And right in time to see Luca come out of the dark tunnel on the eastern side of the stadium, the lights flashing all around him as a confetti cannon filled with silver and gold rectangles explodes above him, filling the air with fluttering flares of light. I shout and cheer along with everyone el
Because there’s no denying it – no denying who he’s pointing to, or what he’s smiling about.And there’s absolutely no way to pretend that I’m not laughing, and leaning across this barrier, and grinning at him with joy in every inch of me because I don’t feel precisely the same.The crowd screams th
“He’s fucking huge,” Jesse whispers, and when I glance at my cousin I see that his brows are knit together as he addresses Rafe over my head.“Is that bad?” I burst out.“Of course it’s bad, Ari,” Rafe growls, though I can tell his anger isn’t for me. He flicks his gaze at me before snapping it up t
I snap my eyes back to my uncle and a rush of gratitude runs through me that he’s not lying or sugar coating this to make me feel better. “Luca could get seriously hurt if he fights,” Roger says, holding my gaze.“Well, don’t let him fight!” I gasp, spinning back to the edge of the box, leaning over
I give her a little smile, grateful for her support, and then turn my attention back to my brother.“Luca’s better?” I ask, looking back towards the ring. “How do you know?”“Watch how he moves,” Rafe instructs, and I do as I’m bid. “See how Luca’s always one step ahead? He knows what the Atalaxian
The bell rings again suddenly, making me jump, but Luca and the Atalaxian drop their fists mid-fight and turn away from each other, each heading immediately to their respective corners. I know enough about the basics of boxing to know that this is the end of the round, but – well, I don’t know preci
“Just don’t blow my cover,” he murmurs, rubbing my back for a moment as the bell sounds again and the fight starts anew.I watch carefully as Luca and the Atalaxian champion come together again and again, sometimes trading blows, sometimes moving in fast just to dodge away again. Luca, I notice, get
Round after round passes, and I’m devastated when I start to see Luca flagging. It’s not obvious – not to anyone but those of us who know him intimately. But his blows – they’re a little bit slower. His footwork just the tiniest bit sloppier.He also stops showboating a bit between rounds, instead h