“You’ve put me in a predicament here, X. Both you and Rex are the future of my company—you, in particular. You’ve been the topic of a lot of marketing strategies now that Brian wants to step back and spend more time with his wife and little girl. We need someone who can takeover his role, someone the crowd will really get behind. I’m struggling with going against my company policy and trying to make all of this go away for you. I need to work it so that the company can still benefit from you.”
My mouth drops open a bit. “Are you saying that I’m not fired?”
Anna bites her bottom lip, trying not to smile, like she doesn’t want to show any excitement until it’s confirmed that my dream hasn’t been crushed.
“I’m saying that you are too valuable to fire. Your popularity means money for Tension, and that’s good for business, which is why I bailed you out. I’ve got a meeting with some local connections tomorrow. I have to put a spin on this situation, saying that it was a match that got out of hand, that everything was actually a part of the show, and that the cops intervened when they weren’t needed.”
I roll my eyes. “Rex will never go along with that. He’ll press charges just to see me suffer. That motherfucker hates me.”
“I’ve already worked things out with Rex. He’ll agree to save your ass, if I make him the next champion.”
I should be grateful for this easy out, but I can’t stop myself from being pissed.
The muscle in my jaw flexes beneath my skin. Rex getting the belt this way is soul-crushing. That championship should’ve been mine, and had I not lost my fucking head, I would be on my way to wrapping that gold around my waist. Instead, I practically handed Rex the belt on a silver fucking platter.
I always fuck up everything good in my life, which is why I’m holding on to Anna with both hands and doing my best to do right by her. If that means allowing Rex this short-lived victory to keep me from being behind bars, then that’s the way it has to be. I need this job more than anything to support Anna and to prove to her that I can take care of her every need.
“The problem is”—He rubs his chin—“it doesn’t seem like the mandatory vacation I sent you on was enough distance between you and Rex, so I’m suspending you, X. I have to make an example out of you, so the other employees see that, no matter who you are, they cannot pull stunts like this and walk away from this matter scot-free.”
I hate the idea of not being able to work, but it’s a hell of a lot better than rotting in jail or spending all my time on probation. My boss will get no argument out of me on this one.
I sigh. “For how long?”
“Three months,” he answers matter-of-factly. “And during that time period, you will not be permitted in any arena where we hold shows. Hell, I don’t even want to hear about you being in the same city as Tension while you’re suspended.”
I nod. “Fine. Stay the hell away—I got it. Anna and I will head back to Detroit until this is finished.”
“No, only you. This suspension doesn’t apply to Anna. She’ll still be required to show up to every show as scheduled.”
The thought of Anna being alone where Rex and Deena can get to her while I’m not there to protect her is more than I can fucking handle. I can’t allow that to happen. I’m supposed to watch over her. How am I supposed to do that if I’m hundreds of miles away in another state?
“That’s not going to happen,” I retort. “If I’m not there, Anna isn’t going. You don’t need her.”
“Fine.” He shrugs. “That’s on you, but I will fire her if she doesn’t show up, and when your suspension is lifted, I will not allow her back into the building during any of our shows.”
I narrow my eyes. “You can’t do that. That’s blackmail.”
He releases a bitter laugh from the back of his throat. “Have you forgotten who you’re talking to? I own Tension. I can do whatever I please.”
I drag my fingers through my hair.
Fuck.
What in the hell am I supposed to do here? I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. There’s only one real option left.
My eyes lock with his. “Maybe I should quit then.”
“To do what? A man with a temper like yours needs this job, so don’t be ridiculous. Anna is imperative to the storylines. That’s it. Play along and do as I ask for the next three months, and all will be forgiven. Then, you can get back in the ring and go after that championship spot.”
I shake my head. I won’t sacrifice being with Anna for the sake of my job.
I open my mouth to tell my boss this very thing when Anna leans forward and quickly glances at me before turning her attention to our boss.
“That’s a generous offer, sir. We’ll figure out a way to make it work. I will be at the shows. I don’t want to jeopardize my privileges to be backstage with Xavier when his suspension is lifted. Being with him is all that matters to me.”
“Anna . . .” I say her name like a warning.
She stares at me. “I know what you’re thinking, but I’ll be fine. I can handle things while you’re gone. Besides, it won’t be forever. We’ll be apart for only a few days out of the month. We’ll get through it.”
“Listen to her, X. She’s smart, and she has your best interest in mind.”