"I'm trying to keep you and let you go,
and I'm trying to convince myself
you're no good for me
while falling more in love with you,
at the very same time."

▲▲▲

"And then she said that I got an A+ for the spelling bee..." Alanna said proudly as her voice filled the car.

I wasn't the typical pick your daughter up from school dad but I knew how much it meant to her to see my car parked outside.

I hadn't gotten out though as I didn't want to draw attention, that was the last thing I needed but the smile on my little Alanna's face once she hopped in the back was enough to make a man at his lowest extremely happy.

"Well I always told you, you were good with words. Saying some things Daddy doesn't even know about." I spoke back as we drove home, I hadn't been the brightest kid in school but I swore these kids were becoming too smart and my daughter was only six may I remind you.

"Daddy, what does infatuation mean?"

I frowned and cleared my throat at the word and knew that wasn't part of the list she had to go over.

It couldn't be...

"Well its when you really like something." I shrugged ignoring the face filling my mind, the same face who had been the last I had seen before waking up in an empty hospital room.

"Only something?" She asked curiously and I sighed briefly as the word was simple but it brought out the unspoken emotions I had avoided over the last week being at home.

"Or someone. When you really like someone and you can't stop thinking about them. When you want to be with them all the time even if you can't be..." I mumbled absentmindedly.

"Oh" I heard her, reminding myself this was my little sweetheart and it was best not to continue.

She continued spelling out her words, for the week, while I sighed and drove on hoping we would get home sooner. While I was playing stay at home dad, everyone else would be on Raw in a few hours as the show always went on.

Guess I should have been lucky her random word wasn't obsessed or addicted, that would have definitely been a bit too close for my liking. Even though we had surpassed that stage with Nicole.

Oh are 'we' still in love with Nicole over here?

Why would I stop?

Because she loves your brother!

She thinks she does but she doesn't...

I wasn't sure why I was defending or holding out hope when I hadn't spoken to her in a couple of weeks. The last real conversation I had with her was me filled with anger, hurt and confusion finding out who she really loved. Or she believed she did and the man who I had thought was her boyfriend knew all along that she belonged to Hunter.

All the times I had kissed her, flirted with her to get a rise out of Colby had been pointless, I had fooled myself into believing something. Argued the point because I was so certain when the person who it truly was, was the only man who meant more to me than my father. My brother, my confidant sat there listening to me declare my love for her...

"Do you like Coco, Daddy?" Alanna questioned as we pulled into the driveway and I knew exactly why. The song on the radio blasting was one Nicole had played frequently and Alanna had slowly started singing along to.

"Well yeah" I shrugged because I was supposed to and shut off the car but rested my head back as she seemed to want to continue.

"Do you double like her?"

"Double like?" I briefly glanced back as I grabbed my cellphone and sunglasses from the glove compartment.

"Like like her" she giggled and I focused my eyes on her to see the excitement fill her eyes.

I smirked as she leaned forward eager to find out something I probably shouldn't have been telling her, especially with me being radio silent with Nicole. But she knew, I already made the mistake when I had allowed her with me to watch Nicole. She loved the little outings of 'accidentally bumping into Coco'.

I turned in my seat and watched her for a bit before stepping out and opening her door to undo her seatbelt, "I maybe like like her... How do you feel about that sweetheart?"

She immediately wrapped her arms around me and squealed, making me chuckle.

Way to set your daughter up for disappointment. Father of the year should definitely go to you...

"I love Coco. I miss her, did you make her mad Daddy?" I tensed a bit recalling the tears running down her face as I went off on her, not letting her get a word in until I angered her into simply shutting off the Nicole that had shown me vulnerability. Shutting off the Nicole that hadn't wanted to leave my arms, have me leave her and allow the glare to fill her as she stated that it meant nothing because she loved another.

"I never make Coco mad" I tried to sound confident as I closed the door with her in my arms and her backpack hung over the other.

"You always do but that's why she loves you" I kissed her cheek playfully nibbling on it as she wiggled in my arms to get free.

I chuckled, "Yeah everybody loves me. But let's not go saying that to Uncle John and Aunt Brie okay?"

"Okay Daddy." She squeezed my neck one more time before I set her down as we entered the house.

Oh kids and their hopefulness, don't let that get your hopes up. Oh wait they're already up...

At least someone's on my side.

I'm being realistic to save both of us the hurt here.

It was the first time I had been back here without Nicole to be honest, since I had remained at my parents' house with Alanna.

"So what do you want to do?" I questioned my daughter as I scanned the house.

"Can we go play at the pool?" I nodded.

"Go get ready. I'll wait down here" I winked and saw her excitedly running upstairs.

I knew she wouldn't be down for a while considering her room was filled with everything her heart could desire except she never got to be in it often, so she would make use of it now.

I sat down on the couch but sighed as I saw a picture Nicole had taken with me after accompanying me to an appearance. If she only knew I had it in a frame on my coffee table, I guess I should have probably moved it away before John visited or better yet. Hunter...

But there would be no word from Hunter, instead I received an impersonal call from Carrano letting me know that I would be off the screen for the next few weeks. I guess I was able to feel what it was like walking in Nicole's shoes when the boss doesn't want you around.

You should hate her right now.

Why?

Because she lied to you, and fucked your brother.

I know.

But you don't hate her.

Nope, I happen to be hopelessly in love with her despite her faults because I meant what I told her, she was a mess. A mess that I wouldn't mind having but she didn't believe she was, she believed she could control everything and knowing now what I did it was obvious.

Her betraying Brie to please him meant she had the upper hand but even I could see that was Hunter's way of pleasing Stephanie. Everything he did was to please his wife, he loved her, first woman he ever loved deeply that's what he told me before he proposed the following week. The look in his eyes made me smile because that's what I believed Samantha made me feel but Nicole...

Maybe I should have burst into his room instead, let him know that I knew he didn't have the perfect marriage I aspired to for all these years but I landed up at Nicole's door. After Colby told me I just walked out not sure where I would land up and I found her and I still wasn't sure which would have been best; confronting Hunter or her.

But I guess me ending up where I was was even more of a sign of how weak I was to my love for her. The love that had fucking snuck up on me when all I wanted was to have time with her, who knows how long the love had been there.

She was there though, even after I left her in tears when we got to the back she was there, said she would be back but as the doors of the ambulance closed and I was left alone. I knew she wouldn't be coming back then and all relief and hope was gone with the slamming of those doors.

Who knew that one fucking night could make me into such a hopeless fool for that woman...

I stared at her as she seemed to be staring at me, only the longing stare as she spoke to her sister whose head was rested on her lap let me know she wasn't.

Until she stopped talking and seemed aware of the direction, she sent me a small smile surprising me while I simply raised my glass before feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket.

I turned away and answered it, knowing it was John.

"Where are you?"

"At the club, you?" I replied casually.

"At the restaurant. Randall, I saw that look in your eyes and I would appreciate it if you didn't do anything stupid."

"She doesn't seem stupid, maybe a bit of a lot to handle but its been awhile since I had a challenge" I groaned thinking about the kiss I had gotten an hour before.

"Randy!" I chuckled and rolled my eyes.

"I won't. I promise I'll try, I just don't feel like sitting around in a restaurant. I'll see you guys later."

I heard him sigh before I shut off the phone and gulped down my drink ready to leave but saw Nicole's body moving and smirked until she lost her balance while her sister seemed too preoccupied with one of their other friends.

She didn't bother standing up, instead seating herself up on the ground. I slowly moved towards her while she ran her hands through her hair, closing her eyes.

"Nicole.." I leaned down and whispered into her ear.

"Leave me alone" She mumbled but I ignored her and lift her to her feet.

"Randy" I heard Brie and sighed, prepared for the narrowing of that eyes again.

When John had called me up while out on an injury to let me know he was in love months after his divorce I certainly didn't believe it would be the twins who had left the company.

He hadn't bothered telling me who, just told me to get my best man ass down to the middle of nowhere and well when I saw Nicole, let's just say I prayed then already that was the one he wasn't engaged to.

"I'm going to get her some water at the bar. Enjoy your night" I shot her an innocent smile.

She eyed me but nodded as I pulled Nicole along.

"What's your problem?" She frowned as we left the club and made our way into a car.

"You Bella" I sighed allowing my eyes to trail her body.

I guess it was true what they said about twins, they were usually opposites. Yes her and her sister might have both been going crazy but tomorrow morning Brie would be snuggled up with John while Nicole would be in a restaurant having a breakfast on her own while trying to get signal on her phone. Signal to probably crawl back to Dolph from what I have heard...

That reminded me why I hadn't paid much attention to her before, that and I had been a happily married man.

"Me?" She whispered.

"You're busy drinking your night away instead of really enjoying it with your soon-to-be married sister. A bit selfish if you ask me..." I shrugged and she stared at me trying to make sense of my words so I waited as her drunk mind worked.

"Says the guy who has been in the club all night while his best friend is somewhere else."

I chuckled, "does she know how unhappy you really are being here. I bet she has been a bit of a Bridezilla not even realizing how much while your fuckboy ex was making your life miserable."

She glanced away, hurt flashing in her brown eyes which confirmed my words while I hadn't meant for it to be harsh. I assumed by our interactions she would simply insult me in return but she was drunk...

"You think you know me because my sister shares everything about my life with John? I didn't exist to you before and now I walk in, the only hot woman in the middle of nowhere in your eyes and you're on the chase. Sounds like another fuck boy to me..." She snapped clearly upset with me, well clearly I lost the charm I had earlier in the night.

I sighed deciding to drop the chase because it worked better on a sober Nicole, "I just got out of my first marriage, trust me Bella. I haven't fucked anyone in awhile but I plan on changing that..."

So much for dropping the chase...

She turned to me and leaned her head on my arm draped over the seat, "Maybe some other time, Orton. I mean I'm flattered, you're gorgeous, I just I'm at my lowest point right now.."

"I didn't plan on making you go low" I mused which caused her to giggle as I felt the car stop and we headed up the sandy driveway.

I wrapped my suit jacket around her, not really wanting any eyes on her, "Thank you"

"No problem, Garcia" I smirked as we reached the house.

With the darkness faded and the lights of the house on her, I saw the messed up mascara and wondered when she had cried in the night.

She clutched my jacket to her as we headed down the hallway.

Is the Predator caring about the prey?

No. She's drunk.

You were fine watching her get drunk and now?

"I'm fine with being on the chase for another day. Get some sleep, Garcia.." I smiled slightly as we reached her door and I was about to head to mine at the end of the hall but heard her faint voice.

"I'm sharing with Lauren cause JJ ain't here yet..." I frowned trying to remember who Lauren was having been introduced to so many people in the last 24hours but couldn't.

"And she's back at the club?"

"Yeah" she pouted, resting her head back on the closed door and I breath in deeply before moving closer to her.

Guess The Predator doesn't care...

I don't.

"Oh for someone who doesn't want to fuck me you sure are pushing it Bella." I whispered into her ear feeling the desire grow when I hadn't looked at another woman in so long.

She sighed, " I want to but I already have one guy in my life I don't need another messing with my head."

"I won't be messing with your head. Everything else might be messed with and sore tomorrow, along with your head. But alcohol will get credit for that one..." I smirked as I hovered over her and she stared up at me.

"You're too much Randy" She huffed as my body was pushed up against hers.

"Maybe you should find out just how much I am." My fingers trailed up her bare thighs and I closed my eyes and lowered my head inhaling her sweet perfume mixed with all the different alcohol she had sunk into.

You're not divorced yet, Orton.

I know but its been so long and its over already.

She'll soon be family...

Mmmmm...

She giggled taunting me, "all talk Viper"

Viper?

I smiled leaning back as she bit her lip seeming to be in a now playful mood, "Kiss me and we'll see..."

"What?" She frowned.

"Kiss me, that's about all you'll have to do tonight. Just kiss me and I'll show you how much talk I am, kiss me and I'll show you the night of your life Garcia. I'm not going to take advantage of you, just kiss me and I'm yours but your body will be mine for the night" I stared behind me making sure we were still alone in the hallway.

"You could never take advantage of me" She said seeming offended and all the things I would do to her roamed in my mind as I instantly knew she would hate me having control but also love it.

"Mmmmm.. So if I kiss you that's okay. Take control from you.." I smirked searching her eyes waiting for her to do what I knew she would and I would have her, have her for the night..

"Daddy!" I heard Alanna shriek and immediately jumped up and ran up the staircase to see her on her bed.

"What's wrong?" I frowned seeing she wasn't hurt.

"Spider!"

I moved back fucking hating those things as she pointed towards it seeming fixed to the spot.

"Daddy no!" She stopped me as I raised my foot.

"What?"

"You need to catch it like Coco did and then let it go outside."

"That's probably how it got back in here." I grumbled because it seemed Coco didn't want to leave my mind.

"What if it has a family, Daddy?"

I sighed and scanned the room before luring it into the container and carrying it out with Alanna following making sure I didn't harm it.

"Was that a lie or did Coco really do that?" I figured she just killed the things.

"Coco isn't scared like you, Daddy. She's fearless."

"I wasn't scared!" I narrowed my eyes and she giggled tugging on my finger as we entered the house again.

"Its okay to be scared Daddy. Coco said its cute that you're scared." I smiled recalling the last time I heard her scream Spider and told Nicole to handle it because they creeped me out.
She had rolled her eyes and made me promise she could be on top in bed for that night while I was simply pleased she was initiating our time together.

"You need to stop talking to Coco about me" I lift her into my arms and spun her around before setting her on my shoulders.

"But she likes talking about you. We both do" She said confidently and I knew then that even if I tried to avoid her, my daughter would make sure I didn't. So where was the point in fighting it when my heart wanted her and the only other important person in my life did as well.

"Why?" I questioned.

"Because we love you.. Can we call her I miss her"

I sighed as I had avoided contacting her and would avoid her until I saw her again because we would have a lot to talk about and not while my daughter was around.

"Daddy needs to get a workout in. You call her okay?" I went to her contact and carried Alanna to the gym as the phone rang.

"Hello?" I heard her voice in my ear surprised she had even picked up and felt my mouth open to say something but handed it to Alanna instead.

"Cocooooo" She squealed as I set her on a bench and walked away giving them some privacy as I tried figuring out what exactly would be happening once I returned.

■■■■

Thoughts on Randy's pov?
Not much but figured you'd want to see some of his thoughts: )

So a couple of you have requested more flashbacks for Hunter + Nikki and I will try to deliver them soon :)

THANKS FOR OVER 4K READS!!!! THE AMOUNT OF FEEDBACK YOU GUYS GIVE BACK ON EACH CHAPTER IS AMAZING AND I CAN'T WAIT TO REPLY BACK ONCE I GET SOME WI-FI IN MY LIFE. BUT THANKS TO THOSE READING+ ADDING+VOTING+ COMMENTING♡♡♡

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