You weren't sure how your relationship with Alex Shelley started. Two professionals in the wrestling industry who swore to never date a coworker. At least that's what you told yourself before you met him.
The two of you had so many things in common. The most important thing to you was privacy. Despite being a public figure, you loved to have a life to yourself. When the relationship blossomed, the two of your swore to keep things a secret.
That's how they stayed for a long time. Alex and Chris would report to the stadium first. He would keep tabs on your whereabouts to check when you were coming in. When you texted him that you arrived, he would meet you outside. Elevators and under the stairwells often found the two of you professing your love for one another. Your back was pressed to the wall with your hand in his. His other hand was placed on your cheek as his lips softly landed on yours. These were the soft and quiet moments you grew to love. Any sound or alert that the elevator doors would open and the two of you would separate.
Things were going great for months. It felt like the two of you would be a secret forever until a fan wanted to get a little too personal.
You were known for making time for the fans who waited outside the arena. It reminded you of your childhood when you wanted to meet wrestlers and others who worked in the business. You always liked to give back.
After the PPV, you walked outside the arena and towards the waiting fans. People called your name for an autograph and picture. You happily obliged. Parents with their kids thanked you for taking the time out of your schedule to meet them. You gave them your typical smile.
"No problem at all."
Despite the long flight to the arena and the long hours waiting around at the stadium, you made time for everyone. You were sure that you looked tired, but you persisted. Things went smoothly until a male fan grabbed your wrist.
"Hey."
You looked up and stopped immediately. Your breath caught in your throat. The face was identical to the profile picture that belonged to a creep on X. He often posted weird things on your posts. You ignored them at first, but they were starting to get more invasive.
His dark hair stuck to his forehead from the sweat. His face was red from the heat from standing outside.
"You haven't been responding to my posts online."
You mentally kicked yourself for entertaining him at one time. You felt bad for him. He tried so hard to get your attention.
"I get a lot of responses on my posts," you spoke. "Sometimes they get lost in the shuffle. Please let go of my wrist."
He didn't budge. In fact, you swore he held your wrist slightly tighter. "C'mon. You don't have to be like this. We are friends."
You took a step back. His hand stayed around your wrist. You started to feel your blood pressure rise. Tears begged to fill your eyes. Despite it all, you tried to keep your composure. "Let me go."
"So, are the rumors true?" He pried. "You have a secret boyfriend backstage?"
You remembered reading the articles when they first popped up online. Alex laughed it off. He wasn't concerned with the internet drama. There would be another story that broke, and the articles would stop. It didn't stop the IWC from filling your posts with guesses on who your secret boyfriend was.
"Just another unfounded article online," you laughed.
"You know," he started and pulled you closer. The smell of his horrible breath danced under your nose. "I would never keep you a secret if we were together."
"Yeah, well, it's a good thing we aren't. Now please let me go. My ride is waiting for me."
Those around him finally started to see your discomfort. Several people told him to let you go and not be a creep.
"Relax, guys, she and I are friends. We are just talking."
"Oh, shit, is that Alex Shelley?" Someone asked next to him.
Your heart skipped a beat when you turned to see your boyfriend. He didn't look happy as he stormed towards you. The fans called for an autograph and picture. He ignored every single one. His eyes only laid on the two of you.
"Take your hand off of her," he instructed the moment he stood next to you. His index finger pointed to the guy's hand that stayed on your wrist. You nearly started crying in relief that he showed up. "I'm not fucking asking again."
The fan saw the way you looked at Alex. The love and hope in your eyes despite the fear.
"Dude, no way."
"You got about three seconds before I get really mad. Let her go."
The fan saw the seriousness in his eyes. He finally let him go. "It's cool, man. We were just talking. What is your problem?"
The other fans watched. Some had their phones out to record the event taking place before them. "My problem? She asked you to let her go several times. Why didn't you let her go?"
"I didn't hear her."
"That's bullshit and you fucking know it. Don't let me catch you around her again."
The phones continued to record your boyfriend with the fan. Fans had their mouths hung open as the normally composed veteran wrestler was in the face of a fan. Then, the realization of what they were watching started to click for them. This wasn't a wrestler protecting a female staff member. The articles online were true. You were dating someone in the background.
The fan held his hands in the air and backed away slowly. Alex didn't take his eyes off of him until he was gone.
"Alex, I'm fine."
"He touched you."
"He didn't hurt me."
"Come on, the meet and greet is over."
He took your hand and led you to the parking garage. When no one was around, he stopped to check on your wrist.
"I'm fine, Alex. It was just scary," you spoke with a shaky tone. That had never happened to you before. You still weren't sure what to make of it. A part of you blamed yourself for what happened. The creepy fan should have been blocked long ago.
His thumb rubbed against your wrist gently. The very one that the guy wouldn't let go of. You sighed in relief that the moment was long gone. Now, it was just the two of you.
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