Page 12 of Us Defiant Few

The bitter hatred in his expression shifted, replaced a darker fixation that promised to break her before she could shatter him.

And if that was the case…

Game. Fucking. On.

4

Failure is a necessary triumph.

“You’re staring again.”

“So are you,” she shot back.

Takeshi remained still as a statue. If it weren’t for the incensed flicker in his gaze, she would’ve been concerned that he’d passed out.

“There’s nothing else in here worth looking at,” he replied grimly.

“Careful,” she said. “That sounds awfully close to a compliment.”

“I didn’t realize the dead wanted compliments.”

“I’m not dead.”

“No,” he agreed. “Not yet.”

Ouch.

Khalani huffed, adjusting her seated position on the uncomfortable hard floor. She stretched her legs, suppressing a groan from her stiff legs and back.

Takeshi mirrored her position on the opposite side of the cell, but he didn’t shrink against the wall like her. He lounged against it like a throne.

And no, it didn’t do well for her psyche that he still managed to look sinfully attractive chained up.

Khalani had lost track of how long she’d been in the cell with Takeshi. Several hours? More? No food had been brought, and her stomach was starting to make audible growls.

Jericho had said food would not be brought for a while, but how long was a while?

Maybe they’d forgotten she was in the cell too.

Khalani crossed her arms, wincing when her stomach released another loud gurgle, as if a beast was trying to claw its way out.

“Will you desist from making that noise?” Takeshi snapped.

“Oh, excuse me. Can you prevent your stomach from growling when it’s hungry?” she countered, tired of his attitude.

“Sure. By walking out that door and getting food.”

“Nice try. But I’m not going anywhere.”

“Ah, yes.” He tilted his head. “The rebels do have a clever way of torture.”

Her eyes narrowed. And based on the cruel smirk forming, he knew he was getting under her skin.

“What about breathing?” she bit out. “Is that an acceptable noise?”

“Feel free to stop. I’ll let you know.”

One little punch wouldn’t hurt his head too much, would it?