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Monday Night Raw – Backstage Corridor
Roman Reigns adjusted his black vest, his fingers tightening around the straps as he walked through the dimly lit backstage hallway. He was preparing for another night—another battle. But this time, things were different. The Shield was a name being whispered among the superstars, but it wasn't just their attacks that were getting attention. It was Roman himself.
His posture was still relaxed, his movements fluid, but there was a simmering power beneath it all. Roman had no interest in the spotlight—at least not yet—but the spotlight had an interest in him.
"Hey, Big Dog," a familiar voice called from behind.
Roman turned. It was Charlotte Flair, her figure tall and elegant as always, her blonde hair shining under the flickering fluorescent lights. Her blue eyes met his, a quiet smile forming on her lips.
"I wanted to say…" She paused, her voice dipping lower as she took a step closer. "That was impressive last week. You had Ryback begging for mercy." Her smile softened, the underlying meaning clear. She wasn't just admiring his strength—there was something deeper there.
Roman's gaze flickered, but his expression remained as stoic as ever. "Thanks. But it's not about impressing anyone."
Charlotte tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze never leaving his. "I beg to differ." She stepped a little closer, the air between them thickening. "You don't need to impress people, Roman. They're already impressed."
Roman's lips twitched slightly. He wasn't a man who rushed into things, especially with someone as calculated as Charlotte. But there was no denying the pull, the quiet chemistry building between them. She wasn't like the others—no, Charlotte was a different kind of force.
Before he could respond, she turned, her smile never fading. "I'll see you around, Big Dog."
Roman watched her walk away, the smooth sway of her figure leaving a trail of heat behind. But this was Charlotte Flair. She was confident, powerful, and every move she made was calculated. Roman knew that much already.
---
The Match – Raw
The Shield made their entrance to their familiar theme music, the crowd's mixed reaction amplifying the electricity in the air. Tonight, they would take on The Prime Time Players. It wasn't going to be a difficult fight, but it was about sending a message. The Shield wasn't here for victories alone—they were here to dominate, to be remembered.
Roman's movements were effortless, his intensity unmatched. He crushed his opponents with power moves and precision. His Superman Punch connected with Titus O'Neil, sending him crashing to the canvas, before lifting him into the Guillotine Lock. The submission was tight, unforgiving. Titus tapped out almost instantly.
Seth and Dean did their part, of course, ensuring the match was a clear win. The Shield's dominance was undeniable. The crowd roared, but Roman wasn't listening to them anymore. His mind was elsewhere.
Backstage, Roman was wiping the sweat off his face when AJ Lee approached, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief.
"You know," she said, tilting her head, "you're becoming a bit of a sensation around here."
Roman barely glanced at her. "I don't do this for attention."
She stepped closer, her voice low. "I know. That's what makes you even more intriguing."
Roman's eyes narrowed, his stance unchanging. "What do you want, AJ?"
AJ smiled, a wicked gleam in her eye. "What do you think I want, Roman? I just want to know... if I'm the one who gets your attention." She took another step closer, the air between them now charged with something more than just casual flirtation.
Roman's jaw clenched slightly, but he didn't back down. "I don't play games."
She grinned, undeterred. "Good. Because I don't either."
Before Roman could respond, Seth approached them, his typical grin plastered across his face. He could sense the chemistry building, but he wasn't one to interfere—at least not yet. He clapped Roman on the back and looked at AJ with a raised brow.
"Don't make him think too hard, AJ. He's a quiet guy. He doesn't like to talk much about... feelings."
AJ laughed softly. "I'm not asking for his feelings, Seth. Just his attention."
Seth smirked but didn't linger. "Well, you've got it."
---
Later That Evening – Backstage Lounge
The Shield was backstage, resting after their match. The noise of the crowd seemed distant, muffled by the walls. But as the trio settled, Roman couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was different. Not because of the match—not because of the fans. No, tonight felt different because of the women who had begun to take notice.
Charlotte. AJ.
There was something about both of them. The way they looked at him. The way they saw something in him that others didn't.
And there was that nagging feeling. He couldn't put it into words, but both women had a different kind of power. A kind of control that made him want to let his guard down. Maybe, just maybe, that was the real challenge.
Dean shot him a glance as he opened a can of soda. "You good, man? You've been quieter than usual tonight."
Roman's eyes narrowed as he glanced at his brother. "Just thinking."
Dean grinned. "About what?"
Roman hesitated for a moment before speaking. "About who's really gonna stand by me when this all goes down."
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End of Chapter 4