watch.”

Jaycee giggled as he sighed, walking over and started peering at the collection, tapping her chin in thought. “Hmm...how about Die Hard?” She asked him, looking up into his eyes, not believing what a beautiful body this man had. He was chiseled from head to toe, no fat on his body, and Jaycee finally found it hard to breathe as she glanced back at the movies. She was his doctor damn it! She had to be professional and KEEP this professional! “Or maybe an action movie?” She shrugged, not really caring what they watched. “God the last time I sat down to watch a movie was with my brother and that was nearly a year ago...”

“Die Hard is fine.” He said, wondering just where her mind was right now because she was beginning to turn pink. What a lovely shade, too. “You alright?” He asked, taking the movie from her and popping it in. “Don't need to lie down do you?” He gestured to the huge bed, watching the pink go deeper and turned his head to hide a smirk, his black hair falling over his shoulder and hiding said smirk from sight.

“I'm fine.” She replied gently and turned around, mentally berating herself. ‘Damn it Jaycee, pull it together! He's your patient, not a piece of meat!’ She thought and took a deep breath before sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him pop the movie in, seeing the huge TV screen and smiled.

She had to admit, he had a nice set up in his room. Speaking of which, she started looking around, running her hand over the pure dark red oak his bed was made out of and seen just how dark it was. The walls were painted black with a gray ceiling. This guy needed some light in his life as she looked at the gargoyle statue that stood next to his nightstand. Definitely needed some light.

As if to say, no light whatsoever, he picked up a remote from the nightstand pressed a button, the lights going out and settled himself against the headboard, pillows propping him up. He tossed one down to her. “You don't have to sit there uncomfortable, Jaycee. I don't bite, unless I'm asked too, of course.” He drawled teasingly.

She turned around to face him, her stomach tightening slightly, and shook her head. “You're evil.” She commented and crawled into the huge bed, sitting beside him as the movie started. She loved Die Hard and Bruce Willis, one of her favorite action movies of all time. Though Die Hard with a Vengeance was her all-time favorite. That and Armageddon. Though she'd never admit that as she kept her arms crossed in front of her chest, smirking at Bruce Willis's technique and smartass remarks. It always made her laugh.

He was tempted to show her just how evil he could be, but restrained himself. Instead Mark focused on the movie, quickly becoming interested with it. Had it really been that long since he'd done something so simple as to just relax in front of the television? Of course the beautiful company helped quite a bit. He started laughing at one of the comments Willis made, groaning when he felt his stitches pull a little from laughing so hard, knowing that was his body's way of telling him to calm down or suffer.

Jaycee saw him wince and sat up a little, placing her hand on his stomach, gently running her fingertips back and forth and stared into his eyes, the movie no longer a concern. “Do you need another pain killer, Mark?” She asked quietly, causing him to shake his head, and sighed as she nodded before laying back down, leaning a little against him with her arms at her sides.

She hated seeing him in pain and hoped Steve was suffering for what he did to Mark. The thought made her feel sick, but the more she thought about it, the more she felt responsible because she had told him to do whatever he had to do. She would NEVER admit that though and would live with the guilt.

He heard the sigh and sighed himself, moving an arm so he could drape it around her shoulders, keeping the gesture light and friendly. “It's just too easy to get addicted to pain killers in my business, Jaycee.” He explained softly, not looking away from the movie. “To easy to start relying on them for every little ache and pain. That make sense?”

“Yes, I understand.” She quietly replied, patting his hand gently and snuggled further against his warm body, stifling a yawn. She was suddenly growing tired and knew she hadn't slept very well since leaving Seattle. Hell, she hadn't slept well since she decided to become a surgeon. It was a lot harder than she ever thought it would be, almost quitting it, but she pulled through it and now she was a doctor, a healer. “I will try to remember.” She murmured, watching the movie as well, her black hair fanning over her shoulders and down her back.

Mark wasn't the least bit surprised when she fell asleep, pulling the blankets around them and rested his head on top of hers, inhaling the scent of her shampoo and underneath that her own natural scent, groaning softly from the back of his throat. He watched the rest of the movie, though it didn't register, finally falling asleep himself.

Jaycee's eyes slowly fluttered open the following day, not having slept that well in ages, and froze when she felt an arm tighten around her waist. She looked down, seeing the tattoos and swallowed hard, knowing it was Mark. She looked to make sure she had clothes on and sighed with inner relief, she hadn't crossed a line then. She tried extracting his arm from her body and sighed when she failed miserably. She didn’t want to move too much and wake him up. Jaycee sighed and just laid there in the comfortable bed against his warm body, rubbing her eyes, trying to wake up fully. She needed coffee.

His grip tightened a little before relaxing. They had wound up on the bed instead of against the headboard, though he’d kept his arms around her. He buried his face in her neck, murmuring something before tensing, apparently beginning to wake up and realize this wasn't right. “Jaycee?” He yawned, stuttering over her name mid-yawn. “Sorry darlin', didn't mean to smother you.”

“That's okay, Mark. How are you feeling?” She asked softly, feeling him release her, and slowly sat up in bed as she stretched her arms above her head before cracking her back and neck, sighing with relief. Her body felt rejuvenated and for once not sore, causing a smile to cross her face.

“Comfortable.” He said, watching her stretch with hungry eyes, quickly masking it before she could see it. Cold shower. “Nature calls.” He grunted, glad for an excuse to get away from her before he did something she might regret. Like take her down on his bed and make her his completely.

She nodded back at him and slid from the bed, stretching even more before walking out of his room and downstairs, needing coffee. She couldn't believe she'd slept in the same bed as Mark and it felt...right. It felt comfortable. She shook her head. “I'm insane.” She muttered to herself, making the coffee and leaned against the counter before pulling her cell phone out. She'd grabbed it on the way downstairs from her room, seeing her brother blew up her phone by calling over fifty times. She smirked, he could wait a little longer as she put it on the counter.

Mark Sloan was getting pretty pissed off with his sister. He didn't know how many times he had tried calling only to get her voice mail. He had texted, called, left messages. He was about to find out where exactly the hell she was shacked up at and make a visit. “Damn it, Jaycee, answer your phone.” He snapped, worry and anger evident in his tone before he hung up.

Jaycee sighed as she finally decided to call him back, holding the phone from her ear when he started yelling at her, letting him get his anger out before rolling her eyes. “Are you done?” She asked when he stopped, hearing his heavy breathing. “Because I swear to god Mark, if you don't stop screaming at me, I'm going to hang up on you and get a new cell phone number.” She threatened, looking out the window, raking a hand through her hair and yawned. “I'm still with my patient. God you don't listen do you? It's NONE of your fucking business where I am and what I'm doing! Live your own damn life and stay out of mine!” She snapped, sick and tired of being treated like a damn five year old. “You know what? When you decide to treat me with the respect I deserve, I'll talk to you. Until then, bye.” She then hung up and threw her phone on the counter, shaking her head. “Bastard...”

Her brother groaned, knowing he shouldn't have exploded like he had, but he couldn't help it. He hadn’t heard from her and it only made him worry, anxious. Sighing, he put down his phone, groaning when Callie decided to make a smartass comment. “One more word and I'll decide I'm no longer your fuck buddy.”

“Is everythin' alright?” Mark asked from right behind her.

Jaycee sighed heavily and nodded as she turned around, smiling, putting her own personal issues aside. “Yeah fine. Nothing to concern yourself with.” She walked over and seen the coffee was done, pulling two cups out and poured them each one, letting Mark make his the way he liked it since she didn't know and made her own. “Look about last night, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that.” She turned to face him, biting her bottom lip. “I guess I was more tired than I thought...”

He nodded, leaving his coffee alone, he preferred it black unless he was really dead on his feet, then he added enough sugar to kill a bull. “I gathered that, it's alright. I probably should have woke you up, but you seemed so exhausted...” He shrugged, sipping his coffee. “I just left ya alone. Besides, it was nice waking up with a beautiful woman.” He added, smiling slightly into his cup.

Jaycee smiled back at him as she sipped her own coffee and walked over, setting it down on the table, staring back at him. “You were a perfect gentleman and I enjoyed watching a movie with you, Mark. That's the first time I've just sat back and relaxed for a minute instead of going full speed ahead, you know?” She shook her head, knowing she probably wasn't making any sense, since he didn't know the first thing about being a surgeon. “It was nice, thank you.”

“I know exactly what you mean.” He said sincerely. “Maybe not in the way you have it, but I understand. Life is flying and you fight to keep up with it, moving from one thing to the next and never stopping to take a breather until you're forced too.” Mark snorted, draining the coffee, not caring if it burned his throat. “I'm gonna go back upstairs.” He murmured, brushing past her.

Jaycee blinked back at him, seeing his empty coffee cup, and frowned slightly before putting it in the sink along with her own. She wasn't much of a coffee drinker unless she had to wake up for her job, but she wasn't in Seattle anymore. Jaycee sighed, wondering if she said something that upset Mark and decided to let him have his time alone before walking outside, seeing the sun was shining brightly. He had beautiful property as she smiled, deciding a walk was in order today. She walked back inside and up to her room, pulling on a pair of jeans with a green tank top that brought out her eyes. She slipped her white tennis shoes on and walked back downstairs, having her pager incase Mark needed her for anything and started out on her walk of the huge land he owned.

Mark lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He growled. His bed smelled like her. Was there no peace? The phrase no rest for the wicked popped into his skull and he growled again. Finally he got up and walked over to the window, staring outside and frowned when he seen Jaycee walking the property. As long as she stayed out of the garage and barn, he'd be fine. Garage held his motorcycles. Barn held some more of his interesting...artifacts. He did have a wicked side after all.

Jaycee sighed and stopped, her back to the house, wrapping her arms around herself and closed her eyes. She pulled her cell phone and dialed Mark's number, sighing when he didn't answer. “I'm sorry okay?” She started crying, hating to fight with her brother. “I didn't mean to yell at you and I know you were worried about me. You need to stop treating me like a child though, Mark. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself and I don't need you to fight every one of my battles. Just...please call me back. I miss you and I want to know how you're doing and everyone else. Please. I love you.” She then hung up and wiped some tears from her eyes before continuing on her walk, missing Seattle more and more every day.

Mark listened to the message on his voice mail, inhaling and was preparing to return the call, but was paged over the intercom for immediate surgery. Wondering what the hell that was about, he hurried off.

~*~*~*~

“Just put a damn band-aid or somethin' on it and lemme the hell out of here.”

“Steve, this isn't a band-aid sized problem.” Dwayne said reasonably, trying to put gauze on the reopened gash on his friend's head, the same place Jaycee had stitched up, but Steve wasn't holding still. “Just...hold...still!”

Chapter 10

Over the next several weeks, Jaycee got closer to Mark and watched movies, even having that drink with him when she seen his stitches were fully healed. His progression was fascinating and she didn't understand how it was possible. A surgery like that required at LEAST a month of complete relaxation and bed rest before even attempting physical therapy. Yet here they were and it was a few days before they were to go back on the road. Jaycee couldn't deny it that she was intensely attracted to Mark and couldn't understand why every time they watched a movie, she ended up falling asleep in his bed, in his arms. It felt right though and she thoroughly enjoyed it. What was wrong with her?

“Okay, I'm cookin' tonight.” Mark said comfortably, aware she had reserves about the fact that he was healed up, but had told her repeatedly he was a quick healer, telling her about previous injuries to back it up and alleviate her. “What do you want to eat?” He cocked an eyebrow in her direction, wearing a pair of black, tighter then tight jeans and a black button up shirt that he hadn't bothered buttoning up.

“I don't know. Surprise me.” Jaycee replied, wearing a midnight blue sundress that went to her knees and it was a halter top. She looked back at Mark curiously, seeing him in all black.

The man looked outstanding in it, but would it kill him to wear a LITTLE color? Even gray would've suited her just fine, but all black? She sighed to herself as she sat on the counter while he looked through the fridge, her hair half up and half down, neatly done and her feet were bare. It was Texas after all and she was comfortable in her own skin. She still couldn't believe how fast he'd healed and knew she should let it go, but as a doctor, she couldn't.

He nodded, idly scratching the scar left from the incision, frowning somewhat as he glanced down at it. Finally he'd decided on whatever he was going to make and got the ingredients out, feeling in a meatball marinara mood. Something simple yet tasty. “After dinner, I was thinkin' about building a bonfire out back.” He said, glancing at her, his green eyes running up her long legs.

“That would be wonderful.” She replied, her eyes instantly lighting up like stars when he mentioned a bonfire, moving her legs back and forth as she watched him. “I love fire. It's beautiful to watch and it's supposed to be a clear night tonight.” She was a weather fanatic, one thing Mark had learned fast about her, Jaycee knew everything about the weather and was for the most part right. She watched the ingredients he pulled out and smiled, wondering what his cooking was like.

Mark could cook well enough to suit himself, he didn't know what other people would think of it because he never cooked for anyone. He smiled ruefully to himself, Jaycee was domesticating him. “It won't take long.” He promised her, turning around and found himself watching her swing her legs. “Please don't get mad at me for sayin' this, but you have gorgeous legs, Jaycee.”

“Thank you.” She replied softly, feeling her cheeks turn a crimson red, and hopped off of the counter, shaking her head. He'd been making small comments like that to her throughout the weeks she'd stayed with him and sighed gently, knowing it just attracted him more to her, brought her closer. ‘You have gorgeous everything.’ She wanted to say, but refrained, only thinking it not voicing it, knowing she would never be able to talk her way out of that one if it ever slipped.

He smiled when he seen the apples in her cheeks so to speak, busying himself with the food. “Would you mind picking out a wine to go with this?” He asked casually, trying to ease them back onto safe ground, knowing the only way he would reach the prize was by going slowly. He was an impatient man, but reigned himself in. “Probably a red wine would go best...”

Jaycee nodded and walked over to his wine collection, tapping her chin, and picked one out setting it on the counter. “I never took you for a wine drinker.” She commented with a soft smile, walking over and seen what he was doing, giggling when he pushed her away gently. “Fine, I'll go occupy myself with something else.” She smiled when Hades walked up, the pure black dog, immediately petting his head. She would miss them when she left and pushed that thought aside, not wanting to think about leaving right now.

When supper was finished, he quietly set the table. It wasn't anything fancy, just a plain wooden table in the kitchen. He wasn't here much so he never thought about romantic dinners or anything. Now where had that come from? He rolled his eyes, turning the radio that rested on the counter on, his favorite blues station on the presets. “It's done.” He called out, arching an eyebrow when he spotted Hades. “That dog loves you, darlin'. Not that I blame him.”

“He's a good dog, aren't you boy?” She was on her knees in front of him and laughed as he licked her face, shaking her head before standing up, kissing the top of his head. “Stay.” She ordered before walking to the sink, washing her hands and face before sitting down at the table, smelling the delicious aroma coming from it and sighed. “That smells wonderful. What did you make?” She asked curiously, seeing the plates were covered with lids, raising an eyebrow up at him.

He flexed his eyebrows twice, laughing when she laughed at him and removed the lids, revealing the meatball marinara. “Its nothing fancy, just pasta shells, a homemade sauce and meatballs outta a bag.” He admitted, chuckling softly and sitting down opposite her, pouring two wineglasses and handed her one. “I hope its edible.”

“From the aroma alone I'm in love.” She replied with a giggle and played the napkin on her lap, beginning to eat. It was delicious and mouth watering. The last home cooked meal she had was from Mark. Jaycee was so busy with her career that she never even had a man in her life. Granted, she'd had a few potentials, but none of them panned out. She sighed gently and smiled at him as she ate. This was definitely new for her and she knew it was for Mark as well so she was trying to make this as easily as possible. “So what are you going to do when you go back on the road?”

“See what lines are going on and where the best place for me to jump back in is.” He said after a minute. He hadn't been paying that much attention to what was going on in the Fed lately, even though for the past week he had been getting packages and phone calls with updates every day from WWF officials and his Ministry. He smiled at her, busying himself with his food. He already knew what he would probably wind up doing.

Jaycee wasn't that hungry as the thought of Steve popped in her mind. She would be lying if she said she didn't miss him because she did. She missed the bald headed blue eyed man who got her the job with the World Wrestling Federation in the first place. ‘We need to talk.’ She thought, knowing she would be back in a few days and they could then. She finished her meal silently, sipping her wine throughout, trying not to think about leaving this peaceful place in Houston, Texas. She stood up when she saw Mark was done and waved him off when he tried stopping her. “You cooked, I'll clean up. You can go start that bonfire you were talking about.” She winked at him with a smile, needing a few minutes alone to regain her composure.

He nodded, reaching out to squeeze her hand gently before disappearing out the back door, taking Hades with him and whistling for the other two to join him. It didn't take long to gather the wood needed and getting the fire going wasn't hard to do either, the wood was dry thanks to the Texas heat. It got hot enough where he shed the shirt, flexing his arms as he peeled the sweaty fabric away from them.

Jaycee did the dishes slowly before finally finishing up, wishing she could ask Mark what she really wanted too. Would he hurt Steve after what happened? Granted, it was none of her business, but that still didn't help the question that burned on her tongue. She pushed it away firmly in her mind before going upstairs, changing into a pair of black pajama pants with a wine colored tank top that was halter. She let her hair down and brushed it before heading outside, seeing the stars beginning to peek out one by one, the moon slowly taking over the sun. She walked out there, barefoot, and seen the bonfire was going nice and strong as she went to join Mark, smiling.

He grinned at her, having spread out an old throw blanket on the ground so they could sit back and enjoy the flames. He patted the space besides him, arching an eyebrow when he seen her bite her lip. “What's the matter, darlin'?” He asked, the term of endearment rolling off his tongue, something he had gotten into the habit of calling her over the past month.

“Nothing.” She shook herself mentally and walked over, sinking down against him, feeling his arm wrap around her and leaned against him.

It was moments like this where Jaycee knew she was falling for Mark and it broke her heart because she knew he didn't feel the same way. He was a complicated man and knew how to show his emotions. Then again, she was the same way. She was a master at controlling and hiding what she was really feeling. Her sea green eyes stared into the flames as they danced, rising up to the sky. She inhaled the scent and sighed gently, loving it.

Mark would occasionally toss another chunk of wood onto the fire, keeping it blazing, loving the sight of the dancing flames and the warmth. He began idly tracing patterns on the small of Jaycee's back, frowning when she shivered. “Cold?” He asked, not really thinking so but drawing her closer anyway, his bare skin hot to the touch thanks to the fire.

“No...” She carefully responded and slowly looked up into his emerald green eyes, seeing the firelight glistening off of them and felt her breath catch in her throat.

They always took her breath away, but tonight was different. Something was different about them and she couldn't put her finger on it. She slowly reached up and cupped his face with her hand, searching his eyes for something she didn't know. She didn't know what she wanted to see in them, if anything. Any kind of emotion, any kind of reaction. Her eyes fell from his to his lips, running her thumb over his bottom lip and felt her heart rate quicken even more at how soft it was against her touch.

Which at that point, emotion did flicker in his eyes. Several, all conflicting until lust dominated. He caught her thumb gently between his lips, drawing it into mouth and grazed his teeth over the pad of her thumb. Mark took her hand from his face then and moved it to his bare chest, inclining his head to gently press his lips against hers.

All rational thought flew out of her mind as Jaycee kissed him back softly, her hand pressing against his bare chest, right over his heart, which was pounding against her palm. Her lips were soft and glided over them smoothly, pressing her hand further against his chest as her nails dug gently into his skin. She knew she should pull away and run back in that house, that this was crossing lines, but she couldn't help it. Jaycee couldn't pull away from his hypnotic lips that were currently putting a spell on her.

After several seconds, Mark tested the waters by coaxing her lips open, massaging her tongue with his. He groaned softly, feeling her nails in his flesh and wrapped his massive arms around her, gently pulling Jaycee into his lap. He didn't hold on too tightly, giving her the option of refusing him if she wanted too, though the way he kissed her left her with no doubt of what he wanted.

Jaycee moaned softly when his tongue touched hers, feeling a spark ignite inside of her and it quickly exploded into a forest fire that rushed throughout her body. She ran her hands up his chest to wrap around his neck, pressing herself against him as she deepened the kiss. Jaycee wanted him, there was no doubt in her mind, and she would deal with the consequences later on. Right now though, it was just Mark and her in front of a bonfire on a starry night and his lips were currently making her body go into a frenzy.

Chapter 11

Mark laid back slowly on the blanket, pulling her with him so she was sprawled on top of him. He ran his hands down her back, cupping her ass and pulling her tight against him, rocking his hips against hers so she would know what she was doing to him. “I want you.” He all but hissed, pulling his lips from hers with great difficulty, his stormy green eyes meeting hers.

Jaycee was breathing heavily as she ran her fingertips over his red lips, her slightly swollen, and nodded no hesitation in her eyes or voice. “I want you too Mark.” She murmured in reply and kissed him back, running her fingers up to his hair, gripping it between them, the kiss growing hotter and more demanding. She slowly pulled back and took her tank top off, wearing a lacy black bra underneath before running her small, soft hands up and down his bare, muscular chest, moaning softly at just the feel of him. She wasn't thinking right now, just going on pure instinct.

He growled hungrily, grabbing hold of her by the waist and rolling so he was laying on top of her, nudging her legs apart gently so he could lie in between them. Mark trailed his kisses down her chin, to her throat, nipping her shoulder blade as his hands skimmed her curvaceous sides. “You're beautiful.” He murmured against her warm skin.

“Mmm Mark...” She moaned out softly, her fingers never leaving his black tresses, her chest rising and falling rapidly as he traveled further, leaving a trail of fire with his kisses as he made a path down her neck to her chest. She felt him reach behind and unsnap her bra, pulling it off of her, leaving her bare breasts in his view as she licked her dry lips up at him. She was hungry for him and could see he felt the exact same way for her, which made her body flush with desire for him.

The firelight danced in his green eyes as they swept her body. He pulled himself into a kneeling position, his hands moving to the waistband of her pajama bottoms. He deftly pulled them off of her, tossing them aside before leaning back to peruse her body, a low rumble of approval coming from deep within his chest. “Beautiful.” He whispered again, bending down to draw a nipple into his mouth, his black hair falling on either side of his face.

The heat from the fire and his mouth was almost too much for Jaycee to take as she closed her eyes, arching her body into him, her nipples instantly becoming erect from the amount of passion that was coursing through her body for him at that moment. She moaned softly reaching down between them and unsnapped the button of his jeans, slowly pushing them down with her feet, running her hands up his sides to his arms, and back into his hair. Everything about this man entranced her and Jaycee never wanted it to end, she wanted this moment frozen in time.

Her removing his jeans only increased his temperature, his blood had officially reached the boiling point. His grazed his fingers down her smooth, lean stomach, lightly brushing them against her core, sighing with pleasure at how wet she was. He slid one long finger into her, groaning at the heat and knew if he didn't have her soon he would quite literally explode.

Jaycee cried out softly when she felt his finger slide inside of her, becoming wetter for him then and there, her breathing becoming ragged instantly. “Mark...” She breathed out, staring up into his now deep forest green eyes, cupping the back of his neck with her hand, pressing her forehead against his. “Please...end it...end the burning...” She pleaded with him, kissing him passionately, swiping her tongue over his sweet lips, arching her hips when he slid his finger out before sliding it back in, this time adding a second one. “Oh Christ!”

“I'll end the burnin', darlin'.” He promised, his lips caressing hers. He reluctantly withdrew his fingers and brought them to his mouth, slowly licking them clean, his eyes never leaving hers. “Mmm...” He moaned huskily, nostrils flaring as he took in her delicious, musky scent. He positioned himself between her open thighs, the head of his cock brushing against her. “This is it, Jaycee.” He said, gritting his teeth, giving her one last chance to turn back.

“Please...oh god please...” She cried out, the sheer intensity of the anticipation almost enough to drive her over the edge alone. She felt his tip brush against her and moaned out, arching her hips against him, letting him know she wanted this. She wanted him. “Mark, I need you...” She locked eyes with him, her sea green eyes now a deep emerald that glittered in the firelight back at him, two different shades of green clashing together. She ran her hands down his chest since he was right on top of her, her heart beating a furious tattoo in her chest and she knew he could feel it and hear it.

He could feel and hear it, bending down to kiss her right over her heart. “Mine.” He rumbled in a deep voice before sliding into her warm, inviting wetness. His eyes rolled into the back of his head, letting out a sound halfway between a moan and a snarl at how incredible she felt. His head snapped forward at the same time he began rocking his hips, capturing her lips in his, kissing her with frightening intensity.

Jaycee was in heaven as she felt his large body press against her, closing her eyes and ran her hand up his back with her nails, digging them in his hair as she tilted her head to the side, his lips lighting her neck on fire as she cried out his name repeatedly. She planted her feet on the blanket, bending her knees as he drove deeper inside of her, nodding as she arched her body against him. “Oh yes Mark, harder please!!” She was practically begging, needing him to pound her into complete oblivion, the feeling inside of her overwhelming all of her senses and train of thought. It was him and only him, nobody else mattered at the moment.

His incredible self-restraint was rapidly fading as she urged him to take her. He let go of the control and slammed his hips against hers, driving him deeper and harder into her, wrapping one arm around her back to pull her against him. He latched onto the flesh between her throat and shoulder, kissing and sucking, biting. His free hand ravaged her delectable body as he worked them even closer to the edge, his own breaths coming in ragged pants.

“Yes...oh yes right there, Mark...” She moaned out louder, her voice crying out to the night, knowing they were in the middle of nowhere and nobody would hear them, at least she hoped. Jaycee could feel her release building as he hit her sweet spot repeatedly, her body creeping closer and closer to the edge with every thrust he produced in her body. She pulled his head up to meet her eyes before kissing him, their tongues dueling powerfully as his thrusts came fast, hard and deeper, not believing he could go any deeper, finally wrapping her legs around his waist as he completely took her.

No force in heaven or hell, nor anywhere in between could have stopped him. He was a man possessed with only one thought and that was to make her his in every way. His entire began to tremble as he struggled not to cum just yet, wanting to feel her fall apart on him first. “Cum for me, Jaycee.” He demanded through gritted teeth, a bead of sweat trailing down the side of his face. “Cum for me, darlin'.”

She wanted too, she wanted too so bad she could practically taste it. The combination of the fire, his strength and power, and the fact that he was pounding into her at rapid speed caused Jaycee to completely surrender to him. She shrieked out his name as she shattered, her walls expanding before wrapping his hardened shaft in a warm, wet cocoon, arching her body to the point where the top of her head was pressed against the blanket, nearly doing a bridge, digging her nails in his forearms as her entire body shuttered by how intense the orgasm was that ripped through her.

Feeling her body's intense, mind blowing reaction was enough to push him over that delicate edge. “Jaycee...” He moaned, his entire body going rigid for just a moment, copious amounts of cum splashing against her inner walls as he came, snapping his hips, drawing out the pleasure. “Jaycee.” He whispered raggedly, his head resting against her chest as his body spasmed almost against his will.

When he released, that triggered a second orgasm to tear through her, causing Jaycee to tense as she cried out his name again, not having the strength to scream before collapsing back on the blanket, feeling his head rest against her rapidly rising and falling chest. Sweat coated their bodies as she blinked, trying to slow her heart rate and pulse down, but it wasn't working. That was the most intense sexual experience she'd ever had in her life and Jaycee hoped she would live through it because right now she could barely breathe. She stared up at the stars, knowing if she didn't focus on it so much, her breathing would calm down along with her heart rate and pulse.

It took what was left of his remaining strength to roll off of her, struggling to not collapse on top of her. Mark laid beside her on the blanket, not minding the light breeze that fanned his raging body. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, steadying his heart rate almost immediately before rolling onto his side and staring at her, reaching out to trace the curve of her breast.

Jaycee felt his finger and simply smiled as she stared up at the sky, not believing what just happened, though in all honesty she wasn't surprised. It was bound to happen eventually, especially with all the sweet things he said to her. She knew she'd crossed a line between being a doctor and Mark being her patient, but honestly, she didn't care. This wasn't Seattle Grace Hospital, this was Houston, Texas and she wasn't a doctor at the moment. She was Jaycee Sawyer with a man who had wanted her and she'd surrendered. That was the whole picture.

He just lay there watching her, gradually beginning to feel colder as the fire burned down and the wind picked up. “Come on, darlin'.” He murmured, getting to his feet and bending down to scoop her up, cradling her against his chest. He carried her inside and up to his bedroom, obviously she didn't need hers any longer. He lay her down on the bed, kissing her forehead.

She smiled back at him, her black hair tousled all over the place and laid back against the pillow, not minding being naked either in his bed, in his presence. He made her feel beautiful and wanted as he joined her, immediately resting her head on his chest, running her finger up and down the length of his scar on his stomach, closing her eyes. She wouldn't think about it, not right now. This moment wouldn't last forever and she wanted to savor it. “Thank you.” She whispered out finally, sighing as he ran his fingers through her black hair, closing her eyes. He was so soothing and she loved the sound of his heartbeat against her ear.

“You're very welcome.” He rumbled, laughing softly and wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes and smiling. “That was the best bonfire I've ever had, darlin'.” He said, chuckling when she snorted. “You're the best I ever had.” He whispered, brushing her hair out of her face so he could see her eyes.

“I can say the same for you, Mark.” She replied softly, slowly looking up at him and kissed his lips softly, staring into his eyes with a smile on her face. “And I agree about the bonfire too.” She giggled before snuggling against his chest again, wrapping her arm around his stomach, letting out a contented sigh, feeling completely safe and wanted in this man's arms and that's all that mattered to her.

He pulled the heavy down blanket over them, snuggling her against him, not minding her weight on him. If anything it was oddly comforting, it made him feel human. However strange that might be. “Get some sleep darlin'.” He whispered. “We're about to have some busy days ahead of us, you'll need all the rest you can get.” He kissed the top of her head, sighing quietly.

“Good night Mark.” She murmured softly, slowly closing her eyes, the session they'd had together completely wearing her out.

She knew he was right and what he meant by that statement, knowing Hell awaited them when they arrived back in the WWF. She wasn't with him, it's not like they were a couple or anything, right? Jaycee honestly didn't know and shrugged to herself, deciding she'd let Mark make that decision. If he wanted it to just be sex, then that's what it would be. She had a feeling that's all he wanted from her anyway and even though it broke her heart and bothered her more than words could say, she would never admit it as the sleep finally consumed her body.

Chapter 12

Steve was laughing, sharing a beer with Dwayne when he heard Jeff Hardy's irritating voice informing them ‘Taker was back, with Jaycee. “What do you mean with?” He demanded, clenching the beer in his fist.

“As in he was holding her hand when they walked in.” Jeff licked his lips nervously. “Excuse me, Steve.” He bolted, not liking the fire that erupted in Steve’s eyes.

Jaycee smiled as she walked hand in hand with Mark down the hallway of the arena, wearing a pair of blue jeans with a black and purple tank top, allowing him to walk her to her office. “Go kick some ass.” She stated, staring up into his eyes before walking inside, needing to get some serious work done after being gone for a whole month. She set her bag down on the floor where she normally did before going to wash her hands, needing to get the place cleaned up for her patients.

He smirked, watching her go and then continued on his way, in his normal all black, black shades and bandana, hair pulled back. “Hello boys.” He greeted, seeing his Ministry and chuckled, listening as they filled him in on everything that had happened during his absence.

Country music sounded through her office as Jaycee worked on Jeff, who did his famous rendition of getting nailed in the head with a ladder, courtesy of Bubba Ray Dudley. She sighed and cleaned his wound before stitching him up, sending him on his way. She wasn't answering any personal questions to anyone, no matter what. What happened between her and Mark would stay that way as far as she was concerned. She turned around after fixing a broken nose on Tazz before washing her hands, not believing how many injuries were piling into her.

“Get your ass in there, Stoney.” Dwayne snapped, shoving Steve through the office door. “Hey Doc. Steve,” He pointed to the man's forehead. “Head needs checked to make sure it's healing alright.”

“I’m gonna whoop your ass, son.” Steve growled, finally looking at Jaycee, his blue eyes almost pure ice except for just a hint of sadness hidden deep within their depths.

“Have a seat.” She replied evenly, staring back at him for a split second before turning back around, snapping a pair of gloves on and walked over to him, checking out the wound. It looked like it'd been badly stitched up and possibly infected. She sighed and began her work on him silently, wanting to be done with him as quickly as possible so she didn't have to look into those cold blue eyes of his that nearly ended Mark's career.

“Why'd you-” He stopped himself, clearing his throat. “Never mind.”

“Hey Rocky.” Mick Foley walked in, spotting his two friends and the doctor, looking confused before grinning. “Has he-”

“Not yet, he's working up to it apparently.”

“I can hear ya both, fuckers.”

“If this is about me staying with Mark, the answer is because he was my patient and asked me to be his personal doctor throughout his recovery that you caused him to have in the first place.” She replied icily, stitching him up quickly before walking away from him, throwing the gloves away with her back to him. “Put ice on it and pain killers, you know the drill.” She dried her hands off before throwing the towels away, not able to even look at him right now. He made her sick and reminded her of all the pain Mark went through in the past month because of him.

“I didn't lay a damn finger on him, Jaycee.” Steve said angrily, standing up. he would have turned her around to look at him, but Dwayne and Mick grabbed him by the arms. “I wished I had but it wasn't me, honey. Best be askin' him who the hell really messed him up.”

“Calm down Steve.” Dwayne ordered once they were in the hallway. He groaned when he got clocked.

“Me and 'Taker are gonna have a chat.” He said, storming off.

She shook her head, raking a hand through her black hair and sighed heavily as she hit the counter in frustration. Why couldn't she believe him? She'd slept with Mark, granted, but she'd also heard other witnesses say it was Steve who injured Mark, who beat him within an inch of his life with that crowbar. She groaned, feeling a headache coming on, and knew they would have to deal with this sooner or later. She sighed when Trish came in with Test, stitching up his head from a wicked chair shot he'd taken during his match. They just kept rolling in.

‘Taker wasn't too surprised when Steve found him, cornering him in the bathrooms of all places. “Can I help you?” He asked, zipping up his fly and walking over to the sink to wash his hands, staring at Steve through the mirror, his green eyes cold and cruel.

“I don't know what game yer playin, Deadman, but you best not hurt her.”

‘Taker just grinned, looking evil.

Jaycee sighed heavily as she finally got to take a break, putting a sign on her door and closed it, laying down on the bedding and closed her eyes. She'd been through the wringer tonight, hearing different stories about what happened that night, everybody asking her how Houston was. She'd simply told them she was there to do a job, nothing more, nothing less. It was none of their damn business what happened! She growled when she heard her door open and close.

“I am on a break, come back when the sign is down or go to Larry.” She ordered gruffly, not wanting to see anyone right now, her arm over her eyes.

“It's just me darlin', do I really need to go see Larry?” Mark asked, his smooth drawl playful. He frowned when he seen the look on her face and crossed over to take her in his arms. “Jaycee, what's wrong darlin'?” He asked, concern in his tone. “Did somethin' happen?” He gently tilted her head up to look into her eyes.

“No, nothing. I just have a small headache is all.” She lied smoothly, staring back into his green eyes, suddenly pulling away from him as Steve's words rang through her mind, her back to Mark. Who the Hell was she supposed to trust? “You're not the sick and demented type that would actually...hit yourself repeatedly with a crowbar would you?” She felt sick asking him this and slammed her hands down on the counter, closing her eyes tightly shut. “Mark please tell me...tell me Steve did it. Tell me he's the reason why I stayed with you in the hospital and in Houston.” She was pleading with him now, her head lowered, shaking a little from all the stories she'd heard from different Superstars during the night they were apart.

He looked both shocked that she would ask him that and revolted. “Hell no, I wouldn't beat myself with a crowbar.” He asserted sternly, making her look at him again. “Even I'm not that sick, Jaycee. I admit I do have issues, but self mutilation is not one of them. And I don't know who attacked me. Austin and I were arguing and I turned my back on, next thing I knew I was coughing blood and writhing in pain. He probably did do it.”

“So you don't know if he did it?” She questioned, staring back into his emerald green eyes, sighing heavily. Now that she thought about it, she never did ask him and felt stupid. “I'm sorry Mark.” She whispered and leaned up on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly to her, sighing heavily. “People are saying it was him and then others are saying it wasn't...” She pulled back, shaking her head. “The only thing that matters is your better and you're back. That's all I care about.” She meant what she said too and couldn't believe what an idiot she'd been to ask him a question like that. It made her feel sicker.

“It's okay darlin'.” He murmured, wrapping his arms around her. “You can ask me anythin' you want, whenever you want.” He kissed the top of her head. “I don't know if he did it or not, but the evidence all says he did.” He said quietly. “But I'm not gonna fight with him anymore darlin', it just ain't worth it anymore. I don't think it ever was.”

“You're not?” Jaycee asked, blinking in shock, not believing what she just heard. The last time she'd tried mentioning him giving up the feud with Steve, he'd very nearly taken her head off. Her eyes lit up like stars as she kissed his lips softly and hugged him tightly around the neck, glad he was being the first one to step up and stop this. “Thank god.” She whispered against his ear, a smile on her face, everything else flying out the window at the moment.

Chuckling, he kiss her brow before stepping back. “I've got to go, darlin'.” He murmured, tracing the curve of her jaw with his thumb. “I have a promo to cut.” They were drawing out his return to the ring, using little promos to tease the audience and boost ratings for the upcoming pay-per-view. “I'll meet you after the show?” His piercing green eyes locked with hers, a faint smile on his lips, amused at how easy it was to please her.

“Of course.” She replied gently, leaning into his touch, and sighed as he walked out of her office before plopping down on her bedding, not able to wipe the smile from her face. What was it about Mark that made her insides quake and melt all at once? Her thoughts drifted to the night in front of the bonfire back in Houston, under the stars. He'd taken her to heights no man ever had and not to mention the man's body took her breath away. ‘I have to stop this.’ She thought and stood up, taking her sign from the door and opened it before getting back to work.

He smirked as he walked down the hallway, his Acolytes flanking his steps, green eyes taking in everything going on around him. He could literally see the question in everyone's minds. Did Stone Cold really attack him or was this just another one of his sick mind games? Oh, this was simply too delicious. He didn't even have to do anything to get anyone on edge, just sit back and let their own minds do it for them.

The remainder of the night went smoothly for Jaycee as she patched up her final patient, Chris Jericho, having had to pop his bad knee back into place. He'd done the Lionsault off the ropes and landed on it wrong in the ring. She sighed and shook her head, taking her gloves off and began cleaning up her office, knowing Mark would be waiting for her. She smiled at the thought and finished up, grabbing her bag and walked out, locking her door.

It wasn't Mark waiting for her though, it was Steve. He was leaning against the hallway wall, his duffel bag in his hands in front of him. “Can we talk?” He asked quietly, obviously much more calmer then he had been earlier in the night. He'd had plenty of time to calm down, thanks to Mick and Rocky sitting on him until he'd stopped ranting and raving.

Jaycee sighed, knowing she probably shouldn't be doing this, but felt her herself nodding. “Sure, walk me outside while we talk.” She said, carrying her bag over her shoulder while they walked down the hallway. She knew Mark was going to be peeved when he found out she was talking to him, but didn't show owe Steve at least a moment to say his part of the story? She still hadn't heard it and was still fond of him. “What happened that night, Steve?” She asked, not looking at him, though she couldn't stop the question from coming out even if she wanted too.

Steve ran his free hand over his bald head, shaking it and sighed. “‘Taker and I were in the back, arguing.” He said slowly, eyes crinkling as he frowned. “I was so damn pissed off I just walked away. Next thing I know, I'm bein' arrested for bustin' his ass.” He snorted at that. If he'd been the one to do that damage, 'Taker wouldn't have recovered as quick as he did.

“Then who would attack him if you didn't?” Jaycee wondered aloud, furrowing her eyebrows, not understanding what was going on. “Steve, he was nearly beaten to death. He had to have emergency surgery for severe abdominal bleeding and internal bleeding. Not to mention one of his kidneys was ruptured and had to be taken out.” She explained, wondering why she was because it was none of his business. “If it wasn't you, then why would they arrest you and why were their witnesses saying it was you?”

“Because honey, for one, I was the last person seen with him. Two, everyone knows how much we hate each other, it wouldn't be the first time we'd gone out of our way to ambush the other.” He explained patiently. “They're putting two and two together and coming out with five.”

It made sense and Jaycee didn't want to admit it, but she had no choice. “Okay, say it wasn't you. Who else hates Mark almost as much as you?” She asked, trying to figure this out, brainstorming, ignoring the disdainful look he shot her when she used Mark's real name instead of his wrestling one. “If you didn't do it, then you should be fighting harder to clear your name.”

“Who else hates 'Taker? Let me see, almost everyone.” Steve grunted. “I told you before, he really does subscribe to that dark side shit. But clearin' my name ain't that easy honey, I've been tryin' ever since I was arraigned, I'm the one who gains the most if he's taken out. See my problem here? Hell, knowin' him, he probably did it his damn self.”

“I asked him that and I looked him dead in the eye. He even admitted he has issues, but he would never self mutilate himself.” Jaycee stated, defending Mark to a point, though she was still wondering how he'd healed so fast. ‘That's just how his body is.’ She thought, convincing herself again, and stopped when they arrived outside, turning to stare up into Steve's blue eyes. “You didn't do it, right?” When he nodded, she sighed and lowered her head, closing her eyes. “I believe you, Steve. I just wish we knew who did.”

“Don't we all?” Mark drawled, leaning against her car. “I said I'd meet you, darlin', didn't realize you'd be bringing company.” He stared coldly at Austin. “Question of the moment isn't it? Who tried to take out the Deadman?”

Steve smiled grimly. “If it were me, 'Taker, you'd know it because you wouldn't be standin' there flappin' yer gums.”

“Okay enough both of you.” Jaycee hated this and felt the turmoil burn within her as she stared back into Steve's blue eyes before turning to Mark's, sighing heavily. “Mark said he didn't want to fight with you anymore, Steve. He said it's not worth it anymore. I don't know if you were told that or not. So please, both of you stop this feuding before someone really DOES end up beaten to death.” She was pleading with both of them and blinked when Steve grabbed her hand, causing her to look up at him, biting her bottom lip.

“No, honey, he didn't tell me. I'd imagine he wasn't lookin' for me too hard.”

“I'd imagine that too.” Mark said calmly, trying not to bash Austin's pompous head in. “Though now you know. I'm done with this pointless feuding. We'll finish it onscreen and that'll be that.”

“Sounds damn good to me. Need a ride, doc?”

Oh this son of a bitch was pushing his luck.

“No Steve, I don't.” She replied gently, slowly sliding her hand out of his and walked over to stand next to Mark, swallowing hard, feeling his arm wrap around her shoulders. She hated seeing the anguish in Steve's eyes, but there was nothing she could do about it. “Are you ready to go, Mark?” She asked quietly, feeling the exhaustion catching up with her from everything that had happened after leaving their Houston bubble.

“Yeah darlin'.” He murmured, staring down at her, his eyes taking in how obviously exhausted she was. “Let's get you in bed before you drop.” He opened the passenger side door for her. “I'll drive.”

“Well ain't that a son of a bitch.” Steve muttered, shouldering his bag and walking towards his own truck, shaking his head. What a waste, seeing her with 'Taker. That could only wind up badly.

Chapter 13

The entire ride to the hotel was made in silence as Jaycee leaned her forehead against the cool glass, sighing heavily, hating to see the anger and despair in Steve's blue eyes. Not to mention she knew Mark was probably angry at her for talking to him. Hell, why would he be, it wasn't like they were a couple or anything? She sighed heavily as he pulled into the parking spot and immediately jumped out, closing the door behind her, rubbing her temples. So if Steve didn't hurt Mark, then who did? Who was the perpetrator? She couldn't get the question out of her mind and she knew Steve was telling the truth when he said he didn't do it. The man couldn't lie, not with those eyes.

“You alright?” Mark asked finally, reaching over to take her hand in his, squeezing it. They hadn't made anything official yet, but it was just a matter of time if things kept progressing the way they were. “What's on your mind, Jaycee?” He stared down into her eyes, seeing the questions swirling through them.

What was she supposed to say? Anything she said right now would anger him and that's the last thing she wanted to happen. “Don't worry about it Mark.” She quietly replied, holding his hand in return, heading toward the elevator. They stepped on it and she pressed the third floor, having already been here earlier in the day before going to the arena. Her and Mark were sharing a hotel room for the time being.

“But I do worry about it.” He said calmly, turning her so she was facing him, stopping the elevator since they were the only ones in it. “You've been quiet since we left the arena and I'm guessin' it has to do with...Steve.” He barely got the name out without choking on it. “Please, talk to me.”

“I believe Steve.” She finally said, staring up into his green eyes that were unreadable at the moment. “I honestly don't believe it was him that hit you with that crowbar and sent you to the hospital, Mark.” She raked a hand through her hair, adverting her gaze to the floor, knowing she was going off on a wide limb here, but his eyes didn't lie. “I know there's no proof that he didn't do it, but the look in his eyes tonight...Mark he didn't do it.” She looked back up at him, hoping he wasn't angry with her. “And whoever did it is still out there probably gunning for you.”

He didn't seem surprised in the least by her confession and just nodded, resuming the elevator. “I have many enemies.” He said calmly. “It wouldn't surprise me in the least. Is that what's botherin' you? What Steve said or how you figured I'd react to it?” He eyed her shrewdly, his green eyes studying her intensely.

“Both.” She admitted quietly, not looking up at him, refusing to lie to him after how much progress they'd made lately. “I know how much you and Steve don't like each other so forgive me for trying to avoid a potential fight or whatever between us.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest, suddenly her shoes becoming the most interesting thing in the elevator, which was still stopped.

Mark nodded, pressing the restart button so they were moving again. “You can always tell me anything, Jaycee.” He promised her. “No matter what it is or how much you think it might piss me off, I'd never be mad at you.” He almost smiled, her staring at her shoes like that was rather cute, almost girlish.

“I don't know why you'd be mad at me because honestly, I'm just telling you what I think and feel.” She stated, slowly looking up at him, seeing the cracked smile on his face and shook her head as a smile of her own spread across her lips. “You really are evil.” She commented as the doors opened and walked off with him, heading toward their room, shaking her head, laughing to herself at how silly she'd been.

“You have no idea.” He murmured, standing in the hallway for a moment with his head tilted to the side, green eyes watching her swaying ass. “Mmm...” Mark rumbled, following her into the hotel room, the smile now definitely not so cheerful, more predatory. “Tired?” He asked, wrapping his arms around her waist, burying his nose in her hair.

Jaycee leaned back against him, running her hair across his nose before slowly stepping away and peeled her tank top off, tossing it in the corner. “I need a shower.” She said nonchalantly, taking her shoes and socks off before standing up, unsnapping her jeans and pushing them down her long, tanned legs. She'd gotten a nice tan while being out in Texas and it made her eyes and hair stand out even more. She was now standing before him clad in a pair of light blue panties and matching bra as she ran her fingers through her hair. “How about you?”

He watched her undress, his eyes darkening to a stormy green in place of the usual emerald. His tongue flicked out to wet his lips, eyes straying to those long tanned legs, dear lord how he loved her legs. Especially when they were wrapped around his waist. “Mmmm...I could use one too.” He murmured huskily.

Jaycee turned her head to face him, winking at him over her shoulder, before turning around, her bra already unsnapped and walked past him. “Then perhaps you should join me, Deadman.” She purred in his ear and dropped the bra in his hand on her way to the bathroom, a wicked smirk on her lips as she shut the door behind her, stifling a giggle. He was not the only one who could be evil too, so could she.

Shaking his head, a growl escaping his lips as he stared down at the bra, Mark contemplated Jaycee. The woman had spent too much time around him, now she was starting to be an evil little wench. He tossed the bra aside and shed his clothes, following her. “You're in trouble, darlin’.” He rumbled from low in his chest.

Jaycee giggled in the shower, already under the sprays, her panties lying on the bathroom floor and she was currently letting the sprays relax her. Her eyes opened when the shower door opened and in stepped Mark, instantly pulling him against her, their lips meeting each other's hungrily. Jaycee didn't understand what it was about this man, but her sexual drive had risen drastically since he came into her life and she found it exhilarating. “So exactly how much trouble am I in?” She asked after breaking the kiss, a coy smile on her lips.

“More than you can humanly handle.” He purred against his lips, lifting her up and pinning her against the shower wall, pulling her legs snugly around his waist. “Teasing gets you in trouble, darlin'.” He growled huskily, nipping her throat. He reached down between them, guiding the head of his cock to her folds, teasing her by running it up and down her slit.

“Mmm well if this is trouble, then I'll be sure to get into it more often.” She replied breathlessly, pulling him closer to her, her arms wrapping around his neck, her ankles locked around his waist. She stared into his emerald green eyes and cupped his face in her hands before kissing him passionately, the hot water pouring over both of them as the steam began to rise.

Before he could say or do anything, there was a pounding on the bathroom door. “WHAT THE FUCK?” He roared, wondering who in hell had the balls to burst into their room. Not even bothering to cover himself, Mark lowered her to the shower floor and stormed out of the bathroom, glancing at the door to find a maid holding it open, her mouth open as well, Bradshaw before him. “WHAT?”

“Sorry but the rental you guys were drivin' is on fire!”

“WHAT?”

Jaycee was shell shocked as she stood behind him, a towel wrapped around her body, covering her mouth with her hand. “Oh my god...” She immediately rushed to get dressed, swallowing hard, knowing now something wasn't right. She snatched her jeans from the floor, getting a fresh pair of garments from her bag, and pulled them on out of sight, not caring that her hair was soaking wet and not towel dried.

He was dressing too, dismissing the maid. Once he had on a pair of jeans and his boots, he followed Bradshaw out of the room, knowing Jaycee would follow. “Any ideas who did it?” He demanded calmly, his eyes spitting acid though.

Bradshaw knew that tone of voice all to well and swallowed hard. “No. Someone was seen runnin' from it, but nobody could make an identification.” He informed his boss.

Damn right Jaycee was following! She was going to get to the bottom of this and prove Steve wasn't responsible for this even if it was the last thing she did. They arrived at the parking garage and sure enough, the huge truck had been blown up, causing her to actually stop in her tracks, her sea green eyes widened in shock. “Jesus...” She whispered, beginning to tremble a little, and slowly walked over to survey the damage...and to see if anything was left behind that linked to who could've done this.

He walked as close to the burning wreckage as he could, finally halting only because the heat forced him too. “Bradshaw, get the men together, I want them all down here in twenty minutes, we're going hunting.”

“Yeah, boss.” Bradshaw jogged back into the building.

Mark looked down at Jaycee, his green eyes filled with rage. “You alright?” He asked, trying to keep his voice calm so he didn't scare her.

“No, no I'm not alright. This is...this is madness, Mark...” She blinked repeatedly at the carnage, the flames rising up to the night sky. Thank god it didn't have a roof or this whole hotel could've gone up in flames. Her eyes narrowed when he said he was going hunting, grabbing his hand, staring back into his eyes with worry in her own. “Mark don't do this, please. I don't want to see you get hurt. Please don't go looking for this lunatic.” She didn't care if she was pleading, she would do it if it meant he was safe.

He sighed quietly, cupping her chin in his hands gently, staring down into her beautiful face. “I have too.” He whispered. “I'll leave one of the boys with you just in case, but whoever is doing this has to be stopped darlin', before you wind up getting hurt in the crossfire.” He kissed the top of her head. “I'll be fine. My men have my back.”

“What does that even mean?” She murmured quietly, not understanding anything at the moment, raking a hand through her hair when she seen the finality in his eyes. “Don't bother leaving one of your "boys". I can take care of myself. Just be careful because so help me god if you end up back in the hospital, I will do my very best to kick your ass.” She hugged him tightly around the neck and kissed his lips softly before walking back inside the hotel, bypassing all of his boys, the Ministry of Darkness they were called on WWF programming.

He had to smile at her threat, believing she'd do it too. “Hellion.” He murmured, accepting the shirt Bradshaw handed him. “Farooq, stay close and don't let her know you're here.” He ordered, not even having to say the threat 'don't let anything happen to her', Farooq already knew. He smirked wickedly as they all fanned out without instruction, disappearing into the darkness.

“Damn he's still creepy.” Farooq muttered, heading back inside, ignoring the fire truck that had arrived to put out the flames.

Jaycee sighed as she arrived back at the empty hotel room, wrapping her arms around herself, truly terrified now. She knew Steve wouldn't do this, especially to her, so now who was it? Who had blown up their rental car and who was trying to hurt Mark? Tears flowed down her cheeks now that she was alone as she sank on the bed, feeling the helplessness crash over her. She buried her face in her hands and silently cried, not making a single sound. She had to get her emotions out, especially now that the shock wore off about the explosion.

He arrived back at the hotel close to dawn, looking tired and still very, very pissed off. The expression 'mad bull' could probably describe him best at this point. He grunted when he seen she was still awake. “Whoever it was left a trail up until Fifth avenue, then hopped in a cab and took off.” He said quietly. “People could only describe a large person running, nobody could make out a face or anything.”

Jaycee nodded back at him and walked over, unbuttoning his shirt, letting it fall off his body, and kissed his lips softly. “Come on, you need to rest.” She whispered, pulling him over to the bed, wearing a pair of black cotton shorts with a matching tank top, pulling the comforter back and climbed in, not releasing his hand. She snuggled against his chest when he laid down, wrapping her arm around his waist, inhaling his scent and let the sound of his heartbeat lull her to sleep.

He laid awake for a long while, sleep refusing to come to him. He knew she believed Austin was innocent, but when she woke up, they would have to have a long talk about that. He knew whoever was behind this had nothing to lose, but apparently a hell of a lot to gain. Only one person he could think of fit that bill to perfection. Grunting, he finally let himself fall into sleep.

Chapter 14

Sometime around two, Jaycee finally opened her eyes as the sunlight blinded her momentarily. “Damn it.” She whispered, rolling over and reached over feeling the empty space. She immediately opened her eyes fully, blinking to get her vision to clear, and sighed heavily when she seen Mark staring out the window deep in thought. She stretched her arms above her head and cracked her neck and back, her normal morning ritual before standing up, needing some coffee, yawning loudly.

“Coffee is fresh and hot.” He said without turning around, sufficiently aware of her habits to know on nights she either got very little sleep or very poor sleep she had to have coffee to make it through the day. He pressed his palm against the window, resting his head against the cool pane. “Did you sleep well?” It was a pointless question it seemed.

“I slept, I'll leave it at that.” She replied gruffly, pouring herself a cup, and sat down on the bed, raking a hand through her hair. She'd had at least five different nightmares, most of them being about Steve and Mark. They disturbed her as she shook them off, not wanting to even think about them ever again. She glanced over at Mark, who was staring out the window, and knew something was bothering him as she finished off her coffee with ease, used to much more than that, but it'd suffice. “What are you thinking about?”

“Austin.” He said simply, knowing that would bother her, but not about to lie. He turned around, studying her for a moment before going to pour himself a cup of coffee, loading it with sugar. He needed the extra boost as well. “I know you think it's not him, but look at it logically. He's the only person who has anything to gain from all of this. He's also the only person who'd have the balls to blow up my truck, nobody is THAT damn stupid.”

Jaycee closed her eyes and stood up from the bed, her back to him, not wanting to believe it was Steve. “No, I don't believe that...” What was she thinking? How did she know it wasn't him? Her mind was spiraling now and she was feeling the frustration building. What was she supposed to do? She was virtually sleeping with Steve's enemy and Jaycee knew he liked her. Maybe a little on the obsessive side. “I don't know anymore, Mark.” She finally said, looking up and turned around to face him. “I don't know what to believe anymore and...as long as you two aren't in the hospital bleeding and broken, that's all I care about.” She rubbed her temples and walked over past him, needing some aspirin.

“Darlin', listen. Steve is the one who got you into the company because he had feelings for you.” Mark made a face, trying not to envision that one. “Then things started to happen when he seen me just talkin' to you. It all fits.” He stared at her, knowing she felt a loyalty to Steve, but had to try to make her see things from his point of view.

“I know it does, Mark okay? Goddamn it!” She threw the bottle of aspirin across the room, her anger spilling over, not believing what was happening. Was Steve really that jealous that she was with Mark and not him that he would BLOW UP HIS TRUCK? “He better stay away from me. He better fucking stay FAR away from me or else I'll bash his fucking SKULL IN MYSELF!!” She shrieked those last words before storming into the bathroom, slamming the door so hard the walls rattled throughout the room.

He blinked, definitely not expecting THAT reaction. On some sick level, it pleased the hell out of him and brought a momentary smile to his lips. He liked knowing she had her own little bad ass side. Then he snorted, deciding he'd keep Farooq on the detail duty, just incase Austin DID try to hurt her.

Jaycee took a cold shower, needing to calm herself down. It took a lot to piss her off and one thing Jaycee HATED more than anything else was being lied too. She hated it with a passion and couldn't stand people who did it. What was the point when they were going to get caught in the long run? She finally stepped out of the bathroom an hour later, her hair pulled up in a high ponytail, a towel wrapped around her body as she walked over to her bag, pulling a pair of blue jeans and a bluish green halter top out of it along with garments. She was still angry and knew she would probably snap all over Steve if she saw him.

Mark was getting dressed as well, knowing they had to work the house that night, wondering just what else could go wrong to make his week more fantastic then it already was. He deftly braided his black hair, slipping a pair of shades onto his forehead. “You about ready, darlin'?” He called, not about to invade her privacy at the moment. She DID know how to use a scalpel after all.

“Yeah, I'm ready.” She replied darkly, walking to the door and opening it, her bag over her shoulder, wanting blood and guts tonight. She was in the mood to see a train wreck if possible, missing doing surgery like crazy. God she would give ANYTHING to hold a scalpel at that moment and just cut a patient open, the aroma of blood. She sighed wistfully as they walked toward the elevator and she looked straight ahead, pursing her lips together tightly. “So how are we getting to the arena now that our car has been blown up?” She asked dryly, clenching her fist tightly at her side. She was pissed off at everything that'd been happening since they left their Houston bubble.

“I had Bradshaw get one of my motorcycles out of storage.” He said just as dryly, cracking his knuckles through the black biker gloves he wore. “You can ride?” He asked, glancing down at her. One look at her face said it all, she was in the same mood as he was. Ready to both see and dish out some action. He pitied anyone who needed her services tonight.

“I can handle it.” She replied as the elevator doors opened, both of them practically storming to the parking garage, where his bike was waiting.

She admired the beauty, loving the graveyard painted on it, and threw her bag in front of her, between her legs, and got on the bike with ease, having rode with her brother's best friend Derek back in New York when she was younger. She missed Derek and Meredith and shook them out of her mind as Mark got on in front of her, wrapping her arms around his body, needing to feel him close to her right now.

“Good.” He grunted, revving the Harley and roared out of the parking lot. He smiled somewhat when he felt her rest against him, the feel of her weight on his oddly comforting. Though what in the blue hell he needed comforting for was beyond him. The motorcycle all but screamed as he pulled into the underground parking lot, sending people scattering when he didn't show any signs of slowing down. When he did finally park and cut the engine, he was feeling much better.

Jaycee opened her eyes and smiled, also feeling better, a lot of her aggression out in that ride. It'd been so long since she'd been on a motorcycle ride and couldn't believe how gorgeous Mark looked on it. She shook that thought out of her mind, putting it in the back, saving it for a later time before they walked inside the arena together, hand in hand, neither minding it. She smiled when he walked her to her station and sighed when he kissed her lips before walking off, leaving her to her office, immediately getting to work. If people were smart, they would leave her alone tonight and just get fixed up.

Mark paced the floor, mentally rehearsing what he was going to say during his in ring promo to build the anticipation for the Judgment Day pay-per-view. He smirked to himself, knowing he was simply too brilliant. He was almost TOO damn good at what he did. “Almost time.” He muttered, beginning to pace faster.

“Here we go.” Steve snorted into his beer, exchanging looks with Dwayne when an all too familiar theme music played throughout the building, deep demonic laughter echoing around them. “I really hate that.”

Jaycee never watched the show, but something told her to turn the monitor on in her office that was provided, smiling when she saw Mark while she continued stitching up Albert's head. Apparently Test got a little chair happy and clocked his own partner, not to mention Trish. She was just knocked out at the moment, but Albert was a raging bull as the blood poured down his face. She sighed as she just continued sewing him up, her eyes on the monitor.

He was in his wrestling gear even though he had no intention of wrestling, his legs looking longer then normal simply because of the black tights clinging to them. He took his time slipping through the ropes, staring evilly at Michael Cole who was waiting in the ring.

“Undertaker-”

He snatched away the microphone. “Your interview privileges have been revoked, Michael Cole. Simply because you look like you're about to piss yourself, boy.” He said in his dark voice.

Jaycee couldn't help but laugh at the monitor, shaking her head, finishing off Albert before sending him on his way, cleaning up while she listened in. His voice always sent tremors and desire coursing through her body and he looked simply outstanding in those tight black tights. She sighed, knowing she had it bad for this man, and also knew they would have to talk about that sooner or later. She wasn't going to bring it up though and was giving him three months. Then she was done and they could go their separate ways.

The Undertaker paced the ring for a moment, looking contemptuously out at the crowd, finally raising the microphone to his lips. “Everyone has been wondering,” He began, drawing it out, his voice getting deeper and deeper by the moment. “Who had the brass balls to try to take me out?” His nostrils flared, a very cruel smile spreading on his face. “Was it the Rock?” He began pacing again. “Was it Mankind?” He was naming off people he had feuded with. “Or was it Stone Cold Steve Austin?” He paused while the fans started going crazy, sneering.

Jaycee drew her eyebrows together slowly, walking over and sitting on the bedding, her eyes glued to the monitor while Mark continued to speak. As far as she knew, Mark being taken out of commission was NOT apart of the storyline. Because if it was, there was going to be some SERIOUS hell to pay!

“Stone Cold, get out here NOW.” The Undertaker ordered, halting to stand in the middle of the ring.

Fans went nuts when the glass shattered, all of them on their feet. When you hear the glass it meant your ass so to speak and they knew they were in for one hell of a slobber knocker.

Austin glared at 'Taker, not taking his eyes off of him as he crossed the ring, climbing the turnbuckle and saluting the fans, proceeding to do this in every corner just to piss off the Deadman.

Jaycee's eyes narrowed at the monitor, wondering what Mark was doing and why he had called Steve out. Granted, she knew they were still feuding in the ring...Her eyes instantly widened and she covered her mouth with her hand, knowing exactly what Mark was doing. “Oh Christ...” She whispered, shaking her head, wanting to pull away, but couldn't.

Austin folded his arms over his chest, glaring at 'Taker from a few feet away, his eyes ice cold.

‘Taker's own eyes were dancing with pure evil as he raised the microphone to his lips, his head leaning forward just a little. “It's the million dollar question, Austin.” Venom dripped from his tone. “Who tried to take out the Undertaker permanently? And I know exactly who did it.”

Austin's nostrils flared dangerously.

“I did it, Austin.” He spat out, a vicious laugh pouring from him when Austin actually looked surprised by this. “I took myself out of action, just for the PLEASURE of seeing you squirm like a worm on a hook as everyone stood by and blamed YOU!”

Jaycee's eyes widened in shock when she heard that, dropping the glass bottle of serum that was in her hand, staring at the monitor as her heart fell into her stomach. “Oh my god...” She whispered, trembling from head to toe, not believing it was true. It couldn't be true!! Tears started streaming down her cheeks as Jaycee backed up more from the monitor and knew she couldn't stay here. She had to leave NOW. Jaycee packed her things up, pushing past Dwayne, calling over her shoulder she had a family emergency before running out of the arena in sobs.

Mark emerged from the ring covered in sweat. They'd brawled all the way to the back where he had simply walked away, leaving Austin standing there shouting profanities. He quickly made his way to the medical room, halting in the doorway when he seen the shattered glass, his eyes narrowing. She had left.

Jaycee had gotten a different room under a false identity nobody knew and made it PERFECTLY clear she was NOT to be disturbed for ANY reason and NO keycards were to be given out under ANY circumstances. She made it abundantly clear before going up to her room, her face tear streaked, and slammed the door behind her as she dropped her bag on the floor, feeling dirty and used. How could she actually believe Mark had changed? How could she trust him after Steve warned her repeatedly about him? How could she...sleep with him? Jaycee felt the chunks rise in her throat and quickly ran into the bathroom, emptying her stomach, holding her stomach with both arms, her heart shattering in her chest.

“No, I don't know where she is.” Mark Sloan said for the umpteenth time, wondering why in the hell he was suddenly getting a million and one phone calls from a wrestler, wondering how this man had gotten his number. “Look, stop calling me, I have a REAL job to perform.” He hung up, bit his lip then dialed his baby sister's number.

Jaycee looked over at the nightstand, raising an eyebrow when she seen it was her brother, and answered it. “Hey Mark, what's up?” She greeted, sitting on the bed, sipping a glass of wine that she'd requested from room service, swallowing hard when he told her who was calling her. “You need to get your number changed or ignore his calls. It's a long story. I'm not getting into it with you. Remember what I said, just let me handle my life. I love you too, bro. Just ignore him. I know. I love you too. Tell everyone I said I will see them soon. Okay bye.” She hung up and turned her cell phone off, not believing the audacity of Mark to disturb her brother at his job. He'd called her cell phone, nearly blowing it up, but she didn't care. He could call her until his fingers broke, she wasn't talking to him.

Mark growled, crushing his cell in the palm of his hand, dropping the broken phone to the cement floor with an audible smack, tiny parts bouncing at his feet. His green eyes narrowed when he seen Austin heading towards the parking lot.


Chapter 15

Steve barely made it into the hotel, stumbling over his own feet as he slumped in the hallway, blood trickling still from a gash on his forehead. He couldn't believe he'd even made it this far without having an accident. “Sumbitch.” He groaned, wiping blood out of his eyes.

Jaycee had decided to go down to the lobby, wearing a scarf over her head and heard that curse before turning around, her eyes widening at the sight of Steve's bloody face. “Jesus...” She whispered, downing the rest of her shot of Tequila Rose and rushed over to him, taking her shades off, and looked into his dilated blue eyes. “Come on, Steve, I've got you.” She nodded when he said her name, wrapping his arm around her neck and guided him to the elevator. The doors closed just as Mark and his Ministry entered the hotel, going up to her room. “Steve stay awake for me, please, I can't possibly carry you.” She warned him, seeing he was trying, and the elevator doors open as she walked down the hallway slowly with him before arriving at her room. She got inside and closed the door just as Mark got off of the elevator, not knowing what room she was in. She didn't even know he was following her as she guided Steve over to the bed, glad she had doctor materials on hand.

It wasn't hard to follow her, Steve had left a trail of blood in his wake. Mark pounded his fist on her door. “Jaycee, open the damn door and explain to me what the hell you're thinking?” He gestured for the Ministry to buzz off, not needing a crowd right now.

“Don't…” Steve groaned, struggling to get up from the bed. “Don't open the door, doc.” He wavered on his feet, determined to protect her if he had too.

Jaycee put her hand over his mouth, silencing him, staring into his blue eyes since she'd already snapped the gloves on her hands. The doors were metal in this hotel, which is one of the reasons why she'd picked it as she walked toward the door, having it bolted. There was no point in acknowledging Mark was outside as she went back to check on Steve's wound, tears in her eyes by how deep it was. “You have to relax.” She whispered in his ear, having straddled his lap, wearing a pair of cotton black shorts with a matching tank top. “Sorry, but this is the only way to keep you from falling asleep on me. You have a bad concussion.” She stated, wincing when the knocking got louder, knowing if he kept it up security would follow.

“Damn it, Jaycee, OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!” He roared, finally losing his patience. Mark punched it with everything he had, and even though the door was metal, he left one hell of a dent in it. He was so enraged he didn't even feel the broken bones in his hand. He cursed loudly when after a few minutes of silence, still nothing and stormed off.

“Christ...”

Jaycee was trying like hell not to tremble as she cleaned Steve's wound, her focus needing to be on him at the moment and what she was doing. Silent tears spilled down her cheeks as she started stitching Steve, swatting his hands away when he went to try to comfort her, swallowing hard. “You don't even need to tell me what happened. I already know. I know everything.” She murmured quietly, the tears subsiding as she put all of her focus and concentration into stitching his forehead up. If this kept up, he'd have a permanent dent in his damn head. She sighed heavily at that thought, hating to see him in pain.

“God, Jaycee, I'm so sorry, honey.” He whispered, seeing the pain she was in and blamed himself. He never should have had her brought to the WWF. He knew, ultimately, he was the one who had caused all this because he had wanted her there. “This is my fault, honey. I should have just left you alone. I'm sorry.” He repeated, blue eyes filled with guilt.

“Don't apologize, Steve. It was my decision to come to this place and honestly, I wanted to see you again. I wasn't ready to say goodbye.” She murmured quietly, finishing up his stitches before cutting the strand off and grabbed the bandage, beginning to cover it with some cream that would help prevent infection, sighing when he was finished. She didn't move though and burst into tears, wrapping her arms around his neck, burying her face in his neck as she cried her heart and soul out. “I-I trusted him...” Her entire body shook from head to toe, feeling another piece of her heart break off, knowing she was in love with Mark. She'd fallen in love with a monster who only cared about himself and nobody else.

He rubbed her back, feeling better now that he wasn't losing blood and pulled himself into a more comfortable sitting position, cradling her on his lap. “Calm down honey.” He soothed. “You didn't know, you couldn't have known.” He whispered in her ear, stroking her hair and back. “Please Jaycee, calm down. This isn't your fault, it's his honey, it's his.”

“W-What kind of person would mutilate himself like that? He needed surgery, life threatening surgery! He needs psychiatric help!!” She moved from his lap, wrapping her arms around herself, and walked over to stare out the window, the tears falling from her eyes like two rapid streams, not soon to stop anytime. “I can't believe I slept with him...that I actually let him put his filthy hands on me...” She dropped to her knees, pressing her forehead to the carpeting below, closing her eyes tightly shut, wrapping her arms around her midsection before gripping her hair in her fingers tightly.

Even though it made his head pound, Steve moved so he was kneeling next to her, pulling her up into his arms. “Honey, don't do this to yourself. He's sick and he plays mind games, he plays them so damn well none of us know what's really going on till it's too damn late.” He tried consoling her, letting her know she wasn't the only one who had fallen for the Undertaker's tricks.

Jaycee knew he was in a lot of pain and quickly stood up from his arms, pulling him and guided him to the bed, laying him down before checking his pupils, nodding. “You're good to sleep. Don't worry about me. I just want you to get better okay?” She sat beside him and started stroking his bald head, her doctor instincts kicking in, knocking her pain aside for the time being. She was glad she'd come on the road with the WWF and taken this job, but she had to learn like everyone else how certain people were. She'd found out what kind of man Mark really was and that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. She bit back a shudder as she continued soothing Steve.

Steve felt this was completely a turnabout, wondering how he had gone from soothing her to her soothing him. He just wrapped his arms around her, deciding they could comfort each other from their own inner pain. After a long time of nothing but their breathing being the only noise. “What're you goin' to do now, honey?” He asked softly, pulling away to look down at her, gently pushing a stray piece of hair out of her face.

“Go on with life the best I can. Do what I do best and that's heal people. I'm not quitting my job, Steve. I love it here, I have friends here and I refuse to let some asshole drive me away.” She stated, trying to sound brave, though she would have to work extra hard to avoid Mark, except when she would be forced to patch him up. Maybe she could go to Vince and ask him if there was anyway Mark could be sent to Larry every time he got injured, due to a personal problem? No, that wouldn't work. Vince would think she couldn't do the job and would probably fire her. “Now rest. No more talking, Steve.” She murmured calming in his ear, stroking his back up and down, his head on her chest and shoulder, knowing he needed it.

Steve woke up, not even remembering falling asleep, but he felt a lot better then he had last night. He frowned, looking down at Jaycee, guessing from her tear stained face she had only recently fallen asleep. He quietly used the bathroom, hunted up his bag and showered, knowing life at work was about to get extremely hectic.

Jaycee woke up about an hour later, feeling the headache from hell pounding away in her head, knowing crying herself to sleep wasn't a smart thing to do. She slid out of bed, stumbling a bit, and walked over to get some aspirin, popping three since it was a migraine before drinking some water. The coffee would have to wait because it would only fuel the migraine further if she drank it now. Jaycee knew she had a long drive ahead of her, three hundred miles, and already had a rental car waiting for her out in the parking garage. She knew she had to leave within the hour and seen Steve had already left. She didn't mind, she could handle this on her own as she changed into a pair of blue jean shorts with a blue halter top since they were currently in Phoenix, Arizona. She brushed her hair and teeth before packing her things and walked out the door, heading down to the parking garage.

Steve had left because he didn't want to burden her at the moment with his injured head, that and he needed some alone time. His blue eyes focused on the road ahead of him, sighing and wondered just what kind of hell he could expect. Though he'd take the long miles of the road and be grateful for the peace.

Mark hadn't driven, he had flown. Though not to Arizona.

Around three hours later, Jaycee finally arrived at the arena and shut the ignition of her car off, stepping out and grabbed her bag, looking up at the huge building. She could sense something wasn't right and quickly rushed inside, heading straight to her office, and closed the door behind her before setting her bag down on the floor, beginning the cleaning ritual. She had to keep her mind focused on her job, it was her number one priority.

~*~*~*~

“Doctor Sloan to the visitor's desk, STAT.”

Mark groaned, wondering what in hell they wanted him for there. Cursing fluently under his breath, he took his own sweet time, halting when he seen the giant in all black.

“We need to talk.” The giant said, staring down at the good doctor, green eyes peering over his shades.

~*~*~*~

“There ya go Skittles, good as new. For god's sake stop jumping off of ladders.” She sighed at him, patting his shoulder before taking her gloves off, hearing her cell phone ringing. Raising an eyebrow at the tone, she walked over and answered it, flipping it open and put it to her ear. “Hey Mark, what's up?” She asked, sitting down on the bedding, her eyebrows drawing together.

“Jaycee, there is an extremely large and terrifying man in my office who insists you speak to him.” Mark said calmly, staring across his desk, eyes taking in the giant pacing the room. “If this is who you've been blowing me off for...good call.” He changed what he'd been intending to say when the giant turned to glare at him.

Jaycee stood up, her eyes widened, covering her mouth with her hand. “Oh my god...Mark, are you okay? Did he hurt you?” She sighed with relief when he confirmed he hadn't, causing her to start pacing back and forth, knowing she didn't have a choice. “Fine put that dead bastard on the phone.” She ordered gravely, not believing how low ‘Taker had stooped, tears stinging her eyes. Why couldn't he just leave her alone?

Mark arched an eyebrow. “Dead bastard?” He mouthed to the giant.

‘Taker shrugged, taking the phone. “Darlin',” He began hesitantly, glaring when Mark snickered at him and made a threatening gesture. Apparently Jaycee's brother didn't watch wrestling or he'd of shut the hell up. “Would you let me explain?”

Now Mark was curious, explain what? He leaned forward, not hiding the fact that he was eavesdropping.

“There's nothing for you explain to me, ‘Taker.” She replied coldly. “You will stoop to any level to get what you want, including threatening family members.” She shook her head, closing the door to her office after putting the sign out on it, locking it, and pressed her back against it. “I fell for your tricks and your lies. It was my own stupidity to think that MAYBE, just MAYBE, you had a shred of human decency inside of you. I was wrong though, DEAD wrong. But I will do whatever you want because I refuse to let my brother suffer for what I've done. So if you want me, come get me. I'm at the arena in Anaheim, California and we're here for the next three days. Just leave my family in Seattle alone.”

He blinked, wondering what the hell she was talking about but shook his head, deciding to settle it when he got to California. “Fine, I'll see you then.” He handed the phone back to Mark who hung up.

“May I ask just what you did to my sister to piss her off like that?” Mark asked, making it more of a demand then a request.

“It's a very long, very disturbing story. I'll tell you some other time, I have a flight to catch.”

Jaycee had officially LOST HER MIND! She finished up at the arena, knowing it would take him at least three hours to get to Anaheim and an additional one to get through airport security. She left the arena when she was finished with her last patient, the moon shining down on her as she got in her rental car and drove to the hotel, trembling from head to toe. She put her car in reverse and pulled out of the parking lot, ducking instantly when she seen Mark heading inside the arena. Stepping on the gas full throttle, Jaycee whizzed past him and headed to the hotel, not ready to face him yet. She needed time, yet she also had to protect her family.

Chapter 16

He rolled his eyes and followed her in his jet black car, knowing she was thinking he'd probably left her brother in a full body cast or something. Fickle bitch. He peeled into the hotel parking garage and jumped out, moving faster than a man his size had the right too. “Can you please just stop for one god damn minute, darlin'?” He demanded, grabbing her by the arm and swinging her around so she had to face him. “I want to know why you ran out that night. What the fuck is your problem?”

Tears shined in her sea green eyes as she stared into those acid orbs, shaking her head slowly back and forth and shoved him away from her. She was a lot stronger than what men thought she was, which worked to her advantage. “Don't touch me.” She hissed, crossing her arms in front of her chest, just staring at him out of cold eyes. She didn't even know what to say to him. What could she say? “You know why I ran out that night, ‘Taker.” She refused, flat out REFUSED, to call him by his real name because she didn't know this man from a hole in the ground. “You lied to me, you manipulated me, you made me believe you were seriously injured when you did it to YOURSELF!!” When his green eyes widened, she nodded, suddenly feeling the anger course through her body and shoved him hard in the chest. “You got nothing to say now, huh? You tried putting this all on Steve and he was innocent the whole time. I trusted you, I actually BELIEVED you over him, and that was a MISTAKE. You blew up your own truck too, didn't you Mark? What else have you done that you haven't told me? I bet your broken hand that you came to me with was false too, wasn't it?” She shook her head, not even waiting for him to respond. “I'm done with you.”

“Woman, are you out of your ever lovin' mind?” He roared, not believing this shit. “I'm the first one to admit I probably need therapy, but if you think for one damn second I'd ever purposely take myself out, you're more insane then I am, especially since I would NEVER do that just to fuck with that piece of shit Austin. He ain't worth the thought and time. I'm too damn self-centered to want to hurt myself!” He snapped. “You don't even know what the hell you're going on about. I lied to you? Bullshit if I did! If you'll stop being so damn bull-headed, I'll EXPLAIN things to you.”

“I saw it on the monitor with my own two fucking eyes and Steve told me it wasn't scripted!!” She shouted back at him, standing her ground, tears flowing down her cheeks as the confusion hit her like a ton of bricks. “You BUSTED Steve open that night and then came to my hotel room like a LUNATIC!! He was bleeding badly and I had to stitch him up, not that it's any of YOUR business.” She spat angrily, wishing he would stop lying to her, wishing he would admit he did this to himself so they could both get on with their own damn lives. “You said you took yourself OUT on national television and, as far as I know, what happened to you WASN'T SCRIPTED EITHER!!” She wasn't falling for his lies and tricks again, no way in hell. “Just STOP lying to me!!”

She was screaming so he slapped her to shut her up. Not a hard blow, just enough to stun her into silence. “Listen to me for once, Jaycee,” He was getting a headache, holding her in place with one hand and pinched the bridge of his nose with the other. “My accident wasn't scripted. And I don't know what Austin told you, but I was given lines to say and I fucking said them, okay? You just assumed it was real because of everything Austin fucking told you about me. And yeah, I did bust his ass open and I'll do it all over again simply because he fucking lied to you.”

Jaycee held her face with her hand, staring back at him in shock, not believing he actually struck her. She wouldn't do it. She wouldn't believe what he said because the facts were laid out on the table in front of her. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she ripped her arm from his grasp, feeling her cheek throbbing, shaking her head slowly back and forth. “Just stay away from me. I'm your doctor just like every other employee with the WWF. You two can kill each other for all I fucking care.” Her voice was low and dark as her eyes flashed at him, trembling from head to toe. She'd never been struck before in her life so the shock of it was slowly wearing off.

“Fuck it.” He snarled, too tired to deal with this shit at the moment. He shook his head, turning around and wound up being greeted with a fist to the face, sprawling back, holding his mouth.

“You heard her son, we can kill each other.”

“My pleasure.” He returned the swing.

“Stop it right now!!” Jaycee shouted, barely stepping a few feet away when Steve had attacked. She immediately ran over, seeing them giving blow after blow, not believing this was happening. “Mark, Steve stop it!!” She gasped when Steve got knocked down, bleeding from the mouth, but didn't go to help him up, running at Mark as she pressed her hands against his chest. “STOP IT!” She shouted, ignoring her throbbing cheek, seeing both men were panting heavily. “You two are unbelievable. What the Hell is going on? I want explanations and I want to know who is telling me the truth and who is lying to me RIGHT NOW!” She was tired of this shit as she kept standing in front of Mark, stopping him from hitting Steve further.

Mark was breathing heavily, wanting nothing more then to attack again, but held himself back simply because Jaycee was there. “You best be telling her the fucking truth, Austin or there ain't a force on this earth that's going to stop me from snapping your god damn neck.”

“This isn't a damn game anymore, MARK.” Steve snapped, holding his head. “The world is not here for your amusement, stop before you wind up hurting someone besides me. Fuck...” He dropped to his knees, knowing he probably had one hell of a concussion considering his head never fully healed to begin with.

Jaycee's head was swimming as she kept pressed against Mark, knowing he would attack if she moved, and stared back at Steve. “Sit down on the ground. It'll help the dizziness.” She stated dryly, raking a hand through her hair, wondering what was happening. “Please, I don't care what happened, just please tell me the truth. Tell me what happened that night. I don't care about it, I really don't, but I need to know for my own sanity.” She was pleading with both of them now, looking back and forth between them, wondering if Mark was playing his mind games he was famous for if it really was Steve the entire time.

Mark stared at Austin, hatred boiling in his green eyes, growling before stepping back, hands up. “Fine,” He all but roared. “Game fucking over.” He pushed past Jaycee, making sure to kick Austin on the way.

Steve groaned, hunching into a ball. “Mother fucker...” He cursed, finally pushing himself off the ground and leaned against the wall, turning to see where the son of a bitch had gotten off too.

Hearing it caused a new pain to explode within her, a pain unlike any other as she watched Mark stalk away, simply standing there. She didn't even check on Steve as she stared down at him, knowing this wasn't what she signed up for. “You were innocent.” She murmured, blinking, the shock still in her system, but the tears kept falling and she couldn't stop them. “I love him. I love him and he betrayed me. I loved him and he played me like a fool.” She swallowed hard before backing away from Steve. “I-I need to go...I need to get out of here. I need to get to the airport and get away from here NOW!” She all but screamed that last part, covering her mouth with her shaking hand.

Steve frowned, reaching a hand out to her, hiding his physical pain the best he could though it was hard when he was fighting to keep conscious. “Jaycee, just, come inside.” He pleaded, his teeth clenched with pain. “Let's go inside and talk about this rationally. Or we can call your brother and have him come get you, just calm down, honey.”

Jaycee seen the condition he was in and instantly rushed over to him, wrapping his arm around her neck as she guided him inside the hotel and upstairs to her room. She laid him down before checking his wound, glad Mark hadn't busted him open again. “Just relax and sleep.” She said, knowing he didn't have a concussion just by the look in his eyes. He was fighting to stay conscious due to the blood rushing to his brain from how much adrenaline was pumping through his system and the physical abuse Mark inflicted on him didn't help. After he was asleep, Jaycee sank into the chair and stared out the window, letting the silent tears fall, knowing it would only take time to forget Mark Callaway.

Steve woke up suddenly, not sure what had woken him up, frowning. “Jaycee?” He murmured, looking around and finding her huddled in a chair, staring out the window. “Honey, come lay down.” He whispered, knowing she was torn up mentally and emotionally from all this. “You can't go without sleeping honey.” He got to his feet, steadying himself on the nightstand. “Jaycee?”

She was sleeping in the chair, a bottle of Jack Daniels in her hand, having gotten it from the liquor bar that was in her hotel room. Her head was resting against the glass window, her body torque in a complete circle, and her face was stained and burned with tears. She moved a little and the bottle dropped, completely empty, not feeling Steve lift her up in his arms and carry her over to the bed. “Mark...I love you...” She whispered in her sleep, more tears falling down her cheeks, and snuggled into the pillow as her body trembled.

“Brilliant.” He muttered, wishing he could drop her on her ass, but didn't, gently laying her out on the bed, sighing and crawled in beside her. He knew it would take time for Jaycee's wounds to heal and he planned on being there to pick up the pieces when she finally realized what he'd been trying to tell her all along. 'Taker wasn't any good.

~*~*~*~

Three months had passed since Jaycee had left the WWF. She'd realized that after all the drama, she just wanted Seattle. That was the love of her life, that was where she belonged. She wanted to forget about Mark Callaway, forget about Steve Austin, forget about everything to do with the WWF. When she came home and cried to her brother, spilling everything to him, Mark was livid and nearly called Vince McMahon, threatening to sue him, but Jaycee made him stop. She didn't want to start anymore trouble with that company and wanted to move on. Mark agreed reluctantly and stayed with his sister for the first month she was back in Seattle. Of course, she worked so much that she hardly slept. The woman was lucky to get two hours of sleep in a forty-eight hour shift, and she loved it. Jaycee sighed as she walked into Seattle Grace at two A.M., another emergency in the pit, and went to change into her light blue scrubs with a light gray long sleeved shirt underneath and white tennis shoes.

‘Taker was a changed man. He was quiet and withdrawn, doing his job and fucking up anyone who was stupid enough to step in his path. He was tempted to murder Steve Austin with his bare hands, but managed to keep himself in line, barely. Of course, Vince threatening to fire him helped too. He couldn't lose his job, it was the only thing keeping him sane.

Chapter 17

“What've we got?” Jaycee demanded, rushing into the pit, seeing her brother was already with a burn patient while she tended to a three year old little girl named Susan. “Okay sweetheart I need you to be very still until Doctor Shepherd gets here to examine you alright?” She smiled at the brave little girl before checking her pupils and vitals, knowing she had some spinal issues. That was for Derek to decide though, Mark's best friend, before she started working on the girl's cut on her forehead. There must've been a hell of an accident because the pit was packed.

“Keep her busy.” Callie whispered to Mark, having only just arrived. “A few of the ER TV's are on that wrestling thing and her name was mentioned.”

“You're kidding me?” Mark almost halted in his work.

“No. How many other Jaycee's do you know that worked there who happen to be doctors?” Callie retorted and darted off to help where she could.

“So how old are you sweetheart?” Jaycee asked the little girl, trying to keep her mind on what was going on while she cleaned the huge gash on the girl's forehead, getting the needle ready.

“Five.” She answered in a whimper.

“Five? Wow that's a big age to be!” Jaycee winked at her, causing the little girl to smile. “Now I want you to be very still for me Susan, alright? Hold my hand if you have too.” She ordered, giving the little girl her free hand while injecting the numbing serum in her forehead. “Wow that was very brave!” She exclaimed, patting her shoulder. “We're going to do some stitches now, okay?”

“Okay.” The little girl whispered, looking even more terrified of the needle then she had of the shot. “Is this going to hurt?”

“It’ll feel like a little pinch.”

“Turn that off, now!” Mark hissed when he passed a nurse, pointing to the television. “Put on the damn news.”

Looking affronted, she did.

Not that Jaycee's name was being mentioned anymore. It had just been an announcement that on the following RAW some information regarding her would be revealed.

“HOLY CRAP MOM IT'S THE WWF!!” A boy cried in front of the whole pit.

Jaycee stopped mid-stitch when she heard that, her eyes widening and swallowed hard just as Doctor Shepherd walked over to examine the little girl. Jaycee quickly got her composure under control, focusing on the stitches and finishing before taking the little girl down for a CT and MRI scan. The WWF was coming to Seattle? Jaycee would make sure to steer clear incase any certain bald headed wrestlers or acid green eyed men came her way as she went about doing her job, knowing she couldn't worry about it right now.

~*~*~*~

Mark snorted, watching a recap of the show, shaking his head at the announcement bit and almost smirked. He stood bare chested in just grey pajama bottoms in front of the television, a glass of bourbon in his hand. He didn't want to go to Seattle, but didn't have a choice in the matter. ‘This ought to be fun.’ He thought darkly, draining his glass in one polished swallow.

~*~*~*~

Jaycee had thrown herself into her job, taking triple shifts whenever she could, wanting to soak up as much knowledge as she could. She was on-call and didn't even realize what night it was, writing out charts and carefully monitoring a kid in hospice. She sighed. It broke her heart every time one of them came in, but she had to be strong and professional. Jaycee had become somewhat of a robot, devoid of emotion, refusing to get hurt again. She'd only spoken to Mark and Callie, refusing to talk to anyone else unless it was strictly professional, not even going out for drinks.

“Why is this on?” Mark demanded, stepping into one of the break rooms for a quick cup of coffee, groaning when he seen what they were watching. “Callie, turn it off.”

“Wait one damn minute, I'm watching this.” She said, her feet tucked underneath her, munching a bag of chips, eyes fastened on the screen. “That's that Steve guy.”

Jaycee walked in at that moment, blinking at what Callie was watching, stopping her brother from turning the TV off, sinking slowly on the floor to watch, wondering what was going on. When they mentioned her name, her eyes widened slightly as she raked a hand through her hair, beginning to gently tremble. “Don't.” She whispered, holding her hand out when he brother tried comforting her, wanting to see this for herself.

Stone Cold Steve Austin was standing in the ring across from the Undertaker, obviously in the middle of something, a smirk on his face. “Well, since Jaycee decided she didn't want anything to do with me or the WWF, I guess it's not going to hurt to let you in on MY secret.” He said, chuckling when 'Taker arched an eyebrow. “I'M the one who put your ass in the hospital. I'm also the one who paid the writers off to give you your little speech about how you did it, how you wanted to watch me squirm like a worm on a hook.”

Now THAT part ‘Taker hadn't known and it showed, surprise registering on his face before he straightened to his full height.

“I toasted that damn truck of yours, all of it. I played the biggest mind game of all and I played it on YOU, Deadman!”

Jaycee's jaw dropped to the floor and blinked, tears instantly sliding down her cheeks slowly shaking her head back and forth, slowly standing up since she'd been on her knees in front of the television, her entire body shaking. “DON'T TOUCH ME!!” She shrieked when her brother went to do it, blinking at the footage and every time she did, more tears fell from her eyes.

Austin didn't get to say anything else because 'Taker clotheslined him to hell and back. He could hear officials coming, all of them shouting at him to stop, but he didn't. He was punching the man over and over again. “How the fuck could you do that to her?” He bellowed, snarling when he was jerked away from Steve, fighting to get free and attacked again. He had known Steve was behind it, but when he had seen Steve wasn't going to confess, he had given up, not willing to hurt Jaycee with it, even if she did think he was a psychotic who'd purposely injured himself. If she was better off without him, so be it. Now however, things were completely different.

“Mark...” Jaycee didn't even have to say it as her brother shoved her forward out the door and she ran. She didn't even bother changing out of her scrubs as she ran out of the hospital and across the street to her apartment, slamming the door shut, and dropped to her knees. Screaming out to the silence as she gripped her black hair in her fingers, tears streaming down her cheeks. “H-He...he didn't do it…” She choked out, knowing nobody was there, and pushed herself up enough to go to her room, collapsing on her bed, and proceeded to sob her heart and soul out before falling into an unconscious state.

‘Taker had gotten loose again, sending Steve straight to Seattle Grace Hospital. When the cops came to arrest him, he was laughing his ass off while they cuffed him. “Let's go boys, I could use a fucking break anyway!”

“‘Taker, you owe me BIG time for this.” Shane stated as he shook his head, walking with the big man out of the police station, having posted his bail. The city of Seattle had a certain scent to it and Shane decided he was going to ride on the ferry boat, leaving Taker standing there as he got in the limo and left. The big man could handle it from here.

~*~*~*~

Mark was waiting with Callie when Steve Austin was brought in, smiling grimly. “I've got this one.” He stated grimly.

The EMT blinked, knowing Doctor Sloan was an ENT, but didn't argue it.

Callie smirked the entire time as Mark sewed this Austin guy up, who hurt her best friend, without any pain killers. Mark wanted him to feel the same pain his sister was going through at the moment and the best thing was, Austin didn't know Mark was Jaycee's big brother.

“Damn son, don't you have anything to kill the pain?” Steve growled, trying to hold still, but it was hard considering he was being stitched up without said pain relief.

“We're out.” Mark said flatly. “Had a bad accident last night that took our emergency supplies, sorry.” He didn't sound sorry at all. “Aren't you that wrestler?”

“Yeah but I'm not in the mood to do autographs right now.”

“Maybe when I'm done you will be.”

“I wonder if that shit on TV is really fake. What do you think Doctor Sloan?” Callie asked, glaring down at the wrestler, trying to keep this professional without gouging his eyes out. She wanted to kill him for all the pain and suffering Jaycee was going through. He was the reason why her and that other wrestler weren't together and if looks could kill, Steve Austin would turn into a code blue on the gurney and die.

“I think it is.”

“Hell son, you think I got this from a fake show? No chance.” Steve grunted, wondering just what this bitch's problem was. “Did I offend you, sweetheart?” He asked, his tone unconcerned. “DAMN, DOC!”

“Needle slipped.”

“Not at all sir, here let me help you with your injured leg.” She then snapped it up, breaking even more bones in his crushed leg than there were, wincing. “Ooo it looks like you're going to need surgery.” Her dark eyes practically lit up like stars as they twinkled back at him before smiling up at Mark. “You know, I think he's going to need reconstructive facial surgery too. Look how many times he's been bashed in the skull.” She set his arm as well, none too gently.

“What the hell?!”

“Mind if I join in?”

“GET HIM THE HELL OUTTA HERE! OW! DAMN IT!”

Mark smirked wickedly, green eyes dancing. “Boy, you picked the WRONG city to be making announcements in. Especially considering this is Jaycee's hospital and her friends.” He looked at the ENT pointedly.

“Big man, mind holding him down while Callie does her thing, he's squirming too much for just me to handle.”

“Thank you so much, Undertaker.” Callie smirked up at him, knowing exactly who he was. The big man had shown up and held Mark hostage in his office just so this big giant could talk to Jaycee. Callie had to hear about it for the rest of the day after it happened, but that grudge was MINOR compared to this one as she set his arm again, breaking another bone in it. “Damn, you're going to need surgery in that arm too. You're just ALL busted up, aren't you Mr. Austin?”

“Not yet he isn't.” ‘Taker growled, breaking Austin's collarbone. “NOW he is.”

At which point, Steve blacked out from the pain.

“What a fucking puss.” He looked at Mark, extending his hand. “Sorry bout before.”

“Don't do it again and we'll be fine.” Mark shook his hand cautiously. “You should leave so nobody can pin this on you, we'll handle it from here.”

Nodding, he slipped out of the room.

Callie excused herself and stopped the big man, walking with him until they got outside. “Look, Jaycee will kill me for this, but...” She pulled something out of her pocket and put it in the big man's hand, smiling. “She's in her apartment, room 305 right across the street.” She pointed to the building and patted his shoulder. “Go get our old Jaycee back.” She then rushed back inside to help Mark with their 'special' patient, hoping Jaycee forgave her one day for what she did.

“You did it didn't you?” Mark asked when she walked back in.

“She deserves to be happy like me and you.” She replied simply, glaring maniacally back at Steve as they prepped him for surgery.

Chapter 18

He took his time getting there, making sure to stop in one of the hospital's public restrooms to clean himself up. He didn't need any blood on him. Mark made his way across the road, staring up at the building. Mentally preparing himself to be tossed out on his ass, figuratively speaking, he headed inside, locating the apartment and knocking, ready to use the key if he really had too. He'd just give her the chance to be polite.

Jaycee groaned when she heard knocking, her head pounding, and shook her head as she rolled over on her side, not wanting to be bothered. She was still in the dream, that night in Houston, Texas with the bonfire, one of the happiest moments of her life. Jaycee rolled back over in bed, curling up in a tight ball when it suddenly turned into a nightmare with Steve being the one who was screwing her and not Mark.

He sighed when there was no answer, quietly inserting the key into the lock and opening the door. He blinked, scanning the apartment in the dark, shutting the door behind him. He set the key aside before following the sounds of crying. He halted in what had to be her bedroom doorway, staring down at her. It was obvious she was having a nightmare and he wasn't sure if he should wake her. What if the nightmare was about him?

Sweat caked her forehead as Jaycee thrashed in bed, mumbling out louder as she whipped her head back and forth. “No...No Steve...NO!!” She finally bolted upright, her sea green eyes widened as the hot tears fell, blinking as her heart pounded in and out of her chest, still wearing her scrubs from the hospital, and raked a hand through her hair. “Just a nightmare.” She murmured quietly, not seeing the dark figure in her doorway because her apartment was pitch black. She swallowed hard, wiping the sweat from her forehead until everything came rushing back to her, the announcement that'd been the final nail in the coffin. “No...” She whispered out heartbrokenly and drew her knees up, beginning to cry once more, tremors rushing through her body.

He watched her crying, feeling his heart give a painful lurch. His fists instinctively clenched when she had said 'no Steve', guessing who the nightmare had been about. Moving cautiously, so as not to startle her if she looked up, Mark crouched down beside her. “Jaycee.” He whispered, reaching out to place his hand on her shoulder, fully expecting her to freak out.

Jaycee heard that voice and snapped her head up, looking through the darkness for that voice and slowly scooted back on her bed. She quickly flipped her nightstand light on and acid green eyes met hers instantly, more tears falling down her cheeks. “Mark?” She whispered in disbelief, knowing the WWF was in town, but he hadn't known where she'd lived. She wiped her tears away, knowing she probably looked like a holy terror, and raked a hand through her hair, sniffling. “W-What are you doing here?”

“One of your friends.” He admitted gruffly, not too sure what the woman's name had been. “They gave me a key. I had to see you, darlin'. I didn't know you'd seen what happened until I went to the hospital.” Not that he'd tell her what he went to the hospital for, some things were just better left unsaid. “I'm sorry,” He whispered. “For all of this, Jaycee, I'm truly sorry.”

“Callie.” She whispered, already knowing the only woman who had a key to her apartment, aside from her brother, was Callie. She stared back at him long and hard before standing on her bed, reaching his height, and jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, tears streaming down her face as she buried it in his neck, not believing he was actually there. “I-I should've listened to you...I should've trusted you.” She sobbed, closing her eyes tightly shut. “I'm so sorry Mark...You were just trying to protect me.”

“It's alright.” He soothed, holding her tightly against him, never wanting to let go. “Everyone told you I was the psychotic one, you couldn't have known any better, darlin'.” Mark threaded his fingers through her hair, resting his head against hers and sat down on the edge of the bed, not moving her from her position. “Calm down darlin', you're going to make yourself sick.”

Jaycee slowly calmed down in his arms before slowly pulling back to look into his eyes, not believing he was actually here, her nose red and her eyes were puffy and swollen. “I never thought I'd see you again.” She whispered softly, running her thumb over his bottom red lip before cupping his face with her hand. “I love you Mark.” She'd been meaning to say it, but didn't know when the right time would be and now felt right before it was too late and she lost him for good.

He blinked, staring at her out of wide green eyes. It had been awhile since someone not obsessed with getting in his pants or wallet had said that. “You're not...just saying that are you?” He asked hesitantly. “On account of feeling guilty and all?”

“No, I truly do love you, Mark. I love you so much, I've been lost and empty without you.” Her voice was low and soothing, her eyes shining with truth as she stared back into his, showing him she was telling him the complete truth. “You don't have to say it back.” She smiled back at him before softly kissing his lips, moaning gently, and pulled back pressing her forehead to his. “I had to tell you though for my own sanity.”

“Fair enough.” He chuckled, relief washing over him at her words, good thing to know. Mark stared into her sea green eyes, feeling lost within them and kissed her tenderly. “I love you too, darlin'.” He whispered against her lips. “I probably should have told you that before.”

“You were probably scared, don't worry I won't tell anyone.” Jaycee replied with a wink, laughing softly and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck before hugging him close to her, running her hand up his back to his hair, sighing at the silkiness. “I missed you so much.” She sniffled more, her tears subsiding, her broken heart slowly piecing together, closing her eyes. “When do you have to leave?”

“Tonight.” He said quietly. “I was scheduled to leave tomorrow morning, but it's better if I leave tonight.” Not that he'd tell her why, but he needed to be far, far away so when Austin accused HIM of doing illegal things, he had an alibi. He seen her face fall and smiled sadly. “Come with me, we'll go back to Houston, darlin'.”

The torment shined in her eyes as she looked back at him and then out the window, the hospital in their plain view, biting her bottom lip. She'd just gotten him back and he already had to leave. It wasn't fair! “I-” What did she love more, Mark or Seattle? She couldn't have both and she knew it. She had to make a choice, a decision on where her grace and love lied most. Jaycee slowly looked back at him and smiled, kissing his lips passionately before standing up. “You're going to need to give me time to pack.”

Mark nodded, moving to go look out the window, arching an eyebrow when he seen a few police cars and sincerely hoped her brother and that Callie woman could cover their asses as well as they thought they could. He really didn't need to go to jail twice in one night. “Need any help, darlin'?” He offered, turning away from the window.

“Sure, start grabbing clothes and putting them in bags. I have four underneath the bed.” She replied, stuffing the material in the bags.

It took about a half an hour before she was fully packed, deciding she would just go in her scrubs. Mark had called the airlines and booked her a flight with his, which was granted instantly, not a major surprise. She also wasn't surprised when he carried all four bags out of her apartment and down to his awaiting car, looking at the hospital and texted her brother before slipping inside.

Going to Houston with Mark. Will call you soon. Love you bro. Thank Callie for me.

She then hit the send button as Mark pulled away from her apartment and on the open road. A few minutes later, Jaycee received a text message back and flipped her phone open, raising an eyebrow.

He was with you from the time of midnight till whenever.

Mark cocked an eyebrow. “Who the hell you textin' at this hour?” He asked, slipping low in the seat as they passed the hospital, as low as he could anyway, still being more then able to see the road.

“My brother, the man you paid a special visit too in order to talk to me.” Jaycee smirked back at him, remembering that all too well, and scooted over once they were out of harm's way, snuggling against his side. “He texted me and said you were with me from the time of midnight till whenever.” She informed him, wanting to be as close to him as she possibly could as he drove both of them to the airport. “I'm not even going to ask and just assume you did something that was illegal.” She said, causing Mark to snort, and giggled knowing she was right.

“If you don't know, then it's not a lie.” He teased, tempted to speed to get to the airport, but knowing that'd be a sure fire way of attracting attention. Though he did breathe a sigh of relief when they were airborne. “You going to be alright? What about your job?” He asked when they were seated, shifting so he could look down at her.

“I have a job already.” She smiled up at him and kissed his lips softly. “Shane has been begging me to come back to work ever since I left and offered me double what they did the first time.” She giggled when Mark's eyes widened, nodding. “Apparently everyone has been grumpy with poor Larry.” She informed him, remembering the call she'd gotten from Shane about a week ago, complaining about how the Superstars refused to go to Larry for whatever reason. “It was quite amusing actually.”

“I bet it was.” He rumbled in her ear. “Jeff's ran into so many damn doors lately Larry didn't know what to do anymore.” He snorted, wondering if the boy had been dropped on his head when he was a baby, deciding the answer was a definite yes. “I'm glad you're coming back darlin', I've grown fond of your...bedside manner.” He frowned when he seen her yawn, knowing she was exhausted. “You haven’t slept have you?”

Jaycee smirked back at him and took his hand in hers, entwining their fingers together, and looked into his emerald green eyes, her own sparkling. “I was sleepless without you.” She replied simply, running her thumb across his red lips and kissed him softly. “I sleep better when you’re around, Mark.”

“The feeling is mutual, darlin’.” He softly replied and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist, kissing her neck softly. “We can be sleepless together.”

“I love the sound of that.” She murmured, leaning her head against his shoulder, and closed her eyes.

Jaycee knew her love for Mark was sleepless and out of control, something she’d never felt in her life, and she wasn’t letting it go without a fight.

The End.