Chapter 14 - THE WALKThe arena sounded like thunder.
Cole stood in the tunnel surrounded by security, coaches and television staff.
The ring waited beneath white lights.
Ray leaned close.
"Whatever happens, listen to me."
"I always do."
Ray gave him a look.
"That may be the biggest lie you've told all week."
Cole smiled.
Then the music started.
He walked.
Thousands of people rose.
Phones appeared.
People screamed his name.
COLE!
COLE!
COLE!
He looked at the faces.
Any one of them could belong to Roman's people.
But none mattered.
Ahead, the ring.
Behind it, VIP seating.
Roman sat in the first row.
Black suit.
No visible emotion.
Their eyes met.
Roman tapped his wrist.
Round Seven.
Cole climbed through the ropes.
Darius was already there.
During introductions, the champion avoided looking toward Roman.
The referee gave instructions.
"Protect yourselves at all times. Obey my commands."
Cole and Darius touched gloves.
Darius whispered, "Last chance."
Cole answered, "For you too."
Bell.
Round One.
Darius came out fast.
No script.
No hesitation.
A sharp jab snapped Cole's head back.
Cole smiled.
Good.
Real.
He answered with a right to the body.
Darius grunted.
By Round Three, both understood.
They weren't cooperating.
Darius landed a clean uppercut.
Cole countered with a hook.
The crowd roared.
Roman remained still.
Round Four.
Darius opened a cut near Cole's eyebrow.
Ray controlled it between rounds.
"He's waiting for something."
"I know."
"Don't chase him."
Cole looked toward Roman.
"He's waiting for seven."
Ray slapped Cole's shoulder.
"Then make him wait."
Round Five.
Cole attacked the body.
Darius slowed.
Round Six.
Darius came back strong.
A right hand buckled Cole's knees.
For half a second the arena tilted.
Cole clinched.
Darius whispered against his ear.
"Stay down next round."
Cole pushed him away.
The bell ended six.
Back in the corner Ray poured water over Cole's head.
"Listen to me."
Cole breathed through his nose.
"He's tired."
"So are you."
"Not enough."
The ten-second warning sounded.
Cole stood.
Across the ring, Darius rose.
He looked toward Roman.
Roman made the smallest gesture.
Two fingers.
Down.
Darius closed his eyes.
Then looked at Cole.
May you like
Bell.
Round Seven.
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