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CHAPTER FOUR

"perhaps I was
the monster
under the bed."
~midara

Salem

"Do I really have to do this right now?" I pleaded with Candice as we walked up to the front porch of Hunter and Stephanie's large, Florida home. Hunter was hosting an event at his humble abode for the NXT roster to mingle and celebrate a strong year and prepare to dominate a new one.

I found it repulsing.

I had nothing against Hunter. To be honest, I was thankful for everything my boss had done for me so far. However, I am not one for social gatherings. The only reason I had dressed up for this damn event was Candice and her puppy-dog eyes.

That was the other thing I hated: I was currently wearing a dress, curled hair, makeup, and heels.

Candice is lucky I love her. I don't do heels.

Candice shot me a glare in response to my question. Johnny, her, and I all walked together to the front door. "Yes, you do. These gatherings are a big deal for the NXT brand, and besides, it might be nice if you made a few friends you know? Normally, bringing a plus-one is encouraged," Candice hinted, causing me to roll my eyes. The blonde was always supporting the idea of me finding myself a romantic partner, but I preferred to live independently.

That way, no one can hurt me.

The slightly smaller woman noticed my expression and sighed, stopping on the front porch. "Come on, Salem. You're telling me you don't have anyone you could have at least brought with you. Or come with? I mean—don't get me wrong—we love hanging out with you. But, wouldn't it be nice to have someone there for you?" Candice tried to change my mind, but was unsuccessful.

And of course, Johnny spoke up after his wife. "She's right, Salem. You need to get laid," joking about my lonely, sad life. I made sure to send him a sarcastic glare, causing him to chuckle.

They knew my reasons for staying by myself, but tried to encourage me of some gushy fairytale world where 'not all guys were the same.'

That's a load of shit when it comes to me. I radiate negative energy, and apparently attract assholes.

"What about the Undisputed Era boys? One of them couldn't have taken you?" Candice's innocent mind asked. I scoffed in response.

"Candice, two of them are taken and the other absolutely hates my guts," I responded, raising an eyebrow before entering the house first.

"Adam has a girlfriend?" I could hear Candice's voice question her husband from behind me. Apparently, Adam's relationship status is kept on the down low with the rest of the NXT roster.

"First time I've heard about it," Johnny responded, furthering my point.

Changing my attention to something a little more worthwhile, I had to admit: I was in awe as I walked into this house. It was large from the outside, but the inside looked like an absolute mansion. It was currently filled with people—some I recognized from the shows and others I hadn't seen before.

Immediately, I felt intimidated.

Too many places in the house could result in me losing control. I did not want to panic here. I couldn't let Hunter think that I was anything but stable—mentally and physically.