RUMBLE: World Class Wrestling #2 Read online

  RUMBLE

  World Class Wrestling #2

  Jacob Chance

  Copyright © 2019 by Jacob Chance

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This novel is a work of fiction. While reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to people either living or deceased, business establishments, events or locales is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are only used for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.

  Cover design by PopKitty Designs

  Edited by Ink Machine Editing

  Proofreading by Hawkeyes Proofing

  This book contains mature content.

  “Wrestling is ballet with violence.”

  Jesse Ventura

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Epilogue

  TUSSLE

  Prologue

  BOSTON TERRIERS

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Prologue

  Ronnie

  Two years ago

  “Ronnie, how are you?” Russ, the owner and the CEO of World Class Wrestling calls out as I enter his office. Sitting behind his stately desk, he’s the king of Connecticut. Or at the very least, the head of his family’s billion-dollar empire.

  “I’m well, thanks.”

  “Have a seat and fill me in on how your physical therapy has been going.”

  Sinking down into one of the leather club style chairs, I tip my head to the side. “Like you haven’t been keeping tabs on me?”

  Russ is on top of everything and anything to do with World Class Wrestling and its employees. I’ve been out of the ring for a month due to a strained ACL in my knee. There’s no way he hasn’t been checking in with my trainer to see how I’m progressing.

  He grins. “You know me too well. That’s one of the reasons why we get along so famously.”

  “No, we get along because I call you out when you’re being a jerk and you respect me for it.”

  “I do. And you might be the only person, other than my daughter, who could get away with that behavior.” Steepling his fingers, he peers over them at me. “You’ve done exceptionally well here and, moving forward, we’d like to make your role much more substantial.” He pauses and flashes a full smile, always the showman. “If all goes as planned, you’ll be the face of our company, the face of a new era in professional wrestling.” Another, slightly longer and more annoying pause, before he slaps his hand down on the desk and nearly shouts. “Why, if all goes as planned, I’d like to see you lead the way to our first ever women’s main event at an upcoming pay per view.”

  I can’t help but grin from ear to ear. I’d heard rumors about the upcoming push the women’s division was about to get, but I’m surprised by his absolute confidence in me. “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

  “How about thank you?” He winks.

  “Of course, thank you. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m just in shock. I really wasn’t expecting this. Especially since I’ve been injured for the past four weeks.”

  “You’ve been missed by your peers and by the fans. Your absence has been felt by all. It’ll be nice to have you back. We’ve planned your return for next week at the Beach Bash, in New Jersey. I’ve spoken to Marco and Hal about writing you into the script. I told them no matches for the first week back, only mic time.”

  “Russ, thank you. I really appreciate this opportunity. I won’t take it for granted.”

  “I have no doubt this is a sound business decision on my part. Just like when I hired you. You were scrawny and young, but I saw the same tenacity in you then, that I see now. Don’t ever lose your determination. It will take you far.”

  “I don’t think I could even if I tried. My parents raised me to be the person I am. Now, everyone’s stuck with the monster they created.”

  “Go take advantage of your last few days off. Next week at this time you might be regretting coming back.”

  “Are you kidding? I’ve been climbing the walls inside my condo without work. I can’t wait to return.” Rising, I smile and give a quick nod. “Thank you, again, Russ. I won’t let you down.”

  “I’m banking on that, Ronnie.”

  Stepping into the hallway outside of his office, I pause and lean against the wall. My knees are weak from a combination of nerves and elation.

  While I’m worried I won’t meet their expectations, I’m excited because I know I will. I have to.

  Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and I have no intention of letting Russ or myself down.

  Pushing off from the wall, I stroll toward the reception area where Susan, Russ’ personal secretary, is seated at her desk.

  “How’d it go?” she inquires although she already knows.

  “Great, but I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you. Whatever you’re putting in Russ’ coffee keep it up. He was tame as a kitten today.”

  Susan giggles, “You might be the only person who would describe him that way. I think he has a soft spot for you. Maybe you remind him of his daughter, Lilah.”

  “He just likes me because I’m almost as bull headed and determined as he is.”

  “That could be. Anyway, it’ll be nice to have you back.”

  I beam. “I can’t wait.”

  The elevator opens, calling my attention. Marco, one of the writers, steps off with his head buried in a script. I stride over to take the ten-floor ride down, smiling so hard my cheeks ache.

  I’m going to be headlining. Me? Ronnie Gunn?

  I can’t wait to share the news with my older brother, Jesse, also a wrestler employed by Russ. Both of us have been working hard and hoping for our big break.

  The elevator reaches the lobby of the World Class Wrestling headquarters in the midst of my celebratory dance. The steel doors smoothly part and I step onto the shiny marble floor. My motorcycle boots noisily clop with every jubilant step I take, but I’m not fazed in the least by the distracting sound.

  I’m floating on a cloud of new possibilities where dreams are attainable, goals can be reached and successfully smashed, and girls can headline in professional wrestling.

  As I glance at the tastefully decorated lobby, I’m not seeing any of the gray walls and black armless leather sofas grouped together around chrome tables.

  I’m focused on a vision of me standing in the middle of the ring, raising a championship belt over my head while the crowd goes wild. I can hear them chanting my name and feel the beads of sweat tricklin
g down the middle of my back. It’s the same scene I’ve imagined hundreds of times— no thousands of times.

  Only, as I picture it in this moment it’s so much sweeter, because it’s almost a reality. I’m so close to attaining my ultimate goal.

  Exiting the building, I inhale the fresh spring air as I head over to the space where I parked my brand-new Harley-Davidson Roadster.

  Loud pipes have my head whipping to the side as someone pulls into the vacant parking space next to me. Letting out a low whistle between my lips, I look the Fat Boy over.

  A giant of a man climbs off and my eyes slowly roam him from head to toe. Dressed all in black, he removes the brain bucket from his head, setting it on his seat.

  He smiles and pushes his mirrored sunglasses to the top of his long blond hair, dragging the thickness back from his handsome face. Warm brown eyes gleam teasingly at me as he returns the favor, studying me from head to toe.

  I guess he likes what he sees.

  Biker boots, tight, torn jeans, and a black motorcycle jacket are pretty much a staple in my wardrobe, and I don’t usually care what others think. But there’s a niggle of vanity right now that I’m not used to. Oddly, I want this stranger to find me as attractive as I find him.

  “Nice sled.” He moves closer and runs a large hand over my black leather seat. “What year is she?”

  “He’s brand new.”

  He smiles, showing off straight white teeth. “Touché.”

  “I picked him up about a month ago.”

  “Is this your first bike?”

  “No, I grew up on the back of them and got my bike permit before my driver’s license.”

  He nods. “I had a similar situation.”

  I move closer, taking a better look at his motorcycle. “Yours is pretty sweet too. She’s a ninety-six, right?”

  “Yeah.” He slowly nods. “I’m impressed you know.”

  “Well, my dad used to tinker with cars and bikes when I was growing up. I was a tomboy and loved to help. I picked up some knowledge here and there.” I shrug, downplaying just how much I know. I’ve done most of the aftermarket additions on every bike I’ve owned prior to Rocky in my parents’ garage.

  “So, you went with the matte finish.” I press my lips together. “I like it.”

  “And you chose the glossy.” He smiles.

  My right shoulder hikes up in a half shrug. “Once I saw him, I had no choice.”

  “I know that feeling,” he remarks, his eyes appraising me before glancing pridefully at the Fat Boy. Stripped down and blacked out, it resembles an old street drag bike. “I’m sure you’ll appreciate that I restored her myself.”

  “How long did it take from start to finish?” I try to keep the excitement from my voice. For some reason, I don’t want him to know what a tomboy I still am.

  “Almost two years exactly. She was in rough shape when I bought her, but I got her for a steal.”

  “I know a lot of time must have gone into tracking down the parts and putting the actual labor in.”

  “It did, but the internet makes finding parts a lot easier. Besides, it was a labor of love for me. I knew she was special from the moment I first saw her.”

  “It’s funny how that happens with bikes. It’s like when you meet someone and instantly connect. You just know there’s something special about the other person. As soon as I saw Rocky, I knew we were destined to be together.”

  “Is Rocky the most important man in your life?”

  “He is. It would take a pretty special guy to usurp that role.”

  “I’m Wyatt by the way.” He holds out his hand.

  I press my palm to his and feel a rough patch of skin. The calluses under his fingers have me curious about what else he does with his hands besides restoring bikes.

  My eyes skim over his broad chest before climbing up to connect with his. He’s built like a personal trainer, or someone who works in construction.

  “I’m Ronnie. It’s nice to meet you.”

  He gives my hand a final squeeze before letting go. “It’s nice to meet you, Ronnie.” His deep husk simmers in my lower stomach, creating a pleasant warmth before skipping along every nerve ending in my spine.

  Tensing my muscles, I stifle the full body shiver that hits.

  “Maybe we can get together for a ride sometime,” Wyatt suggests with a flirtatious smirk arcing the corner of his lips.

  “Maybe we can.” I raise one shoulder and aim a coy smile his way.

  “Ronnie, what are you doing here?”

  My head snaps to the side to find my brother, Jesse, strutting our way. My smile morphs into a serious expression.

  “I had to talk to the big man about my return.”

  “When’s it going to happen?”

  “Next week.”

  “Nice. You must be pumped.”

  “I am. Jesse, this is—”

  “Wyatt. I know.”

  “How’s it going, man?”

  Jesse shrugs. “I’ve got no complaints. How about you? Are you getting all settled in?”

  “How do you two know each other?” I blurt out.

  “Wyatt and I met at Killer Kowalski’s Pro Wrestling School many moons ago.” The two of them high five each other and grin stupidly. “And he just started at World Class Wrestling a couple of weeks ago. How do you know each other?” Jesse stares shrewdly at me.

  “We just met a few minutes ago.”

  “I was telling Ronnie we should go riding together sometime.”

  “No, you’re not. No fucking way is that happening.”

  “What do you mean?” Wyatt looks put off. He stands a little taller and puffs up his muscular pecs.

  Jesse, although smaller than him, doesn’t seem intimidated. “First off, she’s my sister, which should end the conversation right there.”

  “Take it easy, Jesse.” I try to ease what’s become a tense situation. My brother has a bad temper and he always has my back. Which sometimes makes situations incredibly awkward.

  Like right now.

  “Second, I’ve watched you run through a flock of ring rats since you got here, so you better stick to trolling for groupies. You’re not upping your game and making the switch to superstars with Ronnie. Not on my watch.”

  Wyatt cocks an eyebrow and looks directly at Jesse before grinning. “Relax big guy, it was really you I was trying to get close to all along,” howling with laughter, he shoots me a quick wink as he passes by.

  I admire the back view from his broad shoulders down to his lean hips and ass as he moves away from us. He turns and blows a kiss to Jesse as he walks inside.

  I giggle until I’m sobered by the thought that he works for World Class Wrestling.

  Oh shit. So much for taking that bike ride, or any other kind of ride he offers.

  My nose wrinkles when I think about him sleeping with random women. It seems to go with the territory of being a male wrestler. There are groupies in every city and they always seem to find out which hotel we’re staying at or which bar we’re drinking at. They readily make themselves available and most of the guys are single. Why would they turn down a sure thing?

  The women wrestlers seem to restrain themselves better, or maybe they’re just quieter about it. All I know for sure is, I don’t sleep with random guys. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no angel. But I don’t fuck unless I’m in a relationship with someone, or an agreement has been worked out between us.

  “Well, it’s always good to see you, big brother.” I climb on my seat and tug on my helmet. My fingers nimbly fasten the strap under my chin. Firing up my bike, I hit the road before he can warn me off.

  Any attraction I had for Wyatt will need to be squelched now that I know he’s a friend of Jesse’s. I don’t need that kind of hassle. He takes his big brother role to heart, and dating Wyatt would cause chaos. Add in that he’s a coworker and it’s the icing on the cake.

  My job is too important for me to mix business with pleasure. When that happens
it almost never ends well for those involved.

  There are plenty of guys in the dating pool for me to choose from. However, opportunities like working for World Class Wrestling come once in a lifetime. And I’m not going to fuck this up, not even for a gorgeous motorcycle riding god.

  Chapter One

  Ronnie

  Present day

  The four of us pause on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

  “Where are you parked?” Jesse directs his question at me. I tip my head to the right. “I’m about a block down.”

  “I’m near you. I saw your car when I was parking mine,” Wyatt interjects before glancing at Jesse. “I’ve got Ronnie. You guys get home. Your Mrs. looks tired.”

  “I am tired,” Lilah agrees with a smile. “I’ve been up since five a.m. I was ready for bed about six hours ago.”

  Jesse wraps a protective arm around her shoulders. “Come on. It’s time for you to get off your feet.”

  “Jesse, it’s only seven o’clock and I’ve still got fourteen weeks of this pregnancy left. You don’t need to baby me.”

  “Watch it or I’ll carry you to the car.” Steering her along the sidewalk, he gives a wave with his other hand.

  “See ya,” Wyatt calls out, watching them for a bit before directing his gaze to me. “How long do you think it will be until he’s trying to get her to stay in bed all the time?”

  “Pfft. I think he’s probably already harassing her about it. But Lilah’s no pushover. She’s good at butting heads with him.”