Page 92 of Us Defiant Few
Surrendered with my hands held high
That’s when I finally realized
The person I was searching for
Was in me the entire time.
“What are you writing?”
Khalani practically jumped, feeling Takeshi’s piercing gaze upon her. She immediately clutched the notebook to her chest. “Nothing.”
“Nothing,” he repeated.
“That’s right.”
“Sometimes, I like to look at nothing.”
He lounged back against the sand, deceptively calm.
She wasn’t fooled.
A quiet fire raged inside him. Khalani didn’t want that intimidating light shining on her notebook. For him to realize how pathetic she was.
He must have sensed her rising panic because he leaned in, close enough to kiss her, making her pulse beat so loud, she was certain he heard it.
“Kanes, will you please show me?”
“You said ‘please,’” she uttered in shock.
“I did.”
“You never say that.”
The corner of his lip lifted. “You’ve sparked my curiosity. Don’t squander it.”
“Why do you want to read it?”
“Must I have a reason?”
“Yes.” Her gaze narrowed.
Takeshi paused, glancing away. “For a moment, you looked down at that notebook and smiled. I would like to know why…to learn my adversary better,” he added, like an afterthought.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly.
Poetry was strips of her soul laid bare. She’d never been that vulnerable with anyone. Not even when Takeshi had his memory.
But the intrigue in his eyes told her he wasn’t looking to judge or make fun. He genuinely wanted to learn every part of her. And maybe…just maybe…it could bridge the gap between them.
Before she could talk herself out of it, she tentatively held out her notebook. He raised his eyebrows, not expecting her to give in.
“You sure?”
“Just take it before I change my mind. And only read that page. Maybe another time…I’ll show you the rest.”
When you remember me.
Takeshi nodded solemnly.
