In The Shadows ✔

[106] Embraced by Shadows

The next two fights are between people from other teams and Scorpia sees Freddie come her way during the second fight.

She smiles at him and he looks her over from head to toe. "Jesus, Scorpia. If I had known you'd turn into a woman this beautiful... My offer still stands. But I'm afraid you haven't started punching any softer than you did back then." 

He laughs and she steps into his arm for a hug. "It's been way too long, girl. I tried to keep up with you but you look amazing. Calmer. And it's that Scot's fault if I'm not mistaken."

Logan laughs and shakes Freddie's hand. "You look good together. Good luck today. I can't wait to see your match. I'm off preparing my next team member."

He disappears into the crowd and Scorpia watches Bruno come up to the ring with Kazim and Nick. Their fights are back to back and they both look confident and calm.

They both win their first match with ease and all Scorpions come together to celebrate. 

They put their hands together and Bart yells: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a..." 

They all join in for the last word, "Scorpion!"

Scorpia beams as they all make their way back to the locker room.

The boys who boxed already are being patched up, fed, and watered. 

Bart says: "The first money for Bart's Brothers is in! Well done guys!"

There's a knock on the door and Ciro steps in. He looks at the young men, "Proud of all of you. That looked amazing."

He walks over to Scorpia and hugs her tight. "Hey sis, are you okay? You look good." 

He looks deep into her eyes and lets out a relieved sigh. "Okay, I'm going back out there. Because there are a lot of Italian bastards willing to bet on Dino's fight. Good luck guys!"

Scorpia searches for Dino with her eyes. He has kept himself separated from the group and is sitting in the corner of the room, silently listening to music on his headphones.

Bruno nudges her. "You would almost think that guy is related to you, huh? He's been in a trance ever since he got out of the van this morning according to Ricardo and Bart. You're not going to believe your eyes. He made huge steps. As soon as the insecurity was gone, a very reasonable boxer rose above."

Scorpia looks at the focused Dino with pride and turns her gaze to Bart.

Bart is talking to Logan, looking completely relaxed. He notices her staring at her and graces her with a smile. "Power from calm. Us losers are very good at staying calm." He bumps his shoulder against Logan's, who nods in response.

They all eat something and it's time for Bart's match before they know it.

Scorpia walks up to him. "What do you need from me?"

"Not much, besides the towel and water between rounds. I just like knowing you're in my corner. And I'm convinced you'll come up with something to say if things go wrong. I trust in your experience. Come on coach, let's win this."

He gets up and Scorpia follows him. Logan walks close behind her and positions near Bart's corner when she climbs into the ring with him.

A buzz circles through the crowd when they notice who Bart's coach is. Bart grins. "And that's a nice bonus too. Having the most feared woman as my coach."

Scorpia shakes her head with a smile on her lips and pushes him onto the stool behind him. She hands him his water bottle and he looks up at her with eyes full of fire. There's no doubt in her mind that Bart will win this fight. And there's a big chance he'll win this tournament in his weight class.