Jeremy got back to his room about four in the morning. He wanted to stay with Madison, but he knew she’d need time and space to absorb what happened between them.

Being an employee at RAW made pursuing any relationship with Madison difficult. But one thing he was sure of… After last night he and Madison could not go back to the way things were.

He couldn’t afford to leave just yet. He wanted to bank some more money before he left RAW and as long as Madison felt comfortable with him working there, he would stay; Though sex with other men was no longer an option for Madison. Jeremy couldn’t handle it, and of course, as long as Jeremy continued to work there, they’d have to keep their relationship quiet.

Jeremy finally fell asleep, but even as he slept thoughts of Madison and last night saturated his dreams. A loud pounding on the door woke him. Jeremy looked over at the clock. He stretched out and jumped out of bed.

He threw on a pair of basketball shorts and answered the door. “Hey Michael, what’s going on?”

Michael pushed passed him. “What the hell did you do last night?”

“What do you mean?”

“I just got a call from Bevy. She wants to see you now, and she sounds pissed.”

Jeremy scrubbed his face with his hands, “Alright, give me a minute.”

“I’ll wait out in the hallway.” Michael walked out as Jeremy walked into his bathroom.

Jeremy joined Michael out in the hall. Michael looked at Jeremy but said nothing as he continued down the hallway with Jeremy following behind him. They arrived in front of Bevy’s office door and Michael finally spoke, “Good Luck, man.”

 

“What the hell were you thinking?” Bevy paced her office as Jeremy sat in the chair facing her desk. He made no eye contact with her as she scolded him. He knew there was no explanation that Bevy would understand. Not until he had time to sit down with Madison and talk about what the next step in their relationship would be could he discuss it with anyone else.

He thought about last night while Bevy lectured him. He reveled in watching Madison lose control of her body as he brought her to the most intense orgasms. She clutched onto his body like she needed him more than anything in this world and when she spoke the actual words, Jeremy lost it. Hearing Madison say, she loved him and needed him was Jeremy’s undoing.

No one and nothing would keep him from Madison. He knew this was a small step for her and she might even deny him again, but it wouldn’t stop him.

“Jeremy, do you understand what this means?”

“What did I do wrong?”

“You forced yourself on a member.”

“No, I didn’t. Is that what Madison said?” Jeremy stood from his chair.

“She didn’t have to; you had two witnesses.” Bevy stopped pacing and stood behind her desk.

“Dante and Pete said I raped her?”

“They didn’t use those words exactly, but they told me you were angry and you kicked them out while you forced yourself on Madison.” Bevy planted her palms on the top of her desk and leaned on them.

“They said I forced her?” The thought made Jeremy twisted. Never could he imagine forcing himself on any women unless she asked him.

“They said you got rough and you were angry.”

“You need to talk to Madison. She didn’t want them there. Just talk to Madison.”

“I will, but first I need to fire you.”

“Talk to Madison first.” There was urgency in Jeremy’s voice.

“No. Madison may be sixty percent owner, but I’m the final say on all decisions. We set it up that way before we signed any business contracts.”

“Bevy, do you think I raped her or even manhandled?” Jeremy mimicked her stance by placing his palms flat on her desk facing her.

“No, I don’t, and that’s not why I’m firing you.”

“Then why are you firing me?”

“You broke an entirely different rule.”

“Fuck me! What rule did I break now?” Jeremy threw his hands up in the air.

Bevy stood straight up and nodded her head. Her gaze softened as she looked at him. “My sweet Jeremy, I’m going to miss you.”

“What rule did I break?” Jeremy yelled out as he pounded his fist on Bevy’s desk.

The door to Bevy’s office flung open, and Michael ran in to check on Bevy. “Bevy, do you need me?”

“No, Michael but thank you.” Bevy huffed.

“So now everyone here thinks I can’t be trusted? Do they think I’m going to hurt someone?”

“No Jeremy, everyone here likes you. The women adore you, and I hate that I have to do this, but you left me no choice.”

Jeremy lowered his voice, but Bevy could still hear the anger in Jeremy's voice when he spoke. “Bevy, what rule did I break?”

“Jeremy, you fell in love.”

Jeremy staggered back on his feet. He didn’t expect Bevy to say that and day one at RAW flashed through his mind when he sat in the restaurant reading over the contract. The last words he had read before he signed the documents stated: Automatic termination of any Essential that falls in love with a Member.

“Do you deny it?” Bevy asked.

“No, I don’t deny it. I fell in love with Madison during the first few weeks of being here.”

“And does she love you?” Bevy never suspected Madison and Jeremy. Madison always acted apathetic towards him. But maybe that’s all it was… An act.

Jeremy didn’t respond. It wasn’t his place to reveal anything about Madison’s life not even to her best friend. He could only speak for himself, and he already did, so now it was time to leave. Jeremy turned and walked out of Bevy’s office. He went back up to his room and packed up his things. There was a knock on the door, but Jeremy didn’t answer; Mason walked in despite Jeremy’s silence.

Jeremy continued packing, “You tried to warn me.”

“Hey man, love makes people do crazy things.”

“I’m fired.”

“I heard.”

“Wow, that didn’t take long.” Jeremy pulled socks and underwear out of the armoire.

“Dante and Pete were drowning their sorrows in alcohol when Michael came in to tell them. You know it’s not their fault. Their asses were on the line if Madison reported it before they did. It’s in the contract.”

“I fucking hate that contract.” Jeremy shoved his clothes into a duffle bag.

“I know man, but it’s necessary for a situation like this where people can get hurt.”

“I know. I’m just feeling sorry for myself. I don’t blame anybody for where I ended up. I put myself in this situation.”

“I got to get back to the bar but I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry but I’m glad we met.”

“Don’t get all sappy on me. We’re still friends outside this place. I booked us at the golf course next Tuesday.”

“I know I just hate to see you go.”

There was another knock on the door, and Michael walked in. “Bevy, sent me up to help you carry your things out.”

“Thanks, Michael.”

“Alright man, next Tuesday.” Mason gave Jeremy a one-arm hug and went back to work.

“Jeremy, I’m sorry about this. We’re all going to miss you.” Michael said as he stepped further into the room.

“I’m going to miss everyone. You’ve been a good friend, Michael. I like everyone here. It’s been a lot of fun.”

“Even Dante and Pete?”

“It’s not their fault; it’s my fault. Make sure the guys know I don’t blame them.”

“I’ll tell them, but first I’ll let them finish crying like little bitches in front of everyone.”

“You’re cruel, man.” Jeremy chuckled.

Michael helped Jeremy finish packing up his things then carried them out to his truck. He went back inside to say goodbye to all the guys. Everyone met in the restaurant to see Jeremy off. They were all sad to see him go and even Pete and Dante offered their apologies. Jeremy made sure they knew he didn’t blame them. On his way out he asked Michael if Bevy was around.

“She’s locked herself in her office. She hated having to fire you. I think she’s crying over a bottle of Jack.”

Jeremy chuffed, “It’s tough being in charge, but she must enforce the rules. Tell her I said goodbye and thank her for the opportunity she gave me. I’ll call her next week after things settle down.”

“I’ll tell her. Let’s get together next week for drinks.”

“Sounds good.” Jeremy looked around one last time at the restaurant before he walked out of RAW. He got in his car and drove down the long drive towards the towering iron gates. He stopped as he pulled up in front of the gates and looked back in his rear view mirror.