Page 76 of Us Defiant Few

Barely a half second passed before Takeshi made his way from the back of the group to stand beside her. He didn’t let their arms brush, but heat rolled off him in waves.

Khalani sucked in a deep breath, wondering if he was aware of every square inch separating them, just like her.

“Anyone else?” the Chief asked.

Serene stepped forward.

“Abso-fucking-lutely not,” Brock said. He moved to haul her back into line, but Serene shook him off.

“Get off me.”

“You’re not going.”

“Oh, yes, I am.”

Brock’s face turned an unhealthy shade of red. “You have three seconds to step back, or I’ll carry you to the house and tie you to the bed.”

“Kinky.”

“One,” he warned.

No one moved a muscle, and Brock cracked his neck.

“Two.”

Serene gulped.

“Three—”

“Okay! I’ll make you a deal.”

Brock paused, his fingers twitching.

“I’ll stay behind and not cause any trouble.” Serene lifted her head. “But you have to go with Khalani.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re the second-best person with a gun.”

“Second?” He reared back in offense. “Who the fuck is first?”

Serene didn’t say anything, just pointed at Takeshi, who had the nerve to grin devilishly.

“There’s also one more reason I want you to go,” Serene added quietly.

“What else could there possibly be?” Brock threw up his hands.

“Because I trust you. And I’m asking nicely. Please?”

His mouth parted, clearly the last thing he was expecting her to say. Maybe only a few seconds had passed, but it felt like a lifetime as he pondered Serene’s words.

“Fine,” he sighed. “I’ll go.”

A true smile lit up Serene’s face before she embraced Khalani.

“You better stay safe,” she whispered, kissing her cheek. She gave Takeshi a single nod and turned to give Brock a pat on the back, but he pulled her in for a tight hug.

Serene gasped, her arms instinctively wrapping around his shoulders. But they broke apart immediately—the fastest hug in existence.