27
The backstage was buzzing with excited wrestlers ready to go out for the Breakdown Battle. She was the only girl in the area. It didn’t bother Holly until she saw her brother Cyrus sitting on the steps leading up to the stage. She shivered to see him in the zone. She knew that look well. He was determined to win, and he would not go easily. She planned to avoid him unless absolutely necessary. There were plenty of other men going to be in that ring to target first.
A tap came on her shoulder, and she turned, seeing Davis smiling at her. “Good luck out there, Holly.” He reached out to shake her hand.
“Thanks, Mr. Preston.”
“I want to apologize for Sam’s actions. He’s been suspended indefinitely. I tried to teach the boy responsibility, but he just doesn’t seem to get it. I saw the security tapes backstage and I don’t condone what he did. I also hope you don’t take what I did to you and Colt personally.”
“No, sir. Colt and Slade explained that when you are messing with the roster, it’s because you see something in the person. You do it to get them fired up. Sometimes to teach them something.”
“Exactly.” He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Same goes for my female talent. When I believe in someone, I need to know they can take the heat.”
“Are you saying you believe in me?”
Davis nodded and patted her shoulder. “Don’t be too rough on me out there. I’m getting to be an old man.”
“I’ll try to not embarrass you. Much.” Holly giggled. “Davis?”
“Yes, Holly.”
“Thanks for believing in me.”
He winked and walked away to get ready to go to the ring.
Colt walked over. “What was that about?”
“Making amends.”
Colt looked over at Davis and smiled. “The old man is a crazy genius. All this was so he could teach us all to be better leaders and work as a team. From pushing Isis and Gage together, to Candy and Slade with the crazy handcuff challenge. Now with us. I wonder if he knew it would end up with us finding our soulmates.”
Holly looked over at Colt in awe. Soulmate? Did he think she was his soulmate?
“SHOWTIME!” The stagehand yelled.
Colt turned to her and kissed her cheek. “Go out there and kick some ass. I’ll be right backstage waiting to see my girl make history. Good luck.”
Holly nodded and headed to her spot at the end of the line. Every thirty seconds a new superstar would head to the ring. Wraith went up to her and looked around at the rest of the wrestlers. He was main-eventing that night and was just weighing out the competition until then.
“Holly keep your head up. Don’t let them corner you and stay in the center of the ring. Stay off the floor. Most guys will head outside the ring at first to get space. Make them come to you.”
“Got it.”
“One more thing.” Wraith leaned down and hugged her. “I’m proud of you. You can do this. But FYI, if we both win tonight, there is no way in hell I’m going to let you take my belt. You better be ready.”
Holly hit him in the arm. “I’m always ready. The Doom Brothers trained me.”
“Good girl. Now get out there. Show the IWX fans just what the Evans family is all about.” Wraith walked away and turned back to her. “Oh. I forgot. Cyrus heard you and Colt talking about sex fetishes in the locker room. He went to wish you luck tonight and overheard you. He saw you grinding on Colt’s junk and he’s pissed. I think you should warn Colt to watch his back. Cyrus is ready to gut him.”
Holly laughed. “Poor Colt.”
Holly looked to her left and saw Cyrus stalking toward her boyfriend. Colt was backing away from him. Suddenly, Colt turned and bolted for the locker room.
Colt was still convinced Cyrus was a serial killer.
Holly and Wraith began laughing hysterically.
Cyrus looked over at them, scowled, and went back to his spot in line.
