Page 65 of Us Defiant Few

Neither moved.

Neither spoke.

The awkward tension rose to greater heights, stretching toward the moon.

Khalani opened her mouth…but what could she say?

I’m sorry for kissing you.

I get it if you want to kill me, because right now, I want to do the same.

Do you remember me now?

But Takeshi never gave her the chance to decide. He pivoted and strode into the house, leaving her behind.

Khalani scraped a shaky hand through her tangled web of hair.

She didn’t know what to think. Feel.

His face was torn and twisted with contempt when he pulled away.

But for a moment, Takeshi held her like he remembered. Kissed her like he needed to make up for every second they’d been apart.

His memories might not have returned, but the part of him that cared, the part that went through hell and back with her, was still there.

She knew it.

Most people would call her desperate and naive. Maybe they were right. But for once, she welcomed the disease of hope.

Because once that spark faded, she’d have nothing left to spur her past her own fears.

When Khalani entered the house, Serene immediately greeted her at the door.

“You all right? We thought giving you and Takeshi some alone time might be able to help him…you know.” Serene pointed to her head, miming being zapped.

“Yeah. Everything’s fine.”

“You sure?” Serene threw a wary look over her shoulder. “Takeshi looks like he’s one breath from killing us all with that knife.”

Khalani followed her gaze.

Takeshi stood in the far corner of the living room, leaning back against the pink-polka-dot wall, with one foot propped up behind him and his arms crossed. That was the beginning and end of his calm demeanor.

He palmed a knife in his hand.

Takeshi stared at the worn carpet, deep in thought as he absentmindedly spun the sharp blade between his fingers.

And with the speed the knife was twirling, she was shocked he didn’t cut off an appendage.

“I don’t know if I messed up,” Khalani whispered.

Serene turned. “What do you mean?”

“I kissed him.”

“What?!” Serene whispered in shock, grabbing her hand, pulling her out of earshot. “How did that go?”

“I’m still alive. So that’s a plus.”