The signal came they were off the air. CB was upset that Austin had not showed up.

"JR, you know Austin. What is his problem? If you see him, you tell him I want to see him."

"CB, I don't know why he didn't show up. I'll tell him," JR replied.

CB went back stage and congratulated everyone for doing a good job. She went to Mark's locker room. He was sitting in a chair rubbing his shoulder.

"You took a nasty spill on the steps. Care for a rub down?"

"That sounds great, but let's go back to the hotel."

After changing, they went to the hotel. After Mark showered, he sat in the chair. CB took the balm he kept with him and began to massage his shoulder.

"OOOHHH that feels good," he said, his eyes closed. Mark then pulled her onto his lap, brought her head down and kissed her. CB wrapped her arms around his neck. "Let's go to the bed," he said, nuzzling her neck. "I want to make love to you," unbuttoning her blouse. "What about your shoulder?" "It feels good right now." CB got off his lap and undressed; Mark helping her then undressing himself. They held each other, letting their hands roam over each other's bodies. He took her over to the bed and pushed her onto it. Again they kissed, each one teasing the other with their tongues. Mark got up and brought back a couple of his bandanas.

"Cyn, would you mind?"

CB looked at him and had an idea what it was. She nodded her head. Mark took her arms and put them above her head, tying each of her wrists to the corner of the bed, kneeling between her legs. CB closed her eyes as she felt his hands tenderly caress her, fondling her breasts as he gently laved the tips, seeing them become hard, then taking each one and sucking it. She moaned as he went further down, leaving a trail of hot fire where ever he kissed her. Her breathing quickened as he lifted her hips, running his tongue up and down her cunt, going deep in her. CB arched her hips even more, groaning his name as she sucked in her breath, her body spasming as Mark tasted her time and time again. He kissed his way up till his face was above hers. She felt his throbbing shaft against her moist opening. He slowly entered, groaning as he felt her heat draw him in. Mark took his time, enjoying the feel of her, his breathing becoming heavier with each stroke. CB could feel him all the way to the end, lifting her hips, wanting more as she moved with him, her moans becoming louder. His rhythm became faster as her every move sent him higher. "Cyn, I'm cuming!" he cried aloud, burying his face in the hollow of her neck. CB felt his warmth inside her as she screamed.

He reached up and untied the bandanas, her arms encircling him, holding him tight. After some minutes, he slowly lifted and then rolled to his side, pulling her close to him. "I love you, Cyn," looking in her eyes. "I love you, Mark," snuggling closer to him as they both closed their eyes.

The show was in Austin the next night. CB asked JR was he able to get a hold of Steve. "No, I haven't. I called his house but he wasn't there. I don't know where he is."

JR went on to the announcer's table, Lawler already there. "You think Steve will show?" he asked JR. "I hope so, Jerry," he replied.

The signal was given they were on the air. JR and Lawler talked at first about the ppv, rehashing what had happened. Then the first match started. It was a Hardcore Match between Blackman and Albert. It was a good match, but a little lopsided, especially when Blackman used his kendo sticks on Albert. Blackman won his match.

The matches went at a fair pace, new storylines getting started or special matches being set up for Smackdown. Halfway through, the Titantron was showing some action backstage. It seems a certain pick-up truck with a skull was seen pulling in. CB saw the truck on the monitor. She was going to have a talk with Steve. But as she got there she saw the truck was empty.

Mark was the next to last match, taking on Rikishi for having interfered. They were well into the match when Kane came out, going after Rikishi for making him lose the match.

The main match of the night was Rock vs Benoit. The match was going at a good pace. Benoit was ready to get the crippler crossface on Rock. Everyone then heard the sound of a truck being revved up. On one side of the ramp, there was a huge pathway big enough for something to enter, something about the size of a car. Everyone saw a black truck with a familiar skull on the hood. Everyone jumped up and cheered. Austin got out of the truck and stood on the top, a cooler with him. The crowd went wild.

"It's Austin! With a cooler! Probably full of Stevewizers!" exclaimed Lawler.

Sure enough, he climbed off the truck and went to the ring. Immediately he gave Benoit the stunner. When the Rock got up, Steve put the stunner on him. Austin walked around the ring, giving the both of them the two finger salute in their faces. He climbed out of the ring, got on the hood of his truck and grabbed a couple of cans of beer out of the cooler, banging them together as he tipped them.

After a couple of minutes, Austin backed his truck out of the ring area. JR went over and told Austin the boss wanted to see him. Austin headed for the lounge, having heard about the new boss. When he opened the door, he saw a woman sitting there, with her arms folded. "So this is the new boss." He entered.

"Well, what's your excuse for not showing up last night?" CB asked. Austin didn't answer. In a very calm voice she continued. "If you couldn't show up, you should have called, or maybe you wanted to grace us with your presence tonight. I understand you have always been able to pick and choose whenever you decide to come. Well, I have news for you. As long as you have a contract here, the scripts are to be followed as written. If you don't like it, you come and talk to me. I'll listen to what you have to say, then decide whether to change it or not. But, in no way, shape, or form do YOU change anything without my say so."

Steve looked at her. With a sneer on his face he left out, mumbling to himself. He got in his truck and left the arena, nearing hitting a security guard.

Chapter 17

For the next three weeks, things were quiet. Everybody had seen that CB was all business when it came to wrestling. When relaxing, she was funny, outgoing, and generous, always willing to listen. They saw the relationship between her and Mark deepen even more.

It had been eight months now since she had fully taken over. The WWF was doing well. The ratings were up a couple of notches. Merchandise sales were steadily climbing, and the funny cars were successful, always staying in the top 2 positions at the track. Austin was showing up for his spots, but always having JR talk to her as he didn't care to be in the same room with her.

At one of the Smackdown tapings, a four-way elimination match was slated. It was to be Mark, Kane, Benoit and Triple H. The match was going as expected. CB was watching on one of the monitors in the back, having just arrived. She was standing in front of some stacked tables that were held together with chains. She heard a snapping noise. Turning she saw the tables start to tumble. CB moved just in time as the tables fell. The noise brought backstage security, finding CB standing not far where the tables were, the monitor smashed. CB was taken to first aid. Fortunately, she was okay. The arena staff checked the chains. The lock was found broken. They looked around the area for signs of tampering.

Mark came back, having won the match. He saw everyone by the first aid station. Rikishi told him what happened. Mark ran over and saw CB sitting there on a gurney.

"Cyn, are you okay?" he asked as he held her tight.

"I'm fine, Mark. Just shook up," she replied.

The arena staff came over. "We found the lock broken. Those tables are kept chained at all times. As they are stackable, they had to have been pushed in order to fall. We looked around and didn't find anything."

"Do you want to call the police?"

CB didn't feel it was necessary and told everyone that it was to be considered an accident, nothing more. CB didn't want to make a fuss as accidents do happen. Mark felt apprehensive. It couldn't have been an accident.

When they arrived at their hotel room, Mark told her what he felt. "Cyn, tables like that don't fall by themselves. This was no accident. This was a deliberate attempt. From now on I don't want you anywhere backstage. I want you where I can see you and know you're okay. The announcer's table is the best place."

CB was going to say something but didn't get the chance.

"And don't argue with me. You may be the boss at the arena, but outside the ring, you are my woman. The one I fell in love with. So listen and do as I say," he said firmly.

CB looked up at him. She heard the firmness in his voice. "Okay, I'll sit with JR and Lawler," she said.

JR and Lawler were told that CB would be sitting with them as a result of what happened in the back. "Don't worry about me being here, just do what you normally do," she said. The move proved to be a good one as she would make off-handed remarks to Lawler every now and then. JR, even Lawler, found it hard to keep from laughing at times.

Their next show was in Philadelphia for a Monday RAW. CB had arrived a little later than usual. Mark, who was always around her, had gone ahead to prepare for his match. She went to the lounge to sit and have a Coke before going to ringside. One of the writers came in to talk with her about the scripts for the show. When she entered the lounge, Austin was sitting at one of the tables. He got up and left, still not wanting to be in the same room with her. She noticed there was some Coke left in one of the large 2-liter bottles. She poured it over some ice. As she drank it, she noticed it had a weird taste, like it had gone flat. She was about to throw the cup in the garbage when she began to feel dizzy. She grabbed a nearby chair, dropping the cup to the floor. The room felt like it was spinning, a burning sensation in her throat. CB fell to the floor. The writer who had been talking to her ran and got the EMT's who were at the entrance, telling them what happened.

Everyone saw the EMTs running in the direction of the lounge. Kane remembered seeing CB go in and followed them. He saw her on the floor, being checked by the EMTs. He was going to get Mark but Triple H had already done so. Mark got there as they were carrying her to the ambulance.

"How is she?" he asked one of the attendants.

"Her pulse is weak and she can barely breathe. We've got to get her to emergency fast."

Turning to Kane. "Take my spot. I'm going with her."

Kane nodded as he wasn't originally slated to appear. JR and Lawler were told about the change and what had happened to CB.

It wasn't long before they reached the emergency room. CB was immediately taken to one of the rooms. Mark waited outside pacing. He looked in the window, seeing them take a couple of vials of blood for testing, then pumping her stomach for a sample to test. The attendant placed an oxygen mask over her to help her breathe.

The doctor on duty came out and asked what happened. Mark told him he had gotten there as they were taking her to the ambulance. One of the EMTs told the doctor what had occurred, telling him they found her on the floor barely breathing and unconscious. She had been drinking some Coke from a cup then became dizzy. When they checked her vitals her pulse was weak and her breathing irregular.

"Who are you?" the doctor asked turning to Mark, who told him.

"Well, the blood samples should tell us what's wrong. We've pumped her stomach just in case. We should know in about 30 minutes."

"Is there any way I can go in?"

"Not yet. When we get the results back, she will be taken to a room. You can go with her then."

He stood outside the door looking at her lying there. He paced back and forth, wishing they would hurry up with the results.

Chapter 18

RAW went through its usual paces a little faster than usual, everyone anxious to find out how CB was. The police had been called, having arrived shortly after CB was taken in the ambulance.

The writer told them what he had seen. They were taken to the lounge. When they entered, he showed them where he and CB were at the time. Looking around, they found the empty cup under a table, but the Coke bottle was gone. The police stuck a pencil inside the cup and picked it up, putting it inside a bag. They asked was anyone else in there at the time. Everyone said where they were. The writer said that Austin had been in there when they first entered, but he had left when she came in.

CB was still unconscious when the doctor came in.

"Did you find out what it was?" Mark asked.

"She was poisoned as I first thought by her condition when she first arrived. Fortunately, the acid in the pop diluted the poison. Otherwise, she might have ended up far worse." A nurse came with an IV bag and syringe. They hooked CB up to the bag. "Right now we are giving her the anecdote through the IV. She should be fine in about a week. Her voice though will be hoarse. Other than that, she should be back to normal."

Mark thanked the doctor when he left. In the meantime, Kane, Steve and Jim were in the lobby, trying to find out which room she was in. Finally they were allowed upstairs. Mark had stepped out of the room for a bit when he saw them coming.

"How is she?" Kane asked.

"The doctor just got through seeing her. He said she had been poisoned. Fortunately there was an anecdote for the poison. She's hooked on an IV. He said she would be fine in about a week, but she will be hoarse for a while."

"Poisoned!? How?" Steve asked.

"It was in the pop she drank."

"The police just left the arena, taking the cup she drank from. The Coke bottle was gone though. They asked everyone where they were at the time. The only one not there was Austin?"

"Austin?"

"He had been in the lounge, but when she went in he got up and left. You know, Mark, ever since she had that talk with him he leaves the room if she's anywhere near. JR does all the talking for Austin now," Kane said.

They saw his eyes turn a dark green. "He had better not had anything to do with it, or he'll fine me all over him, and nothing is going to stop me." He took a deep breath. "How did the show go?"

"The show went alright tonight. Everybody did what they were supposed to, even Austin," Jim said.

"I'm staying here. Hopefully she'll wake up in the morning. I know she'll want to know how things went."

"Well, we'll come back tomorrow. We're just thankful she'll be okay. See you in the morning. I'll bring your bag," Kane said. The guys left. Mark went back in the room. Sitting back in the chair, he propped his feet in the other chair, his hand holding hers.

Chapter 19

CB slowly opened her eyes late the next morning. She moved her head around, looking at the room. She felt something on top of her hand. Looking down she saw an oversized hand holding hers. Looking to her side, she saw Mark asleep in the chair. She squeezed his fingers.

Mark slowly woke up, blinking his eyes to focus. He turned to see CB looking at him, a smile on her face. Mark stretched, arching his back. Sleeping in a hospital chair all night wasn't exactly the most comfortable place to be.

"Good morning, beautiful," he said as he kissed her forehead. "How do you feel this morning?"

CB nodded her head. The doctor came in. "Good, you're awake. Just to let you know, you will be here for a few days. You were poisoned from drinking the Coke. Fortunately, the acid in the pop diluted the effect of the poison. You'll be fine in a few days, but will be hoarse for a while."

He took the oxygen mask off, checking her pulse and heart beat. "Well, you're almost normal. The anecdote is working well. I'll be back later today to check on you." He left to finish his rounds.

The police came in a few minutes later to talk to CB. They asked her the usual questions. "Do you know of anyone that would have reason to harm you?" and etc. CB just shook her head no.

"Where were you at the time?" they asked Mark.

"I was getting ready for my match. You can verify that with the head of our security, Jim Dotson."

CB didn't like the fact they had asked Mark, but knew they were only doing their job. They said so far there were no suspects, but they would keep looking.

After they left, Kane came in with Mark's bag. Jim and Steve were with him. Mark went to the restroom to clean up and change.

"Well, boss, how are ya'?" Kane asked.

"I'm fine. Doctor says I should be out of here in a few days," she answered in a whisper. "How was the show?"

"Everything went smoothly," Steve said.

"Well, tell them I'll be joining them in a few days, and to not play around either just because I'm not there," she said with a grin. Mark came back in. They talked a few more minutes then left as the plane was leaving in an hour.

"Aren't you going with them?" she asked Mark.

"No, I'm staying here. Remember what I told you before, you may be the boss but that's at work. This isn't work."

CB knew better than to argue. He was stubborn, but she loved him all the more.

A few days later she was allowed to leave. When she got outside she took a deep breath. It felt good to be out of there. They caught the first available plane out, heading to Boston for a show they were doing at Boston Gardens.

Everyone was glad to see her back. CB decided it would be safest not to drink anymore Coke for a while. As she could barely talk, she knew she couldn't be at the announcer's table. She decided to stay in the lounge, someone with her at all times.

It took about a month, but CB finally got her voice back. Mark would joke, saying he had gotten used to her being quiet, now he would have to listen to her nag. CB would pick up something and throw it at him, giving him a "just you wait till we're alone" look.

Chapter 20

Things were quiet for a while, everyone going about their usual business. CB put the incident behind her, concentrating on business. The writers had a storyline prepared for her, having her turn on the American Bad Ass. They both read the idea.

"This should be interesting. Think we'll be able to put it over?"

Mark looked at the script, stroking his chin. "We might, as long as you can act," he joked.

It was decided the next RAW would begin the storyline with her coming down and helping the Rock at ringside by distracting the ref long enough for Mark to lose his shot at the title. At Smackdown he would confront her.

RAW was live from Washington, DC. The show was going great that night. The last match was Rock vs. American Bad Ass. It was a physical match, ending up outside the ring, destroying the announcer's table. Mark drug Rock back into the ring, setting him up for his finishing move, "The Last Ride." CB came down the ramp to ringside.

"What is the boss doing out here?" JR asked.

"May...maybe she's here to help the Undertaker," Lawler replied.

Just as Mark was setting up the Rock, CB climbed the steps, motioning for Hebner to come over. Mark saw what was going on and went over to see why Hebner was not doing his job. He turned only to have the Rock do the "Rock Bottom" on him. CB quickly turned Hebner around, who counted. The show ended, with CB smiling down at Mark with an evil smirk on her face. At the Smackdown taping, Mark called her out. CB strutted herself to the ring, looking at him with an air of disdain. Earlier they had talked over what was going to be said.

"I hope you don't get mad in case I do call you a bitch," Mark said.

He walked around her in the ring, a sneer on his face. "Just who in the hell do you think you are? No one, and I do mean no one, interferes in my matches, not even you," poking her in the chest. He leaned down. "You cost me the title, bitch. I want to know why?"

CB stood up a bit straighter, her head looking dead in his face. "No one that calls himself an American Bad Ass could ever represent the WWF as it should. Only the Rock can as he really is the people's champ."

"He's more like the people's chump."

CB almost laughed. Mark could see her purse her lips to stifle a smile. He made another smart remark, making CB slap him. Mark grabbed her, doing a chokeslam on her, leaving her in the ring. The refs came out and surrounded her. He looked down at her with a sneer and left, going up the ramp on his Titan.

Once back stage, he went to the parking lot and parked his Titan and headed to the lounge. She came in, walking slowly, but walking. She sat on the couch.

"Are you alright? I never should have done that to you."

"I'll be okay. Besides, that's what we agreed you would do. Uh, how's your cheek?"

"I'll survive. You got quite a right hand," he said, rubbing it.

CB kissed his cheek. "Does that feel better?"

"One's not going to do it. It needs another."

CB kissed his cheek again. "How's that?"

"Better. But I think this will do it." Mark lowered his head, kissing her till she could barely breathe. He lifted his head. "It feels better already," he said. CB smiled, getting an impish look on her face. "I think we need to take it to the hotel and really make it feel better. And while you're at it, you can make me feel better, too. What do you say?"

"Oh, I definitely agree. Let's go."

They left and went to the hotel. Putting the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, they made sure that each felt better all night.

The storyline went over with a huge pop for Mark. It was decided that it would last till the next ppv, when Mark would have his shot again.During this time, Mark was thinking a lot of CB and him. At night, when he would hear her softly snoring, he would think of how much their relationship had deepened. He felt that he needed to make it even more permanent, but when to ask her. There had to be a right time and place to ask. After a few minutes, he decided not to worry about it. Snuggling closer to her, when the right time came, he would ask her.

The ppv was billed as one of the best; the main event being Mark vs the Rock. The other matches were going good; the crowd getting into them. When it came time for the main event, the crowd was ready. Mark's theme played, He entered, riding his white Titan, dressed in his black leather coat, black jeans, and Bad Ass shirt. He rode around the ring, then parked his Titan. Entering the ring, he walked around, his arm raised in the air. Rock's theme began, Rock entering with CB by his side.

CB watched Mark's entrance. They had been going together just a couple of months short of a year. She was wondering if they were going to take the next step. "Maybe he isn't ready for that yet," she thought. Well, whenever he was, she knew what her answer would be.

The match got underway. It was a very physical match. CB stood outside the ring, watching the two go at each other. When CB came to help Rock, he was tossed against the ropes, knocking her to the floor. Mark did "The Last Ride" on the Rock and won the belt. He held it up, doing his "Brooklyn Salute" at the Rock. He looked at CB who was just getting up. He got on his Titan and rode up the ramp, stopping to raise his arm.

Mark was in the shower when CB came in. She sat and waited, looking at the belt. Mark came out, wrapped in a towel. She took the belt and put it around him. "HMM, HMM, you look good with that belt on," she said with a devilish grin.

"Would you like to see me in the ring like this wearing the belt?" He asked, putting his arms around her.

"Certainly not!" as she looked up. "I don't want every woman seeing what's underneath. What's there is for me alone."

During the next few weeks, Mark defended the belt in various matches. Mark was also close to asking CB the big question. They were leaving the arena in Orlando after a live RAW. They were crossing the parking lot to his car when a pair of headlights came on, the truck racing toward them; both of them seeing it at the same time. Mark pushed CB out of the way, but was unable to move in time. Mark was thrown by the right front fender of the truck into parked car, his back hitting it first. The truck sped off. CB tried to get the license number but it was too dark to see.

She ran over to Mark, who was unconscious. CB screamed for help. Jim had seen what happened, getting the EMTs there fast. Soon everyone was outside, watching as the EMTs checked him. After bracing his head, arms and legs on the board, they eased the board onto a gurney and put him in the ambulance. CB got in the back with him as did Kane, speeding off to a nearby hospital.

Chapter 5

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