Page 63 of Us Defiant Few

Like he was more than just an illusion.

“Kanes.”

It was the first time Takeshi had spoken to her in days.

She lifted her head and he frowned at the frantic helplessness in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

The truth didn’t escape her mouth. He wouldn’t believe her anyway.

“It’s nothing.” She tried to move past him, but Takeshi’s large frame blocked her path. He took up too much space. Too much attention. Like he owned that tiny spot in the world and she was merely a guest in it.

“Why are you so scared?” he asked.

“How do you know I am?”

“I see it in your eyes.”

“Surprised you can see anything when all you’ve been doing is ignoring me the past week,” she said dismissively.

Takeshi leaned in, like it wasn’t enough for him to stand taller than her. He wanted to inhale the very air she relinquished.

“I don’t need to acknowledge your existence when you invade my every waking thought.” His whisper was cooler than the wind whipping their clothing.

“You make me sound like a disease,” she grumbled.

“If the shoe fits.”

“The chip gave you the ability to tell jokes, too?”

It was a low blow, but Takeshi shrugged it off. “If I’m so repulsive to you, Kanes, why do you keep watching me?”

Khalani sputtered, not expecting that. “I…I don’t watch you.” She totally did.

“Yes, you do.” He cocked his head. “You sneak glances my way, assuming I don’t notice. Talk about me to your friends. One might think you’re obsessed.”

“You’re one to talk,” she hissed, stepping into his space. “Why did you slip a knife into my pocket at the rest stop? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were worried.”

“Don’t mistake worry for having to save us from your recklessness. If anyone’s going to kill you, Kanes, it’s going to be me.”

“Practice that line in the mirror more. Maybe then I’ll believe you.”

His blazing black eyes pulled her in deeper. “You think pushing me is going to get you anywhere?”

“I’d rather push than hide.”

Her breaths came faster and faster as they danced on the edge of something deadly. A never-ending battle that threatened to consume them both.

“Keep this up and you’ll only get hurt in the end,” he warned.

Boy, did she know it.

Takeshi had said something similar to her in the rain, not too far from the very spot they stood in.

And the wounds still lingered, reminding her that words cut deeper than knives.

They’re like nails hammering into a wooden board.

You can mean them or not. Apologize or not.