The Protective Heart ✔️

20. Protecting her from acknowledged feelings

"Now, let's hear it for his competitor, Declan Murphy!" The crowd immediately went into an uproar just like they always did for him. I, along with everyone else, chanted Declan's name. As soon as he came out of that door, my heart skipped a beat but then I was on my feet, hands around my mouth, cheering as loud as I could. His eyes searched the crowd and when they found me, he winked, sending my heart into overdrive. I couldn't help the big stupid grin that fought its way onto my face. As he started walking up to the ring, I cheered while his theme song played loudly over the shouting.

"And the world's gonna know your name
And you'll be on the walls of the hall of fame"

After Declan stepped into the ring, he slid his gloves on and his dad wrapped his wrists. Once they were done, the competitors walked to the middle of the ring and met the referee. He said a few words to them. They both nodded and then returned to their respected corners. After a few moments, the bell rang loudly, silencing the crowd. They started circling each other slowly, sizing one another up. I watched Declan's eyes as they analyzed Liam and his movements.

Declan made the first move. He put just a little more weight on his right foot before switching back to his left and taking a swing. Ralston easily dodged it and swiftly moved in and hooked one arm around Declan's torso, using his free hand to punch him in the ribs. I inhaled sharply as I watched the scene unfold.

Declan managed to get out of Liam's hold and shoved him off as he recovered from the blow. Ralston moved in to take advantage of his moment of weakness. He raised his arm and swung to punch Declan in the face but he got his arms up in time to block it. Liam backed up quickly and waited for Declan to make a move.

He moved slowly as he straightened up and took a step back, taking deep breaths. He was obviously discouraged. The competitors stared at each other for a moment before Declan walked slowly towards Liam and they started circling each other again.

"Come on, Declan!" I found myself yelling encouraging words.

I saw Declan start calculating his movements again. The next moment, Liam leaned in and attempted to punch Declan in the same spot in the ribs again. Declan blocked it with his forearm and then quickly lifted his left leg and kicked Ralston in the hip, knocking him to the ground. Declan didn't waste any time as he knelt down quickly and landed a punch to Liam's face. The man laid limply on the ground for a moment before the bell rung out loudly. The crowd erupted into applause and cheering, chanting Declan's name again.

A relieved smile spread across on Declan's face as his hand was pulled into the air by the referee. I was standing, chanting Declan's name like the mad hatter, more excited than anyone there for his victory.

"And the winner is Declan Murphy!" The announcer roared over the microphone. After a while, Liam finally got up and both competitors went back down their hallways and disappeared. I turned to Bridget and Bailey to see them both staring at me with wide eyes.

"What?" I asked, feeling a blush color my cheeks.

"Girl, you got it bad!" Bridget exclaimed.

"What do you mean?"

"You're in love, you idiot." Her words made me look down at my feet in embarrassment.

"Oh my god! You know!" My blush grew darker as I tried to avoid her gaze.

"Yeah..." I said quietly. I looked up finally and walked past them.

"Come on, I told him we would go see him after the match." I said, trying to avoid the brewing conversation. They followed me back down the halls to the locker rooms. Once the bodyguard opened the door, I ran in the room and up to Declan, jumping into his arms. I wrapped my legs around his hips and kissed his cheek.

"Congratulations!" He grinned and held onto my thighs, holding me up.

"Do I get a reward for winning?" He asked and wiggled his eyebrows. I laughed at him and then leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"Tomorrow night at the festival, I'll give you your reward."

"Goldi, you are too cruel." He whispered back. I slowly got down and then whipped around, my back towards him. I turned my face just a tad so I could see him out of the corner of my eye.

"See you tomorrow night." I winked at him and then walked off with my girls.

Once we were back in my car and driving back home, Bridget started talking.

"Crystal, I'm happy for you."

"Thanks."

"No, seriously, Declan is good for you. I'm really glad you let him in. I'm proud of you." I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye and found myself smiling.

"I'm proud of me, too. I mean, I never thought that I would let a man into my life and I was fine with that. But now that I have, I'm really glad that I did. Declan has really shown me a whole new side of life I didn't know was there...and it feels good." I realized after a moment how much I had just admitted.

"Crystal." I heard Bailey's voice from the backseat and I looked in the rear view mirror at her.

"Yeah?"

"How did you know?"

"How did I know what?"

"How did you know you loved him?" A cute blush covered her cheeks and I smiled.

"I guess, it was just this persistent feeling that I always had when I was with him. It wouldn't go away no matter how hard I tried. Finally, after the funeral, he said something that made me realize my feelings for him."

"And what was that?" Bridget asked.

"He told me he would always protect me even when I don't want him to. It just all came together when he told me that. Even if I didn't want him to, he would always be there, protecting me. He didn't realize it at the time but his persistence meant more to me than he would ever be able to understand." I found my eyes tearing up at the memory and I blinked to keep my self from crying.

"You were always strong, Crystal. And I've looked up to you for that...but I think I admire you now more than ever." Bailey's words struck my heart and I let one stray tear fall down my cheek.

"Thanks, Bails. That means a lot." I choked out and then focused back on the road.

The night sky was lit up with the stars and I smiled as I stared at them.

Declan Murphy; my own star, shining bright and lighting up my dark world.