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“How do you know?”
I shrugged, smiling as I watched Red enter the ring. “I just do.”
The first round was uneventful. Red kept his hands up, his stance ready to shift at a moment’s notice. There were a few light throws exchanged, a couple of kicks, but at the end of the five minutes, the bell rang, and the fighters broke apart.
“That was the most intense staring contest I have ever watched,” Levi joked lightly.
“They’re just feeling each other out,” I explained.
“But Red’s got at least twenty pounds on the guy,” Brody commented. “He could’ve knocked him out already.”
Cash chuckled, kissing the top of Asher’s head. Our baby boy was out like a light, like nothing in the world could wake him. “It’s not all about strength,” Cash explained. “Mind games are an equally important aspect to every fight. Red’s trying to get into his opponent’s head.”
“When’s your next match again?” Boone asked.
“Next month. I’ve only lost one match this season, but I’m feeling pretty confident.”
“Who’s your opponent?” I asked, unsure.
“McConnell.”
“Again?”
“Yeah. He switched over to a new coach now that Bob’s serving time for fixing bets. It should be interesting. I’m curious to see how his technique’s changed.”
“Just be careful. He wasn’t above fighting dirty last time.”
“I know, baby, but don’t you worry. I had the doctor replace my bones with adamantium. I’m indestructible.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t hold back my laugh. “Whatever you say, Wolverine.”
The second round started with a flurry of lights and a massive roar from the crowd. This time, Red was on the offensive, moving into Devil Face’s space like he owned the entire ring and his opponent was a pest he needed to exterminate.
His throws came hard and fast. A man on a mission. A man capable of mercy actively choosingnotto pull his punches. Just when it looked like the fight was all over—
Devil Face landed a hard front kick to Red’s stomach. He stumbled back against the metal of the cage, hands up to defend himself from the onslaught of throws now coming his way.
“Goodness,” Liv mumbled, chewing on her nails. “I thought he was winning!”
“That really changed on a dime, huh,” Clay mumbled to no one in particular.
I held my breath. I knew Red too well to lose faith. This was just a minor setback, a little hiccup. He was too skilled a fighter to be kept down. I didn’t breathe again until the bell rang, signaling that the second round was over.
“Ah, damn,” Levi muttered. “I really gotta pee, but I don’t want to miss anything.”
“Then hold it,” Irene said. “And move your noggin. I can’t see past your head.”
I held Cash’s hand; my eyes glued to the screen. The feed cut to a different camera angle. Here, we caught a glimpse of Dylan talking to Red, the microphones picking up their conversation beneath the roar of the crowd.
“His balance is all off,” Dylan said, barely audible. “Pin him to the mat and it’s all over.”
Red nodded but said nothing.
The third round was a showstopper. The second the referee reconvened the fight, Red lunged with all his bodyweight. Devil Face fell straight to the mat, throwing wild haymakers in an attempt to earn himself some distance. It wasn’t working.
In less than ten seconds, Red had his opponent trapped in a headlock, his strong arms braced around Devil Face’s neck and head.
Two seconds later, Devil Face tapped out.
