Free Wrestling Desire by Michelle Cary Page A

moment he made the decision.  No ratings or money was worth ruining her health.  For Emma’s sake he would find a way to convince Derek and Bryan accept a truce.  Hell, he’d guilt them into it if necessary, but nothing, not the ratings, not his salary , and certainly not either of their egos were worth Emma’s well-being.

Chapter 8
     
    Holt blew out a breath, steeled his nerves and lifted a hand to knock on the locker room door.  After two weeks of accusations and animosity the situation with Derek had only grown worse.  While Emma put on a good face for the cameras and her friends, when they were alone she would often break down.  Having her family pretty much turn their backs cut her to the bone and as hard as Holt tried, he couldn’t seem to make up for that loss.  It killed him to see her so unhappy and ill and he needed to try and do something to make this situation right.  The door opened and Holt came face to face with the source of Emma’s pain.  A scowl crawled across Derek’s face.  “What do you want?”
    “Nice to see you too.”  Holt slapped a hand on the door and gave it a shove.  If Derek wasn’t going to open the door further, he’d just invite himself in.  “We need to talk.”
    Derek let the door bounce against the wall and slam shut, then folded his arms across his chest as he turned to look at Holt.  The utter distain Holt saw in Derek’s face hurt more than it probably should have.  After all, he hadn’t done anything directly to Derek to make him hate Holt so much. 
    “I have nothing to say to you ‘Pretty Boy’.”
    “Well I have plenty to say to you and you ’ r e damn well gonna listen.”  Holt shot back. 
    Derek rolled his eyes skyward and leaned a shoulder against the wall.  “Whatever.  Just say what’s on your mind and get out.”
    “Emma is what’s on my mind.”  Holt began to pace.  He always seemed to think better when he was moving.  “And she should be on your mind too.”
    “Emma knows how I feel-”
    “Everyone from the janitors to the CEO of this company knows how you feel about me and Emma being together,” Holt cut him off.  “It doesn’t change what’s happened or how Emma and I feel about each other.”
    “All right.” Derek shoved off the wall.  “If we’re going to talk about this, then let’s talk.  Just how do you really feel about my sister?”
    Holt met Derek’s stare and didn’t blink.  “I’m in love with her.”
    Derek smirked and shook his head.  “Really?  Well forgive me for my skepticism but I seriously doubt that.”
    “Why?”
    “Because you’re incapable of loving anyone other than yourself.  So why don’t you stop playing games with her heart?”
    “You don’t know anything about what I am or am not capable of and this isn’t some game,” Holt nearly growled.  “Yes. I know I have a reputation and yes, that reputation is somewhat justified, but that’s all behind me.”  He shook his head.  “Damn it, Derek.  I’ve never met anyone like her.  She’s sweet, and caring and understanding and…amazing.”
    “Wow, we actually agree on something.  Emma is amazing,” Derek agreed.  “And I don’t want you ruining that.”
    “Me.” Holt angled a thumb against his chest.  “I’m not going to ruin anything.  If anything you’re working on ruining that with your nasty attitude.”
    “I watched that little girl suffer after our mother disappeared,” Derek raged, his voice boomed off the concrete walls.  “I helped her pick up the shattered pieces of her life and was by her side when she needed me most.  I would die to protect her.  Can you say the same?”
    “Yes.” Holt deadpanned without hesitation.
    Derek’s brow winged up in surprise and he lowered his voice.  “Really?  You’d die to protect Emma?”
    “In a heartbeat.” Holt didn’t blink.
    Derek narrowed his gaze then cocked his head to the side and appeared to study Holt.  “You really mean that,”