The Clinch

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Funnily enough, Dennis is nowhere near as tough as he looks, and I'm kind of getting used to his toothy smiles - full of gold teeth that look like the remenants of too many fights - as we sit on the edge of the ring and I flick through the pictures of his kids on his smart phone.

He beams in pride and zooms in on a picture of a chubby little girl with gaps in her teeth similar to Dennis' and a floppy fringe falling over her face. "That's my baby girl, Delilah; she's got her mothers eyes."

"And your smile." I rib him, and smile when I'm rewarded with his snorting laughter.

"You sure are witty. I can see why Gabriel likes you; you're more than a pretty face, Darryl." Dennis compliments me and I find myself blushing furiously under his appraisal. I didn't think Gabriel liked me that much. But it must mean something if he's dragged me all the way out here, introduced me to his friend and is about to box for me.

Well, he's not technically boxing for me. But I know he only bought me along with him so that he can show off his skills. There's almost something caveman about the act of beating someone up so that he can show me he's a strong provider and protector.

The idea of Gabriel wielding a wooden bat and hunched over with only a leopard skin to cover his crotch makes me giggle slightly. Though I sober when a couple of girls next to us send me odd looks and start giving me snooty up and down appraisals.

 Dennis rolls his eyes and propositions them with his large back. "Don't worry about the girls here. Most of the women only come here because they think that they'll bag a fighter at the end of the night; you've got nothing to worry about, Gabriel's one of the good'uns, he always goes home alone."

I shrug nonchalantly. "It's none of my business if he does or doesn't; this is our first date after all, and he practically had to twist my arm to make me go out with him. He's a grown man and he can do what he wants."

 Simply shaking his head at me, Dennis turns his attention to the stage as the music simmers out and the strobe lights centre in around the stage to illuminate the referee who ducks under the black ropes and strides confidently to centre stage.

"You are in for a good one tonight, people!" He declares, pumping up the crowd and receiving a screaming response from the half drunk crowd as everyone sways towards the ring and startles jumping for a good view. I'm happy that we're tucked up right at the front. I always love to watch the boxing - well, when I'm not taking part - and it only makes the experience better when you can literally feel blood spatter and sweat flecks landing on you from the audience.

"With us tonight, we've got our city's own fallen angel; Gabe 'Azazel' Lancaster!"

Surging up in excitement, I holler to make myself heard above the crowd, thumping the stage boisterously like a drum beat along with all the other front row crowd members, as Gabriel strides through the crowd and leaps over the ropes of the ring, taking centre stage and doing a very effervescent bow. He's such a show man, it's no wonder why he seems so popular with the crowd. He plays them like a well trained orchestrator, heckling on their shouts and jeers as he pumps his fists in excitement.

"Nice legs, baby!" I call as he steps in front of us, his eyes latching onto mine and not breaking eye contact as he sends a wink in my direction before going into his respective corner.

I can feel his intense gaze burning the side of my head, but I only spare him a smirk and a quick glance before turning my attention to his broad shouldered competitor. "And from over the river, we've got Jasper 'Jinx' Johnson!"

"Oh my fucking god" clasping onto Dennis' forearm, I give him a little shake "that guys on steroids or something, we can't let Gabriel fight him. How does he even pass for the same weight category?!? Holy Shit!"