Lorenzo’s punch landed first, fast and brutal, straight to Rafael’s ribs. Pain shot through his side, but Rafael didn’t stagger. He grabbed Lorenzo by the collar, gritting his teeth, and slammed his forehead against his rival’s face. Blood spattered. Lorenzo stumbled back, dazed, but swung again. This time, Rafael took the hit to the jaw, his head snapping sideways.
They didn’t talk, there was nothing left to say.
Just fist and fury.
Rafael lunged again, ignoring the searing pain in his knee. He tackled Lorenzo hard to the ground. The two rolled in the dust like animals, grappling, punching, choking, blood staining their clothes and the concrete beneath them. Lorenzo clawed at Rafael’s wound, digging his fingers into the injured leg, and Rafael let out a roar, rage-fueled, not pained.
