The Bet

Taylour had initially planned to stay only until the next show, but as the days passed, she found herself unable to untangle herself from Kenny, both physically and emotionally. The morning of her scheduled flight home, she lay in bed next to him, the warmth of his presence wrapping around her like a warm comforter. She made an impulsive decision and rebooked her ticket, cashing in on Dasha covering for her. Kenny, who was homebound to recover from his last match, welcomed the idea of having her by his side for a little while longer, and they quickly settled into a routine.

Kenny's day began with an early morning workout and tackling emails, and he would wake Taylour with a steaming cup of coffee in bed. Their mornings were filled with conversation, laughter, and lingering kisses, sometimes evolving into more passionate moments. As Kenny headed into interviews or meetings, Taylour attended to her work, ran errands, and prepared lunch. They would always eat lunch together which usually ended with Taylour bent over the kitchen table and being teased by Kenny’s tongue.

When their work for the day was done, they would venture out to dine at local restaurants, followed by strolls along the beach, savoring the tranquil beauty of the sunset. Some nights, they'd sit by the shoreline, engaging in deep conversations for hours, while on others, they would return home to unwind with TV shows or video games.

But it always ended with making love in bed.

This experience was entirely new to Taylour. She had her fair share of past boyfriends, but Kenny stood apart from them all. He saw her for who she truly was, beyond the façade of her "Instagram model" beauty. It meant the world to her.

The day before their flight, Taylour experienced dread. It started when she woke up from a bad dream. A pit in her stomach that grew throughout the day.

By the time they were in bed, Kenny noticed the uneasiness in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t want this to end.”

Kenny cupped her cheek, making her look up to him. She found solace in his eyes.

“This isn’t going to end, we’re only going to be away for 36 hours and we’ll be right back here.”

She believed his words, but something within Taylour still felt unsettled. Instead of exploring the feeling, she decided to take Kenny’s words.

‘What could go wrong?’ She thought to herself.

She feigned a weak smile and he smiled back, leaning in to kiss her lips and then forehead. His hands moved to her hair, curly from swimming in the ocean, and gently ran his hands through. She relaxed into his touch until she fell asleep.

✦ ✦ ✦

Kenny made a point to hold her hand as they walked into the arena.

“Finally!” Brandi boomed when she saw them walk in together. So that’s why you were taking so long to reply to my emails all week,” She followed, her green eyes looking back and forth between the two.

“Nice to see you too, Bran,” Taylour replied.

Brandi smiled, “I’m just happy to know Nick owes me $20.”

Before the couple could inquire, Brandi patted them on the shoulder and strutted away. Presumably to tell Nick, and half the roster, of the news.

By the time the show aired, everyone knew about their relationship. All of the reactions appeared good. It was a great show that came and went.

As Taylour was getting ready to leave the arena, her phone buzzed. She glanced to see a text from Kenny:

"An exciting impromptu contract signing is happening tonight, might not make it back until late.

I’m sorry, mon bijou. I’ll tell you more later.“

Taylour sighed, realizing that her plans for a relaxing evening would have to be postponed. She resigned herself to the idea of changing in the hotel room and indulging in some trashy reality TV until Kenny returned.

She gathered the last of her belongings and made her way to the parking garage. While walking through the parking garage, a black Cadillac pulled out in front of her. Taylour took a step back as two men jumped out from the front. Instantly, she recognized the two figures in all-black suits: Sean and Wardlow. They stood in front of Taylour, towering over her. Wardlow motioned to open the door to the backseat and Sean extended his hand to her.

Taylour's heart sank as the realization hit her like a ton of bricks.

“Max,” She cursed under her breath.

She had completely forgotten about the date that was meant to happen last week, and now, she had to face the consequences.

Refusing Sean’s hand, Taylour stepped into her Cadillac. It was a higher step than anticipated so Sean took it upon himself to give her a boost by supporting her lower back and bum.

Taylour settled into the plush leather seat of the Cadillac. Across from her, she could see Max, donning a navy suit. A‌ bouquet of lilies and roses was in the empty seat next to him. She could faintly smell his cologne, the same one he sprayed on the note a little over two weeks again, in the air. She also noticed something new next to the bouquet, the AEW‌ Championship. The young man looked like an embodiment of charm and charisma, as his dark eyes locked onto Taylour's. She couldn’t help but feel an undeniable magnetism. The dimly lit parking garage provided a sense of seclusion, intensifying the situation.

With a sensual smile playing on his lips, Taylour couldn't deny the captivating pull of the moment. She knew there was no escaping this rendezvous, no matter how much she had initially tried to avoid it.

Sean and Wardlow, the silent enforcers, leaned against the sleek black car, exuding an aura of raw power that seemed to fill the space around them.

Max’s voice, a low, seductive purr, broke the silence. "You didn't think we'd let you forget, did you, Taylour?"

The sleek black Cadillac door closed behind her with a soft thud, leaving no room for hesitation. Taylour couldn't help but feel a rush coursing through her veins as the car pulled away, leaving the parking garage behind.

In the dimly lit interior of the car, Taylour's gaze flickered between Max and the cityscape passing by. Her lips parted slightly as she struggled to find the right words.

The Cadillac finally slowed to a stop in front of an upscale, discreetly lit restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. Taylour's heart raced as Wardlow opened her door, and she stepped out onto the cobblestone street. Max followed suit, his eyes never leaving hers.

There was a gentle breeze in the night air, carrying with it a hint of the tantalizing scent of blooming flowers. Taylour didn’t know whether to curse or praise herself for staying in her event outfit. A shimmering white minidress that hugged every inch of her figure. She previously wanted to thank Ms. Sandra for making such a beautiful gown but now she debated on cursing her, too.

As they entered the restaurant, it was as if time had slowed down. The dimly lit interior was adorned with flickering candles on each table, casting a warm and inviting glow. They were greeted by the head waiter who appeared to be expecting them. As they walked through, Taylour noticed a live jazz band was playing.

The maitre d' led them to a private corner booth in the back, secluded from prying eyes.

Taylour took her seat, the plush velvet upholstery enveloping her. Max slid across from her, his dark eyes filled with hunger. Her voice trembled as she finally found her words, and Taylour’s eyes locked onto Max's.

"Max, I... I didn't expect this.“

Max leaned in slightly, his voice a seductive murmur as he spoke.

"I want you to be comfortable, princess. Let me take care of you. Let me take care of everything. "

A shock was sent down her spine to her legs.

She couldn't help it. She wanted this.

"Yeah. Sure. Okay. "

Max's hand slid into hers and a soft smile crossed his lips.

“Now, let's have a nice meal.“

The maitre d’ approached their table with a smile, his gaze switching between Max and Taylour. He handed them each a menu, then poured a glass of red wine for the pair.

Taylour took a sip in an attempt to clear her head—to steady her nerves—but it only seemed to intensify the swirling thoughts in her mind.

The thought of surrendering to his will—of letting him take control and have his way with her—filled Taylour with a thrill of both apprehension and excitement. She knew that doing so would mean crossing a line—one that she couldn't come back from.

So why did she want to?

The maitre d' returned with their orders and a knowing smile.

"A bottle of Dom Perignon, as requested. Enjoy. "

Max raised his glass in a toast, and Taylour reluctantly followed.

"To new beginnings. May they be filled with many wonderful memories. "

Their glasses clinked together, and Taylour's heart fluttered in her chest. She took a long, slow sip of champagne, its bubbles tickling her throat. The heady rush of the alcohol mingled with her arousal, clouding her thoughts.

As she set her glass down, Taylour's gaze flicked up to meet Max's, and she found him studying her with a thoughtful look. His voice was soft as he spoke.

"What is it, princess? Are you having second thoughts? "

She hesitated, her thoughts racing.

"Well...I don't think Kenny would like this."

A laugh escaped Max's lips.

"To be fair, I did ask you out before you made that guy your boyfriend."

She nodded. "True."

Taylour couldn't help but notice the way the candlelight flickered across Max's features, highlighting his chiseled jawline and deep-set eyes.

Her mind flashed to the way Kenny's hands had roamed her body just a few hours ago, and her cheeks flushed.

"It's not too late to call things off, you know," Max continued. "You can always tell me to stop. "

His gaze was intense as he studied her, his lips slightly parted. She could feel his desire emanating from him, his need for her, and it was intoxicating.

The maitre d' appeared with their entrees and refilled their glasses.

"Thank you," Max said, his voice a low rumble. He waited for the maitre d' to walk away before continuing.

"You know, I've been waiting a long time for this moment, princess. Ever since I first laid eyes on you. "

Taylour's breath hitched in her throat. She knew she was walking on thin ice, but she couldn't help herself.

"Oh, is that so?" she replied, her tone coy.

Max's expression turned serious as he nodded.

"It's the truth. I've never felt this way about anyone else before. And I want to show you just how much you mean to me. "

He reached out and placed his hand over hers, his touch sending sparks up her arm.

Taylour's heartbeat quickened as Max leaned in closer.

"Do you trust me, princess?" he whispered.

Taylour swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. She could feel his hot breath on her skin, and her thoughts turned to the myriad of things she had imagined him doing to her.

"Yes," she breathed.

Max's lips curled into a smile.

"Good. Because I'm going to make this the best night of your life. "

A shiver ran down her spine at his words, and Taylour felt herself giving in to his will.

"Okay. "

He gently took her hand and kissed the back of it, his lips brushing her skin and sending a thrill through her body.

"Let's get out of here. "

They got up and started to make their way out, and the maitre d' stopped them.

"Mr. Friedman, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. It's been an honor to serve you tonight."

Max smiled. "The pleasure is all mine. "

The maitre d' shook Max's hand and thanked him profusely as he and Taylour made their way out of the restaurant.

They walked towards the awaiting Cadillac.

Wardlow and Sean held the door open for the pair, the two henchmen giving her a smile and a polite nod.

Sean's hand once again found its way to the small of Taylour's back and gently assisted her into the vehicle.

Once inside, Taylour found herself in the back seat with Max. Their knees were touching, the feeling of his leg pressing against hers causing a spark of electricity to course through her body.

"Where to?" Wardlow asked as he turned the ignition.

"Back to the hotel," Max replied.

Taylour couldn't help the flutter of anticipation in her stomach as the Cadillac pulled away from the curb. The ride back was a blur. Max's presence was intoxicating, and Taylour lost herself in the moment.

As the car rolled to a stop in front of the hotel, the valet was already holding the door open for Taylour. Max held his hand out, guiding Taylour from the backseat. He turned his head to look at his henchmen.

Wardlow nodded. "We'll handle the rest."

Max gave him a small grin. "Thank you. Have a good night, gentlemen."

With that, Max placed his hand on the small of Taylour's back and guided her toward the hotel's entrance. Max had ushered her inside the hotel and into an elevator, prusing the top floor. As the elevator ascended, Taylour couldn't help but notice Max's hand, resting dangerously close to her ass.

Her body tingled beneath the fabric covering Taylor's thigh; then goosebumps erupted along every inch exposed by the short dress as she felt his fingers graze her skin. She knew that she should move away, that she should stop this before it went any further, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"You're playing with fire, sweetheart," Max purred, his lips dangerously close to her ear.

"I... I know," Taylour murmured, her voice trembling slightly.

Max chuckled, his breath hot against her skin.

"Good. I'd hate to think you weren't enjoying this."

Taylour swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She was playing a dangerous game, and she knew it. But she couldn't deny that the risk was part of the thrill. Taylour swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She was playing a dangerous game, and she knew it. But she couldn't deny that the risk was part of the thrill.

Just as she was about to say something, the elevator doors slid open, revealing the lavish penthouse suite.

Max led her inside, his hand never leaving the small of her back. The luxurious decor and plush furnishings made the suite seem even more opulent. He sat her down on the couch and poured a glass of champagne that was waiting for them on ice on the table.

"Make yourself comfortable, sweetheart," Max said, his voice low and sensual. "

Taylour was surprised as she felt his fingertips brush the nape of her neck. Goosebumps erupted across her skin and a shiver ran down her spine as his lips trailed along her neck. His lips met Taylour's in a searing kiss, a passionate fusion of desire and longing. Taylour couldn’t bring herself to push him away. Max took it as an opportunity to allow his hands to explore her body. Taylour let out a low moan as his hand found her breast, his thumb brushing across her nipple through the fabric of her dress.

"M-Max..." she gasped, her breath catching in her throat.

She allowed him to slip his tongue into her mouth, deepening this kiss. She could feel him tug at the straps of her dress. He kissed her chin then trailed down to her collarbones. His hands traveled down her waist to her thighs. He hitched up her skirt to expose her panties. She couldn't help but feel vulnerable as she realized his hands were on the waistband of her panties. He hooked his fingers and dragged her panties down her legs.

"You look so beautiful right now, princess" Max murmured as he slipped his thumb over her wetness. Taylour's breath hitched as her sweetness reacted to his touch. She was putty in his hands.

"And you smell so delicious." He dipped a finger into her wetness. "I can't wait to taste you."

His fingers explored her folds, and Taylour squirmed under his touch. She was dripping wet and aching for release. Max's lips trailed along her neck, his breath hot against her skin.

It wasn’t until Taylour began to hear the zipper of her dress unravel that sense came crashing back to her.

Taylour quickly pushed Max away, her eyes wide as she scrambled to put some distance between them. "I have a boyfriend!" she yelped, trying to hide the embarrassment that was spilling out of her.

Max leaned back in his seat, an amused smirk playing on his lips, though he said nothing. His finger lazily traced the curves of his mouth, savoring Taylour's taste.

"This isn't right," Taylour whispered, barely audible.

Max chuckled, a deep, sensual sound that sent a chill down her spine.

"You didn't seem to have a problem with it a minute ago, sweetheart," he said.

"I..." Taylour trailed off, unsure of how to respond.

Max rose from his seat, his expression one of amusement.

"Relax," he purred, closing the gap between them.

Taylour took a step back. "I think I should go."

She picked up her panties from the floor. Max watched her make herself decent again.

"Suit yourself," he shrugged. "But before you go, I must tell you two things."

"One: Kenny's going to find out about this. And two: you're mine now, princess."

Taylour's eyes widened as his words sunk in. She turned to face him, her gaze locked on his.

"You're insane," she spat.

Max smirked. "Maybe. But you can't deny that you want me. Just admit it. You want me to take control. To make you mine."

His voice was low and husky, and Taylour could feel the tension between them.

She swallowed hard, her heart racing.

"You don't know what you're talking about," she whispered, trying to maintain her composure.

Max's lips curled into a smirk, a smug expression adorning his face.

"Oh, I think I do, doll," he drawled.

Taylour stood her ground, her gaze never leaving his.

"I have a boyfriend," she stated firmly.

"So?" Max shrugged, clearly unfazed.

"So, I'm not going to cheat on him."

Max let out a laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Sweetheart, you've already crossed that line. You've given yourself to me."

"You're delusional," Taylour scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Oh really?" Max raised an eyebrow. "You don't think he'll find out about this?"

Max went into the other room and pulled out a small audio recorder. He pressed stop then replay. Within seconds the recording played back Taylour's moans that grew deepening and louder with each minute. Taylour was speechless.

"You didn't think I'd just let you walk out of here without something to remember me by, did you, princess?"

Taylour stood there, paralyzed with disbelief.

"It's your choice."