Colt’s eyes drifted open with a smile. Holly was still sleeping as he ran her fingers through her hair and played with a strand, wrapping it around his finger. All he could think of was how wonderful it would be to wake up every morning with her by his side.
Holly’s eyes blinked open, and she smiled at him. “Morning.”
“Morning beautiful.”
“Last night was amazing.” She snuggled into his chest, and Colt ran lazy circles across her back with his fingers.
“I wish we could stay in bed all day.”
Holly sighed and looked up at him. “You had to ruin it.”
Colt chuckled. “I guess you just realized what today is.”
“Yeah. The day I get my ass beat by my big brother and my boyfriend. Every girl’s dream. I’m going to take a shower.”
She got up from the bed and headed to the restroom. Colt watched as her bare bottom swayed as she walked.
Holly looked back over her shoulder. “Are you coming or not?”
Colt jumped up like a kid who was just offered ice cream for dinner. “Coming.”
Holly gave him a sly smile. “Not yet, but you will be.”
“I’ve unleashed the beast.” He slapped her bottom.
“Ouch!” She giggled. “Race you to the shower.”
After a long shower, Colt and Holly were getting dressed and ready to head to the arena. They had a few last-minute meet and greets to attend.
Holly grabbed her gym bag and headed to the door. “Ready?”
“Wait. We need to talk about tonight.”
Holly stepped back to the bed where Colt was sitting. “Something wrong?”
“No. I just want to ask you not to go light on me tonight. Fight, babe. You deserve a good chance at the title as much as Wraith and I do.”
“I don’t want to fight you and Wraith.” Holly’s head dropped, and she looked like she could cry. “I’m afraid.”
Colt stood and pulled her in his arms. “What are you afraid of?”
“That… if I win, you will be mad at me and Wraith it will be upset too. “
“I would never be mad at you over a wrestling match. We all three agreed we were not going light on each other. That we would put on a good fight, no matter who was in that ring.”
“That’s just it. I know you won’t. I'm sort of scared I won’t be able to keep up. You both are twice my size. Wraith is a freak of nature. I’m tough, but in the ring it’s different. It’s not like a street fight. It’s more about power and strength.”
“Then do what you know. We aren’t scripted anymore. The one who wins — wins. If what you know how to do is street fight, then do it.”
“You wouldn’t be mad if I went stiff on you and punched you in the face, or worse? Maybe a chair to the head?”
Colt rubbed her arms with a sigh. “No. I won’t be mad, and neither will Wraith. It’s just a job. When we leave that ring, we go back to normal. Loving each other just the way we always will. Agreed?”
“Agreed. Just so you know, I’m going to kick your ass and you gave me permission to do it.” She peered shyly through her lashes.
“Maybe I need to take all that back?”
Holly turned to the door. “Nope. No, take backs. Prepare for an ass whoopin’, pretty boy.”
***
Later that night, Colt paced the floor backstage. He was waiting to meet with Wraith. Finally, the big man made his way down the hallway.
“Sup, Colt? You got it?”
“Yep. Here. Make sure it’s secure.”
Wraith nodded. “I got your back.”
“She won’t know what hit her.”
“Let’s hope not.” Wraith stuck the package in his pocket. “Did you talk to her?”
“Yes. She knows we won’t go light. Think she can stand her ground?”
“Holly beat the shit out of a bunch of dudes in a bar. I’m pretty sure she can handle two professional wrestlers in a wrestling ring.”
“How’s your wife?”
Wraith turned his head away. “I’m worried, Colt. She’s a fighter, but it’s a struggle every day. This weekend was special. I loved having her here. Lilly insisted on being at the party, but it took a lot out of her. She’s with Davis right now in the production area so she can watch on the monitors.”
“Probably a good idea. She doesn’t need to be in the crowd. The IWX fans get a little out of hand sometimes and we wouldn’t want her to get hurt.”
“Yeah. Listen, regardless of what happens in the ring tonight, you have my blessing. I know Cy might like to mess with you, but he knows you are good for Holly. She’s the Holly we all know and love again, and I own that to you. Just give Cy some time. He’ll come around.”
Colt nodded. “All right. It’s almost time. Let’s head to the ring.”
Wraith threw his belt over his shoulder. “I’ll take care of the package before we go out. I got this.”
“Thanks. Just make sure it’s secure. Even if either of us wins instead of her, I’ll know where it is. Tonight’s going to be a big night.”