The crowd went insane. Declan barely reacted. He just nodded once, his chest heaving now, sweat dripping off him in the lights, and he walked back to his corner like this was routine.
Like he hadn't just dismantled someone in under three minutes with surgical efficiency.
I stood there in the back corner feeling like the floor had shifted under me, like everything I thought I knew about Declan had been a lie or at least a very incomplete picture.
“Impressive, isn't he?”
I turned. Rafael stood beside me, appearing out of the crowd like he'd materialized from thin air. He looked relaxed and comfortable, like he belonged here.
“Didn't see you there.”
“You weren't exactly hiding. Tall, angry-looking guy in the back corner?” Rafael smiled. “You stand out more than you think.”
I didn't respond. I just turned back to watch Declan accept water from his corner, his chest rising and falling with controlled breaths.
“How long have you been watching?” Rafael asked.
“Long enough.”
“Ah. So you didn't know he fought professionally.”
“No, I didn't.”
“That must have been a surprise.” Rafael leaned against the wall beside me, mimicking my posture. “He's good though. One of the best in his weight class locally. Probably could have gone further if he'd started younger.”
“You come to his fights often?” The question came out harder than I meant it to, edged with jealousy I had no right to feel.
Rafael glanced at me, reading the subtext in my tone. “When I can. Support local talent, you know. Plus Declan's always worth watching. He doesn't waste movement. Everything he does has purpose.”
I watched Declan talking to the woman in his corner. He was calm and focused, completely in his element.
“You didn't tell me you knew him this well.”
“You didn't ask.” Rafael's voice stayed light and easy, with no defensiveness in it. “Besides, I wasn't sure it was my place to mention. Declan's private about his life. I respect that.”
“He keeps a lot of secrets.”
“Most people do.” Rafael studied me for a long moment. “You're angry.”
“I'm fine.”
“You're gripping that wall like you want to rip it down. That's not fine.” He paused. “Is it because he didn't tell you? Or because I knew and you didn't?”
“It's none of your business.”
“Fair enough.” Rafael didn't push. He just kept watching the cage where they were setting up for the next fight. “For what it's worth, I don't think he kept it from you to hurt you. Some people just compartmentalize. Keep parts of their lives separate because it's easier than trying to explain.”
“You defending him?”
“I'm observing. There's a difference.” Rafael straightened. “He's got another fight in about twenty minutes. You sticking around?”
“I am.”
“Good. This next one's going to be harder. His opponent is experienced and smart. Declan's going to have to work for it.” Rafael clapped me on the shoulder once. “Try to relax. He knows what he's doing.”
Then he disappeared back into the crowd, leaving me alone with thoughts I didn't want and anger I couldn't justify.
The second fight was everything Rafael said it would be.
