Chapter One

Christine

I should have learned by now groupies made awful boyfriends. Anger filled me knowing that I’d have to tell John to pack his things and move out of my apartment.

I slammed the door to my dressing room. My dog, Pebbles, was curled on the chair taking a nap. She startled and jumped off the seat. 

“Sorry, pug-a-poo.” I pulled my sweet dog into my arms and let her lick my face.

Shelly, my trainer came in with Kaylee, Denise, and Lena, my three diva sisters. “John’s standing outside the stadium selling t-shirts and pictures of you.”

“Yeah, since he became president of my fan club, he’s taken on the role of promoting my image on social media. And he loves broadcasting that he’s my boyfriend.”

Kaylee arched her brow quizzical. “Well, isn’t he?” Kaylee piped up as she outlined her pouty lips in a dark burgundy liner?”

“Not after seeing him make out with my competitor this afternoon.”

“You heard about that?” Lena, my best and closest friend gave me a soured expression.

“Yea, didn’t take long for the bitch to let me know that she’d had a taste of my man.”

“Beat her ass in the ring.” Kaylee kissed her lips together.

“I believe it’s time to teach one blonde hair bimbo not to mess with the Red Hot Devils,” I said.

“Go girl.” Denise wrapped her arms around my shoulders and gave me a supporting hug.

“Show time ladies,” our trainer said, hustling us down the aisle and into the screaming crowd.

“Here’s to the Red Diva Devils.” I high five my friends.

The four of us were top card which meant we should win tonight’s belt. After Blondie’s taunt with my boyfriend, I’d ass wipe her right off the floor and teach her a lesson.

The bell rang and Denise went first, rising her red three prong pitchfork high in the air and making a stance before tossing the fork to me and tagging off. Here was my chance to take down the bitch. It wasn’t about John. She could have him if she wanted. It was the principle of the thing. I stepped into the ring and body slammed her. “That’s for stealing what’s not yours.”

She undercut my position and wrapped her legs around my middle. “It’s not my fault you can’t keep your boy toy from straying.”

I flipped and got out of her hold, then jumped the ropes, somersaulted over her to take her down. The unexpected recovery surprised her, and the crowd roared in appreciation. 

“We’re the Red Devils and don’t you forget it.” I screamed into the arena.

I watched the grin on John’s face fade. He thought he was smooth, but tonight he’d realized I was no one to be made a fool.

* * *

Last night after the fight, I had it out with John and told him to pack his bags and be out of the apartment when I got home this afternoon. He’d stomped off and hadn’t returned. Uncertainty twittered in my stomach—would he be here? I unlocked my front door, hoping the two-timing scumbag had left. He wasn’t worth another thought.

After the fundraiser this morning, the Red Diva Devils of the WWE professional wrestling team helped to raise a hundred thousand dollars for the Orange County animal shelter. My heart ached every time one of those sad commercials of an unwanted or abused dog aired on television. I’d bawled like a damn overgrown baby. 

I peeked inside. No one was here. “Pebbles.” I called for my dog. This was weird. She usually greeted me at the door.

She didn’t come.

I walked into the bedroom, expecting to find her curled up in her bed. Where was she? I tried not to panic as I checked the outdoor patio where she played. I retraced my steps. That’s when I saw the angel tickets for tonight’s game, right along with my key and a note. Fear gripped me, he’d done something to my dog. 

Christy babe, by now you’ve figured out I have Pebbles. If you interested in making a deal. Call—if not I’m sure she’ll be happy living with me.

What? I couldn’t believe he’d taken my dog. He could have taken any of my collection of books, but Pebbles was off limits. I fisted my hand unable to restrain the anger storming through me.

Screw that. 

I scrolled my phone and found the rat fink’s number. The phone rang with no answer. He was avoiding me on purpose. I should have known he’d be like all the others. We’d lived together six months. He’d said he loved me. What a fool I’d been. 

Everyone had an angle and fought to stay on top. As a WWE Pro Wrestler, I’d been a target. Again.

I texted.

Me: Bring Pebbles back by seven tonight or I’m having you arrested for theft.

Him: How much is Pebbles worth to you? I’m willing to bargain.

Me: What do you want?

Him: Six months’ rent for my art studio.

Me: No.

Him: Plus, I continue as president of your fan club, and you stay my girlfriend for one more month letting me dump you. 

I had to think this over. Kaylee and the girls had been right, but he’d been clever in his pursuit. Pebbles was well worth the rent money. 

I had to accept his offer. One month was worth the headache. Something deep inside me hated being used and the words just clogged in my throat.

Me: Not going to happen. You’re out of the picture and no one on the circuit will believe I allowed you to scrap me like yesterday’s trash.

Him: I’m staying as president of your fan club. I know you’ll be designing next seasons storyline.

Me: I’m fucking not giving you control over what my fans think of me.

He texted an image of my mother lying passed out with a tequila bottle still in her hand. 

I gasped because the only way he’d gotten that photo was to have gone through my childhood journals.

Him: I’m sure by morning this image will have gone viral.

I’d separated myself from the past, but if this photo circulated across Tik Tok I’d be humiliated. Everyone would know of my shame. Even though in my heart I wanted to tear him to shreds. I couldn’t. Pebbles meant everything to me. If I lost my pug, I’d be a ship without a rudder to guide me.

Me: You win.

Him: I thought you might see it from my perspective.

Me: You’re a real asshole.

Him: Like they say in Hollywood, business is business. All’s fair in the pursuit of fame.

Me: When a bigger sharp takes you out I’m gonna laugh all the way to the bank. 

Him: Until that happens, I need money and you’re the cash cow who’s going to give it to me if you prize your dog. Now zip it up and let’s make a deal.

The idea of accepting his terms ranked up there with having my wisdom teeth pulled, but I loved my pug. Plus, the idea of finding my backstory splashed across the media channels didn’t sit well. What really irked me was being taken in and conned for what I could offer his career. I’d let him win this round until a time I’d exact my payback.

Me: You win! Bring Pebbles and the photo with you.

Him: Have my check ready? And Christine, I’ll expect you to act the part of the broken-hearted girlfriend.

Me: Fuck you!

I reached for my wallet and pulled out my checkbook. Twenty thousand dollars gone in a blink of an eye just like this unsatisfying relationship. 

I couldn’t help feeling like my life was a revolving door. Men seemed to date me for only two reasons: my fame as a WWE Wrestler or my money.

Ten minutes later, I heard a knock at the door. 

Pebble’s excited bark made my heart leap with joy. I sprinted from the couch, opened the door, and watched my little fawn rotund pug dash into the apartment circling my legs and snipping at my feet. Picking her up, I snuggled her close and handed him the check. 

He gave me a smug smile. “I’ll be in touch.”

I slammed the door determined not to say one word to him. I put Pebbles down. She snatched her Bugs Bunny stuffed animal wanting me to play.

I slid to the floor in the middle of my living room and cried. I wasn’t crying for the douchebag, but the idea of another abandonment. Another person who didn’t believe I measured up to their standards. The emptiness of the loft, reminded me of the emptiness in my soul. Once again, I’d picked another loser. 

At twenty-nine, I should have known better. 

The sound of my doorbell ringing pulled me out of the stupor. Pebbles slept across my head with her face snuggled into my neck, contented. I sat up and hollered at the door. “Go away.” 

“It’s Lena.”

I let out a long sigh. Lena was one badass who would kick in the door without a second thought. “Coming.” I slung open the door. 

“Get dressed, I need you for a double date.” She strolled in wearing black leathers, knee high boots, and a red tank. She looked more like one of those fighters you found in an urban fantasy novel, not a woman going out for the evening.

“What’s up?”

“Remember the biker I told you about. The one I’d dated in college.” 

I searched my mental contact list. My imaginary Siri came up with Steve. “The one who writes poetry.”

“Yes. We’ve been sorta seeing each other.”

“What does sorta seeing each other mean?” My tone quite obvious that I think she’s full of shit.

“We hooked up a couple of months ago.”

“You’re just now telling me?”

“I wanted to make sure he was serious this time before I took him back.”

“Be careful, you cried for months that summer.”

“He explained that his family required he return to Greece.”

A large dose of skepticism filled my tone even though I wished my best friend happiness. I didn’t trust men and their explanations. “Believe only half of what you hear.”

“I’m tired of the men we meet.”

I understood that. I’d had my share of fan buffs and was getting rather exhausted with their misplaced affections of love. 

“What do you want me to do?”

“Steve’s reading one of his poems at the Rooster Cafe. He persuaded me to come and said to bring you.”

“Why me? I don’t know him.”

“He’s got a friend who’s dying to meet you.”

“Sorry, I already have plans. The Angel game is tonight.” Being hooked up on a blind date was not what I needed or wanted. I thought John had been different, a real chance at a relationship. I still couldn’t believe he was only interested in building his own brand. When the time was right, I’d pay him back in a way he’d never expect.

“You did kick the asshole out?” Her incredulous expression said she had my back.

“Cost me twenty thousand.”

“What?”

“He had Pebbles. What was I supposed to do?”

Hearing her name, my pug stretched her legs and decided it was time to eat. Lena reached in her fanny pack and pulled out a dog treat. Every time she saw her, she always had a biscuit for my girl.

“Skip the game and come with me.  I’ll get you a signed copy of Poetic Abyss of the Greek Mind.”

“Sounds exciting. Can’t wait.” My snarky tone wasn’t lost on her, but I had to admit it was kinda cute. This big biker dude gushing over poetry.

“Steve loves Greek mythology. He’s an expert.”

An idea pinged in my mind and a bulb flashed with a sparkling light. “Our next warrior theme should be Warrior Greek Goddesses.”

“Great idea. It’d make a great storyline. We need a new image for next season.”

I motioned too Pebbles. “Could you take her outside? I’ll be ready in fifteen.”

Lena grabbed the diamond studded leash from its hanger on the wall and clipped it on Pebble’s collar. It’d be fun to update Pebble’s accessories to a warrior theme. 

This year had been a whirlwind with winning my second world title, the European title, and after last night the tag team title. I had to admit it felt good to be a Triple Crown champion but after John, I’d had my fill of men who wanted to ride on the coat tail of my success. 

Opening my closet, I debated on wearing a pair of jeans and an oversized shirt. That would probably draw more attention because no doubt the other two hot divas from our group would be joining us, wearing leathers with our signature Red Hot Devil tanks. I slipped on a pair of black jeans, black stilettos, and one of our tops.

I slicked back my hair and pulled it into a tight ponytail at the crown of my head. I painted my green eyes to create a dramatic effect of a hot devil woman. I touched my lips with a dash of red lip stick and left my bedroom.

Lena came through the front door and gave me a satisfied smile. “You look stunning.”

“So do you.” I attached my fanny pack around my waist, and we left to the Rooster Cafe.

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